District of Massachusetts
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Charlestown Woman Sentenced for Fraudulently Cashing 287 Tax Refund ChecksRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Charlestown woman was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for fraudulently cashing 287 U.S. tax refund checks worth approximately $1.8 million.
Claudia Toribio, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to six months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,836,862 in restitution. On March 29, 2017, Toribio pleaded guilty to one count of theft of public money.
From February 2011 to Dec. 21, 2011, Toribio, who was employed by a check cashing business, was involved in a stolen identity refund fraud scheme in which she fraudulently cashed 287 U.S. tax refund checks totaling $1,836,862. When confronted by her employer in late 2011, she admitted her involvement in the scheme.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Mexican National Sentenced for Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Mexican national was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for illegally reentering the United States after having been previously deported.
Oscar Conrado Ureiro Romero, 23, a Mexican national residing in Worcester, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien before U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman, who sentenced Ureiro Romero to time served. Ureiro Romero will be subject to deportation.
Ureiro Romero was deported twice in April 2013. In May 2017, federal agents discovered Ureiro Romero in Worcester and determined him to be illegally present in the United States.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Matthew J. Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Colonel Richard D. McKeon, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Grady of Weinreb’s Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Guatemalan National Sentenced for Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Guatemalan national was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for a federal immigration crime.
Mario Antonio Najera-Salguero, 30, pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry of a deported alien before U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper, who sentenced Najera-Salguero to time served and one year of supervised release. Najera-Salguero will also be subject to deportation.
Najera-Salguero self-deported at some point after July 14, 2003. He was later encountered in the United States and deported on Nov. 13, 2009. On June 14, 2017, law enforcement again encountered Najera-Salguero in Boston, using a different name, and determined him to be illegally present in the United States.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Matthew J. Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Dominican National Sentenced for Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Dominican national was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after deportation.
Robert Alberto Pimentel, a/k/a Sandro Rodriguez, 39, a Dominican national residing in Roxbury, pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry of a deported alien before U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young, who immediately sentenced Pimentel to time served. Pimentel will be subject to deportation.
Pimentel was previously deported on Sept. 22, 2010. On June 20, 2017, law enforcement encountered Pimentel and determined him to be unlawfully present in the United States.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Matthew J. Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Wichers of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted this case.
West Virginia Man Indicted on Fraud Charges Tied to Stolen Gardner Museum PaintingsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Beckley, W.Va. man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Boston in connection with his scheme to sell paintings stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in 1990, on Craigslist.
On May 22, 2017, Todd Andrew Desper, a/k/a “Mordokwan,” 47, was arrested and charged in a criminal complaint. He was released on bond the day after his arrest and remains on pre-trial release. Today, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Desper with four counts of wire fraud and attempted wire fraud.
According to court documents, Desper, acting under the pseudonym “Mordokwan,” solicited foreign buyers for both the Storm on the Sea of Galilee and Vermeer’s The Concert on Craigslist in a number of foreign cities including Venice and London. Desper directed interested buyers to create an encrypted email account to communicate with him. Authorities were notified of the foreign Craigslist notices by individuals seeking to assist in the recovery of the artwork, as well as those seeking the multi-million dollar reward offered by the Museum. At the time of the crime, the Museum was offering a $5 million reward. The Museum has since increased that reward to $10 million.
At the direction of federal authorities, the security director for the Gardner Museum engaged in encrypted communications with Desper in an attempt to determine whether Desper had access to the stolen masterpieces. Desper allegedly instructed the security director to send a cashier’s check for $5 million to a location in West Virginia and that Storm on the Sea of Galilee would then be sent in return, concealed behind another painting. It is alleged that the investigation ultimately revealed that Desper had no access to, nor information about, the stolen paintings, but was instead engaged in a multi-million dollar fraud scheme targeting foreign art buyers.
On March 18, 1990, 13 pieces of artwork were stolen from The Isabella Stewart Gardner museum in the early morning hours. According to security guards, two white males dressed in Boston Police uniforms gained entrance to the Gardner Museum by explaining that they were responding to a report of a disturbance within the museum compound. Upon entry, the thieves subdued and secured the guards and went on to commit the largest art theft in history, taking 13 works of art including Rembrandt’s Storm on the Sea of Galilee and Vermeer’s The Concert. The combined value of the art stolen during the Gardner theft is estimated at $500 million, although several of the works are considered priceless within the art community.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistance was provided the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia, the FBI Pittsburgh Field Division, and the Beckley Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. McNeil of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division.
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 Charged with Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Salvadoran national was charged today in federal court in Boston with a federal immigration crime.
Salvador Portillo-Diaz, 30, was charged with illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
According to the indictment, Portillo-Diaz was deported on March 8, 2006, and May 24, 2011. Federal agents in Boston recently discovered Portillo-Diaz and determined him to be illegally present in the United States.
Portillo-Diaz faces a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 and will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Matthew J. Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Guatemalan National Charged with Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Guatemalan national was charged today in federal court in Boston with a federal immigration crime.
Victor Deleon, 37, was charged with illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
According to the indictment, Deleon was deported on July 1, 2009, and Nov. 4, 2011. Law enforcement officers recently discovered Deleon and determined him to be illegally present in the United States.
Deleon faces a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 and will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Matthew J. Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Postmaster Sentenced for EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former Postmaster of the U.S. Postal Service Post Offices in Blackstone and Jefferson, Mass., was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for stealing approximately $31,000 from the U.S. Postal Service.
Carlitos Molina, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy H. Hillman to two years of probation, the first six months of which is to be served in home confinement, and ordered to pay restitution of $30,874. On April 27, 2017, Molina pleaded guilty to one count of misappropriating postal funds.
While he served as Postmaster, Molina stole 65 postal money orders and used them to obtain cash for personal use and to pay personal bills and debts, such as his home mortgage, water, cable, and electricity bills, back taxes, a collections agency to which he owed money, and for car repairs. In total, Molina embezzled approximately $31,000. In addition, when confronted by supervisors, Molina lied and stated that he had used certain money orders to pay for repairs at the post office facility.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Eileen Neff, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney William F. Abely of Weinreb’s Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Former Letter Carrier Pleads Guilty to Worker’s Compensation FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former U.S. Postal Service employee pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to fraudulently obtaining worker’s compensation for medical travel.
Joseph Scimone, 72, of Stoneham, pleaded guilty to one count of fraud in obtaining federal employee compensation and was sentenced by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Marianne Bowler to three months of probation and ordered to pay a fine of $2,500 and restitution of $24,906.
The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) provides income replacement to civilian employees of the U.S. Government who sustain an injury while performing their official duty. From 2011 to 2017, Scimone, a former letter carrier who was eligible for compensation, submitted dozens of travel vouchers to FECA for travel to fitness centers in Lexington, Lynnfield and Bedford for dates when he did not actually use those gyms or used a different gym of closer proximity. Scimone’s fraudulent submissions totaled approximately $24,906.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Eileen Neff, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General, Northeast Area Office, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia M. Carris of Weinreb’s Public Corruption and Special Prosecutions Unit prosecuted the case.
Boston-Area Physician Arrested for Insider TradingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston-area physician was arrested and charged with securities fraud for allegedly trading on inside information he learned from his wife, who worked at a Cambridge-based pharmaceutical company.
Harold L. Altvater, 55, of North Reading, was arrested today and indicted on three counts of securities fraud. He is scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston this afternoon.
According to the indictment, Altvater’s wife was a senior drug safety executive at Ariad Pharmaceuticals Inc., which was acquired earlier this year by Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. From September 2013 to January 2014, Altvater’s wife shared nonpublic information with him concerning ponatinib, a drug used to treat certain forms of leukemia that was then in clinical trials. Ponatinib is marketed under the brand name Iclusig.
Without her knowledge, Altvater allegedly traded on the information regarding Ariad’s discussions with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning Iclusig’s label and the clinical trials. For example, the indictment alleges that on Oct. 2, 2013, Altvater’s wife met with FDA officials in Washington, D.C., who expressed concern about the incidence of adverse events that had been reported among patients enrolled in trials of the drug, which they noted were unprecedented in magnitude for a drug in Iclusig’s class. Over the next two days, after Altvater’s wife returned from her meeting, Altvater allegedly sold approximately 6,000 Ariad shares in his personal brokerage accounts. On or about Oct. 9, 2013, Ariad publicly announced that, in the wake of adverse events experienced by patients in clinical trials of Iclusig, it was pausing enrollment in clinical trials of the drug and reducing dosages for patients already enrolled in such trials. That same day, Ariad’s stock price declined by approximately 66 percent. The indictment alleges that by selling his Ariad shares prior to the October 9th announcement, Altvater avoided a loss of more than $75,000.
Altvater was previously sued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in connection with the same conduct. Altvater’s wife settled charges with the SEC in connection with trades in Ariad securities executed in accounts in her name in 2012.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, made the announcement today. The United States Attorney’s Office received valuable assistance from the SEC. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen E. Frank, Chief of Weinreb’s Economic 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.
Boston Man Charged with Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was indicted today in federal court in Boston on a federal firearms charge.
Ruben Osorio, 32, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. According to court documents, in the early morning hours of March 27, 2017, law enforcement officers recovered three rounds of ammunition on Osorio, as well as a firearm and three additional rounds of ammunition from his vehicle.
The charge of possession of a firearm and ammunition after being convicted of a felony provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Richardson of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Boston Man Charged with Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was indicted today in federal court in Boston for failing to register as a sex offender.
Rodney Anderson, 45, was indicted on one count of failing to register as a sex offender. Anderson has been in custody since his arrest on July 12, 2017.
Anderson is required to register as a sex offender in Massachusetts based on a North Carolina state court conviction for second degree rape in 1986. According to court documents, shortly following his release from custody in 2014 for his 1986 conviction, Anderson left North Carolina for Massachusetts. When he arrived, he failed to report to authorities, but was tracked to a residence in Boston.
Failing to register as a sex offender provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; U.S. Marshal John Gibbons of the District of Massachusetts; and Boston Police Commissioner William B. Evans made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti, Weinreb’s Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and a member of the Major Crimes Unit, is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Springfield Couple Agrees to Plead Guilty to Sex Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Springfield couple has agreed to plead guilty in federal court to operating a prostitution business advertised as “Sinful Innocence.”
Milford Lewis, 36, and Tiana Lewis, 32, agreed to plead guilty to three counts of inducing travel to engage in prostitution, one count of transporting an individual to engage in prostitution and four counts of extortionate threats. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni deferred acceptance of the plea until sentencing, which he scheduled for Nov. 16, 2017.
Milford and Tiana Lewis, who are married, purported to be the CEOs of an adult talent agency called Sinful Innocence. Through the internet, the couple enticed young women to work as models, adult entertainers, adult pornography actors, and escorts. The pair convinced the women to come from other states to Springfield, and in one case, they transported a woman from Connecticut to Springfield to work.
The women signed year-long contracts, for which there was a $350 early termination fee. The victims were taken to a house in Springfield and/or to various motels in West Springfield to work as prostitutes, sometimes without receiving any pay. If they wanted to leave, or if they broke the rules of Sinful Innocence, they were subjected to beatings and threats to kill or harm them. The couple also threatened the women with violence when the women were unable to pay the $350 termination fee imposed.
If the plea agreements reached by the parties are accepted by the Court, Milford Lewis will be sentenced to 12 years in prison and five years of supervised release, and Tiana Lewis will be sentenced to six years in prison and five years of supervised release.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Matthew Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Richard D. McKeon, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Hampden County District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni; and West Springfield Police Chief Ronald Campurciani made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Weinreb’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
This case is the result of a coordinated investigation led by the Western Massachusetts Human Trafficking Working Group, which was established in August 2015 and includes the United States Attorney’s Office, the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, and the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office, as well as other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The Working Group aims to surge law enforcement resources to cooperatively investigate and prosecute crimes involving commercial sex trafficking.
Sheriff’s Deputy Convicted in Scheme to Smuggle Illegal Fishing Profits AbroadRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Bristol County Sheriff’s Deputy was convicted today by a federal jury in Boston of smuggling the profits of an over-fishing scheme to Portugal.
Antonio Freitas, 47, of Taunton, a Sheriff’s Deputy with the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office and a long-time Task Force Officer with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was convicted of one count of bulk cash smuggling and one count of structuring the export of U.S. currency. U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Oct. 12, 2017 at 2:00 pm.
On Feb. 5, 2016, Freitas smuggled $17,500 through airport security and later deposited the money in a Portuguese bank account belonging to Carlos Rafael, the owner of Carlos Seafood, Inc. Rafael owned 32 fishing vessels and 44 permits, which amounted to one of the largest commercial fishing businesses in the United States. From 2012 to January 2016, Rafael routinely lied to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration about the quantity and species of fish his boats caught in order to evade federal quotas designed to guarantee the sustainability of certain fish species. He also submitted false records to federal regulators, and sold most of the fish his vessels caught to a wholesale business in New York City in exchange for bags of cash. During meetings with the undercover federal agents, Rafael said that in dealings with the New York buyer he received $668,000 in cash.
Rafael pleaded guilty in March 2017 to one count of conspiring to commit offenses against the United States, 23 counts of false labeling and fish identification, two counts of falsifying federal records, one count of bulk cash smuggling and one count of tax evasion. Rafael is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 25, 2017.
The charges of bulk cash smuggling and monetary structuring provide for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; Rear Admiral Steven D. Poulin, Commander of the First Coast Guard District; Timothy Donovan, Assistant Director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Law Enforcement; Gregory K. Null, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Philadelphia Field Office; and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew E. Lelling and David G. Tobin, of Weinreb’s Criminal Division.
Framingham Man Sentenced for Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Framingham man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for robbing two banks in Framingham.
Jalonni Tucker a/k/a Jalonni Shabazz, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 54 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution of $4,253. In March 2017, Tucker pleaded guilty to two counts of unarmed bank robbery.
On June 21, 2016, an individual robbed the TD Bank in Framingham. The bank’s surveillance cameras captured images of the perpetrator; and surveillance cameras on neighboring businesses captured images of the perpetrator driving away in a white/silver Chrysler SUV with distinctive chrome wheels.
On July 13, 2016, an individual committed a similar robbery at a branch of Citizens Bank in Framingham. Again, the bank’s exterior surveillance cameras captured images of the perpetrator driving away in a white/silver Chrysler SUV with distinctive chrome wheels.
Law enforcement determined the Chrysler SUV belonged to a Framingham resident who was married to Tucker, and Tucker’s identity matched that of the perpetrator on both banks’ surveillance cameras. On July 15, 2016, Tucker was arrested at his Framingham home.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Framingham Police Chief Kenneth Ferguson made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Taunton Man Sentenced to 18 Years for Child Enticement and Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Taunton man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for coercing and attempting to coerce seven minors into sending him sexually explicit images and for producing and distributing child pornography.
Joseph Debrum, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 18 years in prison and seven years of supervised release after pleading guilty in April 2017 to seven counts of coercion and enticement of a minor, six counts of sexual exploitation of children, and two counts of distribution of child pornography.
Between May 2014 and March 2015, Debrum assumed fictitious online identities of a 21-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl, which he used to coerce seven 13-16-year-old girls living in six states to send him sexually explicit photos of themselves over the internet. On some occasions, Debrum coerced victims to perform sexual acts live online while he watched and took photos of the screen on his cell phone. He also coerced them to take and email him photos of themselves performing sexual acts.
For 10 months, Debrum preyed on vulnerable teens by meeting them in specific online chatrooms, such as Kidzworld and Teenspot, as well as on Skype and Kik Messenger, where he feigned those identities by lying about his true age and gender to each of the victims during chats. He befriended them, learned personal details, and then threatened to expose what they told him in confidence if they did not acquiesce to his demands to pose nude or perform sexual acts on themselves for him to watch. Debrum referred to at least one girl as his “slave,” and as he accumulated more compromising material, he used it as leverage to coerce more sexual acts by issuing further threats, including telling one child he would kill her if she did not perform a sexual act for him.
Debrum also disseminated some of the sexually explicit photos of the minors over the internet. He sent photos of one victim to another victim, and sent pictures of a victim to that victim’s mother, telling her that he would expose her daughter unless the mother became his sex slave. The mother subsequently contacted law enforcement.
On April 2, 2015, Debrum was interviewed by law enforcement and admitted to assuming fictitious female identities while communicating online with the victims. He also admitted to asking them to take sexually explicit pictures and to perform specific sexual acts.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Matthew Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the Taunton Police Department and Loudon County, Va., Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus and Anne Paruti of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by 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/.
Jamaican National Sentenced for Scamming over $120,000 from Elderly WidowRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Jamaican national was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for running a false lottery scheme.
Kemal Barnes, 34, a Jamaican national residing in Malden, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris to 15 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution of $118,367. Barnes will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. On April 12, 2017, Barnes pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud.
In September 2015, Barnes contacted an elderly woman in Texas and convinced her that she had won a lottery prize of millions of dollars. Barnes informed her that in order to claim her prize she was required to send cash payments to “Mary Jones” and “Kenneth Wilson” in Malden, Mass. These payments totaled over $120,000, which Barnes claimed were for lottery taxes and fees. After making these payments, the victim’s son contacted law enforcement. After a two-month investigation, a federal search warrant was executed at Barnes’ Malden apartment. Cell phones – equipped with the “magicjack” voiceover application – and computers used in the fraudulent lottery scheme were seized during the search.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Shelly Binkowski, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David G. Tobin and Nicholas Soivilien of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Gloucester Woman Pleads Guilty to Her Role in Counterfeit Steroid Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Gloucester woman pleaded guilty Friday, July 14, 2017, in federal court in Boston for her role in a conspiracy to traffic steroids and launder money.
Melissa Sclafani, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy with intent to distribute and distribute counterfeit steroids and one count of conspiracy to launder money. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Oct. 24, 2017. On April 12, 2017, Sclafani and five others were charged by criminal complaint.
From at least February 2016 until April 12, 2017, Sclafani conspired with others to manufacture steroid products, market them as “Onyx” steroids, and sell them to customers across the United States using email and social media platforms. Customers paid for the steroids via money remitters, such as Western Union and MoneyGram, and members of the conspiracy used false identifications and multiple remitter locations to pick up the steroid proceeds.
Sclafani obtained materials and supplies to manufacture the counterfeit steroids and served as the corporate secretary of Wicked Tan LLC, a tanning business in Beverly that was owned by two co-conspirators. Sclafani assisted members of the conspiracy in laundering proceeds from the sale of counterfeit steroids through the business.
The conspiracy charge provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gain or loss of the conspiracy, and the charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $500,000 or twice the gain or loss of the conspiracy. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Matthew Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Shelly Binkowski, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Jeffrey Ebersole, Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal investigation, New York Field Office, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy Harman Burkart and David J. D’Addio of Weinreb’s Cybercrime Unit are prosecuting the case.
Canton Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Canton man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to five counts of drug and firearm charges.
Hollis Owens, 44, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition and four counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Oct. 19, 2017.
In the spring of 2016, law enforcement officers investigating illegal distribution of cocaine in Framingham made several controlled purchases of cocaine from Owens. In April 2016, a search of Owen’s residence resulted in the seizure of approximately 18 grams of crack cocaine, a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm hand gun, 114 rounds of various caliber ammunition and $1,869 in cash.
Owens is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior state felony conviction.
The charge of being a felon in possession of ammunition provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possession with intent to distribute provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Soivilien of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Two New Bedford Men Sentenced for Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two New Bedford residents were sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for their roles in a wide-ranging conspiracy that distributed heroin throughout Bristol County, Mass., and Providence, R.I.
Eric Desousa, 26, and Tyson Depina, 40, were sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to three years in prison and four years of supervised release and six years in prison and four years of supervised release, respectively. In April 2017, Desousa pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and three counts of possession of heroin with the intent to distribute; and Depina pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and three counts of possession of heroin with the intent to distribute.
In the spring of 2016, Depina began receiving heroin from Desousa. On April 14, 2016, investigators watched Desousa distribute heroin to Depina. Depina was arrested after the sale, but during the arrest process, Depina fled and attempted to destroy the drugs. An officer in pursuit of Depina became covered in the heroin that Depina attempted to destroy, and was taken to the hospital as a result. A subsequent lab test confirmed that the heroin seized from Depina was a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, a drug that is deadly to touch or inhale, and for which only two milligrams can be lethal.
On June 6, 2016, investigators watched as Desousa attempted to deliver heroin to a customer in New Bedford. Desousa was arrested and a search of his home in New Bedford resulted in the seizure of nearly 300 grams of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl and more than $8,000 in cash.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; Fall River Police Chief Daniel S. Racine; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric S. Rosen of Weinreb’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Tobacco Distributor Sentenced for Multi-Million Dollar Tax Evasion SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Hopkinton man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for evading federal income taxes and defrauding the Commonwealth of Massachusetts of millions of dollars in connection with the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Raza Ali, 56, of Hopkinton, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to a year and a day in prison and two years of supervised release. Ali was also ordered to pay a fine of $30,000; restitution to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the amount of $28,072,946; and forfeit all property involved in the offense, including a warehouse-full of tobacco products and over $160,000 seized during the investigation. In May 2016, Ali pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to commit wire fraud and launder money and one count of making a false statement on a federal income tax return. In December 2015, Ali was arrested and charged with co-conspirators Kaleem Ahmad and Muhammad Saleem Iqbal.
Ali, Iqbal and Ahmad operated a wholesale business under the names “Pick N Dip” and, later, “MSI Distributors” in Norwood, Mass., that sold tobacco products, including cigars, smoking tobacco and smokeless tobacco (such as snuff and chewing tobacco), to convenience stores, gas stations and other retail businesses.
Wholesalers of smokeless tobacco are licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and must file an excise tax form monthly and pay excise tax on smokeless tobacco brought into and sold in Massachusetts. Cigar and smoking tobacco wholesalers must file an excise tax form quarterly and pay excise tax on cigars and smoking tobacco brought into and sold in Massachusetts.
In order to evade tobacco taxes, the defendants repeatedly purchased tens, and sometimes hundreds of thousands, of dollars at a time of smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco and cigars in Pennsylvania, where no taxes are imposed on these products. They then covertly transported the products to Massachusetts for resale without filing the reports required by state and federal law and without paying excise taxes.
Ali, Iqbal and Ahmad accepted payments for the tobacco products primarily in cash. They made and directed multiple bank deposits of cash from the business in amounts less than $10,000 to create the false appearance that the total amount being deposited fell below the amount they knew that banks were required to report to the U.S. Treasury Department. They then repeatedly transported cash in excess of $50,000 at a time generated by the sale of untaxed cigars, smoking tobacco and smokeless tobacco products in Massachusetts to Pennsylvania, where the money was used to purchase additional untaxed tobacco products.Ahmad was sentenced to two years in prison and Iqbal was sentenced to 42 months in prison.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and David W. Hall, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office, made the announcement today. The Norwood Police Department provided valuable assistance in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen P. Heymann of Weinreb’s Economic Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
New Bedford Seafood Wholesaler Indicted for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former New Bedford seafood wholesaler was indicted yesterday for failing to file tax returns and filing a false tax return for his business’ income.
George F. Estudante, 57, formerly of Marion, Mass., was charged with two counts of failing to file tax returns and one count of filing a false income tax return.
According to court documents, Estudante failed to file an income tax return for 2010, even though his business, Basic Fisheries, received approximately $1,418,629 in payments. He also failed to file a tax return for 2011, although his business received approximately $1,607,726 in payments that year. Furthermore, Estudante falsely swore on his 2012 tax return that he had received approximately $533,078 in gross receipts when his bank account reflected that he had received over $740,000.
The charge of failing to file an income tax return provides for no greater than one year in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $25,000. The charge of filing a false income tax return provides for three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $100,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States William D. Weinreb and Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen P. Heymann of Weinreb’s Economic 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 a court of law.
Dominican National Charged with Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Dominican national was charged yesterday in federal court in Boston with a federal immigration crime.
Julio Ernesto Gomez, 46, was charged with illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
According to the indictment, Gomez was deported in February 2004. On Jun 16, 2017, federal agents in Boston encountered Gomez and found him to be illegally present in the United States.
Gomez faces a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 and will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Matthew J. Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Worcester Man Charged with Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was indicted today in federal court in Worcester on a federal firearms charge.
Steven Rivera, 24, was charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition. Rivera was arrested on June 29, 2017, as part of a coordinated federal and state sweep that resulted in the arrests of nine individuals who have been charged with firearms-related offenses.
According to court documents, Rivera – who has multiple prior felony convictions, including drug-related offenses – sold two handguns and numerous rounds of ammunition to a cooperating source in Worcester on Feb. 14, 2017. On Feb. 28, 2017, Rivera sold the cooperating source two more handguns and numerous rounds of ammunition, and during a recorded phone call, Rivera offered to sell the cooperating source heroin.
Eight others were arrested on state charges as part of an investigation into gun and narcotics trafficking in the Worcester area. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement purchased nine guns from nine defendants, including several handguns, two shotguns, and an assault rifle with a 100-round capacity drum magazine; multiple rounds of ammunition; and narcotics. Law enforcement seized several more guns during the June 29, 2017, sweep.
The charge of possessing ammunition after being convicted of a felony provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Colonel Richard D. McKeon, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.; and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney William F. Abely of Weinreb’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Medford Woman Sentenced for Stealing Personal Information from Former EmployerRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A former employee of Tufts Health Plan was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for stealing the identifying information of over 8,000 Medicare customers.
Lynrolte Cezaire, 29, of Medford, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. to two years and one day in prison and two years of supervised release. Following a seven-day jury trial in April 2017, Cezaire was convicted by a federal jury of unlawfully disclosing Social Security numbers and aggravated identity theft.
During her time as an employee in the Medicare enrollment department at Tufts Health Plan, from 2011 to 2014, Cezaire helped a coworker, Emeline Lubin, photograph Cezaire’s computer screen while it displayed lists of Medicare customers’ names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers. Lubin then gave the information to Sniders Jean-Jacques, a Florida man who was involved in a scheme with Lubin’s brother, Marvin, to use stolen identities to steal Social Security benefits and to file false tax returns and collect the refunds.
In October 2014, Marvin Lubin was sentenced to one year and one day in prison; in December 2014, Jean-Jacques was sentenced to two years in prison; and in May 2017, Emeline Lubin was sentenced to three months in prison.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General; Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; and Stephen A. Marks, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office, made the announcement. Assistance was also provided by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Richardson of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Massachusetts Man Pleaded Guilty to Conspiring to Defraud the IRS Using Stolen IDs of Puerto Rico Residents to Claim Tax RefundsRead the Press Release
A Lawrence, Massachusetts man pleaded guilty today during his trial in the District of Massachusetts to conspiring to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), access device fraud, theft of government property, aggravated identity theft and money laundering, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney William D. Weinreb for the District of Massachusetts.
According to the evidence presented at trial, from 2008 through 2015, Furvio Flete-Garcia, 45, obtained the personal identification information of Puerto Rico residents and, without their knowledge or consent, paid others to prepare and file tax returns with the IRS in their names. These returns listed fake income and tax withholdings and sought fraudulent refunds. Flete-Garcia would pick up the tax refund checks from addresses he controlled and cashed them with co-conspirators for a percentage of their face value. In total, he negotiated millions in fraudulent refund checks at two different check cashing businesses in Lawrence.
Flete-Garcia is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 25 by U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin. Flete-Garcia faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for conspiracy, 10 years in prison for each count of theft of government property and access device fraud, 20 years in prison for each count of money laundering and a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. Flete-Garcia’s co-defendant, Juan Santiago, pleaded guilty in April 2016 to conspiracy to defraud the IRS, access device fraud, conversion of government property and aggravated identity theft. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 8.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and Acting U.S. Attorney Weinreb thanked special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Senior Litigation Counsel Corey Smith and Trial Attorney Sean Green of the Tax Division, who prosecuted the case. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg also thanked the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Secret Service, the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts for assisting in the investigation and prosecution.
Additional information about the Tax Division’s enforcement efforts can be found on the division’s website.
Guatemalan National Sentenced for Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Guatemalan national was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for a federal immigration crime.
Jose Sanchez-Alarcon, 40, pleaded guilty to one count of illegally reentering the United States after being deported before U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs, who sentenced Sanchez-Alarcon to time served. Sanchez-Alarcon will be subject to deportation.
Sanchez-Alarcon was deported in February 2011, and in May 2017, federal agents discovered Sanchez-Alarcon in Boston and determined him to be illegally present in the United States.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Matthew J. Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Gloucester Seafood Executive Sentenced for Tax ChargeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A senior sales executive at a seafood processing company in Gloucester was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for tax fraud.
Richard J. Pandolfo, 71, of North Andover, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to one year of probation with six months to be served in home confinement, a fine of $5,000, and restitution of $25,879. In April 2017, Pandolfo pleaded guilty to one count of making and subscribing a false tax return.
From 2008 to 2012, Pandolfo received substantial supplemental income for his work at a seafood processing company in Gloucester from the company’s president. Some of those payments were made directly to Pandolfo or to his spouse, but Pandolfo did not report or pay taxes on any of those payments. Other payments were made by a corporate entity controlled by the seafood processor’s president to a purported interior design company set up in the name of Pandolfo’s spouse. Pandolfo did report that income, but improperly deducted personal expenses from that income as business expenses, thereby improperly reducing the taxes he owed. In total, Pandolfo failed to pay $25,879 in taxes, which he agreed to pay in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service as part of his plea agreement.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen E. Frank and Brian A. Pérez-Daple of Weinreb’s Economic Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Four Charged in Counterfeit Body Building Steroid ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Four individuals were charged yesterday in federal court in Boston for their roles in a conspiracy to traffic counterfeit steroids, including testosterone and trenbolone, to bodybuilders.
Tyler Bauman, a/k/a “musclehead 320,” 32, of Shrewsbury, and Philip Goodwin, 36, of Lynn, were charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, one count of conspiracy to traffic counterfeit drugs, one count of trafficking counterfeit drugs, one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of money laundering conspiracy.
Kathryn Green, a/k/a Katie Green, a/k/a Katy Green, 30, of Shrewsbury, and Brian Petzke, 49, of Saugus, were charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
All four defendants were previously arrested and charged by complaint on April 12, 2017, along with two other co-defendants, Robert Medeiros and Melissa Sclafani. Medeiros pleaded guilty in June and will be sentenced on Sept. 21, 2017.
According to court documents, from approximately May 2015 until April 12, 2017, the conspirators manufactured steroid products - made from raw materials purchased overseas - in Goodwin’s home, and marketed them as “Onyx” steroids using “Onyx” labels that were also ordered from overseas suppliers. Onyx, now owned by Amgen Inc., is a legitimate pharmaceutical company that does not manufacture steroids.
The defendants allegedly sold the steroids to customers across the United States using email and social media platforms, collected payment through money remitters, such as Western Union and MoneyGram, and used false identifications and multiple remitter locations to pick up the proceeds. Some of the defendants laundered proceeds from the steroid sales through Wicked Tan LLC, a tanning business located in Beverly, which they owned and operated specifically to launder the proceeds of the steroid operation.
The charges of conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit drugs and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances provide for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss of the conspiracy. The charge of possession of a controlled substance provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss of the conspiracy. The charge of trafficking in counterfeit drugs provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $5 million. The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $500,000 or twice the gross gain or loss of the conspiracy. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Matthew Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Shelly Binkowski, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Jeffrey Ebersole, Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy Harman Burkart and David J. D’Addio of Weinreb’s Cybercrime Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dominican National Sentenced for Firearms and Identity Fraud OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for a firearm offense and using a false social security number.
Leudy Enrique Rodriguez Mojica, 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to time served (approximately 16 months) and three years of supervised release. Rodriguez Mojica will be subject to deportation. In April 2017, Rodriquez Mojica pleaded guilty to one count of being an alien unlawfully present in the United States in possession of a firearm and one count of falsely representing a social security number to be his.
On March 23, 2016, Rodriguez Mojica was encountered in Lawrence by law enforcement who recovered a loaded 9mm pistol from the defendant. In addition, on an earlier occasion, Rodriguez Mojica used the name, date of birth, and social security number of a United States citizen to obtain a Massachusetts identification card.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Matthew J. Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division, made the announcement. Assistance was also provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Lawrence Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert E. Richardson of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Dominican National Charged with Identity Theft and Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was charged today in federal court in Boston with stealing the identity of a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico.
Jhonny Emilio Pimentel Aybar, 34, a Dominican national residing in Everett, was charged by indictment with three counts of misuse of a Social Security number and three counts of aggravated identity theft.
On three occasions, Aug. 8, 2012, Aug. 15, 2013, and Aug. 20, 2014, Aybar misrepresented his social security number and identity when registering as a sex offender with the Everett Police Department.
The charge of Social Security fraud provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison, to be served consecutively to any sentence imposed on the Social Security fraud count. Aybar will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Matthew J. Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant United States Attorney Anne Paruti of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Cape Cod Man Sentenced for Heroin Trafficking and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Hyannis man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for trafficking heroin and money laundering.
Christian Chapman, 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris to eight years in prison and four years of supervised release. In March 2017, Chapman pleaded guilty to money laundering and conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
During an investigation in 2015 and 2016, law enforcement determined that Chapman and over a dozen co-conspirators were responsible for a significant quantity of the heroin being distributed on Cape Cod. A wiretap investigation led to their arrests and indictments.
Chapman obtained heroin from suppliers in New Bedford and other areas and distributed the heroin to numerous drug dealers on Cape Cod. In total, Chapman accepted responsibility for distributing between 400 and 700 grams of heroin. Chapman rented a home in Hyannis where he stored his narcotics, and in order to pay the rent, Chapman wired money to the individual whose name was on the lease.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Cape and Islands District Attorney Michael O’Keefe; and Barnstable Police Chief Paul MacDonald made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric S. Rosen and Miranda Hooker of Weinreb’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Boylston Man Indicted for Distributing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boylston man was indicted today on child pornography charges.
Randy Alan Chaplis, 33, was indicted on one count of distributing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography involving a prepubescent minor and a minor who had not attained 12 years of age. Chaplis was arrested and charged by criminal complaint on March 16, 2017, and has been detained since his arrest.
According to court documents, on Feb. 9, 2017, Chaplis sent two emails to an undercover law enforcement officer that included dozens of images of child pornography, including prepubescent girls engaged in sex acts with adult men. In other email communications with the undercover officer, Chaplis stated that he likes three-to-10 year olds, and that he has “fun” with his girlfriend’s five-year-old daughter when her mother is not home. Chaplis emailed graphic descriptions of the sexual acts he purportedly performed on his girlfriend’s child starting when the child was two-years-old. He asked whether the undercover officer intended to have sexual intercourse with the undercover officer’s infant daughter once she turned three or four. The complaint also alleges that Chaplis bragged to another internet user about having sexual intercourse with a four-year-old girl.
On March 15, 2017, federal agents executed a search warrant at Chaplis’ residence and seized an external hard drive and a desktop computer that included multiple images of child pornography.
The charging statutes provide for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, a minimum of 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 other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Matthew J. Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney William F. Abely of Weinreb’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Boston Man Charged with Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was arrested and charged yesterday in federal court in Boston for failing to register as a sex offender.
Rodney Anderson, 45, was arrested and charged with one count of failing to register as a sex offender and was detained following an initial appearance yesterday before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell. A probable cause and detention hearing is set for Monday, July 17, 2017.
Anderson is required to register as a sex offender in Massachusetts based on a North Carolina state court conviction for second degree rape in 1986. Shortly following his release from custody for that conviction in 2014, Anderson left North Carolina for Massachusetts. When he arrived, he failed to report to authorities, but was tracked to a residence in Boston.
Failing to register as a sex offender provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; U.S. Marshal John Gibbons of the District of Massachusetts; and Boston Police Commissioner William B. Evans made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti, Weinreb’s Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and a member of the Major Crimes Unit, is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
United States Settles Lawsuit over Electric Cable in Boston HarborRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A lawsuit was settled today involving an electrical cable beneath Boston Harbor that runs across two shipping channels that the government alleged was not placed at the required depth when it was installed in 1990. The settlement will allow the Boston Harbor Deep Draft Navigation Improvement Project to continue and ensure that modifications will come at no cost to the United States or Massport.
NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy (NSTAR), NSTAR subsidiary Harbor Electric Energy Company (HEEC), and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) have entered into an agreement to settle a lawsuit filed against them by the United States in connection with a submarine electrical cable that lies beneath Boston Harbor and runs across two federal shipping channels. The government’s complaint alleged that the cable was not installed as deep as required by a permit issued by the New England District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
“This settlement will allow the Deep Draft project to proceed as planned,” said William D. Weinreb, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts. “The Deep Draft project is necessary to keep the Port of Boston and its shipping facilities competitive with other East Coast ports. The settlement also means there will be no interference with the provision of electricity to the Deer Island Waste Water Treatment Plant, which is critical to keeping Boston Harbor clean. This is a victory for both the local economy and the environment.”
“The settlement will remedy the Clean Water Act and River and Harbors Act permit violations,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey H. Wood for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The permit violations in connection with the electric cable running under Boston Harbor will be resolved, so that the Deep Draft Project can proceed as scheduled. In addition, the settlement shows the commitment we place on upholding the integrity of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredge-and-fill permits, and the work the Corps does to protect our Nation’s waterways and highways of commerce.”
The cable, installed in 1990, extends from an NSTAR electrical substation in South Boston to Deer Island. Its purpose was to provide electricity to power the construction and operation of the Deer Island Waste Water Treatment Plant, which is run by the MWRA. The permit required the cable to be embedded at least 25 feet below the bottom of two shipping channels that it crosses, the Reserved Channel and the Main Ship Channel.
The improper installation of the cable took on urgency in 2014, when Congress authorized the deepening of Boston Harbor, including the channels crossed by the cable. The $310 million project to deepen the shipping channels will provide increased depth between Massachusetts Bay and Conley Container Terminal to accommodate the new generation of larger container ships. The harbor deepening project, known as the Deep Draft project, is being led by the USACE in partnership with Massport, which operates Conley Container Terminal. USACE determined that the existing depth of the cable was likely to interfere with the dredging operations of the Deep Draft project, putting the entire project at risk.
The government’s complaint alleged that the permittees – NSTAR, HEEC, and the MWRA – violated two federal laws under which the permit was issued, the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 and the Clean Water Act. Massport intervened in the lawsuit, siding with the United States.
Under the terms of the settlement, HEEC will lay a new electrical cable across Boston Harbor from South Boston to Deer Island – but outside the Reserved Channel and out of the way of the Deep Draft project – by the end of 2019. HEEC will then remove the existing cable. Neither the United States nor Massport will bear any of the cost to install or maintain the new cable or remove the existing cable.
Acting U.S. Attorney Weinreb, Acting Assistant Attorney General Wood, and Colonel Christopher Barron, District Engineer and Commander of the USACE New England District, made the announcement today. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Wichers of Weinreb’s Civil Division.
Revere Man Pleads Guilty to Multiple Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Revere man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to robbing 10 banks during a 19-day spree from late December 2016 to early January 2017.
Fred Mandracchia, 36, pleaded guilty to 10 counts of bank robbery. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Oct. 11, 2017.
Following a Jan. 3, 2017 robbery of the Mechanics Cooperative Bank branch in Fall River, law enforcement identified Mandracchia as the individual responsible for that robbery. Based on similarities in the robberies and the physical description of the perpetrator, Mandracchia was suspected to have also been involved in nine other Boston-area bank robberies: the Dec. 19, 2016, robbery of a People’s United Bank branch in Boston; the Dec. 21, 2016, robbery of a Century Bank branch in Boston; the Dec. 22, 2016, robbery of a Citizens Bank branch in Boston; the Dec. 23, 2016, robbery of an East Boston Savings Bank branch in East Boston; the Dec. 23, 2016, robbery of a Commerce Bank branch in Boston; the Dec. 24, 2016, robbery of a Citizens Bank branch in Boston; the Dec. 27, 2016, robbery of a Brookline Bank branch in Malden; the Jan. 4, 2017, robbery of an East Boston Savings Bank branch in South Boston; and the Jan. 6, 2017, robbery of a Meetinghouse Bank branch in Dorchester. Mandracchia was arrested in Chelsea on Jan. 7, 2017, and confessed to robbing the banks.
The charge of bank robbery provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. The Police Departments of Fall River, Boston, Malden, and Chelsea assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Begg Lawrence of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Quincy Man Sentenced for Four Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Quincy man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for robbing multiple banks throughout the Boston area.
Kyle P. Nathan, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to 42 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In March 2017, Nathan pleaded guilty to four counts of bank robbery.
In February and March 2016, an individual robbed the East Boston Savings Bank in both South Boston and Dorchester, a branch of the Santander bank in Chelmsford, and a branch of the Citizens Bank, also in Chelmsford. Due to similarities in the robberies and the physical description of the perpetrator, law enforcement suspected that the same individual was involved in each of the robberies. After the fourth robbery, Nathan was arrested wearing the same clothes the suspect was identified as wearing during all four robberies.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Colonel Richard D. McKeon, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Chelmsford Police Chief James Spinney made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Quincy Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Quincy man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to possession of child pornography.
Nicholas Oslander, 68, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Nov. 16, 2017. Oslander was charged and arrested in March 2017.
Following an investigation into the online trade of child pornography through peer to peer networks, a federal search warrant was executed at Oslander’s home in Quincy on Dec. 30, 2016. Forensic analysis of digital devices seized during the search revealed hundreds of images of child pornography.
In 2000, Oslander pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to possession of child pornography and was sentenced to 30 months in prison.
Oslander faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years based on his prior federal conviction. The charging statute provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti, Weinreb’s Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and a member of the Major Crimes Unit, prosecuted the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by 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/.
Member of Lawrence Kidnapping Crew Sentenced to 23 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A member of a Lawrence-based kidnapping crew was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in a 2012 kidnapping.
Gadiel Romero, a/k/a “TC,” 33, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 23 years in prison and three years of supervised release. Romero previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit kidnapping.
Romero was charged in connection with a wide-ranging investigation targeting violent kidnapping and home invasion crews operating in Lawrence. According to court documents, these crews – often referred to as “joloperros,” which loosely translates to “stick-up guys” – were organized, armed and violent.
Romero was identified as part of a violent, sophisticated kidnapping crew that included Danny Veloz, a/k/a “Maestro,” Jose Guzman, a/k/a “Cano,” Jose Matos, a/k/a “Boyca,” and Luis Reynoso, a/k/a “Prieto,” all of Lawrence; Henry Maldonado, of Manchester, N.H., and Thomas Wallace of Raynham, N.H.
On July 23, 2012, armed with firearms and wearing t-shirts with the word “police” on them, the crew kidnapped two men at gunpoint on Allston Street in Lawrence. The victims were transported to Manchester, N.H. and held overnight – during which time one was burned with a hot iron – before being rescued by law enforcement. Several cooperating defendants advised that the July 23, 2012 kidnapping was one of several kidnappings or attempted kidnappings committed by this crew in Lawrence in 2012.
This crew was one of several kidnapping and home invasion crews identified during the federal investigation. The crews typically kidnapped drug dealers for large ransoms that were paid in cash or drugs; used safe houses to stash their victims; and used sophisticated tracking techniques, such as GPS devices, to follow their victims. The crews targeted drug dealers because they believed that the drug dealers were unlikely to cooperate with law enforcement, were subject to deportation, or feared reprisals, either against themselves or their families in Lawrence or in their native country. Numerous kidnapping victims described how they were abducted, tortured, and forced to pay ransoms of hundreds of thousands of dollars (either in the U.S. or in the Dominican Republic) to joloperros crew members. Victims were burned, scarred, bruised, and given other significant physical injuries marking them as kidnapping victims. During the investigation, law enforcement seized dozens of firearms, including shotguns, GPS devices, irons used to torture victims, masks, zip ties, t-shirts with the word “police” on them, fake police badges, handcuffs, and drugs.
Since the investigation began in 2012, more than 20 people have been convicted of either kidnapping-related offenses or being associated with members of Lawrence-based kidnapping or home invasion crews.
Matos was previously sentenced to 12 years in prison. Guzman, Maldonado, Wallace and Reynoso are scheduled to be sentenced in October 2017. Veloz is scheduled to stand trial on Aug. 7, 2017.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Colonel Richard D. McKeon, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett; Essex County Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger; Lawrence Police Chief James X. Fitzpatrick; and Manchester (N.H.) Police Chief Nick Willard made the announcement today. The cases are being prosecuted by Weinreb’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations and the remaining defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Holliston Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Holliston man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to unlawful possession of ammunition after a substantial weapons trove was uncovered during a search of his home.
Joseph Gargiulo, 41, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of ammunition by a prohibited person. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock scheduled sentencing for Oct. 12, 2017. Gargiulo was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to an active restraining order issued against him in Wrentham District Court.
On July 27, 2016, federal agents received information that Gargiulo had acquired parts to make an AR-15 rifle and was stockpiling other weapons, including tasers, mace guns, hunting knives and incendiary chemicals. Around the same time, Gargiulo stated that he “will plant bombs in police stations…and kill as many homeland security officers as he can before they kill him.” Further investigation revealed that Gargiulo had stated that he wanted to attack a mosque and/or kill President Obama. Gargiulo said he wanted to “chain a mosque closed and burn it down,” but he never mentioned a specific mosque or time for such an attack.
A search of Gargiulo’s residence resulted in the seizure of parts needed to assemble an AR-15 rifle, over 250 rounds of ammunition for the AR-15 rifle, over 100 rounds of nine millimeter ammunition, chemicals that could be combined to create incendiary or explosive compounds, and hand written notes threatening violence against members of the Islamic faith.
The charge of unlawful possession of ammunition provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Colonel Richard D. McKeon, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Holliston Police Chief Matthew Stone; and Medway Police Chief Allen M. Tingley, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Grady of Weinreb’s Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
Framingham Man Sentenced for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Framingham man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for possession and receipt of child pornography.
Richard Allain, 56, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 87 months in prison and five years of supervised release. In March 2017, Allain pleaded guilty to two counts of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
In June 2015, law enforcement received a report that on two occasions Allain showed a 14-year-old boy videos of prepubescent children engaged in sex acts with adults while the minor and his parents were visiting Allain’s home. During an interview with police, the minor stated that Allain invited the boy to go to the basement to play computer games, but instead Allain showed the boy videos of child pornography. Allain masturbated in front of the boy, asked the boy to masturbate, and performed oral sex on the boy, all of which Allain denies doing. Allain threatened the minor, saying: “Don’t tell anybody about this or I’ll [expletive] kill you.”
During a search of Allain’s residence three computers and seven USB thumb drives, on which Allain stored thousands of images of child pornography, were seized. When questioned by law enforcement officers, Allain admitted to possessing the images and to showing videos of child pornography to the minor on two occasions.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office, made the announcement today. The case was investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, the Boston Police Department Child Abuse Unit, the Massachusetts State Police Special Investigations Unit, the Framingham Police Department, and the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office Child Abuse Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by 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.
Fairhaven Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Fairhaven man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to distributing methamphetamine.
Peter Lobo, 54, pleaded guilty today to one count of distributing methamphetamine before U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper, who scheduled sentencing for Oct. 4, 2017.
In late 2016, an undercover agent posing as a Maine methamphetamine dealer met with Lobo, and on Dec. 12, 2016, Lobo distributed a half pound sample of methamphetamine to the agent. Two days later, the agent paid Lobo $4,000 for the half pound, and Lobo sold an additional four pounds of methamphetamine to the agent. A subsequent drug analysis determined that the substance consisted of 1,777 grams of 99% pure d-methamphetamine hydrochloride, also known as “Ice.”
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodore B. Heinrich of Weinreb’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Honduran National Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Honduran man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after deportation.
Rumeni D. Romero, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Senior Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to 42 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Romero will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. In April 2017, Romero pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry of a deported alien.
In January 2017, Romero was encountered by law enforcement in Chelsea and determined to be illegally present in the United States. Between 2006 and 2013, Romero was deported four times.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Matthew Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Hingham Man Sentenced for Defrauding InvestorsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Hingham man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for defrauding neighbors and other acquaintances of approximately $437,000.
Stephen S. Eubanks, 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris to 30 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $437,609 in restitution to his victims. In April 2017, Eubanks pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
In February 2010, Eubanks opened Eubiquity Capital LLC, a hedge fund that took in over $700,000 in investor funds by 2016. Eubanks was previously a registered broker with several large brokerage firms, but was terminated in the wake of customer complaints and other disciplinary issues. In 2013 and 2014, Eubanks nonetheless presented himself to acquaintances as a financial advisor running a hedge fund affiliated with Goldman Sachs, TD Ameritrade, UBS Bank and Fidelity Investments. One of the acquaintances invested $125,000 with Eubanks, while the other invested $20,000. In 2013, a Florida resident invested $50,000 with Eubanks.
Eubanks, who defrauded over 20 people, invested some of his clients’ funds, but used a significant portion for personal expenses. Moreover, when asked for account statements summarizing the fund’s performance, Eubanks fabricated account statements or used account statements from unrelated accounts to deceive his clients into believing that their money had earned a healthy return. In some instances, Eubanks ran the fund as a Ponzi scheme, using money deposited with him by newer investors to pay returns to earlier investors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Shelly Binkowski, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. The Massachusetts Securities Division, which conducted an earlier civil investigation of Eubanks, provided significant assistance to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling of Weinreb’s Economic Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Fall River Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Fall River man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to his role in a heroin and fentanyl trafficking operation in Taunton and surrounding communities.
Christian Sostre, 23, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin and fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. scheduled sentencing for Oct. 10, 2017.
After a 15-month investigation, Sostre and 24 others were arrested and charged in October 2015 in connection with a heroin trafficking ring led by Dedwin Cruz-Rivera operating primarily in southeastern Massachusetts. An April 2016 superseding indictment brought the total number of defendants charged to 26.
Sostre assisted co-defendant Dedwin Cruz-Rivera, who is scheduled to change his plea on July 14, 2017, with all aspects of the drug trafficking operation. Sostre took delivery of illegal narcotics, helped prepare the drugs for resale, delivered money to pay for drugs, collected money from the operation’s customers, and drove Cruz-Rivera to various locations in connection with the drug trafficking.
All but three of the conspirators charged have pleaded guilty and 14 of the defendants have already been sentenced.
The charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin and fentanyl provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, a minimum of three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas E. Kanwit and Karen Beausey of Weinreb’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the cases.
Dominican National Sentenced for Trafficking Identities of Puerto Rican U.S. CitizensRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A document broker was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield for trafficking the identities of Puerto Rican citizens and corresponding identity documents.
Sandro Tavera Mora, a/k/a Jose Laureano Ayala, 46, a Dominican national, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 27 months in prison. He is also subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. On May 4, 2017, Tavera Mora pleaded guilty to false personation of U.S. citizenship, fraud and misuse of visas, and conspiracy to possess and transfer identification documents.
Tavera Mora operated as a document broker in Springfield, buying, possessing, transferring and selling personal identifying information contained in legitimate government documents belonging to residents of Puerto Rico. Tavera Mora admitted that the customers who purchased these documents were illegal aliens who used the information to assume the identity of United States citizens in order to apply for other identity documents. Tavera Mora knew that these customers would use these documents to violate federal law, including Social Security fraud and the impersonation of a United States citizen.
Upon his arrest, Tavera Mora falsely identified himself as “Jose Laureano Ayala,” a U.S. citizen born in Puerto Rico, and possessed a fraudulent Puerto Rico driver’s license and a U.S. Social Security card in the same name. He also possessed a fraudulent Dominican passport that contained a non-immigration U.S. Visa with fraudulent admittance record and a Customs and Border Patrol admittance stamp.
Acting U.S. Attorney William D. Weinreb; Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Thomas D. Homan, Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and Guy J. Cottrell, Chief Postal Inspector for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin O’Regan, Chief of Weinreb’s Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorney Marianne Shelvey of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Potential victims and the public may obtain information about the case at: www.justice.gov/criminal/vns/caseup/beltrerj.html. Anyone who believes their identity may have been compromised in relation to this investigation may contact the ICE toll-free hotline at 1-866-DHS-2ICE (1-866-347-2423) and its online tip form at www.ice.gov/tipline. Anyone who may have information about particular crimes in this case should also report it to the ICE tip line or website.
Connecticut Woman Sentenced for Stealing over $250,000 from Her EmployerRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Windsor, Conn. woman was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield, Mass., for stealing over $250,000 from her employer.
Angela M. Craig, 55, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 21 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay approximately $254,000 in restitution, after pleading guilty to one count of wire fraud in March 2017.
From July 2012 through May 2014, Craig stole more than $250,000 from her Massachusetts employer by writing company checks to herself, forging her employer’s signature and then cashing or depositing the checks. Craig concealed her theft by entering false invoices in her employer’s accounting system and by failing to pay company bills and taxes.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Deepika Bains Shukla of Weinreb’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Boston Man Sentenced for Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for armed bank robbery.
Kenneth E. Denny, 61, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 51 months in prison and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty in April 2016. He is currently in custody in New York for armed bank robbery, and the sentence imposed today will run concurrent to his sentence in Buffalo.
On July 24, 2015, Denny entered a branch of the Citizens Bank on Washington Street in Brighton and handed the teller a demand note. He removed what appeared to be a bomb from a newspaper he was carrying and placed it on the teller’s counter, demanding money. The teller handed Denny $4,040. When Denny turned to exit the bank, he was confronted by the bank’s manager, at which time he dropped the bag of money, headed toward the exit door and removed a white cell phone from his pocket and stated: “I am going to blow it up.” Denny then exited the bank and was observed heading down Washington Street. The bomb was later determined by law enforcement to be a hoax.
The suspect had also left his wallet on the teller’s counter containing a Massachusetts Identification Card with the name Kenneth E. Denny and a headshot. Law enforcement recalled that they had observed an individual resembling the man in the photo heading down Washington Street as they were approaching the bank just a few minutes earlier. Denny was later located and asked his name, to which he replied, “Kenneth Denny.” When Denny was asked to produce some identification, he stated he must have lost his wallet. Bank employees subsequently picked Denny out of a line-up as the individual who had robbed them.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner William B. Evans made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Athol Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Athol man was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for possession of child pornography.
Arthur Cummings, 49, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 30 months in prison and five years of supervised release. In May 2017, Cummings pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.
On March 10, 2016, a federal search warrant was executed at Cummings’ residence based upon an investigation into individuals who use anonymizing software to traffic in child pornography on the “dark web,” a part of the internet accessible only by special software allowing users to remain anonymous. A forensic review of a laptop seized from Cummings’ home revealed the presence of more than 100 images of child pornography and 10 videos, many of which depicted prepubescent children and toddlers engaged in sexual intercourse with adult men.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Colonel Richard D. McKeon, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent; and Athol Police Chief Russel Kleber made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Grady of Weinreb’s Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and 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.
Honduran National Sentenced for Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Wilson Guerrero-Lagos, 34, a Honduran national residing in Worcester, pleaded guilty and was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to time served and two years of supervised release. Guerrero-Lagos will be subject to deportation.
On Jan. 26, 2017, Guerrero-Lagos was encountered by law enforcement in Worcester and determined to be unlawfully present in the United States. Guerrero-Lagos was previously deported on Nov. 8, 2007.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Matthew J. Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Soivilien of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.