District of Massachusetts
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
United States Attorney's Office to Participate in Community Events During National Night OutRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts will join community organizers, neighbors and law enforcement partners in National Night Out events across the Commonwealth.
“Protecting Massachusetts would be impossible without the critical support from our law enforcement partners. In doing their job, it is imperative that they are seen and known across the communities they serve,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “National Night Out is a terrific opportunity to build additional trust between our law enforcement partners and the neighborhoods in which they work. We look forward to joining our colleagues across the state, meeting members the communities we all serve.”
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country.
National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization.
Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe.
For more information, visit https://natw.org/.
Lynn Man Sentenced for Counterfeit Pill Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynn man was sentenced today in federal court for his role in a North Shore-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed tens of thousands of counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Nelson Mora, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 44 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In April 2024, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Mora was among 23 individuals charged in October 2022 in connection with a wide-ranging conspiracy to traffic counterfeit prescription pills. The defendants were subsequently indicted along with two additional alleged co-conspirators in December 2022. Two additional defendants were indicted for money laundering in connection with the drug conspiracy in April 2024. The DTO distributed counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl and counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, among other things, to various individuals in the Lynn area. Mora is the sixth defendant to be sentenced in the case.Co-defendant, Lawrence Michael Nagle, distributed controlled substances to a small network of individuals who would then redistribute the drugs to other traffickers, including Mora, who also had access to a pill press machine which he used to create counterfeit pills. In 2022, Mora sold 2,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl to an undercover law enforcement officer. In October 2022 several hundred pharmaceutical grade oxycodone pills were recovered during a search of Mora’s residence.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Essex County District Attorney’s Office and the Beverly, Everett, Peabody, Revere, Salem, Saugus and Swampscott Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan D. Panich of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuted the case.This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Serial Bank Robber Sentenced to over Six Years in Prison for Robbing Four BusinessesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced on July 31, 2024 in federal court in Boston for robbing four businesses, during which he brandished two large knives, while on federal supervised release for robbery charges out of New York.
Akeem Lahens, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 77 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Lahens also was ordered to pay $1,998 in restitution to the four businesses he robbed. In April 2024, Lahens plead guilty to four counts of affecting commerce by armed robbery.
A series of commercial armed robberies occurred in Boston in late April and early May 2023: the armed robbery of Metro PCS in Roxbury on April 21, 2023; the armed robbery of Boost Mobile in Jamaica Plain on April 26, 2023; the armed robbery of Cricket Wireless in Jamaica Plain on April 27, 2023; and the armed robbery of Dunkin Donuts in Dorchester on May 4, 2023. Law enforcement believed that the robberies were connected and the perpetrator was likely the same person, as the suspect’s appearance in surveillance footage and witnesses descriptions was the same. Additionally, in each of the robberies, the suspect brandished two large knives, made a verbal demand for money, forcibly took money from the store and forced or attempted to force the victims into a rear room or bathroom of the store.
On May 5, 2023 Lahens was arrested on state charges related to the armed robberies. During a search of Lahens’ residence in Dorchester on May 6, 2023 two knives and sandals worn by the robber in the April 26, 2023 robbery were recovered.
At the time of the armed robberies, Lahens was on federal supervised release for a 2021 conviction in the Southern District of New York of five counts of robbery, for which he was sentenced to 30 months in prison.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; and Michael A. Davis, Vice President Campus Safety and Chief of Police at Northeastern University made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Lynn Man Convicted of Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynn man was convicted today following a five-day jury trial in federal court in Boston in connection with drug and firearm charges.
Jose Perez, 27, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. Chief U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor scheduled sentencing for Nov. 1, 2024. In January 2023, Perez was arrested and charged along with co-defendant Henry Del Rio.
“Mr. Perez put the community at risk with dangerous controlled substances and an illegal firearm. With drugs and guns threatening many civilians’ livelihoods, this case demonstrates our commitment to protecting our communities from any and all threats they may face,” said Acting United States Joshua S. Levy. “Keeping our neighborhoods safe is the very essence of the work of our office, and we will not rest in pursuit of that mission.”
“Illegally possessing a firearm while trafficking in illegal drugs fuels the violence in our communities,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division. “I commend the Lexington Police Department and the United States Attorney's Office for holding Mr. Perez accountable.”
In December 2022, local police officers attempted to stop a vehicle for traffic violations that Perez was driving. Instead of pulling over, Perez accelerated and engaged in a high-speed escape attempt, traveling more than 85 miles per hour on residential streets. Eventually, Perez’s car lost control and collided with another vehicle, stopping Perez. When Perez exited the vehicle, a Glock 34X 9mm semi-automatic handgun dropped to the ground. Perez subsequently tried to escape on foot. After Perez and Del Rio ran from authorities and were apprehended, Perez was found with $2,000 cash in his pockets; two bags that were determined to contain cocaine and 44 smaller, individually wrapped bags of fentanyl were found in Del Rio’s flight path. A search of the vehicle yielded a third bag of cocaine.
Given Perez’s status as a felon, he is barred from possessing a firearm.
Del Rio pleaded guilty in April 2024 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 3, 2024.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substance provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years, up to life, of supervised release and a fine of up to $1,000,000. The charge of felon in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and ATF SAC Ferguson made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lexington, Chelsea and MBTA Police Departments and Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mike Crowley, Deputy Chief of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit, and Sarah Hoefle of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.
Former Boston Police Sergeant Sentenced for Overtime Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Boston Police Sergeant was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with an investigation of overtime fraud at the Boston Police Department’s (BPD) evidence warehouse.
Gerard O’Brien, 66, of Braintree, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to two years of supervised release with six months to be served in home detention. O’Brien was also ordered to pay $25,930 in restitution and a $5,000 fine. In June 2021, O’Brien pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and one count of embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds.
From at least December 2016 through February 2019, O’Brien submitted false and fraudulent overtime slips for overtime shifts that he did not work at the evidence warehouse. The “purge” overtime was a 4 – 8 p.m. weekday shift intended to dispose of old, unneeded evidence. “Kiosk” overtime involved driving to each police district in Boston one Saturday a month to collect old prescription drugs to be burned.
For the “purge” shift, O’Brien claimed to have worked from 4 – 8 p.m., but he and other members of the unit, routinely left at 6 p.m., or earlier. For the “kiosk” shift, O’Brien submitted overtime slips claiming to have worked eight-and-one-half hours, when in fact he and other members of the unit, only worked three-to-four hours of those shifts. As a supervisor, O’Brien endorsed fraudulent overtime slips submitted by the officers at the warehouse for those shifts.
Between December 2016 and February 2019, O’Brien personally collected approximately $25,930 for overtime hours he did not work.
To date, over a dozen Boston Police officers have been charged in connection with committing overtime fraud at the Boston Police Department’s evidence warehouse. O’Brien is the seventh officer to be sentenced.
From 2015 through 2019, BPD received annual benefits from the U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Department of Justice in excess of $10,000, which were funded pursuant to numerous federal grants.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohan, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Russell W. Cunningham Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Mid-Atlantic Region made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Grady of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy Commemorates the Two-Year Anniversary of the Human Trafficking and Civil Rights UnitRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two years ago today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts formally announced the creation of the Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Unit (HTCRU). This specialized team – comprised of federal prosecutors, victim witness specialists and support personnel – is dedicated to protecting human rights and holding perpetrators of human trafficking accountable.
Since its establishment, HTCRU has become a leader within the Department of Justice in terms of prosecuting individuals who engage in human trafficking.
“Today marks the two-year anniversary of the HTCRU, a unit that, I am sorry to say, has been a huge success because it has revealed how serious and widespread a problem human trafficking is in our communities. Commercial sexual exploitation of children and vulnerable adults has no place in the District of Massachusetts. The dedicated team in this unit has worked tirelessly to eradicate these harms and atrocities while also tackling allegations of excessive police force, hate crimes, and labor trafficking," said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Our office is determined to hold traffickers liable for their deplorable crimes.”
Over the last two years, in close collaboration with federal, state and local law enforcement partners, our Office has prosecuted over 20 cases with numerous defendants. For example, in U.S. v. Stavros Papantoniadis, the defendant was convicted at trial for forced labor charges. He was found guilty of forcing or attempting to force six victims to work for him while physically and mentally abusing them. The defendant also targeted immigrants who he could exploit due to their vulnerability. Additionally, Jimall Brown, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release after being convicted of sex trafficking a minor and two adults, while collecting all of the proceeds for himself and others.
This Unit has targeted not just traffickers but also the purchasers of sex who fuel the demand for exploited victims of sex trafficking. Our office has charged sex buyers federally where possible, such as in our recent prosecutions of US v. David Cannon / US v. Misael Medina / US v. Dmitri McKenzie, all for attempting to purchase sex with minors. In cases where there is not federal jurisdiction, we have worked to make state referrals to ensure that these sex buyers are held accountable.
The HTCRU coordinates trainings, including survivor-led trainings to identify trends in the community while learning how the office can improve work with victims. Labor trafficking training has been provided to both federal employees and state inspectors to recognize key indicators of exploitation. This team also works with local and state law enforcement agencies, as well as non-government organizations, to hold predators accountable and protect survivors’ rights.
If you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, please call your local police department or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or contact [email protected].
Springfield Man Sentenced to over Two Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of a MachinegunRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield, Mass. man was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield for unlawful possession of a machinegun.
Angel Vargas, Jr., 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 27 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. In February 2024, Vargas pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a machinegun.
On Jan. 27, 2023, during a search of Vargas’s Springfield residence, a ghost gun with an attached Glock switch, laser sight and extended magazine containing 23 rounds of ammunition, along with three firearms: a semi-automatic rifle with another extended magazine containing 22 rounds; a 12-gauge shotgun with five rounds; and a semi-automatic pistol with a third extended magazine containing 15 rounds were seized. Vargas’s mobile phone was also seized which contained evidence that he had been trafficking other firearms, including Glock switches, after a state felony conviction and while on pretrial release for a state firearms case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Feld Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance provided by the Springfield Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of the Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.Rhode Island Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Wide-Ranging Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Rhode Island man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to his role in a fentanyl trafficking organization involved in the manufacturing and distribution of tens of thousands of fentanyl pills that spanned across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Texas, North Carolina and South Carolina.
Jasdrual a/k/a “Josh” Perez, 36, pleaded guilty to a superseding indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Nov. 12, 2024. Perez was charged by criminal complaint on Feb. 14, 2022 and has remained in custody since.
In September 2019, investigators began a multiyear investigation into a drug trafficking organization led by Perez that was based out of Providence, Rhode Island. This drug trafficking organization was known to manufacture large quantities of fentanyl pills designed to appear like pharmaceutical grade oxycodone/Percocet pills and distribute them and other controlled substances throughout the United States. It was learned that Perez used encrypted applications such as WhatsApp and FaceTime to further his drug trafficking activities and supervise his drug trafficking enterprise. In addition, Perez personally participated in the trafficking of kilogram quantities of fentanyl and the pressing of kilograms of fentanyl powder into pills designed to appear like pharmaceutical pills.
In February 2022 during a search of the property that Perez and his associates used to manufacture fentanyl pills, two industrial grade pill presses, approximately 20 kilograms of powdered fentanyl and pressed fentanyl pills, and other items, including kilograms of pill binder used in the large-scale manufacturing of clandestinely pressed fentanyl pills were seized. During a separate search of Perez’s residence, over $62,000 in drug proceeds were also seized.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston made the announcement today. Special assistance in the investigation was provided by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island; Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston and Providence Field Offices; Drug Enforcement Administration, Providence Field Office; Rhode Island State Police Department; and Cranston, Warwick and West Warwick Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey E. Weinstein and Kunal Pasricha of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Lynn Man Sentenced to over 12 Years in Prison for Counterfeit Pill Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynn man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in a North Shore-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed tens of thousands of counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Lawrence Nagle Sr. (Nagle Sr.), 56, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 151 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. In April 2024, Nagle pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Nagle Sr.’s two sons, Christopher Nagle and Lawrence Michael Nagle, were allegedly identified as leaders of a DTO distributing various controlled substances throughout the North Shore region of Massachusetts. The Nagle DTO distributed significant quantities of various controlled substances, including, Adderall (both pharmaceutical-grade pills and counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine), methamphetamine, Xanax, oxycodone (both pharmaceutical-grade and counterfeit pills containing fentanyl), cocaine and marijuana, among others.
Lawrence Michael Nagle allegedly distributed controlled substances to a small network of individuals who would then redistribute the drugs to other traffickers.
The investigation revealed that Nagle Sr. was a member of the DTO, allegedly distributing controlled substances on his sons’ behalf and storing substantial quantities of controlled substances at his residence. On Oct. 25, 2024, investigators searched Nagle Sr.’s residence and recovered 5.9 kilograms of fentanyl, including counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl; 1.3 kilograms of methamphetamine, including counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine; and one kilogram of cocaine. Investigators also recovered three firearms, including the long-barreled firearm depicted below.
Christopher Nagle pleaded guilty to his role in the drug trafficking conspiracy in April 2024 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 13, 2024. Lawrence Michael Nagle has pleaded not guilty and is pending trial.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, and the Beverly, Everett, Lynn, Peabody, Revere, Salem, Saugus and Swampscott Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan D. Panich of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Colombian Man Sentenced for his Participation in Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Colombian man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for is involvement in a money laundering conspiracy.
Jose Abril-Sequera, 59, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 50 months in prison today after pleading guilty to money laundering charges. In April 2024, Abril-Sequera pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with participating in a money laundering conspiracy and conducting substantive money laundering transactions.
Beginning in 2016 and continuing until 2022, an investigation was conducted into a money laundering organization based primarily in Barranquilla, Colombia. An undercover investigator infiltrated the organization by portraying himself as an international money launderer, able to pick up bulk cash throughout the world, launder the proceeds through his United States based accounts, and send the money to Colombia through the Black Market Peso Exchange, a common method of trade based money laundering used to repatriate the proceeds of drug trafficking to Colombia.
Abril-Sequera was a business owner in Colombia who used his business bank account to receive drug proceeds in Colombia. During the course of the conspiracy, Abril-Sequera received over $250,000 million in wire transfers to his account. After receipt, Abril-Sequera withdrew the funds from his account to pay out the money in Colombia to the owners. Abril-Sequera also created fake invoices to mask the true source of the funds and evade anti-money laundering protocols. Abril-Sequera knew that the money involved was the proceeds of drug trafficking and freely discussed working with individuals dealing in hundreds of kilograms worth of drugs and the logistics of laundering the proceeds.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua R. Levy and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Jared C. Dolan and Alathea E. Porter prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found athttps://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
After-Market Firearm Accessory Manufacturer and Distributor Agrees to Plead Guilty to Illegal Distribution of Firearm SilencersRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Hampshire company has agreed to plead guilty to charges that it violated the National Firearms Act (NFA) by distributing interoperable components for firearm silencers.
KBC Capital, LLC d/b/a “Lethal Eye” has agreed to plead guilty to 26 counts of transferring a firearm in violation of the NFA. In connection with the plea agreement, KBC has agreed to pay a $260,000 fine, the maximum financial penalty permitted by law.
“By making gunshots harder to hear, silencers impede law enforcement efforts to respond to shootings and diminish the effectiveness of gunshot detection technology. This results in slower response time by first responders, which can have a direct impact on saving the lives of people struck by gunfire,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “That is why Congress and federal agencies require manufacturers and distributors of silencers to conform to strict regulatory requirements. By knowingly flouting these regulatory requirements, KBC Capital allegedly flooded the market with these inherently dangerous devices. This case demonstrates our Office’s efforts to attack the problem of illegal guns from all angles.”
“Perpetrators engaged in the manufacturing, distributing or possession of illegal silencers pose a significant challenge for law enforcement,” stated James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division. “We are committed to work with our partners to identify and disrupt these illicit activities so that we can help ensure the safety of our communities.”
“KBC Capital was responsible for at least 26 illicit transfers of firearm suppressors to Massachusetts residents. These devices are controlled by law and private companies in the firearms trade have a duty to follow the proper legal channels to ensure a safe, lawful firearms industry,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol of Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “This investigation was only made possible through the close collaboration with our partners in law enforcement working together towards our public safety goals.”
“The use of the mail to further the illicit trade in firearms and firearms components poses a real threat to the public,” said Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division. “The Postal Inspection Service is proud to stand with our federal partners and hold this company responsible for its actions.”
“This investigation is an example of DEA’s dedication to working with our local, state and federal partners in identifying, targeting and investigating those who are involved in selling dangerous devices.” said Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to stop illegal activities so our communities can be safe places to be.”
As part of the plea agreement, KBC Capital admits the facts underlying the government’s allegations. The NFA imposes taxes on the making and transfer of NFA Firearms, as well as a special occupational tax on Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) engaged in the business of importing, manufacturing and dealing in NFA firearms. Only certain classes of FFLs may lawfully manufacture NFA weapons. The NFA requires registration of all NFA firearms with the Attorney General in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR). The purpose of the NFA is to regulate transactions in NFA firearms, which are deemed to be more dangerous than those not regulated by the NFA due to their proliferation in criminal activity at the time the NFA was enacted.
KBC operated a website using the trade name “Lethal Eye.” KBC sold a variety of firearms accessories. Despite marketing one of these products as a “muzzle break,” this product actually served as a principal part of a firearm silencer. This part was interoperable with other KBC products that, together, along with other generally available consumer products, could be combined to generate a firearm silencer. According to court documents, while doing business as “Lethal Eye,” KBC allegedly sent 26 illegal suppressor parts to Massachusetts residents. On Aug. 18, 2023, a search of Lethal Eye’s principal place of business resulted in the recovery of 327 items classified by ATF as illegal firearm silencers. At no time, was KBC an FFL and at no time did KBC pay the appropriate tax to manufacture a single silencer.
The charge of transferring a firearm in violation of the NFA, when charged against a business entity, provides for the maximum penalty of $10,000 per violation, probation of three years and a mandatory special assessment of $400 per count.
Acting United States Attorney Levy; ATF SAC Ferguson; HSI SAC Krol; USPIS INC Larco-Ward; and DEA Acting SAC Belleau made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Nashua and Hollis Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
Two Men Arrested for Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two Indian nationals were arrested on July 29, 2024, in connection with the distribution of controlled substances.
Simranjit Singh, 28, and Gusimrat Singh, 19, of Fresno, Calif. were each charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Both men made initial appearances yesterday in federal court in Boston and remain in federal custody at this time.
According to the charging documents, investigators became aware of a California-based drug-trafficking organization (“DTO”) interested in transporting methamphetamine and other drugs to Boston. Investigators acting in an undercover capacity, began communicating with a member of the DTO who agreed to sell 65 pounds (approximately 32 kilograms) of methamphetamine to the undercover agents.
On July 29, 2024, att approximately 10:15 p.m., a white tractor trailer arrived at a planned Andover address to deliver methamphetamine to the undercover agents. The driver and passenger of that tractor trailer, later identified as Gusimrat Singh and Simranjit Singh, allegedly handed off 65 pounds of suspected methamphetamine to the undercover agents. The men were immediately taken into custody.
According to court documents, while searching the cab of the tractor trailer, over 400-kilogram bricks of suspected cocaine was discovered, worth more than $10.5 million.
“The sheer amount of drugs seized in this one case is disturbing and dangerous. These defendants allegedly took a cross-country trip to distribute illicit narcotics into Massachusetts communities,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “I am grateful for our dedicated law enforcement partners who have worked so diligently to prevent harmful drugs from reaching our streets. Drug traffickers should beware: we will find you, and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of federal law.”“Seizures of this magnitude have a significant public health and safety impact on our local communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “These investigations are difficult and dangerous, yet it remains imperative that HSI continue to work with our partners to disrupt the flow of dangerous drugs into New England.”
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Andover Police Department, Milton Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Hassink of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Firearms TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Quincy man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to distributing fentanyl to obtain four firearms.
Caesar Ross, 40, pleaded guilty to one count of firearms trafficking and one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Ross was arrested and charged in September of 2023 and has been in custody since his arrest. Today he pleaded guilty to an Information. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Dennis F. Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for Oct. 29, 2024.
In 2022, an investigation began into Ross and others for engaging in firearms trafficking and other violations of federal firearm laws. In September 2023, Ross met with a cooperating witness in Quincy to whom he provided approximately 60 grams of fentanyl in exchange for four firearms, each of which had no visible serial number: a Beretta 92F, 9mm pistol; a Beretta Elite IA 9mm pistol; a Glock 22, .40 caliber pistol; and a FN Herstal 5.7, 5.7x28mm pistol. Ross was immediately taken into custody.
The charge of firearms trafficking provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least 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 statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Feld Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division and the Quincy Police Department.This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Nigerian National Pleads Guilty to Romance and Pandemic Relief Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Nigerian national pleaded guilty on July 26, 2024 in federal court in Boston to his role in an expansive online fraud scheme targeting individuals in the United States, including pandemic relief fraud, romance scams and other online scams.
Amowie Kelvin Imatitikua, 37, who previously lived in the Boston area, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud, one count of bank fraud conspiracy and one count of money laundering conspiracy. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Nov. 6, 2024. Imatitikua was indicted on Dec. 12, 2023.
Imatitikua opened multiple bank accounts in the names of fake people using fraudulent foreign passports and used those accounts to receive the proceeds from various frauds perpetrated by his alleged co-conspirators, including pandemic relief fraud, romance scams and other online scams. In total, between approximately 2019 and 2021, Imatitikua received more than $400,000 in fraud proceeds.The charges of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank provide for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $1 million or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, and forfeiture. The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $500,000, or twice the value of the criminally derived property, whichever is greater, and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Supervisory Special Agent Matthew O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Markham and Benjamin A. Saltzman of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Eye Practice and Its Physician Owner Agree to Pay More Than $460,000 to Resolve Allegations of False Claims and Receiving Illegal KickbacksRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Burlington County Eye Physicians (BCEP), an ophthalmology practice with locations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and Dr. Gregory H. Scimeca, an ophthalmologist and the owner of BCEP, have agreed to pay $469,232 to resolve allegations that they submitted and caused the submission of false claims for payment for medically unnecessary transcranial doppler (TCD) tests to Medicare and the Federal Employee Health Benefit (FEHB) Program in violation of the False Claims Act.
A TCD test is a noninvasive diagnostic test that can be used to estimate the blood flow through certain blood vessels in the brain. Medicare and the FEHB Program reimburse healthcare providers for both performing the test and for interpreting the test results. When a physician does not perform the test, but interprets the results of the test, they only can bill for their professional services of interpreting the test. A physician cannot bill for interpreting the test when they merely review another physician’s interpretation of the results.
As part of the settlement agreement, BCEP and Dr. Scimeca each admitted to and accepted responsibility for facts underlying the covered conduct. The United States alleges that from May 13, 2019 through Feb. 22, 2021, BCEP submitted and caused the submission of false claims for TCD tests to Medicare and the FEHB Program. BCEP contracted with a medical diagnostics company (the “Company”) to perform TCD tests on BCEP patients. The Company staffed BCEP with a technician, who reviewed patient files and filled out forms to order TCD tests for BCEP patients from the Company. BCEP physicians, including Dr. Scimeca, signed the order forms the Company’s technician completed. At times, BCEP and Dr. Scimeca signed forms which indicated that patients had a diagnosis that they did not have, but that would have supported the medical necessity of the test. In addition, BCEP paid $30 to either the Company or a radiology company associated with the Company to interpret each TCD test, but BCEP physicians, including Dr. Scimeca, also billed Medicare and the FEHB Program for interpreting those tests.
The Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) prohibits offering, paying, soliciting, or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare and other federally-funded programs. The statute is intended to ensure that medical providers’ judgments are not compromised by improper financial incentives and are instead based on the best interests of their patients.
The United States contends that the claims for TCD tests that BCEP and Dr. Scimeca submitted, or caused the submission of, were false because: (1) the TCD tests were medically unnecessary because the patients did not have symptoms justifying the need for the tests, or the tests were not necessary for the patients’ treatment; (2) BCEP and Dr. Scimeca billed for professional services that they did not perform; and (3) the arrangement between BCEP and the TCD company violated the AKS because BCEP and Dr. Scimeca accepted remuneration from the Company by billing for and retaining payments from Medicare and the FEHB Program for services that the Company provided.
“Health care practitioners must not bill for services they do not perform or bill for unnecessary procedures. Full stop. When they do, they violate the law. These defendants also accepted unlawful kickbacks, which all too often corrupt medical judgment and result in unnecessary medical tests,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “As this case demonstrates, our office is committed to investigating and holding accountable both the recipients of kickbacks and the companies paying them.”
“When health care providers submit claims for services to the Medicare program, those services are expected to be medically necessary, actually performed, and free from the influence of illegal kickbacks,” said Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “The integrity of our federal health care system is undermined when those expectations are not met, and we will continue to thoroughly pursue such allegations.”
The resolution announced today includes claims that were brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under the Act, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. As part of today’s resolution, the whistleblower will receive approximately $84,460.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and HHS-OIG SAC Coviello made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica J. Weber and Christopher Morgan of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled this matter.
Brockton Man Convicted of Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man was convicted by a federal jury yesterday in Boston in connection with a wide-ranging drug trafficking conspiracy that that involved dozens of parcels containing kilograms of cocaine sent from Puerto Rico to various addresses throughout Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Investigators intercepted 10 parcels and seized more than 20 kilograms of cocaine from the mail stream.
Robert Monteiro, 40, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for Oct. 24, 2024. In July 2021, Monteiro was indicted alongside 10 co-defendants.
“Mr. Monteiro’s behaviors were dangerous and deceitful. These packages arriving from Puerto Rico were disguised as air fryers and cash boxes to pass though security checks, but they were filled with lethal drugs. The defendant and his co-conspirators failed to account for the capabilities of our federal, state and local investigators,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy “Thanks to our law enforcement partners, we determined what was actually inside all those the packages. This case demonstrates our commitment to keeping illegal drugs off our streets in any and all forms.”
“Robert Monteiro was part of a drug trafficking organization that coordinated a cocaine pipeline from Puerto Rico to Massachusetts through the U.S. Mail. His conviction highlights how committed the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is to dismantling drug trafficking organizations that threaten the safety of our employees and the American people. We would like to thank our extraordinary law enforcement partners at the Massachusetts State Police Department and the Boston Police Department for their invaluable involvement in this case. Together we will continue to be vigilant in disrupting criminal organizations who illegally utilize the U.S. Postal Service,” said Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division.
"I applaud the tireless effort and the dedication of the investigators in this case. The MSP is grateful for our partnership with the United States Postal Inspectors Service, the DEA and the Boston Police Department." said Colonel John Mawn, Massachusetts State Police. "The results of this collaboration are reflected in the significant and positive impact that dismantling this Drug Trafficking Organization has had in making our communities safer.”
Beginning in February 2020, law enforcement investigated a drug trafficking organization operated by Patrick Joseph. Based on a wiretap investigation, Joseph coordinated the transportation of 10-20 kilograms of cocaine at a time from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico, and eventually to Massachusetts and Rhode Island via the U.S. Mail. During the investigation, cocaine was found concealed in two-kilogram quantities inside air fryers and cash boxes before being sent through the mail. Various firearms, 21 kilograms of cocaine and over $100,000 cash was also seized. Monteiro served as a member of Joseph’s drug trafficking organization, collecting packages and redistributing kilograms of cocaine that came in through the mail.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years and up to life 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 statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; USPIS Inspector Larco-Ward; MSP Interim Colonel Mawn; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division and Homeland Security Investigations, in New England. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip C. Cheng and Howard Locker of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Worcester Man Indicted on Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Worcester for possessing and receipt of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Charlton Pasley, 48, was charged with receipt and possession of child pornography. Pasley was arrested and charged by complaint on July 1, 2024. Pasley will be arraigned in federal court in Worcester at a later date.
According to the charging documents, a search was executed at Pasley’s home in June 2024. Pasley was in possession of numerous electronic devices that allegedly contained child sexual abuse material. Pasley allegedly admitted to law enforcement that he used numerous social medial platforms to view and download CSAM.
The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Both charges carry at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England and Interim Worcester Police Chief Paul B. Saucier made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen M. Noto of the criminal division is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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.
Salem Man Sentenced to over Five Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Traffic Counterfeit Pills Containing FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Salem man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in a North Shore-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) that manufactured and distributed tens of thousands of counterfeit prescription pills containing narcotics.
Kion Shepherd, 33, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 70 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On April 9, 2024, Solis pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Shepherd was among 23 individuals charged in October 2022 in connection with a wide-ranging conspiracy to traffic counterfeit prescription pills. The defendants were subsequently indicted along with two additional alleged co-conspirators in December 2022. According to court documents, the DTO distributed counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl and counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, among other things, to various individuals in the Lynn area. Shepherd is the fourth defendant to be sentenced in the case.
During the investigation, Shepherd’s mothers’ home was identified as his residence as well as his stash location for controlled substances. During a search of Shepherd’s mothers residence, a backpack containing several hundred grams of fentanyl and cocaine as well as a handgun with an obliterated serial number were recovered.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; the Beverly, Everett, Peabody, Revere, Salem, Saugus and Swampscott Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan D. Panich of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Registered Sex Offender from Harwich Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Harwich man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to possessing child sexual abuse material.
Jonathan Fleischmann, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. Fleischmann was arrested and charged on May 16, 2023 and remains in federal custody. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Oct. 16, 2024.
Fleischmann’s co-workers reported to law enforcement that, between March 17 and March 18, 2023, Fleischmann’s cellphone was observed downloading suspected child pornography media files while his phone was left open and charging on a counter at their workplace. During a subsequent search of Fleischmann’s cellphone approximately 255 image files and 55 video files that contained suspected child pornography were identified.
On May 23, 2024, Fleischmann pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 12 years in state prison for separate state charges in Barnstable Superior Court for invading a Yarmouth home and forcibly taking a 16-year-old female at gunpoint into her house as she arrived home from school in 2020. That investigation revealed that Fleishmann had accessed a dark web hidden service on his cellphone dedicated to the trafficking of child pornography.
Fleishmann is a Level 3 sex offender due to prior convictions in Barnstable District Court of Indecent Assault and Battery on a Child Under 14 in 2006 and Open and Gross Lewdness in 2017.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.
The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Pennsylvania man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Springfield for a child sexual exploitation offense.
David Tweed, 46, of Kulpmont, Penn., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 30 years in prison and a lifetime of a supervised release. In August of 2022, Tweed was arrested on one count of sexual exploitation of a child and was detained following an initial appearance in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
“David Tweed’s conduct was horrific and deserving of the severe sentence that the Court imposed. Mr. Tweed sought out, groomed and then repeatedly sexually abused and exploited this very young and vulnerable girl. His criminal and depraved behavior has finally been stopped and his victim is finally free of his abuse. I applaud the victim’s bravery and the support and dedication of her family to see this case through,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “The United States Attorney’s Office with our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate, prosecute and hold predators like Mr. Tweed accountable.”
“David Tweed preyed on a child, first exploiting her online and later abusing her in person. This is a horrific example of how online threats become real danger,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “HSI is working around the clock to keep kids safe online by bringing predators like Tweed to justice.”
On various dates between September 2021 and December 2021, Tweed sexually exploited a 12 to 13 year old girl that he met online. During this time, Tweed repeatedly persuaded the victim to send sexual pictures and video of herself and to perform lewd acts on video calls.
On more than one occasion, Tweed drove from Pennsylvania to places in New England where he met with and sexually assaulted the victim.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and HSI SAC Krol made the announcement. Significant assistance was provided by the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office and Monson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine G. Curley of Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Florida Man Sentenced for Fraud Involving Small Business Administration Disaster FundsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Florida man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with his role in conspiring to use stolen identities to fraudulently obtain disaster loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) and to launder the funds.
Hector Garcia, 52, of Ocala, Fla., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to time served and three years of supervised release. Garcia was also ordered to pay $25,104.33 in restitution to the Small Business Administration. In April 2024, Garcia pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and three counts of wire fraud.
Garcia conspired with Ramon Cruz, Darwyn Joseph, Edwin Acevedo, and others, to use stolen identity information of United States citizens to apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Garcia used stolen identity information of a United States citizen to open a fraudulent bank account, which was then linked to other fraudulent bank accounts set up to receive the SBA funds. Garcia and his co-conspirators used debit cards associated with those accounts to launder the funds by purchasing iPhones for re-sale. Garcia and other co-conspirators wired a portion of the funds to the Dominican Republic.
Over $452,000 in SBA funds were fraudulently obtained in connection with the scheme. Approximately $250,000 of this money was used to purchase iPhones in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Cruz and Joseph pleaded guilty and were each sentenced in August 2023 and October 2023, respectively, to two years and one day in prison and three years of supervised release. Acevedo pleaded guilty and was sentenced in August 2023 to 33 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by Homeland Security Investigations in Orlando, Fla.; Small Business Administration, Office of the Inspector General; Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General; Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General; Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General; Department of State; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Massachusetts State Police; New Hampshire State Police; and the Acton, Nashua (N.H.), Manchester (N.H.) and Ocala (Fla.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elianna J. Nuzum and Adam W. Deitch of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
New Hampshire Man Pleads Guilty to Stalking JournalistRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Hampshire man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston for his role in two conspiracies to harass and intimidate two journalists employed by New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR). The harassment and intimidation of the victims included the vandalism – on five separate occasions – of the victims’ homes and the home of one of the victims’ parents with bricks, large rocks and red spray paint.
Eric Labarge, 46, of Nashua, N.H., pleaded guilty to a five-count superseding Information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit stalking through interstate travel and using a facility of interstate commerce; one count of conspiracy to commit stalking using a facility of interstate commerce; one count of stalking using a facility of interstate commerce and aiding and abetting; and two counts of stalking through interstate travel and aiding and abetting. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Oct. 18, 2024. Labarge was arrested and charged in September 2023 along with co-conspirators Tucker Cockerline, Michael Waselchuck and Keenan Saniatan.
In March 2022, an NHPR journalist (Victim 1) published an article detailing allegations of sexual and other misconduct by a former New Hampshire businessperson, identified in the charging document as Subject 1. Another NHPR journalist (Victim 2) also contributed to the article, which appeared on NHPR’s website during and after March 2022. In response to this reporting, Labarge – who is a close personal associate of Subject 1 – conspired with Cockerline, Waselchuck and, allegedly Saniatan, to harass and intimidate Victims 1 and 2 and their immediate family members. Among other things, the indictment alleges that:
- On or about April 22, 2022, Labarge solicited Cockerline to vandalize Victim 1’s former residence in Hanover, N.H., using a brick and red spray paint. On the evening of April 24, 2022, Cockerline spraypainted the word “C*NT” in large red letters on the front door and threw a brick through an exterior window of the home;
- On or about April 22, 2022, in a conspiracy with Labarge, Saniatan allegedly agreed to vandalize Victim 2’s home in Concord, N.H. and Victim 1’s parents’ home in Hampstead, N.H., using large rocks and red spray paint. On the evening of April 24, 2022, Saniatan allegedly spraypainted the word “C*NT” in large red letters on the front door and threw a large rock at the exterior of Victim 2’s home; and he allegedly threw a softball-sized rock through a front exterior window and spraypainted the word “C*NT” in large red letters on one of the garage doors of Victim 1’s parents’ home;
- On or about May 18, 2022, Labarge solicited Cockerline to vandalize Victim 1’s parents’ home in Hampstead, N.H., and Victim 1’s home in Melrose, Mass., using bricks and red spray paint. Cockerline, in turn, recruited Waselchuck to vandalize Victim 1’s residence; and
- Thereafter, on the evening of May 20, 2022, Cockerline spraypainted the word “C*NT” in large red letters on one of the garage doors of Victim 1’s parents’ home, and left a brick on the ground near the front door. Several hours later, Waselchuck threw a brick through an exterior window of Victim 1’s home and painted the phrase “JUST THE BEGINNING” in large red letters on the front of the house.
Cockerline and Waselchuck have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Saniatan is scheduled for trial on Sept. 9, 2024.
Each charge carries a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Concord, Hampstead and Hanover, New Hampshire Police Departments, the Melrose, Massachusetts Police Department and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason A. Casey and Torey B. Cummings of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Hyannis Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Hyannis man pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Ryan Diefenbach, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm before U.S. Senior District Judge William G. Young who scheduled sentencing for Oct. 16, 2024. In November 2022, Diefenbach, along with co-defendant Donnell Pina, was indicted by a federal grand jury.
In September 2021, Diefenbach, and allegedly Pina, possessed a Chinese SKS .762 caliber rifle when they sold it to a confidential informant in Hyannis. Due to previous felony convictions, including prior convictions for carrying a firearm without a license, unlawfully possessing a firearm, possessing a firearm with a defaced serial number and assault with a dangerous weapon, Diefenbach was prohibited from possessing firearms.
At the time Diefenbach committed the offense, the charge of being a felon in possession provided for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant United States Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud ViolationsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Florida man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with a scheme to defraud insurance providers for physical therapy services that were not provided to patients.
Jeffrey MacEachron, 60, pleaded guilty to an Information charging him with one count of health care fraud; aiding and abetting. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Oct. 17, 2024.
MacEachron owned and managed PT4U, Inc., a business that operated physical therapy clinics in Bedford and Lexington, Mass. According to the charging documents, from 2013 through 2021, MacEachron caused insurance companies and TRICARE to reimburse PT4U for physical therapy services that were not actually performed. Specifically, MacEachron edited claim forms to add units of service beyond those actually performed and then submitted them to insurance companies and TRICARE for payment.
The charge of health care fraud; aiding and abetting provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Chris Averill, Special Agent in Charge of the Air Force, Office of Special Investigations; Brian J. Solecki, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Anthony DiPaolo, Chief of Investigations of the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James D. Herbert and Christopher Looney are prosecuting the case.
Boston Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Prison for Trafficking a Minor Victim in Three StatesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today in federal court for transporting a minor to New York and Connecticut to engage in commercial sex.
Leon Blount III, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 136 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. The court also ordered Blount to pay restitution to victims totaling $214,500. In January 2024, Blount pleaded guilty to three counts of transportation of minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. He has been in custody since September 2022.
“Human trafficking is not just a horrific crime; it is a profound violation of human dignity. The unimaginable harm inflicted upon the minor victim here is far too prevalent in our communities,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Our Civil Rights Unit & Human Trafficking Unit, established less than two years ago, remains committed to bringing traffickers to justice, providing unwavering support to survivors and relentlessly pursuing those who exploit the most vulnerable.”
“Blount found a young woman in a vulnerable situation and lured her far from home into a dangerous and exploitative lifestyle for his financial benefit. Today’s sentence means Blount is now facing over a decade in federal prison and he’ll be off the streets and out of the community where he caused so much harm,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “We hope this significant sentence brings a measure of justice to those he victimized. Human traffickers use isolation, threats, and financial exploitation to control their victims, making it incredibly difficult to leave – but there is hope and there is help available. We are grateful to the law enforcement and victim support services who worked together to bring this case to a close.”
Between July and August 2022, Blount transported a 17-year-old victim, Jane Doe 2, from Massachusetts to New York and Connecticut to engage in commercial sex for his financial benefit. Blount met Jane Doe 2 while she was living at a Massachusetts group home for transitional age adolescents. He gave her alcohol and marijuana, and quickly recruited Jane Doe 2 to travel out-of-state to engage in commercial sex. While in New York, Blount directed Jane Doe 2 to solicit sex buyers in an area that is known for commercial sex. Throughout this period, Blount stayed in close contact with Jane Doe 2, using text messages to ensure that she continued to perform sex acts when he was not physically present. To attract more sex buyers, Blount caused Jane Doe 2’s photo to be posted on websites that advertise commercial sex. He then put Jane Doe 2 in hotel rooms in Woburn, Mass. and Hartford, Conn. where he directed her to perform sex acts with buyers to earn even more money for him. During this period, Jane Doe 2 was afraid of Blount, having seen him laugh at another trafficker who used violence against one of that trafficker’s victims.
If you or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking please visit https://polarisproject.org/ for information and resources.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and HSI SAC Krol made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian A. Fogerty of the Civil Rights & Human Trafficking Unit prosecuted the case.
Boston Man Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking a MinorRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced on July 22nd in federal court in Boston for trafficking a minor for sex and persuading and coercing multiple women to travel across state lines to engage in prostitution.
Jimall Dawn Brown, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 135 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. In April 2024, Brown pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking of a minor; one count of transporting an individual in interstate commerce with the intent that they engage in prostitution; and two counts of persuading and coercing an individual to travel in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution.
“Sex trafficking, especially of minors, is a huge public safety issue that is happening far too often in our society. Mr. Brown coerced young girls with false promises to get them to travel to Massachusetts so he could sell their bodies and pocket the money,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “No one, especially no child, should have to fear this type of horrific conduct, and our office and our state and federal partners will not rest while human trafficking remains such a pernicious and destructive problem in our society.”
“Jimall Brown exploited, trafficked and abused three young women, including a child, for his own financial gain. It was imperative FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation – Human Trafficking Task Force swiftly take him “off the street,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Unequivocally, our communities are safer with Brown behind bars, locked away where he can’t victimize anyone else.
In 2022, Brown trafficked a 17-year-old, identified as Victim 1, to engage in commercial sex acts. He first met the victim, who was living outside Massachusetts, on social media and convinced her to fly to Boston, with promises of a “better lifestyle.” Brown posted advertisements of Victim 1 online and arranged “dates” for Victim 1 to have sex in exchange for money. Brown set the pricing for the commercial sex acts she engaged in, for which he collected all of the money. Brown transported Victim 1 to Georgia and later to Nevada, again arranging for her to engage in commercial sex in those locations and keeping all the money.
In March 2019, Brown persuaded and coerced another woman, identified as Victim 2, to travel from Connecticut to Massachusetts to engage in prostitution. He met her in Connecticut and told her that she had potential and that he could provide a better, luxurious life for her if she would come to Boston, where he lived. Victim 2 came to Massachusetts and Brown posted online advertisements containing photos of Victim 2 on commercial sex websites. Victim 2 engaged in commercial sex and was required to give all the money she made to Brown.
In May 2016, Brown persuaded and coerced a different woman, identified as Victim 3, to travel from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts to engage in prostitution. He contacted Victim 3 on social media, told her that she was beautiful, that he had a modeling agency and that he wanted to work with her. Brown said he would pay for her plane ticket to fly to Boston and provide everything for her once she arrived. Victim 3 traveled by plane from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts. After she arrived, Brown took photos of her, purportedly for modeling, but instead he posted them on websites advertising commercial sex. Brown then coerced and forced Victim 3 to engage in commercial sex in Massachusetts and required her to give him all the money.
If you or someone you know may be impacted by commercial sex trafficking please contact [email protected].
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; FBI SAC Cohen; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office; the Massachusetts State Police; and the Arlington and Randolph Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Torey B. Cummings of the Civil Rights & Human Trafficking Unit prosecuted the case.
Worcester Man Sentenced to over One Year in Prison for Unlawful Reentry and Passport FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Worcester man was sentenced on July 19, 2024 for using a stolen identity to apply for a United States passport after he unlawfully reentered the United States following deportation.
Rohan Andrew Brown, 56, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman to 13 months in prison to be followed by 36 months of supervised release. In April 2024, Brown pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien and one count of passport fraud.
Brown, a native of Jamaica, was previously deported in August 2002 after a conviction in Connecticut for unlawful restraint in the first degree. Sometime after his removal, Brown unlawfully reentered the United States. In 2012, Brown unlawfully obtained a passport by using the identity of a United States Citizen. Over the following years, Brown continued to use that stolen identity to obtain drivers licenses in California and Ohio. In March 2022 and May 2023, Brown attempted to renew the passport using the same fraudulent identity.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Matthew O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office; and Todd M. Lyons, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen M. Noto of the Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Former U.S. Congressional Candidate Sentenced for Federal Election Campaign Act Violations and False StatementsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 3rd Congressional District of Massachusetts was sentenced on July 18th in federal court in Boston for charges of violating the Federal Election Campaign Act and false statements.
Abhijit Das, a/k/a “Beej,” 51, of North Andover, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 21 months in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release. Das was also ordered to pay a fine of $25,000. In October 2023, Das was convicted of one count of accepting excessive campaign contributions, one count of conduit contributions, one count of conversion of campaign funds and two counts of making a false statement.
“Campaign finance laws exist to protect the rights of voters to transparency and accountability. Due to his greed and lies, Das violated those rights,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “When political candidates violate the law, it erodes the public’s trust in the process. It is imperative that we continue to uphold the integrity of the electoral process by holding candidates accountable.”
“When Congressional candidates blatantly violate campaign finance laws for personal gain, like Abhijit Das did, they breach the trust of their donors –and break the law,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division. “In this case, Mr. Das attempted to corrupt a free and fair election by ignoring campaign finance limits, reporting requirements, and using the contributions he illegally solicited to pay off the debts of his failing hotel businesses. The FBI is determined to protect the integrity of our electoral system and will not let corruption like this go unchecked.”
Das was a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 3rd Congressional District of Massachusetts in the 2017-2018 election. To inflate his fundraising numbers, Das devised a scheme in or about December 2017 to solicit personal loans from friends and close associates in excess of the $2,700 legal limit. On or about Dec. 17, 2017, Das emailed a contributor asking for a friend to support his campaign to reach a specific fundraising goal of over $450,000 by the end of the year and indicated that reaching that goal might need “some engineering.” Das advised a member of his campaign that he would “aggregate” the loans into “one batch” and execute a main transfer into the campaign account.
Further, Das caused three different individuals to contribute approximately $125,000 to his campaign and structured the contributions as personal loans to a family member to circumvent Federal Election Commission (FEC) reporting requirement and contribution limits. Das falsely claimed that the funds from the excessive contributions were his own personal funds and engaged in illegal conduit contributions to his campaign.
In addition, between January and May 2018, Das withdrew approximately $314,500 in funds from his campaign account and used at least $267,000 of these funds to pay outstanding debts for his hotel business relating to vendors, the hotel’s yacht and real estate taxes unrelated to his congressional campaign. In making these withdrawals, Das sought to conceal his conversion of campaign funds by instructing bank tellers to report the withdrawals as separate withdrawal and deposit transactions, rather than direct transfers.
Das aided and abetted in the submission of false information in quarterly reports to the FEC by overstating the amount of cash-on-hand the Das-for-Congress Campaign had in its campaign bank account. For example, in June 2018, Das reported that his campaign’s total amount of cash-on-hand was approximately $440,000, when in fact the amount of cash-on-hand in the campaign bank account was less than $5,000.
In June 2023, Das was separately indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston on 10 counts of wire fraud, alleging he diverted more than $5 million in escrow funds from his clients’ accounts for personal expenses. Das has pleaded not guilty and has been on release pending trial in that case. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, FBI Boston SAC Cohen and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Boston Field Office made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neil J. Gallagher Jr. and Elysa Wan of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit prosecuted the case.
Former Boston Police Sergeant Sentenced for Overtime Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Boston Police Sergeant was sentenced on July 18, 2024 in federal court in Boston in connection with an investigation of overtime fraud at the Boston Police Department’s (BPD) evidence warehouse.
George Finch, 62, of Franklin, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to three years of probation, to be followed by six months to be served in home detention. Finch was also ordered to pay $11,310 in restitution. In June 2021, Finch pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and one count of embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds.
From at least March 2015 through December 2016, Finch submitted false and fraudulent overtime slips for overtime shifts that he did not work at the evidence warehouse. The “purge” overtime was a 4 – 8 p.m. weekday shift intended to dispose of old, unneeded evidence. “Kiosk” overtime involved driving to each police district in Boston one Saturday a month to collect old prescription drugs to be burned.
For the “purge” shift, Finch claimed to have worked from 4 – 8 p.m., but he and, allegedly, other members of the unit, routinely left at 6 p.m., or earlier. For the “kiosk” shift, Finch submitted overtime slips claiming to have worked eight-and-one-half hours, when in fact he and, allegedly, other members of the unit, only worked three-to-four hours of those shifts. As a supervisor, Finch endorsed fraudulent overtime slips submitted by the officers at the warehouse.
Between March 2015 and December 2016, Finch personally collected approximately $16,151 for overtime hours he did not work.
To date, over a dozen Boston Police officers have been charged in connection with committing overtime fraud at the Boston Police Department’s evidence warehouse. Finch is the fifth officer to be sentenced.
From 2015 through 2019, BPD received annual benefits from the U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Department of Justice in excess of $10,000, which were funded pursuant to numerous federal grants.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohan, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Russell W. Cunningham Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Mid-Atlantic Region made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Grady of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Former Boston Police Officer Sentenced for Overtime Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Boston Police officer was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with an investigation of overtime fraud at the Boston Police Department’s (BPD) evidence warehouse.
Michael Murphy, 64, of Hyde Park, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to two years of supervised release. Murphy was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and $16,014 in restitution. In June 2021, Murphy pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and one count of embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds.
Between September 2016 and February 2019, Murphy submitted false and fraudulent overtime slips for overtime hours that he did not work for two overtime shifts at the evidence warehouse. The “purge” overtime was a 4 – 8 p.m. weekday shift intended to dispose of old, unneeded evidence. The “kiosk” overtime involved driving to each police district in Boston one Saturday a month to collect old prescription drugs to be burned.
For the “purge” shift, Murphy claimed to have worked from 4 – 8 p.m., but he routinely left at 6 p.m., or before. For the kiosk shift, Murphy submitted overtime slips claiming to have worked eight-and-one-half hours, but he only worked three-to-four hours of those shifts.
Between September 2016 and February 2019, Murphy personally collected approximately $16,014 for overtime hours he did not work.
To date, over a dozen Boston Police officers have been charged in connection with committing overtime fraud at the Boston Police Department’s evidence warehouse. Murphy is the sixth officer to be sentenced.
From 2016 through 2019, BPD received annual benefits from the U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Department of Justice in excess of $10,000, which were funded pursuant to numerous federal grants.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohan, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Ryan T. Geach, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Grady of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A convicted felon has been sentenced in connection with firearm and drug offenses that occurred in 2019 and his subsequent possession of firearms and narcotics while on pre-trial release for the previously charged offenses.
Christian Soares, a/k/a “Eazy,” 31, of Brockton, was sentenced on July 18, 2024 by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to 12 years in prison and four years of supervised release. In July 2023, Soares pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, fentanyl and buprenorphine (suboxone); and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, MDA (methylenedioxyamphetamine) and 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
In July 2019, Soares fled on foot from law enforcement during a traffic stop. Soares threw a backpack during the chase before he was ultimately apprehended, arrested and searched. A firearm with rounds of assorted ammunition, as well as a digital scale, firecrackers, a hooked knife and buprenorphine strips were recovered from Soares’ backpack. Quantities of cocaine and fentanyl intended for distribution were also recovered from Soares’ person.
In August 2019, Soares was indicted by a federal grand jury for drug and firearm offenses. In December 2020, following a period of detention, the Court ordered Soares released on pre-trial conditions that included 24-hour confinement to a residence. Those conditions also prohibited Soares from possessing firearms, dangerous weapons, narcotic drugs, or other controlled substances.
In March 2021, while still on pre-trial release, a search of Soares’ residence resulted in the recovery of over 100 grams of fentanyl, over 30 grams of MDA, over 40 grams of methamphetamine and over 70 grams of cocaine, multiple firearms and numerous rounds of assorted ammunition.
Soares is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to a prior state conviction for possession of a firearm, for which he served more than one year in prison.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Brian Kyes, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; John E. Mawn, Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement. Assistance with the investigation was provided by the Suffolk, Norfolk and Bristol County District Attorneys’ Offices; the Suffolk, Plymouth and Norfolk County Sheriffs’ Office; and the Braintree, Cambridge, Canton, Randolph and Weymouth Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin R. O’Donnell of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
This effort is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Brazilian Man Indicted for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after deportation.
Jose Antonio Moreira Martins Desouza, 39, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien and will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
Desouza was remanded into federal custody after previously being arrested by police on May 22, 2023 and then detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on June 26, 2024. He will appear in federal court in Boston on a later date.
According to the charging documents, Desouza was deported from the United States on Nov. 14, 2012. It is alleged that sometime after his November 2012 removal, Desouza illegally reentered the United States. Desouza was arrested on May 22, 2023 and detained.
The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Todd Lyons, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Boston Man Arrested on Firearm Smuggling ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was arrested and charged last week in federal court in Boston in connection with illegal firearm smuggling between the United States and the Dominican Republic.
Alexis Lara Herrera, 26, was charged with one count of smuggling goods from the United States; aiding and abetting. Herrera made an initial appearance in federal court in Boston last Friday and pleaded not guilty. He is currently being held in federal custody pending trial.
According to the charging documents, on or about March 18, 2023, local law enforcement in the Port of Haina in the Dominican Republic conducted security examinations of international freight in the port. In their search of a shipping container from Brooklyn, New York, they discovered a shipping manifest indicating the container contained household goods. During a search of the container, four Glock firearms and 500 rounds of ammunition were found inside an air conditioner. Further investigation revealed that the shipping container originated in Boston.
It is alleged that Herrera purchased four Glock firearms seized in the Dominican Republic from federally licensed firearms dealers. Herrera was also allegedly in communication with multiple co-conspirators throughout the shipment. A search of his phone allegedly showed his engagement in firearms smuggling, including texts and a photo of multiple guns. Additional evidence recovered from the forensics of Herrera’s cell phone indicated that he allegedly discussed numerous shipments of firearms to the Dominican Republic, including one in June of 2023 after authorities seized this shipment.
The charge of smuggling goods from the United States; aiding and abetting provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, in New England; and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Abington Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Oxycodone ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Abington man was sentenced on June 18th in federal court in Boston for conspiring to distribute oxycodone pills.
Kenneth Veiga, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 60 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. In April 2024, Viega pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone pills.
Between November 2022 and May 2023, intercepted communications revealed that Veiga and others were involved in an oxycodone drug trafficking organization. During a search of Veiga’s previous residence in July 2023, oxycodone pills along with a polymer-80 9 mm pistol and nine rounds of commercially manufactured ammunition were seized. Additionally, fentanyl pills, oxycodone pills and approximately $58,000 were seized during a separate search of Veiga’s current apartment.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; John E. Mawn, Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; United States Coast Guard Investigative Service; Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office; and the Barnstable, Dennis, Bourne, Falmouth, Mashpee, Yarmouth and Sandwich Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Westfield Woman Sentenced for Making Hoax Bomb Threat Against Boston Children's HospitalRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Westfield woman was sentenced on July 18, 2024 in federal court in Boston for calling in a hoax bomb threat against Boston Children’s Hospital.
Catherine Leavy, 38, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to three years’ probation. In September 2023, Leavy pleaded guilty to one count of making a false bomb threat and one count of intentionally conveying false or misleading information that a bomb was on the way to Boston Children’s Hospital.
In August 2022, law enforcement began monitoring threats made against Boston Children’s Hospital and its employees. Among the wide range of healthcare services it provides, Boston Children’s Hospital is home to the Gender Multispecialty Service (GeMS) program – a healthcare program focused on gender-diverse and transgender adolescents.
On Aug. 30, 2022, Boston Children’s Hospital received a telephonic bomb threat in which the caller said, “There is a bomb on the way to the hospital, you better evacuate everybody you sickos.” As a result of the call, the hospital and surrounding area was placed on lockdown status and a bomb squad was dispatched. An investigation determined that there were no explosive devices located at the hospital. Subscriber and call detail records and location information for the phone number that called in the threat determined that the phone number was subscribed in Leavy’s name. In addition, cell tower data indicated the phone was nearby Leavy’s residence at the time the bomb threat was made.
During a search of Leavy’s residence on Sept. 15, 2022, the phone used to make the threat was recovered. According to court records, in an on-scene interview with law enforcement, Leavy expressed disapproval of Boston Children’s Hospital on multiple occasions. Leavy also admitted that she called in the threat to Boston Children’s Hospital on Aug. 30, 2022, but stated that she had no plan or intention to actually bomb the hospital.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Westfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared C. Dolan, Deputy Chief of the National Security Unit, prosecuted the case.
Owner of Home Health Care Company Convicted of Multimillion Dollar Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Westford woman was convicted Friday, July 19, 2024 following a nine-day jury trial in federal court in Boston in connection with a home health care fraud scheme.
Faith Newton, 56, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, one count of health care fraud, and three counts of money laundering. The jury found the defendant not guilty on one count of money laundering conspiracy. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. Newton was arrested and charged along with co-defendant Winnie Waruru in February 2021.
“Ms. Newton deliberately orchestrated a scheme to defraud MassHealth and took advantage of her patients and their families in the process. She chose to violate the trust of government agencies and the broader community to treat herself to million-dollar cash bonuses, a lavish house and a Maserati. This conduct is unacceptable, and she will now pay the price for her choices,” said Acting United States Joshua S. Levy. “Newton billed for countless patient visits that never happened or were unnecessary. Our office is committed to protecting patients and our health care system from fraud and deception, and we will continue to hold those illegal actors accountable for their actions.”
“Newton orchestrated a massive $100 million health care fraud scheme that targeted the Medicaid program, funding her lavish lifestyle at the expense of the American taxpayers,” said Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Today’s guilty verdict underscores the commitment of HHS-OIG and our partners to protecting the integrity of our federal health care system, and it should also serve as a stern warning to criminals who contemplate engaging in similar illegal schemes.”
“Faith Newton’s flagrant greed and theft orchestrated through her healthcare fraud scheme is disgraceful. The jury’s verdict further demonstrates IRS-CI’s commitment to not only protecting the America taxpayers but also the most vulnerable of citizens,” said Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations, Boston Field Office. “By stealing from MassHealth, Newton not only stole from federally-funded programs and taxpayers, but she then used those proceeds to fund a lavish lifestyle for herself. As a direct result of Newton’s scheme, these programs had fewer available funds to assist the individuals who truly needed the help.”
“As Faith Newton’s greed and wealth increased, her elaborate $100 million home health care fraud scheme collapsed. For years, her company billed taxpayers for home health services they did not provide, were not authorized, or were not medically necessary. She paid kickbacks, laundered illegal proceeds, and even bought a Maserati,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Our health care system is under constant attack by fraudsters who have pilfered billions of dollars from Medicare and other health care benefit programs. Today’s verdict should be a warning to others that committing healthcare fraud will not be tolerated.”
From January 2013 to January 2017, Newton was a part owner and operator of Arbor Homecare Services LLC. Newton and others engaged in a conspiracy to use Arbor to defraud MassHealth of at least $100 million.
Specifically, evidence at trial demonstrated that Arbor, through Newton and others, failed to train staff, billed for home health services that were never provided or were not medically necessary and billed for home health services that were not authorized. Arbor, through Newton and others, paid kickbacks for patient referrals, regardless of medical necessity. They also entered sham employment relationships with patients’ family members to provide home health aide services that were not medically necessary and routinely billed for fictitious visits that Newton knew did not occur.
Newton used the laundered proceeds of the $100 million scheme to purchase a house and a Maserati.
Newton’s co-defendant, Waruru, pleaded guilty to her role in the conspiracy in September 2022. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 18, 2024 before U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr.
Newton’s previous trial, beginning on June 26, 2023, ended in a mistrial during jury deliberations on July 10, 2023.
The charges of health care fraud, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and money laundering each provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the amount of the money involved in the laundering. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; HHS SAC Coviello; IRS SAC Chavis; and FBI SAC Cohen, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bill Brady and Christopher Looney of the Health Care Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.
Large-Scale Counterfeit Pill Manufacturer Charged with Drug Offenses and Pandemic Loan FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Cambridge man was arrested on July 18th in connection with an ongoing investigation of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. Over the course of the past four years, the defendant is alleged to have been responsible for the manufacturing of over 200 kilograms of counterfeit pills.
Schuyler Oppenheimer, a/k/a “SK,” a/k/a “Michael Sylvain,” 33, of Cambridge was charged with possession of 500 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and two counts of wire fraud. The defendant appeared in U.S. District Court and was detained pending further court hearings.
“The sprawling manufacturing of illegal drugs alleged in this case is as dangerous as it is appalling. It is alleged that Mr. Oppenheimer illegally manufactured hundreds of kilograms of lethal drugs in order to continue to saturate our streets with deadly drugs,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Our office is dedicated to stopping the flow of fentanyl into our communities, which, as evidenced by these charges, includes shipments from China. This case is yet another example of the critical collaboration between federal law enforcement partners and the Massachusetts State Police to prevent illegal narcotics from reaching our streets.”
“The FBI’s North Shore Gang Task Force has arrested Schuyler Oppenheimer – an alleged large-scale counterfeit pill manufacturer – who’s accused of producing a massive number of pills that looked like regular prescription Adderall or Percocet, but in reality, contained methamphetamine or fentanyl. Each alleged sale was a potentially deadly transaction for customers – or anyone else who stumbled upon these deceptive drugs,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Drug dealers making money off the misery of others is bad enough, let alone this dangerous bait and switch. Taking Oppenheimer off the street should send a message that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will not cede our cities to drug manufacturers, traffickers, and other violent criminals. We’re working hard every day to make our communities safer.”
“Fentanyl and methamphetamine being distributed in the form of fake pills is causing tremendous damage to our community,” said Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “Those who distribute these drugs are endangering the safety of the citizens of the Massachusetts. The DEA will continue to work each day alongside our law enforcement partners to identify those who are responsible for distributing deadly drugs.”
“The defendant is accused of crimes that reflect his alleged disregard for the public's safety and wellbeing. He allegedly spearheaded a clandestine lab operation that included evidence of fentanyl precursors, and bore the potential to destroy countless lives,” said Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “HSI New England is proud to stand alongside our law enforcement partners at the state, local, federal levels in confronting the deadly drug epidemic directly and forcefully.”
“Oppenheimer’s sophisticated operation has shown the utter disregard for the people in our communities.” said John Mawn, Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police. “I applaud the tireless work by the members of the MSP and our Law Enforcement partners assigned to the Task Force. Oppenheimer’s arrest will hopefully make a significant impact to the affected communities and stop the destruction of lives.”
Oppenheimer is alleged to be technically skilled in the chemical processes used in the synthesis of fentanyl, the compounding of controlled substances for distribution, and the manufacturing of counterfeit pills. As alleged in court documents, recipes, pill press molds used in the manufacturing process, documents and invoices demonstrating that Oppenheimer purchased numerous pill presses and parts for pill presses from online vendors were seized. It also alleged multiple packages shipped from China to Oppenheimer and various female associates of Oppenheimer that contained pill press parts, were also seized.
According to court documents, through the review of orders and invoices from companies selling powders and other substances used in the pill manufacturing process, it is alleged that since 2019, Oppenheimer obtained over 200 kilograms of these filler powders. According to the recipes recovered during the investigation, when manufactured into counterfeit pills, 200 kilograms of filler powder equates to millions of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Additionally, Oppenheimer is alleged to have communicated directly with an illegal chemical supplier based in China. During this conversation, Oppenheimer allegedly inquired about the availability of controlled substances and fentanyl precursor chemicals and sought to purchase kilogram quantities of these substances. Fentanyl precursor chemicals are substances that can be used to synthesize raw fentanyl in a laboratory setting. It is alleged that Oppenheimer sought to synthesize his own fentanyl through the importation of these fentanyl precursor chemicals.
Oppenheimer is also alleged to have obtained over $40,000 through two fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loan applications that were submitted in April 2021 over the internet. Oppenheimer is also alleged to have submitted false statements concerning his income through self-employment for the 2019 tax years and provided false tax return documents substantiating that income.
During the execution of a search warrant on Parker Street in Cambridge, over five kilograms of suspected counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine and a loaded firearm were seized. Based on prior felony convictions, Oppenheimer is prohibited from possessing firearms.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least ten years and up to life in prison, five years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $10,000,000. The charge of wire fraud provided for a maximum penalty of up to 20 years, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.Acting US Attorney Levy; FBI SAC Cohen; DEA Acting SAC Belleau; HSI SAC Krol; Jennifer B. De La O, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Interim Colonel Mawn, Jr of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Cambridge Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime and Gang 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 Arrested for Possession of MachinegunRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was arrested today for unlawful possession of a machinegun.
James Thelwell-Mullen, 31, has been charged with one count of unlawful possession of a machinegun. Thelwell-Mullen made his initial appearance in federal court today and was ordered detained pending a hearing on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.
According to the indictment, on or around April 28, 2023, Thelwell-Mullen unlawfully possessed a machinegun conversion device, commonly referred to as a “Glock switch” – a device designed to enable a Glock semi-automatic pistol to fire automatically.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of the Major Crimes Unit.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Boston Children's Hospital Anesthesiologist Arrested for Possession and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A pediatric cardiac anesthesiologist fellow at Boston Children’s Hospital has been arrested and charged in federal court in Boston with possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material.
Christopher Sheerer, 35, of Boston, has been charged with one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Sheerer made an initial appearance in federal court in Boston today and was detained pending a hearing on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.
According to the charging documents, Sheerer is currently a fellow in pediatric cardiac anesthesiology at Boston Children’s Hospital and was previously a fellow in pediatric anesthesiology at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. A federal investigation began in Baltimore into a member of a group on an encrypted messaging app that required users to upload nude imagery of children known to them. According to court documents, Sheerer was later identified as that user. Sheerer allegedly uploaded imagery of a child known to him to gain admission to that group.
Following a search last night at Sheerer’s residence in Boston, multiple chats were discovered on Sheerer’s phone, several of which allegedly contained pictures and videos appearing to be child pornography involving children as young as infants. A number of devices, including his phone, a tablet, and computers, were seized and are pending forensic analysis.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.
The charge of distribution of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison, a mandatory minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Districts of Maryland and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania; Homeland Security Investigations in Baltimore and Harrisburg; and the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anne Paruti and Jessica Soto of the Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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.
Final Defendant in eBay Cyberstalking Case SentencedRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former Senior Manager of Special Operations for eBay’s Global Security Team was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in a cyberstalking campaign targeting a Massachusetts couple. The defendant and his co-conspirators harassed and intimidated the victims in retaliation for their publication of an industry newsletter that eBay executives viewed as critical of the company.
Brian Gilbert, 56, of San Jose, Calif., was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to time served, one year of supervised release with the special condition that he have no contact with either of the victims in the case and a $20,000 fine. In October 2020, Gilbert pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit cyberstalking and conspiracy to tamper with witnesses.
Gilbert is one of seven now-former eBay employees and contractors on the company’s security team who were charged and ultimately convicted for their roles in the cyberstalking campaign:
- Jim Baugh, eBay’s former Senior Director of Safety and Security, was sentenced to 57 months in prison in September 2022;
- David Harville, former Director of Global Resiliency, was sentenced to 24 months in prison in September 2022;
- Stephanie Popp, former Senior Manager of Global Intelligence, was sentenced to 12 months in prison in October 2022;
- Philip Cooke, a former Senior Manager of Security Operations, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and 12 months of home confinement in July 2021;
- Stephanie Stockwell, a former Manager of Global Intelligence, was sentenced to one year in home confinement in October 2022; and
- Veronica Zea, a contract intelligence analyst, was sentenced to one year in home confinement in November 2022.
“Today’s sentencing brings an end to our prosecution of eBay’s horrific conduct. The company’s culture resulted in seven eBay employees and contractors inflicting an unspeakable campaign of harassment and intimidation against the victims in this case, all to silence their reporting and protect the eBay brand,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “We left no stone unturned to hold accountable every individual who engaged in criminal conduct, including the ringleader, who was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison. We also charged eBay criminally and required it to pay $3 million—the maximum fine allowed by law. The charges against eBay will only be dismissed if eBay commits no crimes over the next three years and satisfies both my office and an independent monitor that compliance with the law is paramount, starting with the C-Suite all the way down to the newest hire. This series of prosecutions should ensure that every eBay employee understands that the idea of terrorizing innocent people and obstructing investigations will never again be tolerated.”
“No sentence can ever make up for the devastating and irreversible impact Brian Gilbert’s actions had on the victims in this case. As a former law enforcement officer, Mr. Gilbert should have stepped in and stopped this unprecedented, relentless, and over-the-top harassment campaign that he and others at eBay orchestrated to try and protect their company’s reputation,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division. “Anyone who thinks they can terrorize innocent people, obstruct investigations, and get away with it can expect to be brought to justice to face similar consequences.”
In August 2019, the defendants executed a three-part harassment campaign against the Natick, Mass. couple. Among other things, several of the defendants ordered anonymous and disturbing deliveries to the victims’ home, including a preserved fetal pig, a bloody pig Halloween mask and a book on surviving the loss of a spouse.
As part of the second phase of the campaign, some of the defendants sent private Twitter messages and public tweets criticizing the newsletter’s content and threatening to visit the victims in Natick. Gilbert, Cooke, Baugh and Popp planned for these messages to become increasingly disturbing, culminating with “doxing” the victims (i.e., publishing their home address). The same group intended then to have Gilbert, a former Santa Clara police captain, approach the victims with an offer to help stop the harassment that the defendants were secretly causing, in an effort to promote good will towards eBay.
The third phase of the campaign involved surveilling the victims in their home and community. The victims spotted the surveillance, however, and notified the Natick Police, who began to investigate.
Aware that the police were investigating, the defendants sought to interfere with the investigation. For example, several of the defendants discussed the possibility of presenting Natick Police with a false investigative lead to keep the police from discovering video evidence that could link some of the deliveries to eBay employees. As the police and eBay’s lawyers continued to investigate, the defendants deleted digital evidence that showed their involvement, further obstructing what had by then become a federal investigation.
In January 2024, eBay was charged criminally with two counts of stalking through interstate travel, two counts of stalking through electronic communications services, one count of witness tampering and one count of obstruction of justice. eBay entered into a deferred prosecution agreement and admitted to a detailed recitation of all the relevant facts about its conduct and agreed to pay a criminal penalty of $3 million, which is the statutory maximum fine for these six felony offenses. As part of this resolution, eBay was required to retain an independent corporate compliance monitor for a period of three years and to make extensive enhancements to its compliance program.Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI SAC Jodi Cohen made the announcement today. Valuable investigative assistance was provided by the Natick Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth B. Kosto, Deputy Chief of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Oxford Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Oxford man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed controlled substances in and around the Quincy and Weymouth areas.
Chaasad Cyprien, 24, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to two years in prison and three years of supervised release. In April 2024, Cyprien pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Cyprien was charged in September 2022 along with Aderito Amado, Neylton Fontes and Erica Vieira.
Until at least 2021, Cyprien conspired with Amado, Vieira and Fontes to distribute certain quantities of controlled substances in and around Quincy and Weymouth. At the time of his arrest, Cyprien was with Amado and Fontes sitting inside a Jeep that contained controlled substances, including cocaine and cocaine base. Two cellular devices recovered from the Jeep were identified as belonging to Cyprien – each of which were found to contain evidence, including communications and/or images, that further connected Cyprien to the drug trafficking conspiracy.
Fontes and Vieira pleaded guilty in May 2024. Amado was convicted by a federal jury in June 2024 for his involvement in the drug conspiracy – including drug distribution and firearm-related charges. The defendants are currently awaiting sentencing.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Quincy, Weymouth, Braintree, Randolph and Brockton Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaitlin R. O’Donnell and Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
New Hampshire Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Member of a nationwide drug trafficking ring was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston. Throughout the investigation over 160 pounds of pure methamphetamine, as well as an AK-47, a Glock with no serial number, two loaded Smith & Wesson handguns and over 4,200 rounds of ammunition were seized. An illegal marijuana grow operation with hundreds of marijuana plants was also dismantled.
Andre Watson, 47, of Nashua, N.H., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 12 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In April 2024, Watson pleaded guilty to one count of a second superseding indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Watson was charged in a superseding indictment in September 2021 with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The superseding indictment also charged 10 other defendants with controlled substance offenses, firearm offenses and money laundering offenses.
In approximately October 2020, investigators received information about drug trafficking activities of a large-scale methamphetamine supplier in the Boston area. In late 2020, Reshat Alkayisi was identified as a large-scale methamphetamine trafficker, who distributed multi-pound quantities to multiple co-conspirators throughout the New England area. Watson was identified as one of Alkayisi’s methamphetamine distributors. In May 2021, Alkayisi distributed approximately four pounds (or 1.8 kilograms) of methamphetamine to Watson. In July 2021, Watson was arrested and multiple weapons were seized from his vehicle, along with a loaded firearm from his residence.
Watson is the first defendant to be sentenced. All the defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Department of Correction; Norfolk County Sherriff’s Office; and the Concord, Hudson, Peabody, Reading, Watertown and Waltham Police Departments. Assistance was also provided by the Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alathea Porter and Katherine Ferguson of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Burlington Man Sentenced to 121 Months in Prison for Robbing Multiple Spas at Gunpoint; Duct-Taped VictimsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Burlington, Mass. man was sentenced today in Boston federal court for his role in the armed robberies of multiple businesses in which he and two others beat, dragged and duct-taped victims.
Alfeu Barbosa, 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 121 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In March 2024, a federal jury convicted Barbosa of two counts of robbery affecting commerce. Barbosa was arrested and charged in June 2022. His co-defendants, Li Wen Tang and Jonas Nunez, were later arrested and charged in August and September 2022.
On June 12, 2022 at approximately 8:51 p.m., Tang entered the Balance Reflexology Spa in Brookline pretending to be a customer seeking a massage. Because the victim was the only employee in the spa that night, she locked the door before taking Tang into the back room to begin the massage. Tang asked the victim if there was anyone else in the spa and that if there was, he would like to see them. Almost immediately after the massage had begun, Tang claimed that he no longer wanted a massage because his stomach was upset and demanded a refund. The victim employee stated she had to call her boss to approve the refund. While the victim employee was on the phone in the lobby, Tang unlocked the front door and two masked men – later identified as Barbosa and Nunez – entered the business carrying firearms. One of the men hit the victim employee in the face, knocking her to the floor and put a gun to her head. Barbosa and Nunez then pulled the victim by her hair into the back hallway where they instructed her to be quiet. They proceeded to bind the victim’s wrists and ankles with duct tape and gag her. Barbosa and Nunez repeatedly yelled at the victim asking, “Where is the money?” The men ransacked the spa for roughly three minutes before locating and stealing approximately $500 along with the victim employee’s cell phone and then exiting. Surveillance footage revealed that all three men had arrived in the same vehicle parked nearby, which they drove away in together following the robbery.
Later that evening, at approximately 10:19 p.m. on June 12, 2022, Barbosa, Nunez and an associate of Barbosa committed a similar robbery of May’s Spa Massage in Stoneham. Specifically, they entered the business wearing masks and firearms and duct-taped several victims who were in the spa at the time. In addition to stealing approximately $600 in cash from the business and victims, Barbosa, Nunez and Barbosa’s associate took three cell phones belonging to three of the female victims present during the robbery, as well as a victim’s license, gift cards and credit and debit cards before leaving in the same vehicle.
At the time of the robberies, Barbosa was wearing a court-ordered ankle bracelet with GPS monitoring due to a suspended sentence for multiple prior convictions in Middlesex Superior Court of armed robbery and assault and battery for robbing the De Onzen Spa in Waltham in July 2021. During that robbery, Barbosa threatened employees and patrons at knifepoint, stole their phones and punched one victim in the face causing an orbital fracture. Barbosa was subsequently charged in the state for assault and battery and sentenced in April 2022 to two and a half years in prison. That sentence was suspended for three years.
Also at the time of the offenses, Barbosa was on pretrial release in Suffolk Superior Court for charges of breaking and entering in the daytime with the intent to commit a felony and larceny from a building.
Nunez pleaded guilty in January 2024 and, on April 18, 2024, was sentenced to 23 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Tang pleaded guilty on April 3, 2024 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 9, 2024.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in New York; the Massachusetts State Police; and the Brookline, Stoneham, Boston, Wakefield and New York City Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Luke A. Goldworm and Robert E. Richardson of the Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
Worcester Man Sentenced for Fentanyl and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
Yoelfi Feliz, 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 74 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release. In November 2023, Feliz was charged by criminal complaint with one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and being a felon in possession of a firearms and ammunition.
Between June 2023 and October 2023, Feliz sold over 700 grams of fentanyl to a cooperating witness in Lawrence. Feliz also sold the cooperating witness two pistols, an AR-15 rifle, an AK-47 rifle and two privately made firearms, also known as “ghost guns,” along with ammunition.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and the Lawrence, Methuen and Worcester Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Quincy Man Pleads Guilty to Role in International Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Quincy man pleaded guilty today to his involvement in a sophisticated international money laundering and drug trafficking organization.
Licheng Huang, 41, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley scheduled sentencing for Oct. 31, 2024.
In May 2023, Huang was among 12 individuals from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York and California charged in a superseding indictment for their alleged involvement in a sophisticated international money laundering and drug trafficking organization led by Jin Hua Zhang. The investigation revealed that, for a fee, Zhang laundered bulk cash for drug dealers and laundered profits from other illegal businesses. In less than one year, Zhang and his organization laundered at least $25 million worth of drug proceeds and funds from other illegal businesses through undercover agents.
Law enforcement became aware of Zhang and his organization through Huang. In recorded conversations, Huang told undercover agents that his “boss,” Zhang, had large amounts of drug proceeds to launder. Huang and Zhang moved to convert the funds into cryptocurrency, which could be more easily transmitted to China or elsewhere without being detected by law enforcement. On two occasions in August 2021, Huang worked with other co-conspirators to deliver over $60,000 in cash to the undercover agents. Those funds were converted to Tether, a type of cryptocurrency, and transferred to Zhang, who would take his fee. Law enforcement eventually traced funds from the Zhang organization to Hong Kong and elsewhere in China, India, Cambodia and Brazil, among other locations, and seized cash and cryptocurrency in accounts tied to Zhang at the conclusion of the investigation.
Zhang pleaded guilty in September 2023 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 4, 2024.
The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $500,000, or twice the amount involved, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl, Brian A. Fogerty and Meghan C. Cleary of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lenox Man Pleads Guilty to Sending Obscene Material to Undercover Law Enforcement Posing as MinorRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lenox man pleaded guilty today to attempting to transfer obscene material to a minor over social media.
Paul J. Bruzzi, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of attempt to transfer obscene material to a minor. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Oct. 24, 2024.
In September 2022, Bruzzi used social media to engage in conversations with an individual whom he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. In reality, the individual was undercover law enforcement posing as the minor. During these conversations, Bruzzi attempted to coerce the minor into sending him photos and sent her nine photographs and videos of himself displaying his genitalia.
The charge of attempt to transfer obscene matter to a minor provides for a sentence of at least 10 years in prison, at least five years supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Salisbury and Winchester Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of the Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Former Weymouth Police Officer Sentenced for Assaulting a Man During an ArrestRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Weymouth Police officer was sentenced today for assaulting a man in custody by punching the victim multiple times without legal justification.
Justin Chappell, 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to two years’ supervised release, with the first six months to be served in home confinement. Chappell was also ordered to complete 40 hours of community service per year of supervised release, for a total of 80 hours. In April 2024, Chappell pleaded guilty to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law.
On July 2, 2022, Chappell was a police officer for the Weymouth Police Department. While on duty, he responded to a call regarding an allegedly intoxicated man causing a disturbance at a home in Weymouth. Chappell placed the man under arrest, and while attempting to put the man in the police cruiser, Chappell punched the man approximately 13 times with a closed fist without legal justification. The punches caused obvious pain and visible injuries to the man’s head.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Weymouth Police Department and the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Torey B. Cummings and Neil J. Gallagher Jr. of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Stoughton Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Robberies of Postal WorkersRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Stoughton man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to the armed robberies of United States Postal Service (USPS) letter carriers that took place on Nov. 29, 2022 in Mattapan and Dec. 16, 2022 in Hyde Park. In one instance, the defendant robbed the letter carrier at knifepoint.
Kenneth Demosthene, 24, pleaded guilty to two counts each of robbery of any person having lawful charge, control, or custody of any mail matter or of any money or other property of the United States, aiding and abetting and two counts each of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees, aiding and abetting. U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for Oct. 22, 2024. In May 2023, Demosthene was indicted with Myesha Lewis.
USPS has seen a rise in the use of arrow keys to facilitate the theft of U.S. Mail. An arrow key is a specific key designed to open designated blue USPS collection boxes in a specific area. These arrow keys are the property of USPS and it is a federal offense for an unauthorized person to possess one. Since July 2022, there have been at least 23 assaults on USPS letter carriers while in the performance of their official duties in Boston and its surrounding communities. These incidents included the attempted or successful robbery of USPS arrow keys from letter carriers. Additionally, of these 23, 15 of the robberies were instances where the perpetrators were reportedly armed with a knife, firearm, or both.
On Nov. 29, 2022, in Mattapan, Demosthene and, allegedly, Lewis followed forcibly robbed a USPS letter carrier of an arrow key. Demosthene approached the letter carrier and said, “I’m going to need your master key,” before reaching into the letter carrier’s mail satchel and grabbing the arrow key. The arrow key was secured around the letter carrier’s belt with a brass chain. It is alleged that the force used to physically break the brass chain caused the letter carrier to be pulled off the front steps. Demosthene and, allegedly, Lewis fled the scene in a rental vehicle.
On Dec. 16, 2022, in Hyde Park, Demosthene and, allegedly, Lewis robbed another USPS letter carrier of an arrow key at knife point. Demosthene approached the USPS letter carrier and said, “Give me your f****** arrow key.” The letter carrier put their hands in the air as the defendants attempted to remove the arrow key, at first by force pulling at the chain. Demosthene and, allegedly, Lewis then attempted to cut it with the knife – eventually breaking the arrow key loose, and fleeing the scene on foot.
The charges of robbery of any person having lawful charge, control, or custody of any mail matter or of any money or other property of the United States each provide for a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Bank Loan Officer Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Federal Credit UnionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston woman pleaded guilty on July 12, 2024 to conspiring to defraud the federal credit union where she worked as a loan officer by obtaining loans in the names of inmates at a Massachusetts prison where a co-conspirator was incarcerated.
Nadaje Hendrix, 26, of Brighton, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. U.S. District Judge Julia E. Kobick scheduled sentencing for Oct. 4, 2024. In January 2024, Hendrix was indicted by a federal grand jury along with alleged co-conspirator Glenroy Miller
Between December 2019 and August 2021, Hendrix and, allegedly, Miller agreed to defraud the credit union where Hendrix worked as a loan officer and assistant branch manager, by obtaining loans in the names of other individuals, including inmates at a Massachusetts prison where Miller was incarcerated. While in prison, Miller allegedly gave Hendrix information about fellow inmates for Hendrix to use in creating fraudulent loan applications, and then arranged to have additional co-conspirators go into the credit union to pretend to be the inmates, sign loan forms and obtain loans from the credit union through Hendrix. The scheme also involved obtaining loans in the names of individuals whose identities were stolen. In total, Hendrix and, allegedly, Miller stole about $134,000 from the credit union in about two months in 2021.
The charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, up to 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 Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Six Individuals Charged in $1 Million Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Update: Charges against Chinenye Nwodim were dismissed in August 2024.
BOSTON – Five Massachusetts residents and one New York resident have been charged in connection with a scheme to defraud various health insurance companies by submitting fabricated claims seeking reimbursement for over $1 million worth of bogus medical expenses, purportedly incurred during international travel.
Brendon Ashe, 40, of Dorchester; Aqiyla Atherton, 36, of Roxbury; Darline Cobbler, 40, of Randolph; Henry Ezeonyido, 36, of Brockton; Ariel Lambert, 34, of Brooklyn, NY; and Chinenye Nwodim, 36, of Brockton, were charged in a complaint unsealed yesterday with one count each of health care fraud. All six defendants were released on conditions following initial appearances in federal court in Boston.
According to the charging document, the defendants allegedly submitted health insurance claims, or had claims submitted on their behalf, for expensive medical treatment that they purportedly received and paid for out-of-pocket while traveling overseas. The claims submitted to four different insurance companies related to alleged traumatic injuries such as stabbings, hit and run car accidents, as well as gunshot wounds that the defendants purportedly suffered and that required their hospitalization abroad. The complaint alleges that the defendants were in the United States at the time they claimed to be hospitalized in foreign countries. It is further alleged that some of the defendants received unrelated medical services in the United States at the same time they were purportedly hospitalized overseas.
In support of these claims submitted to the insurance companies, the defendants allegedly provided fabricated records – including fake bank records purporting to show payment to the treating facilities, bogus medical records purporting to show the medical care provided, and falsified police reports describing the circumstances of shootings or stabbings. In some instances, the details of the claims submitted by or on behalf of the defendants and supporting documentation – including the dates of service, country where the alleged traumatic injuries occurred, and nature and circumstances of the alleged injuries –are nearly identical to one another. As a result of these fraudulent claims, various health insurance companies were billed over $1 million for services that were never rendered.
“These defendants allegedly fabricated over $1 million in insurance claims for injuries that never happened in a brazen abuse of our healthcare system. This kind of deceit is not only illegal, it victimizes every law-abiding person by diverting resources from those truly in need and driving up costs for everyone,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Health care fraud is a serious crime that erodes public trust and undermines the integrity of our healthcare system. Prosecuting health care fraud, in whatever permutation it takes, has always been and remains a top priority.”
“Yesterday, the FBI charged six people whose guiding compass appears to have been greed. We believe they feigned injuries they never suffered and submitted bogus claims for medical treatment rendered in overseas hospitals they never set foot in, while most claimed to be victims of violent crimes that never actually took place,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Unscrupulous schemes like the one we allege here drives up health care costs for all of us which is why the FBI, and our partners won’t hesitate to bring to justice anyone who perpetrates blatant and egregious fraud.”
“These individuals allegedly lied and said they sustained injuries or illness and had to pay substantial healthcare costs while abroad for their medical needs. We allege that they then fraudulently requested their health insurance carriers to reimburse them for these fictitious costs, including by using the U.S. Mail. Postal inspectors will not let these schemes go unchecked and are committed to protecting the integrity of the U.S. Mail,” said Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division.
“Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts is committed to combating this illegal activity through vigilant investigation and collaboration with our partners. Insurance fraud harms everyone and undermines trust in the insurance system and increase costs of insurance,” said Anthony M. DiPaolo, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Insurance Fraud Bureau.
The charge of health care fraud carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, FBI SAC Cohen, USPIS INC Larco‐Ward and IFB Executive Director DiPaolo made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leslie Wright and Patrick Callahan of the Criminal Division’s Health Care Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the complaint are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.