District of Massachusetts
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Former Haverhill Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving Stolen Government MoneyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Haverhill man pleaded guilty on June 10, 2026 in federal court in Boston to receiving stolen Social Security disability benefits over a period of more than five years.
Christopher D. Leon, 56, pleaded guilty to one count of receiving stolen government money or property. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Sept. 23, 2026. Leon was charged in May 2026.
Leon received approximately $87,817 in stolen Social Security disability benefits from November 2019 through August 2025. According to a statement of agreed facts, Leon lived with an applicant for Social Security disability benefits at the time of her death. After her death, the Social Security Administration (SSA) mailed a notice of award to Leon’s address. Once the Social Security benefits began to be paid via direct deposit to the decedent’s bank account, Leon used the deceased beneficiary’s debit card to access the improperly paid funds through ATM cash withdrawals each month.
The charge of receiving stolen government money or property provides 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 gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, Boston–New York Field Division made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Dorchester Man Pleads Guilty to Robbery of Local BankRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dorchester man pleaded guilty on June 11, 2026 in federal court in Boston to the robbery of a local bank. The defendant has a prior federal conviction for bank robbery and state convictions for armed and unarmed robberies.
Joseph Wilcox, 58, pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery in relation to the robbery of Santander Bank in East Boston. U.S. District Court Judge Brian E. Murphy scheduled sentencing for Sept 17, 2026. In October 2025, Wilcox was indicted by a federal grand jury. Wilcox was arrested on a criminal complaint on Oct. 1, 2025.
At approximately 11:40 a.m. on Sept. 6, 2025, Wilcox entered a Santander Bank in East Boston, approached the bank teller, showed a note stating, “give me all 20’s” and told the teller, “don’t **** with me.” The teller ultimately gave Wilcox $4,150 in cash.
According to court records, Wilcox has a prior federal conviction from 2015 for three counts of bank robbery; a 2010 state conviction for unarmed robbery; and a 2004 state conviction for armed robbery.The charge of bank robbery provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $ 250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julissa Walsh of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Brockton Woman Pleads Guilty to Theft of Government Funds in Connection with Stolen $931,000 Tax Refund CheckRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton woman pleaded guilty on June 11, 2026 in federal court in Boston to stealing a nearly $1 million United States Treasury tax refund check.
Lana Ruel, 70, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government funds. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Oct. 1, 2026. In December 2025, Ruel was arrested and charged.
Ruel attempted to deposit a United States Treasury tax refund check issued to a healthcare company in Brooklyn, New York. Prior to the attempted deposit, Ruel incorporated a company in Massachusetts and opened a bank account in the same name of the healthcare company that was the payee on the tax refund check. After the attempted deposit, the bank froze Ruel’s account. Ruel then called the bank and said that she could “explain what the check was, where it came from, and what it’s for…”
Over a period of two years, Ruel created four additional companies in Massachusetts that did not have a legitimate business purpose. For one of those companies, Ruel opened an account at approximately 10 different banks. Ruel also received wire transfers in some of the accounts and then wired the funds to different accounts or made cash withdrawals. The banks have closed all these accounts.
The charge of theft of government funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Nicholas Bucciarelli, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Saltzman of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Illegal Alien Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national unlawfully residing in Dorchester, Mass. was sentenced on June 9, 2026 in federal court in Boston for trafficking thousands of fentanyl pills.
Waner Bernabel Presinal, 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to five years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In Novembre 2025, Bernabel Presinal pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
On April 12, 2024, an undercover agent ordered 2,000 pressed fentanyl pills and a sample of methamphetamine from Anderson Ernesto Andujar Echavarria for $4,000. Bernabel Presinal delivered the fentanyl pills and methamphetamine to Andujar Echavarria at his home in Dorchester. Andujar Echavarria then delivered the fentanyl pills and sample of methamphetamine to the undercover agent. It was later confirmed that the bags Andujar Echavarria handed the undercover agent contained 222 grams of fentanyl and 1.8 grams of methamphetamine.
In September 2024, Bernabel Presinal was charged with Andujar Echavarria and two other co-conspirators. Thousands of fentanyl pills and hundreds of grams of fentanyl were seized from Andujar Echavarria at the time of his arrest. In December 2025, Andujar Echavarria pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 10, 2026.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Pohl of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts Hosts Freedom 250 Hometown Hero Ceremony and Veteran Charity DriveRead the Press Release
BOSTON – As part of Freedom 250 – the nationwide celebration commemorating America’s 250th birthday – the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts will host a Hometown Hero ceremony recognizing Marshfield native, Corporal Alfred Lopes, Jr., who was declared missing in action in the Korean War in February 1951.
The ceremony will be held on June 16, 2026, at 3 p.m., at the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse, 2nd Floor Jury Assembly Room in Boston.
During the event, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley will present a Hometown Hero recognition award to the family of Corporal Alfred Lopes Jr., who served with the 15th Field Artillery Battalion, supporting infantry units of the 2nd Infantry Division near Hoengson, Korea. After fighting their way through enemy roadblocks under heavy and continuous attack from Chinese forces, the unit reached the town of Wonju, Korea. According to members of Lopes’s unit, Lopes was captured by enemy forces and seen uninjured in a POW camp. Witnesses also described Lopes as later becoming sick and dropping out of a march enroute to the Suan POW camp. While U.S. authorities have been granted access to various battlefield sites, cemeteries and POW camps, Corporal Lopes remains unaccounted for. He was presumed dead on Dec. 31, 1953.
Corporal Lopes is the recipient of the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal; Korean Service Medal; Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation; United Nations Service Medal; and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal. Corporal Lopes is memorialized on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific and on the Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. He was also memorialized on a monument at Marshfield Town Hall and the Korean War veterans chapter in Marshfield bears his name.
More than seven decades later, Corporal Lopes’s sacrifice continues to be honored through ongoing efforts to recover and identify missing American service members.
“Freedom 250 is an opportunity to celebrate 250 years of our nation’s history and reflect on the enduring ideals of freedom, courage and sacrifice that have shaped America and continue to unite us today. Corporal Alfred Lopes Jr. answered the call to serve his country during the Korean War and made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom. It is a privilege to honor his legacy and ensure that his service is never forgotten,” said U.S. Attorney Foley. “We are also proud to support the New England Center and Home for Veterans through our charity drive – recognizing the extraordinary contributions of veterans in our communities and reaffirming our commitment to those who have served our nation.”
As of 2024, approximately 7,400 American service members remain unaccounted for from the Korean War (1950 – 1953) with 5,300 believed to be in North Korea. In addition, over 36,000 American soldiers lost their lives. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and the Korean War Identification Project continue to recover, identify and repatriate remains from North Korea.
Freedom 250 is a national initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States and encouraging communities across the country to celebrate service, sacrifice and civic engagement at the local level. As part of the nationwide Freedom 250 initiative, United States Attorneys’ Offices nationwide are recognizing individuals who exemplify dedication to public service and commitment to their communities.
Additionally, in honor of Freedom 250, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts conducted a two-week charity drive benefiting the New England Center and Home for Veterans. The organization provides support and services to veterans facing or at risk of homelessness, including programs focused on housing, employment, recovery and independent living. Employees from the U.S. Attorney’s Office donated nonmonetary donations including clothing, bedding and toiletries.
The ceremony will be open to the public and media. Additional details regarding media availability and logistics will be announced at a later date.
Twenty-Six Trinitarios Gang Members Charged with RICO Conspiracy Related to Five Murders in MassachusettsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Twenty-six alleged leaders, members and associates of the Trinitarios, a violent transnational criminal organization, have been indicted on federal racketeering (RICO) conspiracy and drug trafficking charges in connection with five murders and 19 attempted murders. In addition to the 26 defendants charged today, the superseding indictment also includes eight previously charged Trinitarios who are facing RICO conspiracy and drug trafficking charges.
Over the past two years, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has been relentless in its efforts to dismantle and decimate the Trinitarios in Massachusetts, charging a total of 56 members who are alleged to have committed or participated in 11 murders and 30 attempted murders since 2017. The investigation also resulted in the apprehension of seven illegal aliens from the United States who have either been deported or are currently in deportation proceedings.
The charges unsealed today are part of a multijurisdictional, multiphase investigation that began in 2024 in the aftermath of four murders and a series of attempted murders and shootings in Lynn, Mass., allegedly committed by the Trinitarios. In February 2025, the investigation led to federal RICO conspiracy charges against 22 leaders, members and associates of the Lynn Chapter of the Trinitarios and its state leadership. Court documents in that case described the Lynn Trinitarios’ alleged participation in six murders and 11 attempted murders. Documents unsealed today describe state convictions of alleged Trinitarios in Essex County Superior Court in connection with four additional murders over the past decade.
The individuals charged today are alleged leaders, members and associates of the Lawrence, Haverhill and Boston Chapters of the Trinitarios. Court documents unsealed today describe the gang’s alleged participation in five murders, 19 attempted murders, efforts to kill witnesses, the trafficking of dozens of kilograms of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine to New Hampshire and Maine, extortion of legitimate businesses with the threat of violence, kidnappings and robberies.
According to court documents, the Lawrence, Lynn, Boston and Haverhill Chapters of the Trinitarios allegedly dominated their communities by intimidating rival gangs and establishing control over certain neighborhoods. Each individual Chapter allegedly had a “Cabinet” of leaders who were responsible for recruiting new members, providing discipline to members in violation of Trinitarios directives and collecting money for a communal account used to support illegal operations and incarcerated Trinitarios members and their families. It is further alleged that the Trinitarios employed a written “Magna Carta” that defines the structure and rules of the organization, as well as slogans, symbols, colors and practices.
The Massachusetts Trinitarios allegedly undertook extensive efforts to recruit new members among communities of legal immigrants and illegal aliens from the Dominican Republic – particularly juveniles in local high schools in Lawrence and Lynn. The gang allegedly appealed to the recruits shared Spanish language and culture, Dominican patriotism and used the appearance of prosperity and brotherhood.
It is further alleged that members were generally initiated into the gang after a period of observation or probation and were often inducted following the completion of a “mission” – which were generally significant acts of violence such as shootings, beatings, or fist fights with rival gang members that were the same age or stature. Upon induction, new members were “blessed” into the organization during a formal ceremony, administered oaths by the State Supreme and awarded ceremonial beaded necklaces. Younger members were allegedly tasked with lesser roles during many violent “missions,” including standing lookout during shootings, holding or concealing weapons on behalf of full members and transporting weapons after a shooting.
The gang allegedly produced music and music videos featuring Trinitarios pageantry and symbolism; gang members in Trinitarios colors and clothing holding weapons, cash and other items; and lyrics that boasted about the Trinitarios proclivity for violence and the scope of their successful drug distribution operations and other money-making criminal endeavors as warnings and threats to other rival gangs.
In February 2025, federal racketeering charges were unsealed against 22 leaders and members of the Trinitarios. In March 2025, a Lynn member of the Trinitarios, Ricardo Bratini-Perez, was sentenced to 10 years in prison. In June 2025, two members of the Trinitarios, Rodderith Peralta and Isiah Medina, were charged with kidnapping a drug supplier. In July 2025, the leader of the Lynn Chapter, Aaron Liranzo, was sentenced to 14 years in prison. In December 2025, two members of the Lynn Chapter, Michael Miliano and James Jimenez, pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy. In April 2026, Luis Enrique Santana pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy. In May 2026, Westyn Lantigua pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy. In June 2026, Luis Jeffrey Santana pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy.
The charge of conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity (also known as “racketeering conspiracy” or “RICO conspiracy”) provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, supervised release for up to life and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation; Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Feld Division; Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker; Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble; Lawrence Police Chief Maurice Aguiler; and Methuen Police Chief Scott J. McNamara made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Postal Inspection Service; Customs and Border Protections; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine; Massachusetts Department of Corrections; Massachusetts Army National Guard – Counterdrug Office; Attorney General’s Office for the State of Maine; New Hampshire State Police; Maine State Police; Maine State Drug Enforcement Administration; Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Department (Maine); Middlesex District Attorney’s Office; Essex County Sheriff’s Department; and the Andover, Boston, Haverhill, Tewksbury and Littleton, New Hampshire Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
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.
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APPENDICES
LIST OF DEFENDANTS CHARGED TODAY
#
FIRST
LAST
ROLE
CHAPTER
1Yordali
Yorro
Primera
Lawrence Chapter
2James
Cabrera
Senior Member
Lawrence Chapter
3Luis
Crispin
Senior Member
Lawrence Chapter
4Angel
Castillo-Garcia
Senior Member
Lawrence Chapter
5Osviallis
Serrano
Senior Member
Lawrence Chapter
6Jervis
Almanzar
Member
Lawrence Chapter
7Enrique
Duran
Member
Lawrence Chapter
8Abigail
Arias
Member
Lawrence Chapter
9Justane
Garcia
Member
Haverhill Chapter
10Riky
Montilla
Member
Lawrence Chapter
11Jeremy
Felix
Member
Lawrence Chapter
12Jose
Martinez
Member
Lawrence Chapter
13Jayden
Muniz
Member
Lawrence Chapter
14Geovane
Fernandes
Member
Lawrence Chapter
15Jahir
Davila
Discipline
Lawrence Chapter
16Yanuel
Mejia
Member
Lawrence Chapter
17Luis
Fernandez Lopez
Member
Lawrence Chapter
18Victor
Diaz
Member
Lawrence Chapter
19Xavier
Puello
Member
Lawrence Chapter
20Joelfry
Cabrera
Associate
Lawrence Chapter
21Richard
Pena
Member
Haverhill Chapter
22Hector
Mota
Member
Haverhill Chapter
23Jean
Delgado
Associate
Haverhill Chapter
24Luis
Cabral
Primera
Boston Chapter
25Yoldari
Tejeda Coronado
Member
Boston Chapter
26Martin
Taveras
Member
Boston Chapter
LIST OF PREVIOUSLY CHARGED RELATED DEFENDANTS AND STATUS
(*) Defendants charged in superseding indictment unsealed today are marked with asterisk.
#
FIRST NAME
LAST NAME
DOCKET NO.
CASE STATUS
1
Ricardo
Bratini-Perez
24-CR-10310
Sentenced
2
Rosnel
Polanco
24-CR-10263
Pleaded Guilty
3
Eric
Rosario
24-CR-10263
Pleaded Guilty
4
Robert
Santana
24-CR-10263
Pleaded Guilty
5
Yeferson
Vallecillo Cambar
24-CR-10335
Pending
6
Elvis
Trujillo
24-CR-10336
Pending
7
Abel
Severino-Reyes
24-CR-10373
Pleaded Guilty
8
Warly
Ruiz
24-CR-10380
Pleaded Guilty
9
David
Garcia
25-CR-10006
Pleaded Guilty
10
Tomy
Sanchez
25-CR-10007
Pleaded Guilty
11
Carlos
Ramirez
25-CR-10008
Pleaded Guilty
12
*Justin
Alba
25-CR-10058
Pending
13
*Darwin
Batista
25-CR-10058
Pending
14
*Janoy
Batista
25-CR-10058
Pending
15
Aaron
Diaz Liranzo
25-CR-10058
Sentenced
16
*Israel
Garcia-Vasquez
25-CR-10058
Pending
17
James
Jimenez
25-CR-10058
Pleaded Guilty
18
*Ery
Jordani Rosario
25-CR-10058
Pending
19
Westyn
Lantigua
25-CR-10058
Pleaded Guilty
20
*Kelvin
Liranzo Roman
25-CR-10058
Pending
21
Michael
Miliano
25-CR-10058
Pleaded Guilty
22
*Enmanuel
Paula-Cabral
25-CR-10058
Pending
23
Luis Jeffrey
Santana
25-CR-10058
Pleaded Guilty
24
Luis Enrique
Santana
25-CR-10058
Pleaded Guilty
25
*Angel
Santos
25-CR-10058
Pending
26
Wilving
Lopez
25-CR-10062
Pleaded Guilty
27
Leonardo
Espinoza
25-CR-10236
Pleaded Guilty
28
Isiah
Medina
25-CR-10302
Pending
29
Rodderrith
Peralta
25-CR-10302
Pending
30
Derek
Mercado
25-CR-10411
Pleaded Guilty
LIST OF TRINITARIOS HOMICIDES
DATE
VICTIM NAME
LOCATION
STATUS
March 8, 2017Juan EspinalLawrence, Mass.Pending State & Federal CasesApril 16, 2017Aracelys ValdezLawrence, Mass.State Murder ConvictionJuly 30, 2017Jensey HernandezLawrence, Mass.State Murder ConvictionNov. 26, 2017Mindy TranLawrence, Mass.Pending Federal CaseMay 17, 2018Nike ColonLawrence, Mass.State Murder ConvictionSept. 3, 2018Jaithian AmadorLawrence, Mass.Pending Federal CaseMarch 30, 2020Carlos RiveraMethuen, Mass.Pending Federal CaseMay 14, 2021Edward JavierLawrence, Mass.State Murder ConvictionDec. 31, 2021Jumil CelladillaLawrence, Mass.Pending Federal CaseFeb. 17, 2022Ewdy LopezMethuen, Mass.Pending State & Federal CasesSept. 2, 2023Jandriel HerediaLynn, Mass.Pending Federal CaseSept. 2, 2023Abraham DiazLynn, Mass.Pending Federal CaseDec. 27, 2023Kyle Mel Lynn, Mass.Pending Federal CaseDec. 27, 2023Isaiah AcevedoLynn, Mass.Pending Federal CaseSept. 13, 2025Hugo Del RosarioLawrence, Mass.Pending Federal CaseFormer Assistant Superintendent of Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office Pleads Guilty to Ordering Employees to Perform Maintenance at His Home, as Well as Witness TamperingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former Assistant Superintendent at the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) pleaded guilty on June 5, 2026 in federal court in Boston to using his official position to order NCSO employees to perform maintenance at his residence. The defendant is also convicted of witness tampering.
Thomas Brady, 54, of Norwood, pleaded guilty today to one count of witness tampering and one count of use of interstate facilities to commit bribery and extortion. U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick scheduled sentencing for Sept. 28, 2026.
From 2021 through May 2023, Brady served as the Assistant Deputy Superintendent (ADS) for Jail Operations at NCSO. Brady was promoted in May 2023 to Assistant Superintendent. In October and November 2022, Brady utilized his official position and authority as an ADS to order an NCSO maintenance officer (Maintenance Officer A), who was subordinate in position to Brady, to perform home repairs at his residence during and after work hours. Because of Brady’s official position and authority as an ADS at NCSO, Maintenance Officer A feared that if he refused Brady’s request to help fix the heating system, Brady would use his official position and authority to negatively affect Maintenance Officer A’s job position at NCSO—including the possibility of causing Maintenance Officer A to lose his preferred shift schedule, position and/or employment at NCSO.
Maintenance Officer A complied with the order, and on or about Oct. 6, 2022, drove to Brady’s residence to troubleshoot his heating system during NCSO work hours. After Brady had subsequent problems with his heating system and contacted Maintenance Officer A to replace the circulator pump. On or about Oct. 15, 2022, Maintenance Officer B learned that Brady was looking for Maintenance Officer A and the two exchanged the following text messages:
On two occasions between Nov. 1, 2022 and Nov. 2, 2022, Maintenance Officer A returned to Brady’s residence, with Maintenance Officer B assisting, where they drained the hot water system, removed the old circulator pump and installed the new circulator pump.
On or about June 16, 2023, another maintenance officer at NCSO, Maintenance Officer C, reported Brady to the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission (SEC) for Brady having subordinate NCSO employees perform work at his private residence. The SEC subsequently initiated an investigation into Brady, interviewing Maintenance Officer A and Maintenance Officer B.
At some point prior to Oct. 5, 2023, Brady learned about the SEC investigation and Maintenance Officer B’s involvement. On or about Oct. 5, 2023, Brady mailed a letter to the SEC, falsely signing the letter from Maintenance Officer C. The letter to the SEC was handwritten and divulged information about a confidential, internal NCSO investigation into Maintenance Officer B. Brady listed himself as a witness to the investigation in the letter.
Federal investigators examined the postage stamp on the envelope to the SEC and confirmed that a fingerprint found underneath the stamp belonged to Brady. In addition, the flap and corresponding region of the envelope to the SEC were examined and it was confirmed that male DNA obtained from envelope belonged to the Brady.
The charge of witness tampering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The charge of use of interstate facilities to commit bribery and extortion provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucy Sun of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.
Five Members of Interstate Drug & Gun Trafficking Network ArrestedRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A federal complaint was unsealed today against five members of a drug and gun trafficking network that spanned multiple New England states. Ninety-four firearms were allegedly identified during the investigation, and one defendant is an alleged Trinitarios gang associate who operated a drug trafficking network in Maine.
The following individuals are charged with conspiracy to distribute, manufacture and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking:
1. Mackenzie Ray Bimpson, a/k/a “Mack,” 28, of Berlin, N.H.;
2. Michael David Miller, 31, of Littleton, N.H.;
3. Ernest Charles Laplante Jr., a/k/a “Chucky,” 56, of Littleton, N.H.;
4. Steve Perez, a/k/a “Bebo,” 34, of East Haven, Conn.; and
5. Nilbel Ventura Amaro, a/k/a “Nino,” a/k/a “Megamind,” a/k/a “Ben,” a/k/a “Migo,” 26, of Lawrence, Mass.Miller, Laplante, Perez and Ventura Amaro were arrested this morning on federal arrest warrants in connection with the investigation. Bimpson is currently serving a state sentence in New Hampshire.
According to court documents, it is alleged that Bimpson was the leader of the drug and gun trafficking organization until his 2024 arrest and conviction on state drug charges in New Hampshire. Bimpson and Miller were allegedly the primary drug dealers for the organization, cultivating bulk amounts of marijuana and selling large quantities of fentanyl, cocaine and other drugs to their network of customers in New Hampshire and Maine. Perez and Ventura Amaro allegedly supplied Bimpson and Miller with drugs in exchange for cash and firearms.
Bimpson and Miller could not legally possess or own firearms due to their prior criminal convictions. It is alleged that they discussed and acquired up to 94 identified firearms either through straw purchases, from private sales, or from Laplante, who allegedly manufactured homemade firearms (also known as “ghost guns”) in his residence. Laplante allegedly supplied privately made firearms to Bimpson and Miller in exchange for drugs and money.
Ventura Amaro was allegedly an associate of the Trinitarios transnational criminal organization who operated a drug trafficking network in Maine in coordination with the Trinitarios and under their protection. In May 2024, Ventura Amaro was allegedly kidnapped by members of the Trinitarios after he took over drug distribution in certain areas of Maine without including the Trinitarios or paying tribute.
Investigators recovered numerous photos and videos of, and conversations between, the defendants documenting their drug and gun conspiracy.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute, manufacture and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, supervised release for up to five years and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas A. Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Boston Division; Colonel Mark B. Hall, Director of the New Hampshire State Police; and Chief Paul J. Smith of the Littleton, New Hampshire Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations, Boston Division; Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire; New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office; Massachusetts State Police; the Essex County District Attorney’s Office; the Grafton County (N.H.) and Coos County (N.H.) Sheriff’s Departments; and the Berlin (N.H.), Lebanon (N.H.), Norway (Maine), Rumford (Maine), Lawrence (Mass.), New Haven (Conn.), Andover (Mass.), and Lowell (Mass.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Cutshall and Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
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.
Holyoke Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Holyoke, Mass. man was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield for conspiring to distribute fentanyl with intent to distribute and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
Jose Heredia Jr., 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to seven years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. In January 2026, Heredia Jr. pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and carrying a firearm in in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
Over an eight month period, Heredia Jr. conspired with others to distribute massive amounts of fentanyl in Western Massachusetts and throughout the Northeast. On one occasion, Heredia conspired to distribute one and a half kilograms of fentanyl, which was intercepted by law enforcement. The investigation revealed a number of other occasions during which Heredia supplied mid-level drug dealers with large amounts of fentanyl.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Massachusetts State Police; the Berkshire, Hampden and Franklin County Sherriff’s Offices; and the Holyoke, Springfield, Chicopee, West Springfield and Easthampton Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Caroline Merck and Neil L. Desroches, Chief of the Springfield Office prosecuted the case.
Former Brookline Doctor Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Prison for Health Care Fraud and Tax FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Brookline, Mass. physician was sentenced on June 5, 2026 in federal court in Boston for health care fraud, money laundering, tax evasion and conspiring to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Dr. Pankaj Merchia, 52, of Brookline, Mass. and Boca Raton, Fla., was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 58 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Merchia was also ordered to pay $1,847,931 in restitution. In January 2026, Merchia was convicted of one count of health care fraud, three counts of money laundering, two counts of tax evasion and one count of conspiracy to defraud the IRS. Merchia was indicted for money laundering and health care fraud in December 2022 and later charged with tax offenses in a superseding indictment along with alleged co-conspirator Dr. Shona Pendse in February 2023.
Merchia perpetrated two distinct health care fraud schemes. First, Merchia billed former patients’ insurance companies for monthly rentals of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPap) machines from 2017 to 2019, despite not having treated the patients since at least 2011. In some cases, the patients had returned the devices to him. Merchia used the proceeds of this fraud to purchase an expensive home in Brookline.Additionally, Merchia defrauded another insurance company out of over $390,000 by submitting claims for a CPAP machine provided to his brother. After he was told that the insurance carrier would not pay for treatment rendered by a family member, Merchia created a new medical business and submitted new claims so that the company would pay. Merchia used the proceeds of this fraud to fund a wire transfer of $250,000 and to purchase at least $140,000 in securities.
Finally, from 2009 to 2019 Merchia did not report, or pay taxes on, over $6.5 million in income he earned from his medical businesses by falsely claiming that those businesses were owned by his co-conspirator. To defraud the IRS, Merchia fabricated a sham transaction by which he claimed to have sold his medical businesses to his co-conspirator in 2008. To ensure that his co-conspirator did not owe taxes, they claimed large amortization deductions, spread across many years, for the fabricated sale.United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Anthony M. DiPaolo, Executive Director of the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil J. Gallagher, Jr. of the Health Care Fraud Unit and Trial Attorney Ezra Spiro of the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
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.
Sex Trafficker Convicted of Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was convicted yesterday by a federal jury in U.S. District Court for producing and possessing child pornography.
Tramonte Jamier Queen, 27, was convicted of two counts of the sexual exploitation of children (commonly known as “production of child pornography”) and one count of possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Sept. 17, 2026.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley said, “Tramonte Queen preyed on children for profit and his exploitation of vulnerable victims ends now. The conduct in this case is abhorrent, selling young girls for sex and forcing them to film it. Today, Tramonte Queen is finally being held accountable for all his crimes. We will continue to root out sex traffickers like Queen and aggressively prosecute them to ensure that justice is served.”
“Anyone willing to sexually exploit children deserves to feel the full force of the law,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “With today’s verdict, Tramonte Queen isn’t just a sex trafficker, but a producer of child sexual abuse material – a heinous act that perpetrates the sexual exploitation of children. May this case be a warning to others involved with such repulsive material. Our Child Exploitation – Human Trafficking Task Force could soon be knocking at your door.”
Between October and December 2021, Queen used a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct. According to evidence presented at trial, Queen had sex with a minor victim and participated in the filming of those sex acts. He also directed the victim to engage in commercial sex with sex buyers, instructing the victim to film those sexual encounters as well. At the time of his arrest in February 2022, Queen possessed a cell phone that contained the videos depicting him having sex with the minor victim.
At a previous federal trial in January 2026, Queen was convicted of sex trafficking of a child and transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Those convictions arose from Queen’s recruitment of a different minor victim, who was then 16 years old, to engage in commercial sex. Queen caused the victim to engage in commercial sex act in the basement of his Dorchester home and at hotels in Rhode Island.
The production of child pornography charges each carry a sentence of no less than 15 years and up to 30 years in prison. The sex trafficking of a child and transportation charges each carry a sentence of no less than 10 years and up to life in prison. The possession of child pornography charge carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Queen faces at least five years of supervised release and a maximum 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.
U.S. Attorney Foley, FBI SAC Docks and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian A. Fogerty of the Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit and Jessica L. Soto of the Criminal Division 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.
New Hampshire Business Owner Sentenced for Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Hampshire woman was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for attempting to obstruct and interfere in a grand jury investigation involving her brother, former Massachusetts State Senator Dean Tran.
Tuyet T. Martin, 56, of Pelham, N.H., was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to two years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $40,000 fine. In January 2026, Martin pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice. In June 2024, Martin was charged along with her brother, Dean Tran.
In November 2023, Tran was arrested and charged in a 28-count federal indictment for his fraudulent collection of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits and his willful omission of consulting and rental income from his tax returns in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
As part of the investigation into Tran’s unemployment benefits and tax fraud schemes, an investigation began into a job offer and employment offer letter from Martin to Tran at the New Hampshire-based business where Martin was the owner and the CEO. During a July 2023 grand jury session, Martin provided false testimony regarding the employment offer letter.
Tran was sentenced in in January 2026 to one year in prison with 11 months to run concurrent with his current sentence and one month to run consecutive, to be followed by 18 months of supervised release to run concurrent with his current sentence.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Anthony P. D’Esposito, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Maynard of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit prosecuted the case.Needham Parks and Recreation Chairman Arrested on Fraud and Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The Chairman of the Needham Parks and Recreation Commission has been indicted by a federal grand jury in connection with a scheme to defraud a local little league out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Christopher Gerstel, 50, was charged in an 17-count indictment with 12 counts of wire fraud, two counts of filing false tax returns and three counts of failure to file tax returns. Gerstel was arrested today and will appear in federal court in Boston at 1:00 PM.
Gerstel currently serves as Chairman of the Needham Parks and Recreation Commission. From approximately early 2019 to early 2025, he was a member of the Board of Directors of Needham Baseball and Softball (NBS), a little league organization based in Needham, Mass. In his role as Vice President of Baseball Operations for NBS, Gerstel was the only NBS board member with access to the payment software system, ArbiterPay, that NBS used to pay professional umpires.
Beginning as early as June 2019, it is alleged that Gerstel was facing personal financial difficulty, including owing thousands of dollars in outstanding credit card debt. According to the indictment from in or about June 2019 to October 2024, Gerstel stole over $200,000 of NBS funds. It is alleged that Gerstel transferred the funds via wire transfer from the umpire payment system into his own personal account. From June 2019 to October 2024, Gerstel allegedly made over 200 separate wire transfers.
Gerstel allegedly used the majority of the stolen NBS funds to pay down thousands of dollars in credit card debt, make car payments and other personal expenditures, including at country clubs and cash withdrawals at casinos.
According to the indictment, the alleged theft was revealed after a new treasurer was appointed to the NBS Board of Directors and discovered that large transfers had been made from the NBS bank account into the umpire payment system. Once the treasurer gained access to the umpire payment system, they discovered over $250,000 in transfers had allegedly been made from that system to Gerstel’s personal bank account.
The indictment also alleges that for tax years 2019 and 2022, Gerstel failed to report the funds that he stole from NBS on his tax returns and that in 2020, 2021, and 2023, Gerstel failed to file tax returns. As a result, Gerstel allegedly lowered his federal income tax liability.
The charge of wire fraud carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of falsification of records carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of filing false tax returns carries a maximum sentence of up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. The charge of failing to file tax returns carries a maximum of up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Maynard of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 23 Years in Prison for Drug Distribution Resulting in Death of a Minor and the Sale of Drugs and Machineguns on Telegram AppRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Fall River, Mass. man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for drug distribution resulting in the death of a minor, as well as multiple other charges associated with his sale of drugs, machineguns and firearm parts on the Telegram app.
Benjamin Hunt, 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 23 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In December 2025, Hunt pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of fentanyl, MDMA, MDA, Ketamine and LSD resulting in death; two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; two counts of unlawful transfer and possession of a machinegun; and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine and cocaine.
Hunt was arrested and charged in August 2024 on drug and firearm charges and was later charged with additional crimes, including drug distribution resulting in the death of a minor.
From at least 2022 through 2024, Benjamin Hunt operated an online marketplace on the Telegram application through which he advertised and sold large quantities of controlled substances and firearms to customers across the United States. Hunt controlled multiple Telegram accounts and used the platform to conduct drug and weapons transactions while concealing his identity and seeking payment primarily in cryptocurrency.
Through his Telegram marketplace, Hunt offered for sale numerous dangerous drugs, including fentanyl, cocaine, LSD, MDMA, ketamine and counterfeit pharmaceutical pills made to resemble oxycodone but containing fentanyl. Hunt also advertised firearms and firearm components, including privately made firearms (“ghost guns”) and machinegun conversion devices (“switches”), some of which he manufactured himself using 3-D printing technology. Hunt typically required payment via Bitcoin, though in some instances accepted CashApp, and then shipped the contraband through the U.S. Postal Service, either directly or through suppliers.
In February, May and June 2024, Hunt sold counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl to an undercover law enforcement officer, including quantities exceeding 40 grams of fentanyl. During one of these transactions, Hunt simultaneously sold a privately made Glock-style firearm and multiple machinegun conversion devices along with an extended magazine and 3D printed brass knuckles.
In August 2024, Hunt mailed an additional package containing approximately 1,600 fentanyl pills to undercover law enforcement in exchange for cryptocurrency. Law enforcement intercepted multiple packages being sent to or from Hunt, including one package sent by him that contained a smoke grenade and one package sent to an address associated with him that contained 13 switches or machinegun conversion devices.
A search at Hunt’s residence resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of drugs, including fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA and ketamine, as well as an arsenal of firearms and firearm components, including dozens of privately made firearms, machinegun conversion devices, silencers, extended magazines, large quantities of ammunition and 3-D printers used to manufacture firearm parts. In total, approximately 95 firearms and related items were seized.
Law enforcement in Massachusetts learned about an overdose death of an out of state 17-year-old minor in May 2023. Investigators uncovered evidence of Hunt having communicated with the victim through the Telegram app and offering various drugs for sale. The minor purchased multiple drugs from Hunt. Hunt sought payment in Bitcoin, but when the minor did not have access to Bitcoin, Hunt agreed to receive payment via Cashapp. Hunt then mailed drugs to the minor out of state through the U.S. mail.
Messages between Hunt and the minor in the hours leading to the minor’s death were uncovered, including messages discussing the minor’s consumption of drugs that had been supplied by Hunt. The drugs distributed by Hunt—including fentanyl, MDMA, MDA, ketamine and LSD—were determined to be the but-for cause of the minor’s death, which was ruled an acute mixed drug intoxication. As part of his plea, Hunt admitted that his distribution of these drugs resulted in the minor victim’s death.
“Benjamin Hunt’s decision to sell lethal drugs and guns online is the reason a family lost their child,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “This case is a stark reminder that drug dealers are no longer just on street corners. They are online preying on our children via phones and computers and pushing highly addictive and deadly drugs. We will continue track them down wherever they are and hold them accountable. Today’s sentence is warranted and a step in the right direction to ending the opioid epidemic.”
“Today’s sentence holds Benjamin Hunt accountable for a crime that ended a young life and forever changed a family,” said Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division. “Drug traffickers who distribute dangerous substances without regard for human life are fueling a public safety crisis in communities across Massachusetts and the nation. DEA and our law enforcement partners remain committed to identifying, investigating, and prosecuting those who profit from the distribution of deadly drugs. We hope this substantial sentence provides a measure of justice for the victim’s loved ones and serves as a reminder that those responsible for overdose deaths will be aggressively pursued and held accountable.”
“The severity of this sentence highlights the dangers of distributing both drugs and machinegun conversion devices. Independently, each has the potential to ruin lives and endanger the public. Taken together, Benjamin Hunt’s conduct could only lead to harm, and in this case a seventeen-year-old was killed as a result. Today’s sentence not only imposes a measure of justice but should serve to remind anyone considering selling fentanyl or machinegun conversion devices: you are responsible for the consequences of those actions,” said Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division.
“Today’s sentence sends a clear message: those who profit from poisoning and endangering our communities with drugs and guns cannot remain anonymous through the Internet. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is relentlessly targeting the individuals and networks responsible for distributing deadly narcotics and firearms through the U.S, Mail. With strong enforcement, intelligence-driven investigations, and strategic partnerships, we are working every day to disrupt these groups and save American lives,” said Jason Buckley, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division
U.S. Attorney Foley, DEA SAC Forget, ATF SAC Greco, USPIS Acting INC Buckley, New Bedford Police Chief Jason Thody and Fairhaven Police Chief Daniel Dorgan made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations in New England; the Massachusetts State Police; and the Attleboro, Fall River, Norton, Scituate and Taunton Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kunal Pasricha and J. Mackenzie Duane of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
Boston Man Sentenced for Threatening a Federal Law Enforcement OfficerRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for threatening a federal law enforcement officer.
Kenneth Pacheco, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick to 16 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In January 2028, Pacheco pleaded guilty to one count of threatening a federal law enforcement officer. Pacheco was arrested and charged in October 2025.In May 2025, law enforcement received a tip from an anonymous complainant alleging that an individual using the online moniker “Amir Haqqani” was using a Facebook account to make threats against the complainant and other individuals. In response, Pacheco was interviewed by law enforcement. In July 2025, a relative of Pacheco expressed concern that Pacheco may pose harm to himself and in response law enforcement spoke with Pacheco again. On Oct. 7, 2025, Pacheco responded to these interventions by lashing out with threats aimed at friends, acquaintances and a federal agent. Specifically, Pacheco threatened that people would “get hurt,” that he would “put people in the [] hospital” and that he would “blow” the agents “brains out.”
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Looney of the National Security Unit prosecuted the case.
18th Street Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Illegal Reentry and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An illegal alien has pleaded guilty to illegally selling a firearm and ammunition while he was unlawfully residing in Chelsea, Mass. The defendant, a Mexican national, was previously deported from the United States twice.
Luis Angel Rodriguez-Celaya, a/k/a “Menor,” a/k/a “La Gargola,” 27, pleaded guilty to one count of being an alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition and one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. United States District Judge Myong J. Joun scheduled sentencing for Sept. 22, 2026.
According to charging documents, Rodriguez-Celaya met with a cooperating witness in Chelsea on Feb. 26, 2025 to conduct an illegal firearm transaction. Rodriguez-Celaya sold the witness a .22 caliber semiautomatic “Draco” pistol and eight rounds of .22 caliber ammunition for $1,500 cash. Rodriguez-Celaya was illegally present in the United States at the time of the transaction. He was deported from the United States twice before and warned not to return: first in March 2017 and again in May 2022.
The charge of being an alien unlawfully present in the United States in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Thomas Greco, 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 Massachusetts State Police; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations; Suffolk County and Middlesex County District Attorney’s Offices; and the Boston, Chelsea, Everett, Falmouth, Lynn, Medford, Nantucket and Revere Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred Wyshak of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Worcester Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Pill OperationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for drug offenses involving methamphetamine and materials used for pressing illicit pills.
Tong Tran, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman to 138 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In March 2026, Tran pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances after being charged in April 2025.
On or about Sept. 19, 2024, Tran was identified shipping a package at a Worcester Post Office. A search of the package revealed approximately 2.4 kilograms of orange pills containing methamphetamine – concealed in the packaging of a children’s toy. A partial fingerprint on the wrapping materials inside the box belonged to Tran. Tran was also photographed shipping two other packages containing methamphetamine pills.
On April 14, 2025, during a search of Tran’s residence, a pill press, binding agent and additional equipment used to manufacture pills, including pill dyes were located. The search also resulted in the seizure of 3.3 kilograms of methamphetamine and approximately $8,000 in cash.United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Jennifer De La O, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Boston Field Office; Jason Buckley, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division; and Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Auburn Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin J. Brown of the Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.
New Hampshire Man Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Prison for Robbing Five Massachusetts BanksRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Hampshire man was sentenced in federal court in Boston for committing a string of five bank robberies across Northern Massachusetts.
Reinaldo Ortiz, 47, of Manchester, N.H., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to 57 months in prison, to be followed three years of supervised release, with six months in home confinement. In November 2025, Ortiz pleaded guilty to five counts of bank robbery. Ortiz was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in January 2023 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2023.
Between March 9 and March 24, 2022, Ortiz drove from New Hampshire to Massachusetts and robbed a string of banks in Fitchburg, Lowell, Chelmsford, Wilmington and Lexington, obtaining approximately $21,709. Ortiz entered each of the banks disguised in a mask and demanded cash from the teller’s drawer. When the tellers complied, Ortiz made off with several thousand dollars in cash and fled the scene of the robbery. A subsequent investigation found Ortiz’s fingerprints on a glove discarded outside one of the robbed banks and that his cellphone movement was consistent with the robbery route.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester (N.H.) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin A. Tolkoff and Jessica L. Soto of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Chicago Man Pleads Guilty to Sexually Exploiting MinorRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Chicago man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to sexually exploiting a 14-year-old minor victim from Massachusetts.
Joshua Rogers, 31, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of children. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Sept. 29, 2026. Roger was arrested in December 2025 in Chicago.
According to the charging documents, in July 2025, local law enforcement were notified of an individual purporting to be a 17-year-old boy named ‘John’ –later identified as Rogers – engaging in sexually explicit communications with a 14-year-old female minor victim on Snapchat. A review of cell phone data revealed numerous communications from Rogers in which he coerced the minor to engage in sexually explicit acts – many of which he demanded be documented by photo or video. In his communications, Rogers also discussed kidnapping the minor or the minor running away.
The charge of sexual exploitation of minors (and attempt and conspiracy) provides for a sentence of no less than 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Chief Jennifer Paster of the Brookline Police Department made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI’s Chicago Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and a member of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Randolph Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Cocaine Trafficking and Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Randolph man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for cocaine trafficking and firearm charges, following a series of arrests targeting Brockton-based Harvard Street Gang and their Randolph-based affiliates.
Giovany Fouyolle, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Brian E. Murphy to 10 years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release. Fouyolle pleaded guilty on March 25, 2026, to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Fouyolle’s co-defendant, Adonis Graham pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and is scheduled for sentencing on July 2, 2026.
Fouyolle and Graham were arrested on Dec. 17, 2025, after search warrants were executed at numerous residences and stash houses associated with the Brockton-based Harvard Street Gang and their Randolph-based affiliates. One of the places searched was a unit at the Imprint Apartments in Dorchester, which Fouyolle used as a stash location. Approximately 1,170 grams of cocaine, along with two loaded guns and $2,000 cash in bare kitchen cabinets, were located in the apartment.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations, Boston Field Division; the Abington, Acushnet, Ashland, Boston, Braintree, Bridgewater, Brockton, Chelsea, East Bridgewater, Medford, Quincy, Randolph, Raynham, Stoughton, Taunton and West Bridgewater Police Departments; Plymouth and Suffolk County Sheriff’s Departments; Massachusetts Department of Correction; Plymouth, Norfolk and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Cutshall and Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Leader of the Manchester Chapter of the Trinitarios Pleads Guilty to Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A member of the Manchester Chapter of the Trinitarios pleaded guilty today to racketeering charges, including his participation in two murders and two other attempted murders.
Luis Jeffrey Santana, a/k/a “Sopita,” 28, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Sept. 9, 2026. Luis Jeffrey Santana was arrested and charged in February 2025.
The Trinitarios is a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Trinitarios adhere to a Magna Carta, employ an internal hierarchy to coordinate and execute violence, and undertake extensive efforts to maintain the secrecy of the organization and its members.
Luis Jeffrey Santana admitted to his participation in an August 2021 shooting outside of a store in Salem, Mass. During this incident, Luis Jeffrey Santana and other Trinitarios members confronted two victims they believed to be rival gang members and engaged in a verbal altercation with them in the store. The Trinitarios and victims separated, exited the store and proceeded in different directions. The Trinitarios members, however, called for reinforcements who arrived shortly thereafter. The victims proceeded to their vehicle and as they turned out of the parking lot, a black sedan containing multiple Trinitarios pulled up and a shooter began firing multiple rounds at the victims. At the same time, a second vehicle pulled out and blocked traffic while the shooting took place.
Luis Jeffrey Santana was one of the leaders who convened a gang meeting in Dec. 1, 2024. During the recorded meeting, the Trinitarios discussed the reorganization and restructuring of the Trinitarios chapters, including the need for members to pay dues and contribute to the gang’s operations. During one portion of the recording, the leaders discussed the need to have money on hand to help members who commit shootings and to fund a war against rival gang members. They also discussed the potential violence that will be visited upon members who betray the gang.
During today’s court proceedings, Luis Jeffrey Santana admitted to his membership in the gang. Photographs and videos recovered in the investigation showed Luis Jeffrey Santana wearing Trinitarios beaded necklaces, making Trinitarios gang signs with his hands and associating with other members and leaders.
In February 2025, federal racketeering charges were unsealed against 22 leaders and members of the Trinitarios. The charges were the result of a multijurisdictional investigation, dubbed Operation Paper Machetes, which began in the aftermath of four murders as well as a series of attempted murders and shootings that took place in Lynn in 2023, allegedly committed by the Trinitarios criminal enterprise and its members. In March 2025, a Lynn member of the Trinitarios was sentenced to ten years in prison. In June 2025, two members of the Trinitarios were charged with kidnapping a drug supplier. In July 2025, the leader of the Lynn Chapter was sentenced to fourteen years in prison. In December 2025, two members of the Lynn Chapter, Michael Miliano and James Jimenez pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy. In April 2026, Luis Enrique Santana pleaded guilty. In May 2026, Westyn Lantigua pleaded guilty. Luis Jeffrey Santana is the eleventh Defendant to plead guilty in the case.
The charge of conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity (also known as “racketeering conspiracy” or “RICO conspiracy”) provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker; Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble; and Lynn Police Chief Christopher P. Reddy made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester, N.H. Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to SNAP and Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Dominican national, unlawfully residing in Boston, has pleaded guilty in federal court to fraud and Social Security offenses.
Victor Suazo Reynoso, 69, pleaded guilty on May 27, 2026 to illegal acquisition of supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) benefits and false representation of a Social Security number. Chief Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Sept. 2, 2026. Reynoso was charged and arrested in March 2026.
Reynoso used the name, birthdate and Social Security number of a United States citizen to apply for and receive a Massachusetts driver’s license and more than $18,000 in SNAP benefits. SNAP is a federal program administered by the states that provides funds for low-income individuals and families to purchase food.
The charge of illegal acquisition of supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250000, as well as restitution. The charge of false representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Illegal Alien Indicted for COVID-Relief Fraud and Federal Assistance Benefit FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national unlawfully residing in Lowell has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly using a stolen identity to fraudulently obtain pandemic relief funds and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, previously known as food stamps.
Arvaro Montero Diaz, 40, was indicted on two counts of wire fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft, one count of theft of government money and one count of SNAP fraud. Montero Diaz was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint on March 9, 2026. He was subsequently released on pretrial conditions following a detention hearing on March 12, 2026. Montero Diaz will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the indictment, Montero Diaz – a citizen of the Dominican Republic who has been unlawfully residing in the United States since approximately 2007 – used the identity of a U.S. citizen to apply for and receive approximately $30,000 in unemployment benefits made available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. It is further alleged that Montero Diaz also used this identity to apply for and receive approximately $14,000 in SNAP benefits.
The charges of wire fraud and SNAP fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of theft of government money provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges for aggravated identity theft provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison, one of supervised released and a fine of up to $250,00. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Charmeka Parker, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region; Anthony P. D’Esposito, Inspector General, Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Potapchuk of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Illegal Alien Charged with False Use of a PassportRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national unlawfully residing in Marlborough, Mass., has been charged with allegedly using a fake passport to open and access business bank accounts.
Jose De Freitas Junior, 30, was charged with one count of false use of a passport. He is currently in ICE custody and is expected to make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the charging documents, De Freitas, under a false name, presented a fraudulent Brazilian passport to a bank teller at a bank in Andover, Mass., to access a business account at that bank. The fraudulent passport included a photograph of De Freitas, the false name and a passport number that belonged to a different Brazilian citizen. De Freitas also allegedly presented the fraudulent passport to local law enforcement upon their arrival at the bank. De Freitas was immediately taken into custody.
It is further alleged that a subsequent biometric check of De Freitas’ fingerprints taken at booking confirmed that he was a citizen of Brazil who has not been lawfully admitted to the United States. Further investigation allegedly revealed that De Freitas had opened multiple business accounts using several different fraudulent Brazilian passports as identification. The accounts were listed as auto sales-related businesses and were used to accept numerous large wire transfers, some of which were later recalled for fraud by the sending bank.
The charge of false use of a passport provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by Andover Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julissa Walsh of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Dorchester Man Arrested and Charged for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dorchester man has been arrested and charged for allegedly receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Javier Alberto Baez Infante, 31, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of receipt of child pornography. Infante was arrested at his home on May 27, 2026 and, following an initial appearance, was ordered detained pending a hearing scheduled for June 5, 2026 in federal court in Worcester.
According to the criminal complaint, Infante was identified as a user in an online private chat group dedicated to the viewing, download and exchange of CSAM.
It is alleged that during a search of Infante’s residence on May 27, 2026, approximately 30 videos depicting CSAM were located in various “download” folders on Infante’s phone. It is further alleged that the videos depicted the abuse of minor victims as young as approximately two to four years old.
The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a sentence of no less than five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Potapchuk 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.
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.
Wareham Man Sentenced to over Seven Years in Prison for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Wareham man was sentenced in federal court in Boston for possessing and receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Brandon Bendall, 50, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun to 90 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In February 2026, Bendall pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography and one count of receipt of child pornography. Bendall was arrested and charged by criminal complaint on May 2, 2025 and indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2025.
Bendall was a member of an online chat group in which members viewed and posted CSAM. While in the chat group Bendall posted at least 17 videos containing CSAM. During a search of Bendall’s residence and cell phone, approximately 9,400 images and videos of CSAM, including images of children as young as infants being sexually assaulted, were located.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Wareham, Marion and East Bridgewater Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Lowell Father and Daughter Arrested for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lowell man and woman who allegedly operated temporary employment agencies without collecting and paying over employment taxes have been arrested on federal tax charges.
Lim Ou, 69, and his daughter, Nalen Ou, 39, are charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy and failure to collect and pay over taxes.
According to the charging document, Lim Ou and Nalen Ou allegedly operated temporary employee agencies that provided temporary workers to businesses engaged in manufacturing, packaging, laundry services and other general labor. Temporary employment agencies are responsible for paying wages to their employees, reporting the wages to the IRS on a quarterly basis, withholding payroll deductions from workers’ wages for income taxes, Social Security obligations and other amounts, and paying those taxes over to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Temporary employment agencies bill client companies for the number of workers and the number of hours worked, and the client companies pay the agencies for the workers’ services.
Since 2013, the defendants allegedly operated temporary employee agencies under several successive names, including recently under the names KHL, Inc. and Top Labors, Inc. Between 2019 and 2025, the defendants allegedly used a check cashing company in Worcester, Mass. to cash more than $57 million in checks that the defendants’ agencies received from client companies in payment for workers’ labor. The defendants allegedly used more than $ 48 million of the $57 million to pay employees their wages in cash “under the table,” that is, without reporting the payroll to the IRS or paying required taxes on the wages. The defendants also allegedly failed to pay more than $12 million in federal employment taxes they owed to the IRS from their agencies’ operations.
The charge of conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, and restitution. The charge of failure to collect or pay over taxes also provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, and restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A. Wild of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Louisiana Woman Pleads Guilty to Pandemic Relief SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Louisiana woman pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to her involvement in a multi-state scheme to obtain millions of dollars in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds for herself and others.
Lisa Lemoine, 38, of Bossier City, La., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled a sentencing hearing for Sept. 1, 2026. Lemoine was charged in March 2026.
Lemoine conspired with her alleged co-conspirators, Sniders Jean-Jacques, Lorne Johnson, Tanya Pierre, Ashley Spike and others, to submit fraudulent PPP applications on behalf of borrowers and to collect up to 30 percent of the loan proceeds as a fee for securing the loans. Beginning in March 2021, Lemoine recruited borrowers who were ineligible for PPP loans, claimed the borrowers operated businesses that qualified them for loans, and created fake tax forms to backstop the borrowers’ fraudulent applications. Lemoine received a kickback, commonly in amount equal to 30 percent of the loan proceeds, from the borrowers who received PPP funds based on the fraudulent applications, which she shared with her alleged co-conspirators.
Jean-Jacques, Johnson, Pierre and Spike were charged in a separate indictment with conspiracy to commit wire fraud related to this scheme.
The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the scheme, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; Jason Xerri, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, Eastern Region; and Randy Maloney, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Kearney of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
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.
Large-Scale Counterfeit Pill Manufacturer Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Cambridge, Mass. man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with an investigation of large-scale manufacturing of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. Defendant communicated directly with illegal chemical supplier in China.
Schuyler Oppenheimer, a/k/a “SK,” a/k/a “Michael Sylvain,” 35, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 13 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In January 2026, Oppenheimer pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and two counts of wire fraud. In July 2025, Oppenheimer was arrested and charged. He was subsequently indicted in August 2025.
Oppenheimer was 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. During the investigation, 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. Multiple packages shipped from China to Oppenheimer, and various female associates of Oppenheimer, that contained pill press parts, were also seized during the investigation.
Based on the review of orders and invoices from companies selling powders and other substances used in the pill manufacturing process since 2019, Oppenheimer obtained over 200 kilograms of these filler powders and manufacturing materials. 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 communicated directly with an illegal chemical supplier based in China and inquired about the availability of controlled substances and fentanyl precursor chemicals and sought to import kilogram quantities of these substances. Fentanyl precursor chemicals are substances that can be used to synthesize raw fentanyl in a laboratory setting.
During a search in Cambridge on July 18, 2024, over five kilograms of suspected counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine and a loaded firearm were recovered. Based on prior felony convictions, Oppenheimer is prohibited from possessing firearms.
Lastly, Oppenheimer obtained over $40,000 through two fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loan applications that were submitted in April 2021. Oppenheimer submitted false statements concerning his income through self-employment for the 2019 tax years and provided false tax return documents substantiating that income.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Jennifer B. De La O, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Cambridge Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Illegal Alien Who Lived in U.S. Under Stolen Identity for More Than Two Decades Sentenced to Prison for Voter Fraud, Identity Theft and Stealing over $400,000 in Federal BenefitsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Colombian woman, unlawfully residing in Boston, was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegally receiving more than $259,000 in Section 8 rental assistance; over $100,000 in disability benefits; over $40,000 in SNAP benefits; and voter fraud. The defendant also applied for a United States passport and obtained a Massachusetts REAL ID along with eight other Massachusetts IDs under a stolen identity.
Lina Maria Orovio-Hernandez, 60, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to 33 months in prison. The defendant was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $404,194. She is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence.
In February 2026, Orovio-Hernandez was convicted following a five-day jury trial of one count of false representation of a Social Security number; one count of making a false statement in an application for a United States passport; one count of aggravated identity theft; three counts of receiving stolen government money or property; and one count of fraudulent voting. Orovio-Hernandez has remained in federal custody since being indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2025 and later charged in a superseding indictment in May 2025.
“For more than two decades, this defendant treated the identity of an American citizen as a personal entitlement – exploiting it to enrich herself, evade the law and access government programs and privileges reserved for lawful residents and citizens of this country,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “This was a deliberate, calculated fraud scheme carried out with blatant disregard for American taxpayers, our public institutions and the integrity of our elections. Even after her crimes were uncovered, the defendant attempted to flee and lied under oath. This case is exactly why we launched the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. These are not victimless crimes – and those who steal public benefits, exploit stolen identities and undermine public trust should expect federal prosecution.”
“Today’s sentencing holds Ms. Orovio-Hernandez accountable for a multi-decade scheme involving passport fraud, identity theft, and the abuse of federal programs,” said Nathan Hebert, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Boston Field Office. “DSS special agents will continue to investigate those who undermine the integrity of U.S. travel documents, defraud American citizens, and endanger the security of our nation. The collaborative relationships that DSS has with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners was essential in this investigation.”
“This sentence reflects the serious consequences of using a stolen identity to defraud government programs, obtain official documents under false pretenses, and undermine the integrity of our democratic processes,” said Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge, Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General (SSA OIG), Boston–New York Field Division. “The defendant unlawfully used a stolen identity to obtain Social Security benefits and commit additional federal offenses. We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate and hold accountable individuals who commit false representation of a Social Security number and exploit Social Security programs for personal gain.”
“Orovio-Hernandez spent more than two decades living under a false identity while orchestrating a sophisticated fraud scheme that resulted in the theft of more than $400,000 in taxpayer-funded federal benefits, including substantial HUD rental assistance funds intended to support our nation’s most vulnerable populations,” said Special Agent in Charge Shawn Rice with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Inspector General (OIG). “Her actions were not a one-time mistake or lapse in judgment, but a calculated and sustained effort to defraud the United States Government over many years. HUD OIG remains steadfast in our commitment to working alongside the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue those who exploit federally funded housing programs and threaten the integrity of critical public assistance programs.”
Orovio-Hernandez, a Colombian national without lawful status in the United States, lived under a stolen identity for more than 20 years using the name, date of birth and Social Security number of a U.S. citizen born in Puerto Rico. From 2004 through 2024, Orovio-Hernandez used the stolen identity to obtain nine Massachusetts-issued identification documents, including driver’s licenses, learner’s permits and a Massachusetts REAL ID. To obtain the IDs, Orovio-Hernandez repeatedly submitted fraudulent identity documents, including a Social Security card and Puerto Rico birth certificate in the victim’s name. Orovio-Hernandez also filed petitions in Puerto Rico Superior Court seeking a late-registered Puerto Rico birth certificate under the stolen identity and ultimately obtained the fraudulent birth certificate in November 2022.
Using the stolen identity, Orovio-Hernandez fraudulently obtained hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal benefits intended for U.S. citizens and lawful residents. Between April 2005 and January 2025, Orovio-Hernandez improperly received approximately $43,348 in SNAP benefits after repeatedly claiming under penalty of perjury that she was a U.S. citizen. In addition, from July 2014 through January 2025, Orovio-Hernandez fraudulently received approximately $101,257 in Supplemental Security Income disability benefits after falsely representing to the Social Security Administration that she was a U.S. citizen born in Puerto Rico who had never used another name or lived outside the United States. Orovio-Hernandez also obtained approximately $259,589 in Section 8 rental assistance benefits from October 2011 through January 2025 after falsely claiming U.S. citizenship on federally subsidized housing applications and annual recertification forms.
In furtherance of the scheme, Orovio-Hernandez used the stolen identity to vote in the November 2024 presidential election in Boston. Later that year, in November 2024, Orovio-Hernandez appeared at a U.S. Post Office in Jamaica Plain and applied for a U.S. passport using the stolen identity, falsely claiming she was born in Puerto Rico and submitting the fraudulently obtained Massachusetts REAL ID and Puerto Rico birth certificate as proof of identity.
U.S. Attorney Foley; DSS SAC Hebert; SSA OIG SAC Connelly; HUD OIG SAC Rice; and Charmeka Parker, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations – Northeast Region made the announcement. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg and Assistant U.S. Attorney Allegra Flamm of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Former Mail Carrier Sentenced for Theft of Postal Customers' Prescription DrugsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former U.S. Postal Service mail carrier was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for stealing packages containing prescription medications from postal customers on his postal route.
Michael Vernon, 53, of Waltham, Mass., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Brian E. Murphy to time served (one day) to be followed by one year of supervised release. Vernon was also ordered to pay a fine of $1,000. In December 2025, Vernon pleaded guilty to one count of theft of mail by a postal officer or employee. Vernon was arrested and charged in September 2025.
On Jan. 31, 2024, over 1,000 pieces of undelivered mail and 17 bottles of pills prescribed to 10 different postal customers on Vernon’s postal route were discovered in his personal vehicle. Most of the customers whose medications Vernon stole were elderly. The medications included Gabapentin, Chlorthalidone, Citalopram, Bupropion, Glipizide, Butalbital, Atomoxetine, Escitalopram and Tamsulosin Hydrochloride. These medications are used to treat nerve pain, seizures, diabetes, high blood pressure, enlarged prostate, depression, anxiety and ADHD. The pill bottles were dated as far back as June 2022.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Wichers of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit prosecuted the case.
Eight Charged with Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Eight individuals have been charged for allegedly participating in a drug and firearms trafficking conspiracy operating in and around Worcester, Mass.
The following defendants were arrested yesterday and remain detained following initial appearances in federal court in Worcester:
- Alisa Walsh, 34, of Oakham, Mass., was charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
- Osiris Berry-Vazquez, 23, of Worcester, Mass., was charged with distribution of controlled substances;
- Fendy Martinez, 35, of Worcester, Mass., was charged with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a controlled substance;
- Luis Muniz, 33, of Worcester, Mass., was charged with distribution of controlled substances;
- Luis Dick Rivera, 39, of Worcester, Mass., was charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
- Fernando Valentin-Perez, 45, of Worcester, Mass., was charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
- Omar Ramos-Jimenez, 27, of Worcester, Mass., was charged with dealing in firearms without a license and distribution of a controlled substance; and
- Onix Aviles, 25, of Worcester, Mass., was charged with dealing in firearms without a license.
According to the charging documents, from March 2026 through April 2026, Walsh, Berry-Vazquez, Martinez, Muniz, Dick Rivera and Valentin-Perez allegedly sold controlled substances including cocaine, cocaine base (crack) and fentanyl to undercover law enforcement and confidential informants in and around Worcester.
It is further alleged that Aviles sold firearms without a license on two occasions, including a privately manufactured firearm. Ramos-Jimenez also allegedly sold several firearms and fentanyl to confidential informants in Worcester.
The charges of distribution of controlled substances and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years up to lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. The charge of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a controlled substance provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, six years of supervised release and a fine of up to $2 million. The charge of dealing in firearms without a license provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Special Agent Thomas A. Greco of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Worcester Police Chief Paul B. Saucier; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Homeland Security Investigations; t the Suffolk County Sherrif’s Department; and the Worcester District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristen M. Noto, Brendan O’Shea and Zachary Stendig of the Worcester Branch Office are prosecuting the cases.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Lowell Man Pleads Guilty to Hiding More Than $6 Million in PayrollRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lowell man pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to his involvement in payroll tax avoidance and workers’ compensation insurance fraud.
Henry Lam, 68, pleaded guilty to failure to collect and pay over taxes and mail fraud. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Aug. 27, 2026. In July 2025, Lam was arrested following his June 2025 indictment.Between 2016 and 2023, Lam owned and operated HL Temporary Services – a temporary employment agency in Lowell that served client companies in Massachusetts. The client companies paid HL Temporary Services for the temporary employees’ work on an hourly basis. Lam cashed these client’s checks at check cashing businesses in Massachusetts and paid the temporary employees primarily in cash. By using cash payments, Lam hid over $6.1 million in payroll and avoided paying more than $1.5 million in required payroll taxes. It is further that Lam also used HL Temporary Services’ false payroll numbers to obtain worker’s compensation insurance at lower premium rates.
The charge of failure to collect or pay over taxes provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, and restitution. The charge of mail fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, restitution, 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.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Kearney of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Former Suffolk County Corrections Officer Sentenced for COVID Unemployment and Loan FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Suffolk County Sherriff’s Department corrections officer was sentenced in federal court in Boston for submitting fraudulent information in order to obtain loans through CARES Act programs like the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
Christnel Orisca, 26, of Boston, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick to one year of supervised release. Orisca was also ordered to pay $54,700 in restitution and forfeiture. In November 2025, Orisca pleaded guilty to five counts of wire fraud and one count of making a false statement to a financial institution, arising out of PUA, traditional Unemployment Insurance and PPP loan benefits obtained prior to his employment at the Suffolk County Sherriff’s Department. Orisca was arrested and charged in December 2024.
Orisca was a corrections officer with the Suffolk County Sherriff’s Department from late 2021 to December 2024. Orisca fraudulently applied for pandemic unemployment and small business loan benefits while working full-time, initially for a security company and later for a delivery company. While employed full-time, Orisca collected approximately $54,700 in unemployment benefits and small business loan funds.
In his PUA application, Orisca made fraudulent representations about his employment status and thereafter falsely claimed, on a weekly basis, that he did not work and did not receive any income during the prior week. In his PPP loan application, Orisca submitted false statements to SBA-approved lenders, including the income and/or payroll of his purported small businesses, in order to obtain his loan. He also made false representations on forms submitted to request that his PPP loans be forgiven.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Anthony D’Esposito, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Joseph V. Cuffari, Ph.D., Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Police Department and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Chao, Chief of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit, 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 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 and https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/combatingfraud.
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 via the https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Randolph Man Indicted for Drug Trafficking and Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Randolph man was indicted today by a federal grand jury for allegedly possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine and MDMA and for possessing a loaded gun in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Tayvon Harper, 32, is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to the indictment, on Feb. 25, 2026, in Holbrook, Mass., Harper allegedly possessed fentanyl, cocaine and MDMA intended for distribution as well as a Glock 21 .45 caliber pistol. It is further alleged that he possessed one magazine containing 13 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition and $1,040 in cash.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime provides for a sentence of not less than five years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Holbrook and Randolph Police Departments, Massachusetts State Police and the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Cutshall of the Organized Crime & 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.
Peabody Man Pleads Guilty to Theft of Government MoneyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Peabody man pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining over $100,000 in coronavirus relief funds.
Jonathan Carpenter, 52, pleaded guilty to theft of government money before U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun who scheduled sentencing for Sept. 3, 2026. Carpenter was arrested and charged in January 2026.
Carpenter defrauded the United States Small Business Administration in 2020 by applying for and obtaining an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act authorized SBA to provide EIDLs to eligible small business experiencing financial disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Carpenter fraudulently obtained $125,000 in EIDL funds for Homeland Electric, an electrical contractor that had not existed for approximately five years at the time of his application. In addition, Carpenter falsely claimed that Homeland Electric was established on March 1, 2011; had gross receipts of $250,000; and had eight employees as of Jan. 21, 2020. Carpenter also failed to indicate that he had a criminal record.
The charge of theft of government money provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by Peabody Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy E. Moran of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Second Individual Charged in Connection with Armed Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A West Yarmouth man has been charged in connection with two armed bank robberies last month.
Angel Gonzalez, 25, was charged by criminal complaint with armed bank robbery. He is currently in state custody in connection with unrelated offenses and will make his initial appearance in federal court in Boston at a later date. Another suspect in the robberies, Steven Harris, was charged by complaint with armed bank robbery earlier this month and remains in federal custody.
According to the charging documents, Gonzalez participated in the armed robberies of a Santander Bank branch in Roxbury, Mass. and a TD Bank branch in Roslindale, Mass., on April 28, 2026. It is alleged that Gonzalez brandished a firearm during both robberies. During the first robbery, at the Santander Bank, Gonzalez allegedly dragged a bank employee from her office to the teller window, threatening to shoot her and held her at gunpoint:
* The victim’s face has been redacted.
At the TD Bank location, Gonzalez allegedly entered the bank wielding the same firearm, with his index finger inside the trigger guard on the trigger of the firearm. Once inside, Gonzalez’s partner, Harris, allegedly moved multiple employees from their offices to the main area of the bank. It is further alleged that Gonzalez, while brandishing the firearm, threatened to shoot the bank employees if they did not comply with his and Harris’s directives. Gonzalez then allegedly took approximately $3,000 from a teller drawer, and the suspects left in a getaway vehicle.
The charge of armed bank robbery provides for a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, five of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aidan Lang of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the cases.
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.
Lawrence Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Nine Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man was sentenced in federal court in Boston for conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
Leonardo Lara, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In October 2025, Lara was convicted by a federal jury of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances (involving five kilograms or more of cocaine). In August 2023, Lara was indicted by a federal grand jury along with co-conspirators Merced Navarro Morfin and Leandro Martinez.
In April 2022, an investigation revealed that Lara was in possession of $230,000 in drug proceeds that he sought to send to Mexico. On April 20, 2022, Lara was stopped on Interstate-84 in Sturbridge and approximately $40,000 in drug proceeds were found hidden in baby-wipe containers in the trunk. Lara was released from the traffic stop and promptly contacted his co-conspirators. Approximately 36 minutes after the traffic stop concluded, Martinez and Navarro Morfin were observed travelling to Lara’s residence in Methuen and removing eight kilograms of cocaine. Another kilogram of cocaine, and approximately $196,000 in bundled cash, were found in the car that Martinez and Navarro Morfin drove to Lara’s house.
According to court records, Lara was previously convicted twice in federal court in Boston. In 2004, Lara was convicted of bank larceny and was sentenced to probation. In 2017, Lara was convicted of money laundering, transactions in criminally derived funds and theft of government funds and was sentenced to 15 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.In November 2025, Navarro Morfin was sentenced to four years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In May 2025, Martinez was sentenced to 23 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Samuel R. Feldman and Sandra Gonzalez Sanchez of the Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Benefit Fraud and Identity Theft OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican man unlawfully residing in Salem, N.H., pleaded guilty yesterday to stealing the identity of an American citizen from Puerto Rico to obtain a U.S. Passport as well as federally funded benefits from Massachusetts.
Juan Felipe Chalas, 58, pleaded guilty to making a false statement in a passport application and unlawfully obtaining Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Sept. 8, 2026. The defendant was one of nine charged earlier this year as part of a benefit fraud crackdown. He remains in federal custody pending sentencing.
Pursuant to a plea agreement which calls for Chalas to serve one year of incarceration and two years of supervised release, Chalas also agreed to pay restitution of $12,584 to the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance for fraudulently obtaining SNAP benefits, $25,491 to the Social Security Administration for fraudulently obtaining disability benefits and $266,857 for fraudulently obtaining MassHealth benefits.
As far back as 1996, Chalas, a Dominican national who has never been admitted or inspected by immigration authorities, assumed the identity of an American citizen from Puerto Rico. Using the victim’s identity, Chalas obtained United States passports in 1998, 2010 and 2023 as well as various Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles identifications using the name and other information of an American citizen from Puerto Rico.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Amy Connelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; Charmeka Parker, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region; Nathan Hebert, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office; and Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Grady, Deputy Chief of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Barre Woman Pleads Guilty to Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Barre woman pleaded guilty in federal court in Worcester to stealing over $100,000 in Social Security benefits.
Jennifer Valley, 51, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government money. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for Aug. 28, 2026. Valley was charged in April 2026.
From October 2022 through August 2025, Valley stole approximately $100,218 in Social Security retirement benefits that were intended for a beneficiary that had died and with whom she had previously lived. Prior to the beneficiary’s death, Valley had been appointed as the beneficiary’s representative payee to manage their Social Security benefits and provide regular accountings to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Valley failed to report the beneficiary’s death to SSA. Instead, in June 2023, she submitted a representative payee report to SSA stating that all the benefits received during the previous 12 months had been spent for the benefit of the deceased, including $23,157 in funds improperly paid after death during that period. Additionally, in December 2023, Valley updated the deceased’s mailing address with SSA to her new address to conceal the beneficiary’s death.
The charge of theft of public funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Worcester Branch Office.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Southbridge Man Arrested for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Southbridge man was arrested and charged today in federal court in Boston for possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Yojuande Blaize, 23, was charged with possession of child pornography. The defendant was arrested today and following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston this afternoon, he was held pending a detention hearing scheduled for May 27, 2026.
According to the charging documents, law enforcement located CSAM while conducting a preliminary review of a folder on Blaize’s device that contained over 7,000 videos and images. Blaize also allegedly admitted that he would regularly seek out and purchase CSAM online and, on multiple occasions, advertise and sell the CSAM he obtained.
The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Nathan Hebert, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Southbridge Police Department and the United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen M. Noto of the Worcester 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.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Former TSA Security Officer Sentenced for Fraudulently Obtaining Pandemic Unemployment AssistanceRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced in federal court in Boston for fraudulently obtaining tens of thousands of dollars in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) while employed as a TSA Security Officer full-time.
Ismael Rosado Jr., 40, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to three years’ probation. The government recommended a sentence of four months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release. Rosado was ordered to pay $47,526 of restitution. In February 2026, Rosado pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. Rosado was charged in December 2025.
Rosado was employed full-time as a TSA Security Officer at Boston Logan International Airport from November 2018 through October 2021. Between May 2020 and September 2021, Rosado submitted an application seeking PUA and weekly certifications claiming he was unemployed and making no income. Based on misrepresentations in the application and weekly certifications, Rosado received $47,526 in unemployment benefits to which he was not entitled.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Anthony D’Esposito, Inspector General of the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Joseph V. Cuffari, Ph.D., Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Sullivan of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Former CEO of Non-Profit Nursing Home Sentenced for Misapplication of PropertyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former CEO of the non-profit Edgar P. Benjamin Health Center (EPBHC) was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for charges arising from his improper use of EPBHC funds.
Tony Francis, 60, of Needham, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In February 2026, Francis pleaded guilty to two counts of intentional misapplication of money from a program receiving federal funds.
Francis was Administrator, President, and Chief Executive Officer of EPBHC, a non-profit entity that operated Benjamin Healthcare, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility located in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston. In and around 2023 and 2024, EPBHC faced significant financial deficiencies that included a shortage of cash and inability to make payroll. In April 2024 the Massachusetts Superior Court ordered the appointment of a receiver to operate EPBHC.
Francis abused his position of trust with EPBHC by intentionally misapplying funds belonging to EPBHC. Specifically, in 2020, Francis used close to $160,000 in Economic Injury Disaster Loan funds, that had been provided to EPBHC by the U.S. Small Business Administration, as a deposit for a personal real estate investment. In addition, in 2023 and 2024, Francis arranged for EPBHC to make payments of principal, interest and late fees on a $100,000 personal loan without having approval of the EPBHC Board of Directors to do so. Finally, at various times between 2022 and 2024, Francis drew on an EPBHC line of credit to transfer funds to his own personal checking account so that he would have sufficient funds account to pay his mortgage and personal credit card bills. In total, Francis misappropriated more than $190,000 from EPBHC, although Francis later returned most of these funds.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely, Chief of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case along with Massachusetts Assistant Attorney General Kevin Lownds, who was sworn in as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Former Haverhill Man Charged with Receiving Stolen Government MoneyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Haverhill man was charged in federal court in Boston with receiving stolen Social Security disability benefits over a period of more than five years.
Christopher D. Leon, 56, was charged with one count of receiving stolen government money or property. Leon will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
As alleged in the charging document, Leon received approximately $87,817 in stolen Social Security disability benefits from November 2019 through August 2025.
The charge of receiving stolen government money or property provides 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 gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of the SSA Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
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.
Brookline Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Transfer of Obscene Material to a MinorRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brookline man pleaded guilty yesterday to attempting to transfer obscene material to a minor.
William Kahn, 28, pleaded guilty to transfer of obscene material to a minor. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Sept. 22, 2026. Kahn was charged in December 2025.
Between June 2025 and August 2025, Kahn engaged in online conversations with an undercover agent purporting to be a 14-year-old girl. Kahn engaged in sexually explicit chat discussions with the purported minor, sent a photograph of an adult erect genitalia and discussed meeting in person with the purported minor.
The charge of attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor 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.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Brookline, Boston and Arlington Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identity and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Legal Permanent Resident Arrested for Voting in Federal Elections Since 2008Read the Press Release
BOSTON – A legal permanent resident, residing in Saugus, Mass., has been arrested and charged for allegedly voting illegally since 2008.
Sunny Manhertz, 40, was charged with one count of unlawful voting by aliens and one count of the procurement, casting, or tabulation of ballots that are known to be materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent under state law. Manhertz made an initial appearance in federal court in Boston today.
According to the charging documents, Manhertz is a citizen of Canada and became a United States lawful permanent resident (“LPR”) on Feb. 25, 1987. On or about March 1, 2016, Manhertz submitted a Massachusetts Official Voter Registration Form under his own name. In response to the question, “Are you a Citizen of the United States of America?” Manhertz checked “Yes.” Towards the bottom of the form, the Voter Registration Form read:Manhertz signed under penalties of perjury he was a United States citizen. According to Saugus records, Manhertz has voted in multiple federal elections, including the 2012, 2016, 2020 and 2024 elections.
During the same period, Manhertz knew that he was not a United States citizen. On or about Feb. 13, 2019, approximately three years after registering to vote in Saugus but before the 2020 and 2024 federal elections, Manhertz allegedly submitted to the Department of Homeland Security an I-90 form, or an “Application to Replace Perm anent Resident Card.” On the form, Manhertz provided his Alien Registration Number, his name and his Saugus address. In response to a question regarding his legal status, Manhertz allegedly checked the box “Lawful Permanent Resident.” Manhertz signed and dated the application.On May 11, 2026, law enforcement officers interviewed Manhertz. During the interview, Manhertz allegedly confirmed that he signed the March 1, 2016, Voter Registration Form. When shown a list of elections he had previously voted in, Manhertz allegedly confirmed that the list was accurate and further added that he has been voting since 2008.
manhertz_-_complaint.pdf
The charge of procurement, casting, or tabulation of ballots that are known to be materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent under state law provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of unlawful voting by aliens provides for a sentence of up to one year in prison, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of $100,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucy Sun of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Illinois Doctor Agrees to Pay $62,500 for Signing False Orders in Durable Medical Equipment SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Illinois-based doctor has agreed to pay $62,500 to resolve allegations that she caused the submission of false claims to Medicare for medically unreasonable and unnecessary durable medical equipment (DME).
The United States previously filed a complaint against Dr. Alexandria Williams. The complaint alleges that Dr. Williams signed orders for DME that were pre-populated based on telemarketing calls made to Medicare beneficiaries and contained multiple false statements, including that Dr. Williams had completed an evaluation of the patient, discussed the use of orthotics with the patient and instructed the patient on medical follow-up care. Without these signed orders, DME suppliers could not have submitted claims to Medicare for the medically unnecessary orthotics. The complaint further alleges that Dr. Williams received payment for each order she reviewed through a staffing company that had connected her with Integrated Support Plus, Inc., a telemedicine company whose owner pleaded guilty to his role in the scheme in 2020.
As part of the settlement agreement, Dr. Williams admitted that, between December 2018 and April 2019, she worked for Integrated Support Plus and signed orders for medically unnecessary orthotic braces for Medicare beneficiaries.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. This matter is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandra Brazier and Lindsey Ross of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit.
executed_williams_settlement_agreement.pdf
Homeland Security Task Force Investigation Leads to Illegal Alien Being Indicted for Running a Continuing Criminal Enterprise, Drug Trafficking and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national residing in Saugus was indicted and extradited back to the United States from the Dominican Republic to face multiple federal charges stemming from a Homeland Security Task Force investigation for continuing criminal enterprise, drug trafficking and money laundering.
Frank Maiky Baez Guerrero, 29, was charged with continuing criminal enterprise, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to launder money, and multiple counts of distribution of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine.
According to court documents, Baez Guerrero led a large-scale drug trafficking organization which operated out of Massachusetts, Maine and the Dominican Republic. On Nov. 26, 2024, 10 members of Baez Guerrero’s drug trafficking organization (DTO) were indicted for drug trafficking conspiracy and firearms offenses. Allegedly at Baez Guerrero’s direction, these defendants regularly transported fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine from Massachusetts to Maine, rented residences to store and sell the drugs to local Maine customers, and then returned with the drug proceeds to Massachusetts. The indictment alleges that Baez Guerrero was operating this DTO while in the United States and in the Dominican Republic.
The charge of continuing criminal enterprise provides for a sentence of no less than 20 years and up to life in prison, a term of supervised release of up to life and a fine of up to $2 million. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of no less than 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Multiple charges of distribution and possession with intent to distribute various controlled substances, including fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, provide for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount of laundered proceeds. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Marshals Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Maine State Police, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, the York, Maine Police Department, the Waldo County, Maine Sherriff’s Office, the New Hampshire State Police, the Massachusetts State Police, the Boston Police Department and the Malden, Massachusetts Police Department. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Dominican authorities in securing Baez Guerrero’s arrest and extradition. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of the office’s Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
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.Federal Inmate Pleads Guilty to Threatening Federal Court Employee in MassachusettsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A federal inmate pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to sending several threatening letters to an employee at the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse.
Devin James Melycher, 33, pleaded guilty to three counts of mailing threatening communications. U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun scheduled sentencing for Sept. 22, 2026. Melycher was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2024.
Melycher is a federal inmate who, since 2023, has been in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons. It is alleged that on three separate occasions: Dec. 16, 2022; Jan. 3, 2023; and Jan. 12, 2023, Melycher sent letters addressed to a U.S. official at the John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse in Boston threatening to injure the victim employee.
The charges of using of mailing threatening communications 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. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B Foley and Dennis Matulewicz, Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Luke A. Goldworm and Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
New Jersey Man Indicted for Multiple Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Cherry Hill, N.J., man previously arrested on state charges for armed home invasion in April 2025, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for allegedly sexually exploiting a minor in Massachusetts, as well as travelling across state lines to engage in illicit sexually conduct with the minor victim.
Essam Meawad, 34, was indicted on two counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of interstate travel to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. Meawad was arrested on the state charge in July of 2025 and has remained in state custody since.
On or about August 2024 and November 2024, Meawad allegedly coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct. In addition, in August 2024, Meawad allegedly traveled in interstate commerce to engage in illicit contact with the minor.
The charge of sexual exploitation of minors (and attempt and conspiracy) provides for a sentence of no less than 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Chief Roy W. Frost of the Billerica Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm, of the Major Crimes Unit and Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric L. Hawkins of the Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.