District of Massachusetts
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
New York Man Who Tried to Withdraw Money from Massachusetts Bank Accounts Using Fake Passports Agrees to Plead GuiltyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New York man has agreed to plead guilty to allegedly using counterfeit United States passport cards in the name of three Massachusetts residents in order to withdraw money from their bank accounts.
Jean Andre Bontiffe, 40, has agreed to plead guilty to three counts of bank fraud, one count of forgery or false use of a Passport and one count of aggravated identity theft. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the Court. Bontiffe was previously charged by criminal complaint in October 2023.
According to the charging documents, on Aug. 9, 2022, Bontiffe was arrested in New York for attempting to pass through TSA screening at LaGuardia Airport using a counterfeit California driver’s license in the same name as one of the Massachusetts victims. A subsequent investigation allegedly revealed that, between July 20 and July 22, 2022, Bontiffe traveled to Massachusetts from the Bronx, N.Y., and made nine attempts to withdraw money from bank accounts that belonged to three victims from Massachusetts – stealing a total of $13,800. On July 20, 2022, Bontiffe allegedly entered a TD Bank branch in North Andover, Mass. and presented a United States passport and a Discover credit card, both in the name of a Massachusetts resident who had an account at the bank, as proof of identity and attempted to withdraw $4,500 from that account. Due to unmatched signatures, the bank denied the transaction and confiscated the passport and credit card prior to Bontiffe fleeing the scene.
The charge of making or using a forged passport provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutive to any other 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.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Matthew O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office; and Paul Creazzo, Chief of the Mamaroneck (New York) Police Department made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Members of U.S. Attorney's Office Honored at Attorney General's Awards in Washington D.C.Read the Press Release
BOSTON –Members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts were recognized yesterday by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland at the 70th and 71st Annual Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. for their extraordinary contributions to the enforcement of our nation’s laws. Award recipients from both 2022 and 2023 were selected from a group of more than 800 Justice Department employees nominated from across the country.
“Each of today’s recipients has served with distinction, and in so doing, they have enabled the Justice Department to advance its work on behalf of the American people,” said Attorney General Garland. “Their exceptional leadership, heroism, and dedication have benefited people and communities across the country.”
The following individuals were presented with the Distinguished Service Award, the Department’s second highest award for employee performance, for their investigation and prosecution in a Higher Education Admissions Fraud Case:
- Stephen E. Frank, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office;
- Kristen A. Kearney, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office;
- Leslie A. Wright, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office;
- Ian J. Stearns, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office;
- Kriss R. Basil, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office;
- Alexia R. DeVincentis, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office;
- Carol E. Head, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office;
- Justin D. O’Connell, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office;
- Lauren M. George, Financial Investigator, U.S. Attorney’s Office;
- Laura C. Smith, Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office;
- Kaitlyn A. Cedrone, Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office;
- Keith T. Brown, Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office;
- Chris Gianakura, Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office;
- Elizabeth A. Keating, Special Agent, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and
- Mark G. Deckett, Special Agent, Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Education, Boston Field Office.
“This outstanding team of individuals worked tirelessly to investigate, prosecute and hold accountable dozens of individuals who sought to cheat the college admissions process. From the outset, this case has stood for the principle that we do not have a two-tiered system of justice in this country and that everyone – regardless of wealth, power or fame – must operate under the same set of rules. This case reaffirmed that principle,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This case resulted in concrete changes to make the college admissions process more fair. We are deeply proud of this team, and of the lasting and far-reaching impact their extraordinary work has had.”
In March 2019, dozens of individuals from across the country were arrested and charged for their involvement in a nationwide conspiracy, led by William “Rick” Singer, that facilitated cheating on college entrance exams and the admission of students to elite universities as purported athletic recruits.
Hector Radhames Gonzalez, an Information Technology Specialist for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, was honored posthumously with the Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Administrative Support. This distinguished award recognizes Justice Department employees who have demonstrated outstanding administrative or managerial achievements. Mr. Gonzalez’s wife and oldest son attended the ceremony and received the award on Mr. Gonzalez’s behalf.
“Hector’s expertise and knowledge as well as his friendly and comforting manner of providing confident support allowed our Office to focus on their own areas of expertise. His approach to his responsibilities embodied excellence – both as an Information Technology professional and as a public servant,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Levy. “Hector Gonzalez was an exceptional colleague who made a difference in our lives on a daily basis. His collegiality, friendship and technical skills touched each of us and made us all better.”
Man Who Manufactured and Trafficked Kilos of Fentanyl Pills Sentenced to 12 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A man from the Dominican Republic, who resides in the Boston area, was sentenced yesterday for running a wide-ranging fentanyl trafficking conspiracy that trafficked multiple kilograms of counterfeit pills, including pills that contained fentanyl, through the mail.
Quenty Ogando, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to 144 months in prison and five years of supervised release. In October 2023, Ogando pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Between September 2022 and November 2022, Ogando ran a large-scale pill press operation that manufactured, sold and mailed counterfeit pills, including pills containing fentanyl, among other drugs. Many of the packages were seized and found to contain counterfeit fentanyl pills. In total, nearly two kilograms of counterfeit fentanyl pills were seized from packages over the course of the investigation.
In November 2022, a search of Ogando’s apartment revealed over 20 kilograms of pills in various colors, over 20 kilograms of loose powder, numerous packages and mailing labels and three industrial grade pill presses. In total, over 11 kilograms of fentanyl was recovered from the apartment as well as amounts of heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement today. The Boston Police Department; Massachusetts State Police; United States Customs and Border Protection; Drug Enforcement Administration; and U.S. Food and Drug Administration provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Mackenzie Duane and Jennifer Zacks of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Malden Man Sentenced to Decade in Prison for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Malden man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for distributing methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement officer.
David Desousa, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 10 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. In September 2022, Desousa pleaded guilty to one count of distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of distributing five grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of distributing a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine and three counts of possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
In February 2020, an investigation began into DeSousa’s methamphetamine distribution activities. On three separate occasions in February, March and July 2020, Desousa met with and sold various quantities of methamphetamine to an undercover agent. Desousa was arrested on Aug. 6, 2020 in Medford while he was travelling to deliver two ounces of methamphetamine to the undercover agent. More than 55 grams of 99% pure methamphetamine and 10.814 grams of cocaine base were seized from Desousa’s vehicle. During a subsequent search of Desousa’s residence, more than 75 grams of methamphetamine, a loaded Remington .380 caliber pistol and $5,000 in cash was seized. An additional 83 grams of 99% pure methamphetamine and $90,000 in cash were also seized from Desousa’s storage unit.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division; Arlington Police Chief Juliann Flaherty; Medford Police Chief Jack Buckley; and Malden Police Chief Glenn Cronin made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip C. Cheng and James E. Arnold of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Fall River Police Officer Found Guilty of Assaulting Man in CustodyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Fall River Police Officer was convicted today following a four-day jury trial of assaulting a man in custody with a baton and failing to report the assault in subsequent reports.
Nicholas M. Hoar, 37, was convicted of on one count of deprivation of rights under color of law and two counts of false reports. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for April 24, 2024. Hoar was arrested and charged in November 2022.
“Police officers who abuse their power will continue to be held accountable by this office,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This office has a huge amount of respect for the thousands of men and women in law enforcement who conduct their jobs with high integrity and put their lives at risk every day. The defendant’s conduct and lack of moral compass is an affront to all those members of law enforcement who serve with honor.”
“What Fall River Police Officer Nicholas Hoar did – in using his position of authority to assault a man in his custody and then try to cover it up by filing false reports– is utterly contemptible,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “We in law enforcement are granted significant authority in order to effectively do our jobs, and when a police officer abuses those powers and deprives another human being of their civil rights, the FBI and our partners will ensure they are brought to justice for egregiously violating the public’s trust.”
On Dec. 21, 2020, while on duty as an officer with the Fall River Police Department, Hoar struck an individual who had been arrested in the forehead with a baton, resulting in bodily injury to the arrestee. Additionally, on Dec. 21 and Dec. 22, 2020, Hoar submitted two reports which omitted any mention of the fact that he had struck the arrestee in the forehead with a baton.
The charge of deprivation of rights under color of law resulting in bodily injury provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of false reports 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.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristina E. Barclay and John J. Reynolds III of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Trafficking of Machinegun Conversion DevicesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to illegally selling a dozen machinegun conversion devices.
Michael Wilkerson, 23, pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in the business as a manufacturer or dealer in firearms. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for April 30, 2024. Wilkerson was initially arrested and charged along with co-defendant Elijah Navarro in February 2023. The defendants were subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2023.
In January 2023, Navarro agreed to sell 12 machinegun conversion devices to an individual in exchange for $1,700. Following a series of communications, Navarro met the individual twice at a pre-arranged location. On Jan. 19, 2023, Navarro sold the first two machinegun conversion devices for $400 and later, on Jan. 25, 2023, Navarro sold the remaining 10 devices for an additional $1,300 out of Wilkerson’s residence.
During a search of Wilkerson’s residence in February 2023, two 3-D printers, 3-D printing material, machinegun conversion devices, a ballistic vest as well as firearms, ammunition and magazines were seized.
Neither Navarro nor Wilkerson possess licenses to import, manufacture, deal or possess firearms.
Navarro pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy in December 2023. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 13, 2024.
The charge of engaging in the business as a manufacturer or dealer in firearms provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10,000. The charge of unlawful transferring or possession of a machinegun provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael A. Cox made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
Driving Instructor Who Allegedly Bribed RMV Road Test Examiner for Driver's Licenses Agrees to Plead GuiltyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A driving instructor has been charged, and has agreed to plead guilty, to allegedly conspiring to defraud the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) into issuing driver’s licenses to applicants who did not pass the road test.
Ngan Dinh, 48, of Boston, was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the Court.
According to the charging document, Dinh allegedly paid a road test examiner at the Brockton RMV service center to misrepresent to the RMV that certain driver’s license applicants had passed their road test when in fact they had not. According to court documents, some of the applicants did not even show up to take the test. As a result of the fraud, the RMV mailed driver’s licenses to unqualified applicants.
The charge of conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 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.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Christopher A. Scharf, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine J. Wichers and Adam W. Deitch of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.
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.
Chelsea Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Machinegun Conversion DevicesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Chelsea man pleaded guilty today to illegally selling multiple machinegun conversion devices to an undercover federal agent.
Michael Williams, 50, was indicted on two counts of transferring or possessing a machinegun and one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for May 15, 2024. Williams was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in July 2023 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2023.
In January 2023, Williams agreed to sell several machinegun conversion devices and other firearm accessories to an undercover agent. Following a series of communications, Williams met the undercover agent twice at a pre-arranged location. On Jan. 12, 2023, Williams sold the first machinegun conversion device, along with numerous rounds of ammunition. On the following day Williams sold two additional machinegun conversion devices to the undercover agent. Williams is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a prior felony conviction.
The charge of unlawful transferring or possession of a machinegun provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The felon in possession charge provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Chelsea Police Chief Keith Houghton made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
Canton Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking 15-Year-OldRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Canton man was sentenced today for sex trafficking a minor who had been reported missing.
Keion Rowell, 24, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 15 years in prison and five years of supervised release. In September 2023, Rowell was convicted by a federal jury of one count of sex trafficking of a child.
“Mr. Rowell inflicted severe trauma on a vulnerable young life. Today’s sentence ensures that this dangerous man will be removed from our community for a very long time,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “As we close Human Trafficking Prevention Month, this case serves as a stark reminder that this insidious crime preys on the most vulnerable victims. Our office will work tirelessly to combat human trafficking and ensure that our communities are safe and that even the most vulnerable can live without fear of exploitation or harm.”
“The cruelty and inhumanity displayed by Keion Rowell is staggering. He forced a child into sexual servitude, unleashing physical and emotional abuse even as he profited from that child's exploitation,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Every day, children are being sexually exploited and traumatized in our area, and across the country. FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation – Human Trafficking Task Force will never stop working to find and free trafficked children and ensure those responsible are brought to justice. We ask anyone with knowledge of child sex trafficking to let us know about it. Dial 1-800-CALL-FBI or go online to tips.fbi.gov.”
On or about Jan. 18, 2021, Rowell met the 15-year-old victim, who had recently run away from home. Almost immediately, Rowell created and posted numerous online commercial sex advertisements that contained photos of the victim, including nude photos, and told her that she would have to engage in prostitution. Rowell then communicated with sex buyers and sent the victim to meet with those men to have sex in exchange for money he kept. On one occasion, when the victim did not make enough money to satisfy Rowell’s demands, he punched her in the face.
On Jan. 28, 2021, approximately 10 days after the victim had been reported missing, law enforcement participated in an undercover operation to rescue her. When she was recovered, the victim had Rowell’s phone which contained photos of the victim and Rowell, information about his personal bank accounts, links to online advertisements for commercial sex and communications with sex buyers.
If you or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, please contact [email protected].
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office; the Boston and Belmont Police Departments; and the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian A. Fogerty of the Civil Rights & Human Trafficking Unit and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyssa Tochka prosecuted the case.
Summer Camp Operator Who Defrauded over 300 Families Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Florida man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for stealing tuition and deposits from families who planned to send their children to sports camps in the Boston area in July and August 2019.
Mehdi Belhassan, 53, of Tampa, Fla., was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to 30 months in prison and two years of supervised release. Belhassan was also ordered to pay restitution of $575,427 and forfeiture of $443,346. In October 2023, Belhassan was convicted of two counts of wire fraud following a six-day jury trial.
Beginning in the fall of 2018, Belhassan falsely claimed that he would operate his annual MB Sports Camps at a Boston-area college. Later, Belhassan falsely announced that the camps would occur at a Boston-area university. The City of Boston told Belhassan that he could not have his camp anywhere in Boston because he lacked the appropriate permits; however, Belhassan continued to promote the camp and collect funds.
Belhassan also defrauded a financing company to obtain operating funds for his non-existent camp using a fraudulent contract with a college that contained the forged signature of a college administrator. Belhassan used the operating funds for his camp to fly to Las Vegas where he gambled and spent the money on entertainment and hotels.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kriss Basil and Alathea E. Porter of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Four Massachusetts State Troopers, Two Others Arrested for Alleged Bribery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two current and two former Massachusetts State Police (MSP) troopers are among six charged in a 74-count indictment in connection with an alleged conspiracy to falsify records and give passing scores to certain Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) applicants, including individuals who had failed or did not take the CDL skills test, in exchange for bribes.
The following individuals have been indicted on three counts of conspiracy to falsify records; three counts of conspiracy to commit extortion; three counts of extortion; six counts of honest services mail fraud; 31 counts of falsification of records; 27 counts of false statements; and one count of perjury:
- Gary Cederquist, 58, of Stoughton;
- Calvin Butner, 63, of Halifax;
- Perry Mendes, 63, of Wareham;
- Joel Rogers, 54, of Bridgewater;
- Scott Camara, 42, of Rehoboth; and
- Eric Mathison, 47, of Boston.
Butner and Mendes were arrested yesterday in Southern and Middle District of Florida, respectively. They will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date. The remaining defendants were arrested this morning and will appear in federal court in Boston at 2 p.m. this afternoon.
According to the charging document, MSP Sergeant Cederquist was in charge of MSP’s CDL Unit, of which Trooper Rogers and retired Troopers Butner and Mendes were members.
Members of MSP’s CDL Unit were responsible for administering CDL skills tests. Test requirements for CDLs are established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The CDL skills test is a demanding, in-person test that consists of three segments: Vehicle Inspection, in which an applicant is tested on their knowledge of the vehicle; Basic Control Skills, in which an applicant is tested on their ability to perform certain maneuvers; and the Road Test, in which an applicant is tested on their ability to drive a commercial vehicle on an open roadway.
In Massachusetts, the pass rate was 48% in 2019, 44% in 2020, 41% in 2021 and 41% in 2022. Test scores reported by members of MSP’s CDL Unit are material to whether applicants meet federal requirements for, and therefore whether the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is permitted to issue said applicants, CDLs. Class A CDLs are required to drive combination vehicles (e.g., tractor-trailers). Class B CDLs are required to drive heavy single vehicles (e.g., box trucks, school buses).
According to the charging document, between in on or about May 2019 and January 2023, Cederquist, Butner, Mendes, Rogers and others conspired to give preferential treatment to at least 17 CDL applicants by agreeing to give passing scores on their skills tests whether or not they actually passed, using the code word “golden” to identify these applicants who received special treatment. The indictment alleges that the following texts, some by Cederquist and others by Butner, were sent about some of these applicants:
- “Your buddy passed yesterday he owes you that’s an automatic Fail leaving the door open!!!;”
- “This guys a mess. Lol. He owes u a prime rib 6inch. 4 compounds and no watch;”
- “Your buddy is a mess. He owes you big time. He will be fine though. Anything for you;”
- “Golden mess. ??????;”
- “He’s a mess Class A truck 2psi loss with truck running truck cut our again while timing ????;” and
- “Total mess this guy I think some time we should just do what we can but not golden.”
Each of these applicants received a passing score on their skills test.
Additionally, it is alleged that Cederquist gave preferential treatment to four Class A CDL applicants who were MSP Troopers by falsely reporting that each trooper took and passed a Class A skills test. In reality, however, it is alleged that the Troopers did not pass the skills test and that they drove a vehicle which did not qualify as a Class A vehicle. It is alleged that Cederquist conspired with his friend Camara, who worked for a truck-driving school in Brockton, to accomplish this offense.
It is further alleged that Cederquist conspired with his friend Mathison, who worked for a spring water company that employed drivers who needed CDLs, to give passing scores to certain applicants affiliated with the water company. The indictment alleges that Cederquist gave passing scores to three such applicants who actually failed, in exchange for bribes of free inventory from the water company, such as cases of bottled Fiji, VOSS and Essentia water, cases of bottled Arizona Iced Tea, and coffee and tea products, all of which Mathison delivered to an office trailer at the CDL test site in Stoughton. The indictment alleges that Cederquist sent Mathison a text describing one of these applicants as “an idiot,” who had “no idea what he’s doing,” and “should have failed about 10 times already.” It is alleged that Cederquist then texted Mathison that Mathison’s boss “owes big time.”
The indictment also alleges that Butner assisted with this conspiracy, including by giving Mathison a key to the Stoughton yard so that Mathison could drop off water company inventory even when the test site was closed. The indictment alleges that Mendes also took part in the conspiracy, including by accepting cases of Fiji and VOSS water from Mathison immediately after administering an incomplete skills test to a new driver for the water company, with Mathison helping to put the cases in Mendes’s cruiser. It is alleged that on one occasion Mathison texted Cederquist that he was heading to the water company’s warehouse in Bridgewater, writing: “Was heading to Bridgewater seeing if you all need anything on return trip. Did you get a new key for the midnight express,” to which Cederquist replied, “Not yet but I need Voss and Italian toast espresso and some decaf for an old timer at the office.”
According to the charging document, in addition to Mathison’s bribes of free inventory from the water company, Cederquist accepted additional bribes in exchange for using his official position as the Sergeant in charge of MSP’s CDL Unit to give preferential treatment to certain CDL applicants including, but also a $750 granite post and mailbox; a new driveway valued at over $10,000; and a snow blower valued at nearly $2,000. The indictment alleges that Cederquist described one such applicant as “horrible,” and “brain dead,” but gave him a passing score anyway in exchange for the snow blower.
All CDL recipients identified as not qualified in the course of this investigation have been reported to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The charges of conspiracy to falsify records each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of conspiracy to commit extortion each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of extortion each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of honest services mail fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of falsification of records each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of false statements each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of perjury provides for a sentence of up to five 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.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Christopher A. Scharf, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine J. Wichers and Adam W. Deitch of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Boxing Gym Owner Sentenced for COVID Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynnfield man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for fraudulently obtaining multiple Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act loans, including funds from the Payroll Protection Program (PPP), and unemployment benefits to which he was not entitled for his boxing gym.
Daniel Olivar, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release with the first six months to be served in home confinement. Olivar was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $50,844. In August 2023, Olivar pleaded guilty to four counts of wire fraud.
Olivar was the owner of Sonny’s Boxing and Fitness, Inc., a boxing club and fitness center in in Middleton. Since at least 2019, Olivar engaged in a scheme to defraud and obtain CARES Act business loans, by filing false and fraudulent applications with the United States Small Business administration (SBA). This included an Economic Injury Disaster Loan from the SBA and a PPP loan. In addition, Olivar filed a claim for unemployment benefits with the State of Massachusetts, falsely claiming that he was laid off from Gold’s Gym. As a result, from January 2020 until at least May 2021, Olivar received unemployment benefits.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura J. Kaplan of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Sex Offender Previously Convicted of Child Rape Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A lifetime Level 2 sex offender, pleaded guilty today to possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Eric Robert Johnson, 50, of Billerica, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for May 2, 2024. Johnson was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in February 2022 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2022. He has remained in federal custody since his arrest.
“Possession of child pornography is not a victimless crime because it further victimizes the innocent children who were abused to create these horrific images and drives demand for the creation of more abusive material,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Mr. Johnson, a lifetime sex offender previously convicted of child rape, possessed over 5,000 files showing the sexual abuse of children, including infants. He is clearly a danger to our communities, and now faces significant time in federal prison. Our office will continue to relentlessly pursue individuals who harm children.”
“Images of children being sexually abused aren’t just documenting a moment in time. They’re a window into the horrific, ongoing reality for many of these kids. Sex offenders like Eric Robert Johnson who collect this material perpetuate the demand for it, which means more children will be exploited,” said Jodi Cohen Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “It’s imperative for the FBI and our law enforcement partners to intercept such predators when we find them, and we’re grateful Mr. Johnson accepted responsibility today for his criminal conduct.”
Searches of Johnson’s person and residence in February and March of 2022 resulted in the recovery of 25 electronic devices including a laptop, hard drives and other electronic devices. Multiple hard drives were found hidden next to Johnson’s bed as well as in Johnson’s basement ceiling, shelves, cabinets and in an ammunition can located in a crawl space at the residence. At the time of the search, the laptop was running a program to wipe, delete or remove files from an attached hard drive and was approximately 56% complete before being disabled by an on-scene forensic examiner.
A subsequent forensic examination revealed over 5,000 files depicting CSAM on seven of the seized devices, including images and video files depicting the sexual abuse of minor victims as young as infants and toddlers. Further forensic examination determined that 15 of the seized devices were encrypted or had hardware and could not be searched.
Additionally, during the search of Johnson’s residence, at least three mutilated dolls with the vaginal region sliced to make a hole were seized. Two children’s backpacks containing various children’s clothing including bathing suits and a nightgown, were found under his bed, along with a bag of children’s costumes. Additionally, children’s diapers were also observed throughout the residence.
Johnson was previously convicted in 1992 on state charges in New Hampshire of two counts of Aggravated Felonious Sexual Assault of a Child Under 13 Years of Age. At the time of the searches, Johnson was a Level 1 registered sex offender in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Per the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board, Johnson is currently a Level 2 registered sex offender.
The charge of possession of child pornography after a prior conviction for a sex offense provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, FBI SAC Cohen and Billerica Police Chief Roy Frost made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus, Luke A. Goldworm and J. Mackenzie Duane 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.
Massachusetts Man Arrested for Threatening Local Synagogue; Allegedly Threatened to Kill Members of Jewish Community and Bomb Places of WorshipRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Millis, Mass. man was arrested by federal authorities today for allegedly threatening to kill members of the Jewish community and bomb places of worship.
John Reardon, 59, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of using a facility of interstate commerce to threaten a person or place with harm via an explosive. Reardon was arrested this morning and will appear in U.S. District Court in Boston at 2 p.m. today. Reardon was previously arrested by local law enforcement Jan. 25, 2024 and has remained in custody since.
“The allegations here about the series of threats Mr. Reardon made against the Jewish community are deeply disturbing and reflect the increasing torrent of antisemitism across our country and right here in Massachusetts. The numbers do not lie — incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia are spiking. We will continue to work every day with our federal, state and local partners to track down people who allegedly engage in such hateful conduct,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy.
“John Reardon is accused of using his words as a weapon, leaving a threatening message to frighten members of the Congregation Agudas Achim,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “No one should have to fear becoming the victim of physical violence at the hands of an angry stranger. While the FBI does not and will not police ideology, we take all threats to life seriously, and so should anyone thinking about making one.”
According to the charging documents, on the morning of Jan. 25, 2024, Reardon allegedly called Congregation Agudas Achim, a synagogue in Attleboro, Mass. and left a voicemail making the following statements:
- “You do realize that by supporting genocide that means it’s ok for people to commit genocide against you;”
- “With supporting the killing of innocent little children, that means it’s OK to kill your children;”
- “From the river to the sea;”
- “People are going to use your logic against you, you stupid f**ks;”
- “Guess what? We are going to use your logic —if you can kill the Palestinians, we can kill you;”
- “If you can bomb their f**king places of worship we can bomb yours, if you can kill their children we can kill yours;”
- “You people need to stop the f**king genocide;”
- “End the genocide, or it is time to end Israel and all the Jews;”
- “I supported Jewish people though. Not anymore. A matter of fact I think we should kill you(s) all;” and
- “Have a lousy day and oh don't be surprised if there's pig blood on your steps tomorrow.”
It is further alleged that, within 10 minutes of leaving the voicemail at the Congregation Agudas Achim, Reardon called another local Synagogue as well as a local Jewish affiliated organization. Reardon was arrested by local law enforcement after the calls were made.
The charge of using a facility of interstate commerce to threaten a person or place with harm via an explosive provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. The Attleboro and Wrentham Police Departments; Massachusetts State Police; Bristol County District Attorney’s Office; and Bristol County Sheriff’s Office provided valuable assistance in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Riley-Cunniffe and Torey B. Cummings of the Civil Rights & Human Trafficking Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Springfield Man Indicted for Possessing Fentanyl and Cocaine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Springfield for a drug offense involving fentanyl and cocaine.
Christian Caballero, 30, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.
According to the indictment, on July 31, 2023, Caballero allegedly possessed fentanyl and cocaine with the intent to distribute.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Chicopee Police Chief Patrick J. Major made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of the Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the Indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Man Who Laundered over $300,000 in Drug Trafficking Proceeds to Colombian Organization Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Venezuelan man was sentenced yesterday for laundering drug trafficking proceeds from around the world.
Manuel Calderin Calderin, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 27 months in prison and one year of supervised release. In October 2023, Calderin Calderin pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy and conducting substantive money laundering transactions.
According to court documents, beginning in 2016 and continuing until 2022, an undercover investigation began into a money laundering organization based primarily in Barranquilla, Colombia. An undercover investigator infiltrated the organization by portraying himself as an international money launderer who could pick up bulk cash throughout the world, launder the proceeds through United States-based accounts and send the money to Colombia through the Black Market Peso Exchange – a common method of trade based money laundering used to repatriate the proceeds of drug trafficking to Colombia.
Calderin Calderin was a business owner in Colombia who used his business bank account to receive drug proceeds in Colombia. During the course of the conspiracy, Calderin Calderin received over $300,000 in wire transfers to his account. After receipt, Calderin Calderin withdrew the funds from his account to pay out the money in Colombia to the owners. Calderin Calderin also created fake invoices to mask the true source of the funds and evade anti-money laundering protocols.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua R. Levy and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Jared C. Dolan and Alathea E. Porter of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Foxborough High School Teacher Who Collected Child Pornography Sentenced to Five Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former teacher at Foxborough High School was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for possession of child pornography and receiving child pornography over the internet.
Thomas Davis, 43 of Mansfield, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to five years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. In February 2023, Davis pleaded guilty to one count of possession and receipt of child pornography.
“Child pornography is not a victimless crime – every image or video depicts the real-life pain and abuse inflicted on an innocent child. Downloading this vile material on the internet only furthers their victimization,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “As a teacher, Mr. Davis was entrusted with protecting and safeguarding our children. Clearly, he violated that sacred responsibility. We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that our children grow up in an environment free from predators.”
“The FBI works hard every day to track down those who seek out child pornography, because the demand for these depraved images leads to the continued sexual exploitation of young children,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “The fact that Thomas Davis, a former teacher, was involved with such material is extraordinarily disheartening to all of us, and today’s sentence ensures he will remain locked behind bars so he can’t extend the trauma of the children he already victimized.”
On Aug. 26, 2021, a search warrant was executed at Davis’ residence where a laptop was seized. An on-site examination revealed approximately 40 images of child pornography on the laptop, including images involving prepubescent minors under the age of 12-years-old. A forensic analysis of Davis’ laptop revealed additional child pornography.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Mansfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin 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.
Federal Jury Convicts Felon of Possessing a Firearm and Ammunition While on Federal Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was convicted yesterday for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, specifically a loaded Taurus 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number. At the time of the offense, the defendant was on supervised release after serving a federal prison sentence for firearm and drug convictions.
Tevin Abercrombie, 29, was convicted of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock scheduled sentencing for April 24, 2024. Abercrombie was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2020.
In April 2020, Abercrombie possessed a black Taurus 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number, loaded with one round in the chamber and an additional 7 rounds of 9mm ammunition in the magazine. In 2016, Abercrombie was convicted in federal court of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and conspiracy to distribute cocaine base, cocaine and heroin and sentenced to 60 months in prison. Abercrombie was on federal supervised release at the time of this offense.
The charging statute 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 other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Dawley and Fred M. Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Receive 24 Kilos of Cocaine from a Mexican Drug Cartel SourceRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man has pleaded guilty to attempting to receive 24 kilograms of cocaine intended for distribution.
Eddy Javier Guerrero, 31, pleaded guilty on Jan. 19, 2024 to one count of attempt to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for April 23, 2024. Guerrero was arrested and charged in July 2022.
In June 2022 in El Paso, Texas, a confidential source received 23.9 kilograms of cocaine from a drug-trafficking organization (DTO) based in Mexico. A member of the Mexican DTO subsequently instructed the confidential source to transport the cocaine to Massachusetts. However, the drugs were intercepted by law enforcement and replaced with “sham” cocaine for the delivery to the Massachusetts recipient – later identified as Guerrero. On July 1, 2022, in Boston, Guerrero arrived to receive the cocaine delivery, for which he provided an envelope containing $15,100 in exchange. He was immediately taken into custody.
The charge of attempt to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement. Special assistance was provided by the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Feldman of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Lynn Man Sentenced for Trafficking More Than 7,000 Counterfeit Pills Containing FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynn man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in a North Shore-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) that manufactured and distributed thousands of counterfeit prescription pills containing narcotics.
Erick Solis Lopez, 25, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 62 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Solis was also ordered to forfeit $18,190, assorted jewelry and two vehicles. In October 2023, Solis pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Solis was among 23 individuals charged in October 2022 in connection with a wide-ranging conspiracy to traffic counterfeit prescription pills. The defendants were subsequently indicted along with two additional alleged co-conspirators in December 2022. According to court documents, the DTO distributed counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl and counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, among other things, to various individuals in the Lynn area. Solis is the third defendant to be sentenced in the case.
Solis was responsible for the distribution of approximately 7,300 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing undisclosed amounts of fentanyl. Solis made daily deliveries of fentanyl pills, powder fentanyl, crack cocaine and marijuana for the DTO. Some of these controlled substances were recovered from a vehicle registered to Solis in a mechanically operated concealed compartment (commonly referred to as a “hide”). The vehicle also contained a fraudulent driver’s license bearing Solis’s photograph.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Beverly, Everett, Peabody, Revere, Salem, Saugus and Swampscott Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James E. Arnold and Evan D. Panich of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lawrence Man Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man was sentenced in federal court in Boston to illegally reentering the United States after been deported.
Francisco Araujo Lara, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to 51 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In October 2023, Araujo Lara pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.
Araujo Lara, a citizen on the Dominican Republic, was deported from the United States in September 2019, after serving an 18-to-30-month state sentence for a fentanyl distribution. Sometime thereafter, Araujo Lara unlawfully reentered the United States. In 2021, he was arrested in Lawrence for distributing fentanyl and possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute it. Araujo Lara pleaded guilty to the state charges and was sentenced to 30 months in state prison.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Todd M. Lyons, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
California Businessman Pleads Guilty to Securities Fraud Involving Penny Stock CompanyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A California businessman pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to engaging in a fraudulent scheme to obtain and profit from the sale of penny-stock shares that were later sold for millions of dollars during a sophisticated market manipulation scheme.
Kevin C. Dills, 67, of Carlsbad, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of securities fraud. Sentencing will be scheduled for a later date before U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns. Dills was charged in March 2023 along with co-defendant Joseph A. Padilla, who previously pleaded guilty to securities fraud and other charges and has been sentenced.
Between October 2020 and July 2021, Dills engaged in a fraudulent scheme to obtain and profit from the sale of unrestricted free-trading shares in the company Oncology Pharma, Inc., a thinly traded company that traded on the over-the-counter securities market under the ticker symbol ONPH. Specifically, Dills fraudulently induced Oncology Pharma’s transfer agent to issue three million unrestricted free-trading ONPH shares to two entities under Dills’ control by, among other means, secretly controlling one of the entities through his girlfriend and not disclosing that control to Oncology Pharma’s transfer agent. Dills then sold the three million shares to two individuals who deposited the shares with the Cayman Islands broker Valor Capital, with which Padilla had a close, unofficial association. Padilla then engaged in manipulative trading in ONPH designed, at least in part, to artificially drive up the company’s stock price, after which Padilla began dumping the ONPH shares—which were under common control—to unsuspecting investors in Massachusetts and throughout the United States during a promotional campaign, generating tens of millions of dollars in illicit profits. Over $6 million from those illicit profits was then transferred to Dills via his two entities between March and June 2021.
The charge of securities fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant United States Attorneys James R. Drabick and Ian J. Stearns of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.Boston-Area Man and Woman Charged with Orchestrating Bank FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two Boston-area residents have been charged with allegedly conspiring to defraud an area credit union by obtaining loans in the names of other individuals, including inmates at a Massachusetts prison.
Nadaje Hendrix, 26, of Brighton, and Glenroy Miller, 27, of Dorchester, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston on one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Hendrix was arrested today and will appear in federal court in Boston at 1:30 p.m. this afternoon. Miller was arrested in October 2023 on unrelated charges and remains in custody. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the indictment, Hendrix worked as a loan officer and assistant branch manager for a credit union. Between December 2019 and August 2021, it is alleged that Hendrix and Miller agreed to defraud the credit union by obtaining loans in the names of other individuals, including inmates at a Massachusetts prison where Miller was incarcerated. While in prison, Miller allegedly gave Hendrix information about his fellow inmates, which Hendrix allegedly used to create fraudulent loan applications. It is further alleged that the defendants then arranged for co-conspirators to go to the credit union pretending to be the inmates and sign loan forms in exchange for money. The defendants allegedly obtained loans using stolen identities. In total, Hendrix, Miller, and their co-conspirators allegedly stole about $134,000 from the credit union in about two months in 2021.
The charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release, and a fine of $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Murder-For-Hire Targeting His Wife and Her BoyfriendRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today to trying to hire a contract killer to murder his wife and the wife’s boyfriend.
Mohammed Chowdhury, 47, pleaded guilty to two counts of use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for April 23, 2024. Chowdhury was arrested and charged in January 2023 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2023. He has remained in federal custody since his arrest.
“Mr. Chowdhury’s callousness and disregard for human life is shocking. Not only did he ignore the restraining order filed against him by his wife, he sought to have her and her boyfriend killed,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This case is a stark reminder of the heinous nature of domestic violence and its potential to escalate into unthinkable acts. Violence, especially within the confines of domestic relationships, has no place here in Massachusetts, and we will use every available resource to ensure the safety of those at risk.”
“Mohammed Chowdhury not only wanted to kill his wife; he was willing to kill her new boyfriend too. Given his complete lack of respect for human life, there’s no question he belongs behind bars, and today’s conviction ensures that will happen,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “FBI Boston’s Violent Crimes Task Force worked quickly to disrupt this deadly plot and is committed to doing everything it can to take violent criminals like Chowdhury off the street for the safety of all Bostonians.”
In November 2022, an individual notified law enforcement that Chowdhury was soliciting assistance in having his wife murdered. The individual said that Chowdhury had paid someone to conduct the murder for hire, but that they took the money and did not follow through with Chowdhury’s request. Chowdhury subsequently told the individual that he needed the murder done as soon as possible and that he would get the money to do so, even robbing a store if necessary to obtain the funds. The individual provided Chowdhury’s phone number to law enforcement, who thereafter used an undercover agent posing as a contract killer to communicate with Chowdhury about his murder for hire plot.
On numerous occasions in December 2022 and January 2023, Chowdhury met with undercover agents posing as the contract killer and their associates, to seek help with killing his wife and her new boyfriend, whom she left him for. During these meetings and communications, Chowdhury explained that his wife wouldn’t let him see his children and that he wanted the undercover agents to rob and beat his wife and her boyfriend so that he would not be a suspect. Chowdhury asked, “So how we gonna disappear his, uh, body?” and stated, “No evidence. No evidence. No evidence from like, you know, that, uh, I did something, you know?” Chowdhury provided the undercover agents with photographs of his wife and her new boyfriend, where they lived, where they worked and their work schedules. Chowdhury ultimately agreed to pay $4,000 per murder, with a deposit of $500.
Chowdhury met with the undercover agents on Jan. 17, 2023, provided the $500 deposit and confirmed that he wanted the murders committed. Chowdhury was then immediately taken into federal custody.
In October 2019, Chowdhury was charged in Boston Municipal Court – Roxbury Division with violating an Abuse Prevention Order prohibiting him from abusing, contacting, or coming within a certain distance of his wife. Chowdhury pleaded to sufficient facts and received a continuance without a finding.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. The Boston Police Department provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Luke A. Goldworm and John T. Dawley of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Berklee College of Music Student Convicted of Stalking, Threatening Individual Promoting Democracy in ChinaRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted a People’s Republic of China (PRC) national and Berklee College of Music student for stalking and threatening an individual who posted fliers in support of democracy in China around the Berklee campus area.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Xiaolei Wu, 26, was convicted following a four-day jury trial of one count of cyberstalking, one count of interstate transmissions of threatening communication and one count of stalking. Wu was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in December 2022 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2023.
“Today’s verdict by a jury in the District of Massachusetts underscores the Department’s commitment to ensuring all U.S. residents are able to freely exercise their fundamental rights,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
“No one in this country should ever be subjected to threats of violence or a cyberstalking harassment campaign for expressing their political views. Mr. Wu now stands as a convicted felon for his illegal efforts to suppress speech by a fellow Berklee School of Music student who was critical of the government of China. This type of conduct will never be tolerated,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts. “The Department of Justice is committed to safeguarding the fundamental right to free speech for all. Our office will hold accountable individuals whose actions threaten or violate this fundamental tenet of our democratic society.”
“What Xiaolei Wu did in attempting to silence and intimidate an activist who expressed dissension with the ruling Communist Party of China is not only criminal, but completely against our country’s democratic values,” said Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Boston Division. “Today’s conviction upholds one of our most fundamental rights – freedom of speech – and the FBI will ensure that anyone who tries to infringe on this right using threats or harassment will face the same fate as Mr. Wu.”
Beginning on or about Oct. 22, 2022, and continuing until Oct. 24, 2022, Wu made a series of communications via WeChat, email and Instagram directed towards the victim who posted the flier. Among other things, Wu said, “Post more, I will chop your bastard hands off.” He also told the victim that he had informed the public security agency in China about the victim’s actions and that the public security agency in China would “greet” the victim’s family. Additionally, Wu solicited others to find out where the victim was living and publicly posted the victim’s email address in the hopes that others would abuse the victim online, and he reported the victim’s information back to a member of the Chinese government.
Wu was convicted of cyberstalking, which carries a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000; and interstate transmissions of threatening communication, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy H. Kistner and Alathea E. Porter for the District of Massachusetts are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Trial Attorney Menno Goedman of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Berklee College of Music Student Convicted of Stalking, Threatening Individual Promoting Democracy in ChinaRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Berklee College of Music student, who is a citizen of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), was convicted by a federal jury in Boston today of stalking and threatening an individual who posted fliers in support of democracy in China around the Berklee campus area.
Xiaolei Wu, 26, was convicted following a four-day jury trial of one count of cyberstalking and one count of interstate transmissions of threatening communication. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for April 24, 2024. Wu was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in December 2022 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2023.
“No one in this country should ever be subjected to threats of violence or a cyberstalking harassment campaign for expressing their political views. Mr. Wu now stands as a convicted felon for his illegal efforts to suppress speech by a fellow Berklee School of Music student who was critical of the government of China. This type of conduct will never be tolerated,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “The Department of Justice is committed to safeguarding the fundamental right to free speech for all. Our office will hold accountable individuals whose actions threaten or violate this fundamental tenet of our democratic society.”
“Today’s verdict by a jury in the District of Massachusetts underscores the Department’s commitment to ensuring all U.S. residents are able to freely exercise their fundamental rights,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
“What Xiaolei Wu did in attempting to silence and intimidate an activist who expressed dissension with the ruling Communist Party of China is not only criminal, but completely against our country’s democratic values,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Today’s conviction upholds one of our most fundamental rights –freedom of speech –and the FBI will ensure that anyone who tries to infringe on this right using threats or harassment will face the same fate as Mr. Wu.”
On Oct. 22, 2022, while Wu was attending the Berklee College of Music, an individual posted a flier on or near the Berklee College of Music campus which said, “Stand with Chinese People,” as well as, “We Want Freedom,” and “We Want Democracy.” Beginning on or about Oct. 22, 2022, and continuing until Oct. 24, 2022, Wu made a series of communications via WeChat, email and Instagram directed towards the victim who posted the flier. Among other things, Wu said, “Post more, I will chop your bastard hands off.” He also told the victim that he had informed the public security agency in China about the victim’s actions and that the public security agency in China would “greet” the victim’s family. Additionally, Wu solicited others to find out where the victim was living, publicly posted the victim’s email address in the hopes that others would abuse the victim online, and he reported the victim’s information back to a member of the Chinese government.
The charge of cyberstalking provides for a sentence up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of interstate transmissions of threatening communication provides for a sentence up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, AAG Olsen and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy H. Kistner and Alathea E. Porter of the National Security Unit are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Counterintelligence and Export Control Section Trial Attorney Menno Goedman.
Registered Sex Offender from Sandisfield Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child Pornography and Unregistered FirearmRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Sandisfield man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield to possession of child pornography and possession of an unregistered firearm.
Brian Hohman, 60, pleaded guilty to one charge of possession of child pornography and one charge of receipt and possession of an unregistered firearm. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for May 2, 2024. Hohman remains in federal custody.
During a search of Hohman’s residence in September 2023, a sawed-off shotgun not registered to Hohman and a laptop containing child pornography were found. Hohman was subsequently arrested and detained on an unrelated matter. A subsequent investigation revealed that Hohman also possessed two cell phones and a SIM card containing child pornography.
Due to Hohman’s prior conviction, the charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of receipt and possession of an unregistered firearm provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Litchfield Judicial District State’s Attorney’s Office in Connecticut. Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine G. Curley of the Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Level 3 Sex Offender Sentenced to 22 Years in Prison for Soliciting Minors on Social MediaRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today for coercing a minor he found on TikTok to send him child sexual abuse material.
Hector Acevedo, 33, of Jamaica Plain, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Patti B. Saris to 22 years in prison and five years of supervised release. In October 2023, Acevedo pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography by a recidivist.
Acevedo, a Level 3 registered sex offender, was previously convicted in Suffolk County Superior Court on multiple child and sexual exploitation offenses including trafficking of a person for sexual servitude, extortion by threat of injury, posing or exhibiting a child in state of nudity or sexual conduct, dissemination of matter harmful to minors, dissemination of child pornography and purchase or possession of child pornography. On Feb. 13, 2018, Acevedo was sentenced to five-to-seven years in state prison and three years of probation.
Just months after his release from prison, while on state probation, Acevedo contacted a 13-year-old girl via TikTok, claiming to be a 17-year-old boy, and asked for her phone number. He then began texting the victim, asking her to send nude pictures of herself to him, and eventually coerced the victim to engage in sexual conduct over video chat. Acevedo also asked for her address, although she did not give it to him. He later solicited other children online on other platforms, pretending to be a pre-teen or teenage girl, and asked them to provide him with nude pictures.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Arlington and Revere Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum 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.
Guatemalan Man Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Guatemalan man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after deportation.
Marcelino De Leon Yoc, a/k/a “Eric Pineda Hernandez,” 32, was sentenced by U. S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to time served (approximately five months) and one year of supervised release. In October 2023, Yoc pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.
According to the charging documents, De Leon Yoc was removed from the United States on May 12, 2018. De Leon Yoc unlawfully reentered the United States sometime after his May 2018 removal. On Aug. 24, 2023, De Leon Yoc was arrested by immigration authorities in Lynn, Mass.
According to court filings, De Leon Yoc is also facing charges in Suffolk County Superior Court for aggravated rape of a child, indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 and trafficking of a person for sexual servitude.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Todd M. Lyons, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Reynolds III of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Boston Man Who Trafficked a Minor Victim in Three States Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today to transporting a minor to New York and Connecticut to engage in commercial sex.
Leon Blount III, 31, pleaded guilty to three counts of transportation of minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for April 24, 2024. Blount was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2023. He has been in custody since September 2022.
“Human trafficking is not just a crime; it is a profound violation of human dignity. The unimaginable harm inflicted upon victims is happening too frequently in our communities,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Our dedicated Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit remains committed to bringing traffickers to justice, providing unwavering support to survivors, and relentlessly pursuing those who exploit the most vulnerable.”
“Blount admitted today that he sought out and took advantage of a vulnerable young woman and limited her freedom. This is a pattern we see again and again with human traffickers. Today’s plea brings us another step closer to justice for those he victimized,” said Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England.”
Between July and August 2022, Blount transported a 17-year-old victim, Jane Doe 2, from Massachusetts to New York and Connecticut to engage in commercial sex for his financial benefit. Blount met Jane Doe 2 while she was living at a Massachusetts group home for transitional age adolescents. He gave her alcohol and marijuana and recruited Jane Doe 2 to travel out-of-state to engage in commercial sex. While in New York, Blount directed Jane Doe 2 to solicit sex buyers in an area of Brooklyn that is known for commercial sex. Throughout this period, Blount stayed in close contact with Jane Doe 2, using text messages to ensure that she continued to perform sex acts when he was not physically present. To attract more sex buyers, Blount caused Jane Doe 2’s photo to be posted on websites that advertises commercial sex. He then put Jane Doe 2 in hotel rooms in Woburn, Mass. and Hartford, Conn. where he directed her to perform sex acts with buyers to earn more money.
The charge of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
If you or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, please contact [email protected].
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and HSI SAC Krol made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian A. Fogerty of the Civil Rights & Human Trafficking Unit is prosecuting the case.
Member of Violent Gang Pleads Guilty to Racketeering, Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty yesterday in connection with his role in Cameron Street, a violent Boston gang.
Paulo Santos, a/k/a “Bucky,” 35, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise (commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy), possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for April 24, 2024.
According to court documents, Cameron Street is a violent gang based largely in the Dorchester section of Boston that uses violence and threats of violence to preserve, protect and expand its territory, promote a climate of fear and enhance its reputation. Cameron Street members possess, carry and use firearms to murder and assault gang rivals as well as protect narcotics and drug proceeds.
As part of his role in the gang Santos, and another Cameron Street member, assaulted and robbed a rival gang member outside the Dorchester District Court on Dec. 6, 2019. In a video posted on Snapchat later that day, Santos identified the victim as a Wendover gang member and encouraged his fellow Cameron Street member to attack the victim.
At the time of Santos’ arrest, approximately 900 grams of cocaine, 500 grams of marijuana, a loaded Smith and Wesson .38 caliber revolver and $15,597 in cash were seized from his stash house in Hingham.
Santos was previously convicted of unlawfully possessing a firearm in Suffolk County, for which he served a four-to-five-year state prison sentence.
The charge of RICO conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 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 being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition 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.
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; Suffolk, Plymouth, Norfolk and Bristol County District Attorney’s Offices; and the Canton, Quincy, Randolph, Somerville, Brockton, Malden, Stoughton, Rehoboth and Pawtucket (R.I.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Pohl and Charles Dell’Anno of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
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.
Former Chicopee Superintendent of Schools Admits to Lying About Threatening Messages She Sent to Chief of Police CandidateRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The Superintendent of the Chicopee Public Schools pleaded guilty today to making false statements in connection with her sending 99 threatening messages to a candidate for Chicopee Police Chief.
Lynn Clark, 53, of Belchertown, pleaded guilty to two counts of making false statements. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for April 30, 2024. Clark was arrested and charged by criminal complaint on April 6, 2022 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury on April 21, 2022.
In December 2021, the City of Chicopee was in the process of hiring a new Police Chief. On Dec. 3, 2021, law enforcement received a report that a candidate for the position was receiving threats intended to force the victim to withdraw their application for Chicopee Police Chief. In November 2021, after submitting their application for Police Chief, the victim received numerous text messages from unknown numbers containing threats to expose information that would cause the victim reputational harm. As a result, the victim withdrew their application and the City delayed the selection process.
The investigation revealed that a total of approximately 99 threatening messages were sent from fictitious phone numbers purchased through a mobile app. Phone and internet records revealed that these numbers were purchased by Clark and that these accounts sent each of the threatening messages.
On or about Dec. 6, 2021, Clark falsely claimed to be a victim and stated to agents that she received threatening text messages from unknown phone numbers, when, in fact she sent the messages to herself. Clark also falsely named other City employees who she felt may be responsible for sending the messages. On or about Feb. 7, 2022, Clark again falsely stated that she did not know who sent the messages in addition to denying that she had downloaded a mobile app with which she purchased the fictitious phone numbers to send the messages. Clark later admitted that she did indeed send the messages and downloaded the app.
The charges of making false statements each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to one of supervised release and a fine of up to $10,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of the Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Chatham Man Sentenced for Insider Trading SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Chatham was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for trading on inside information about a Massachusetts semiconductor company’s planned acquisition of a California company.
Gregory Manning, 61, formerly of Needham, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to two years of supervised release, with the first three months to be served in home detention. Manning was also ordered to pay a fine of $20,000. In October 2023, Manning pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and one count of securities fraud. Manning was charged in January 2020 along with co-defendants John Younis and David Forte.
In or around June 2016, Forte ¬obtained material non-public information from his brother who was a senior executive at Analog Devices, Inc. (Analog), a Norwood-based semiconductor company, about Analog’s planned acquisition of Linear Technology Corp. (Linear), a semiconductor company based in Milpitas, Calif. Forte passed the information to Manning, who purchased 3,000 shares of Linear stock in the week leading up to the public announcement of the acquisition on July 26, 2016. After the deal was announced, Manning sold all the Linear shares he had purchased for a profit and later paid Forte a kickback in appreciation for Forte’s stock tip.
In June 2022, Younis was sentenced to two years of probation, with the first month served on home detention, after pleading guilty to trading in Linear securities based on the material non-public information Forte provided to him. In July 2023, Forte was convicted by a federal jury of one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and one count of securities fraud. In November 2023, he was sentenced to one year of supervised release with the first six months to be served on home detention.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. The Securities & Exchange Commission provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David M. Holcomb and Leslie A. Wright of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Lynn Man Who Was Arrested at Logan Airport Transporting Nearly $40,000 in Drug Proceeds SentencedRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynn man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in a North Shore-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) that manufactured and distributed tens of thousands of counterfeit prescription pills containing narcotics.
Melvin Nieves, 25, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 27 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In October 2023, Nieves pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Nieves was among 23 individuals charged in October 2022 in connection with a wide-ranging conspiracy to traffic counterfeit prescription pills. The defendants were subsequently indicted along with two additional alleged co-conspirators in December 2022. According to court documents, the DTO distributed counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl and counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, among other things, to various individuals in the Lynn area. Nieves is the second defendant to be sentenced in the case.
Nieves was responsible for the distribution of approximately 400 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing undisclosed amounts of fentanyl. At the time of Nieves’ arrest in October 2022, he had just checked a suitcase at Logan Airport that contained $30,000 in cash drug proceeds he was transporting to California to purchase additional controlled substances. Nieves also possessed an additional $8,054 in drug proceeds, as well as assorted jewelry and a Louis Vuitton bag – both of which were purchased from earlier drug sales.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Beverly, Everett, Peabody, Revere, Salem, Saugus and Swampscott Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James E. Arnold and Evan D. Panich of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Previously Convicted Felon Arrested for Possessing Loaded Firearm with Obliterated Serial NumberRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Haverhill man was arrested yesterday for unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition.
Rashad Diggs, a/k/a “Summers,” 37, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston yesterday, Diggs was detained pending a hearing scheduled for Jan. 22, 2024.
According to the indictment, in December 2022 in Revere, Diggs possessed a semiautomatic pistol with an obliterated serial number loaded with over 40 rounds of ammunition. Due to a prior felony conviction, Diggs is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The charge of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Malden Police Chief Glenn Cronin made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Hoefle 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.
Malden Men Sentenced for Trafficking Fentanyl and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two Malden men have been sentenced in federal court in Boston for trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine disguised as Adderall, Xanax and oxycodone in and around the Malden area.
Matthew Ramos, 26, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 90 months in prison and four years of supervised release. In October 2023, Ramos pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and other controlled substances.
On Dec. 1, 2023, co-defendant Igor Desouza, 27, was sentenced by Judge Casper to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release. In August 2023, Desouza pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and other controlled substances.
A search of Ramos and Desouza’s shared residence on May 25, 2021 resulted in the recovery of a firearm, over 200 rounds of ammunition and from each of their bedrooms and kitchen and a large and diverse cache of drugs. The drugs included approximately two kilograms of methamphetamine pills pressed to look like Adderall or Xanax; approximately 150 grams of fentanyl pills (some mixed with xylazine) pressed to look like oxycodone and Percocet pills; MDMA; over 90 grams of cocaine and crack cocaine; varying amounts of oxycodone, etilozam, suboxone strips, and substances believed to be marijuana, LSD and mushrooms.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; the Malden Police Department; and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Lowell Man Pleads Guilty to Gun TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lowell man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to firearms trafficking charges.
Isael Rodriguez, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of dealing in firearms without a license and one count of making false statements to acquire firearms from a licensed dealer. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for April 23, 2024. Rodriguez was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2022.
Rodriguez purchased firearms from a licensed dealer, falsely claiming that he was purchasing them for himself and then resold the firearms for profit to individuals in Boston.
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. The charge of making false statements to acquire firearms from a licensed dealer 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 other statutory factors.
First Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Boston Police Acting Commissioner Michael Cox; Lowell Superintendent of Police Gregory C. Hudon; Brookline Police Chief Jennifer M. Paster; and Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Lowell Gang Member Sentenced to 96 Months for Drug Trafficking and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A leader of a Lowell-based gang, One Family Clique (OFC), was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for conspiring with fellow OFC gang members to traffic wholesale quantities of cocaine, and to launder millions of dollars in drug proceeds through casinos in Canada.
Virak Prum, a/k/a “Polo,” a/k/a “Capo,” a/k/a “Lips,” 37, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to 96 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In September 2023, Prum pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of money laundering conspiracy.
In August 2018, an investigation began into OFC in response to a dramatic spike in shootings and gang violence in Lowell. OFC is an alliance between several gangs in and around Lowell with ties to gangs in California and other states. In 2018 and 2019, at least 12 incidents of gunfire in the Lowell area are alleged to be attributable to gang-motivated hostilities between OCF and its rivals.
Since at least 2019, Prum and his co-conspirators used the U.S. Postal Service to receive shipments of illegal narcotics, and, in return, to ship cash proceeds to the sources of supply. Members of the conspiracy maintained stash houses in Lowell, which also served as venues for gang meetings and other events furthering the gang’s illegal activities. Over the course of the investigation, approximately 12 kilograms of methamphetamine; 2.4 kilograms of cocaine; 2.1 kilograms of MDMA; 513 grams of heroin; 169 grams of fentanyl; $177,591 in cash; and seven firearms were seized or purchased.
In May 2021, Prum led a money laundering operation in which he and his co-conspirators provided “protection” for a shipment from Europe that purportedly contained 8 million Euros in drug proceeds from black tar heroin sales. Specifically, Prum and his co-conspirators helped pack a shipment of money into a truck and escorted it from New York to New Hampshire.
Prum was charged with 14 others in June 2021. He is the final defendant in custody to plead guilty in the case. One defendant remains a fugitive.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua s. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Boston Division; Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; and Greg Hudon, Superintendent of the Lowell Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the DEA-San Jose Task Force as well as the Long Beach (Calif.) and Santa Clara (Calif.), Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Moran and Fred Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Lawrence Man Who Concealed More Than Two Kilos of Fentanyl Mixture Inside Cereal Box Sentenced to over Five Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston to his role in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy.
Melvin Antonio Perez Medina, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 64 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In October 2023, Perez Medina pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue; two counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue; and one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue.
Perez Medina was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2022 along with alleged co-conspirators Fraily Rodriguez Morillo and Manuel Fredis Guerrero Guzman.
According to court documents, between March 2022 and August 2022 Perez Medina and, allegedly, Morillo and Guzman, conspired to distribute fentanyl and a fentanyl analogue in and around the Lawrence, Woburn, Wilmington and Andover areas. As part of the conspiracy, Perez Medina distributed fentanyl and a fentanyl analogue on three separate occasions during the summer of 2022. At the time of Perez Medina’s arrest in August 2022, he was found in possession of nearly two kilograms of a mixture containing fentanyl and a fentanyl analogue concealed inside of a cereal box. In total, Perez Medina was responsible for distributing and attempting to distribute over 900 grams of fentanyl and over 2.5 kilograms of a fentanyl analogue.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Massachusetts Department of Correction; the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office; and the Boston, Concord, Hudson, Peabody, Reading, Waltham and Watertown Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea Porter of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Taunton Woman Who Bribed RMV Road Test Examiner for Driver's Licenses Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Taunton woman was sentenced yesterday for bribing a road test examiner at the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) in Brockton to issue driver’s licenses to individuals who did not take road tests.
Neta Centio, 56, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 15 months in prison, one year of supervised release, a fine of $10,000 and forfeiture of $19,305. On Aug. 21, 2023, Centio pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud.
Centio paid a road test examiner at the Brockton RMV service center to misrepresent to the RMV that certain driver’s license applicants had passed their road test when, in fact, they had not even showed up for the test. As a result of the fraud, the RMV mailed driver’s licenses to unqualified applicants. Centio used CashApp to pay the road examiner in exchange for fraudulent passing scores on road tests, ultimately paying over 40 individual bribes to her co-conspirator. After Centio’s fraud was discovered, she told the road test examiner, “Don’t say nothing about the CashApp. . . . Break the phone.”
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Christopher A. Scharf, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine Wichers and Adam Deitch of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit prosecuted the case.
Repeat Sex Trafficker Indicted for Trafficking Four Women Using Violence and ThreatsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Stoughton man, previously convicted of multiple counts of sex trafficking, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston today for allegedly sex trafficking multiple adult women.
Marvin Pompilus, 39, has been indicted on three counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; one count of attempted sex trafficking by force, fraud, coercion; and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. Pompilus was previously arrested and charged in November 2023. He has remained in federal custody since and will appear in federal court in Boston next week.
According to the charging documents, from on or about 2021 through 2022, Pompilus selected women who had a history of substance use disorder and provided them with controlled substances to intensify their drug dependence and gain their compliance. It is alleged that Pompilus then used a combination physical violence, sexual violence, threats of violence, verbal abuse and withholding of controlled substance from drug dependent victims to coerce and/or force them to engage in commercial sex acts. He then allegedly collected all of the proceeds.
According to court documents, in February 2018, Pompilus was convicted in Suffolk Superior Court of multiple counts of trafficking a person for sexual servitude and deriving support for prostitution. He was sentenced to six years in state prison and was released in October 2021.
Almost immediately following his release from state custody, it is alleged that Pompilus started recruiting women, including the four women charged in this indictment, to engage in commercial sex on his behalf.
If you or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, please contact [email protected].
The charge of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Boston and Randolph Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Riley, Chief of the Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit, Assistant U.S. Attorney James E. Arnold of the Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Tokash of the Justice Department’s Human Trafficking Protection Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Owner of Physical Therapy Clinic Convicted by Federal Jury of Health Care Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former owner of several physical therapy clinics in Greater Boston has been convicted by a federal jury of health care fraud charges.
Chang Goo Yoon, 61, a South Korean national residing in Queens, N.Y., was convicted yesterday following a seven-day jury trial on two counts of health care fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for May 8, 2024. Yoon was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in February 2021 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2021.
“This was about stealing and greed, pure and simple. Mr. Yoon exploited our healthcare system, and billed for fictitious treatments on dates that he was traveling abroad or holed up in a casino,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This conduct was as brazen as it was illegal. Health care fraud is not a victimless crime. We all pay higher costs because of these types of fraudulent scams. Our office will continue to relentlessly pursue fraudsters and hold them accountable.”
“Chang Goo Yoon orchestrated a brazen scheme, abusing his position of trust as a health care provider to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars in payments for work he did not do. We thank the jury for its swift and prudent verdict,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “This conviction sends an unambiguous message that anyone who cheats our health care system will not get away with it.”
“This is exactly why the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts was created over thirty years ago to combat insurance fraud and specifically this type of insurance fraud that increase the cost of insurance premiums for consumers in the state of Massachusetts. This case was borne out of a collaborative effort by our investigative partners. The perseverance and hard work done by all involved in this case is a demonstration that insurance fraud will not be tolerated in Massachusetts,” said Anthony DiPaolo, Chief of Investigations of the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts.
“Mr. Yoon repeatedly lied and billed for services he never provided. Actions which were fueled by nothing more than his greed,” said Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “We are pleased with the jury’s guilty verdict in this matter and thank them for their service. It is our hope that this case serves as a warning to others who may use the U.S. Mail to further their criminal activities.”
Yoon was the owner and operator of several physical therapy clinics in Allston, Waltham and Brookline between 2014 and 2018. Yoon billed patients for non-existent physical therapy appointments, including approximately $150,000 in claims billed on dates when Yoon was traveling in South Korea, Los Angeles and Toronto. Yoon also billed $50,000 in claims on dates when he was gambling at casinos including the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City, N.J., MGM Springfield in Massachusetts and Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I. Additionally, Yoon submitted approximately $30,000 in physical therapy claims for himself after three automobile accidents. Most of those claims falsely listed one of Yoon’s employees as the servicing physical therapist. The remaining claims listed Yoon as both the patient and the servicing physical therapist.
The charge of health care fraud 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 other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, FBI SAC Cohen, IFB Chief DiPaolo and USPIS INC Larco-Ward made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elysa Q. Wan and Patrick M. Callahan of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
New York Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Prison for Trafficking Firearms and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New York was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston to trafficking drugs and firearms.
Jason Lebberes, 31, of Tuckahoe, N.Y., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to 121 months in prison and five years of supervised release. In October 2023, Lebberes pleaded guilty to one count of distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine; one count of transferring a firearm to an out-of-state resident; and one count of transferring a machinegun.
“This defendant’s possession or sale of multiple machineguns including Glock switches and other machinegun conversion devices put deadly automatic weapons onto our streets, endangering countless people across Massachusetts. This stiff sentence sends the unmistakable message that if you traffic in deadly illegal firearms, you will be tracked down and held accountable,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy.
“Drugs and guns are a deadly combination,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Office. “As methamphetamine seizures rise, DEA stands committed to keeping this highly addictive drug off the streets. Let this sentencing serve as warning to those who distribute poisons like methamphetamine, that DEA will aggressively pursue and hold you accountable. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts in Massachusetts and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
“Jason Lebberes’ sentence of 121 months should serve as a warning to those who intend to misuse the U.S. Mail for their criminal activity,” said Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, Boston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and our law enforcement partners are committed to protecting the communities we serve from those who would jeopardize the public by trafficking in guns and drugs which only serve to fuel the violence on our streets.
“The outcome of this investigation and significant sentence is a testament to the successful collaboration between our federal and local law enforcement agencies,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division. “The assembly of a ghost gun and “Glock Switch” into fully functioning, automatic weapon posed a serious threat to our communities. ATF has a firm stance and wants to make it clear that we will not tolerate firearms and narcotics trafficking which is fueling violent crime.”
Lebberes sold more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, a privately manufactured firearm, commonly known as a “ghost gun” and a Glock switch. A Glock switch is a device that converts firearms into automatic weapons. The investigation revealed that Lebberes had sold numerous Glock switches to other customers in the past.
During a search of Lebberes’ residence, numerous handguns, assault rifles and ammunition were recovered, several of which were privately manufactured. A video of Lebberes discharging a handgun out of his car window was also recovered during the investigation.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, DEA SAC Boyle, USPIS INC Larco-Ward and ATF SAC Ferguson made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Milton Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Milton man was sentenced yesterday for drug trafficking charges.
Brandy Soto-Lara, 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to five years in prison and four years of supervised release. In October 2023, Lara pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
During a search of Soto-Lara’s apartment in November 2018, over 400 grams of cocaine and over 40 grams of fentanyl was seized. Additionally, $6,000, a loaded firearm with an obliterated serial number, firearm parts and ammunition were also recovered from Soto-Lara’s apartment.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip C. Cheng and Lucy Sun of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Lynn Man Sentenced for Bank Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynn man was sentenced today in connection with a scheme to impersonate bank customers and fraudulently withdraw money from their bank accounts.
Antonio Niati, 33, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to time served (one day) and three years of supervised release. Niati was also ordered to pay restitution of approximately $360,000. In May 2019, Niati pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of aiding and abetting aggravated identity theft.
In 2017, Niati recruited a bank teller working at a Santander Bank branch in Dorchester to assist in conducting fraudulent transactions in victims’ bank accounts. On three occasions in April 2017, another co-conspirator conducted transactions in two Santander Bank customers’ accounts using fraudulent driver’s licenses, all with the assistance of Niati, and the recruited teller. Niati and his co-conspirators fraudulently withdrew over $640,000 from the customers’ accounts.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leslie Wright, Christopher J. Markham and Neil J. Gallagher of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon from Newton Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Prison for Selling Cocaine, Firearm, AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A previously convicted felon was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for cocaine distribution and firearm offenses.
Shawn Craig, 38, of Newton, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to 99 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In September 2023, Craig pleaded guilty to three counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Craig was charged in January 2022.
Craig coordinated three drug transactions with an undercover agent between September and October 2022. Craig met with the undercover agent near his Newton residence on three separate occasions – Sept. 12, Oct. 20 and Oct. 26, 2022 – to conduct the deals, during which Craig provided cocaine in exchange for cash. Prior to the third meeting, on Oct. 26, 2022, Craig sent an image of a firearm to the undercover agent and indicated that he could sell it to the agent. During the subsequent meeting, Craig provided the undercover agent with a firearm, ammunition and a quantity of cocaine.
At the time of the conduct, Craig was on federal supervised release for a 2014 federal conviction for possessing a stolen firearm and possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Craig was sentenced to seven years in prison and three years of supervised release in that case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; John E. Mawn, Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan; and Newton Police Chief John F. Carmichael Jr. made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Probation Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin R. O’Donnell of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
California Man Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding his Massachusetts Employer over a 16 Year PeriodRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A California man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for embezzling over $1.2 million from his employer over a 16-year period.
Darrell Pike, 57, of Hesperia, Calif., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Judge Myong J. Joun to three months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, with the first nine months to be served in home confinement. Pike was also ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture of $1,232,001. In October 2022, Pike pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud.
Pike was the general manager of an Ontario, Calif. subsidiary of a supply and service company based in Wilmington, Mass. Between approximately 2005 and 2021, Pike prepared and submitted fraudulent invoices to his employer on behalf of a fake temporary staffing company, Consumer Information Systems (CIS), for staffing services CIS purportedly provided at his employer’s Ontario location. Pike added approving initials of company personnel to the invoices without their knowledge or consent. Through the fraudulent invoices, Pike caused the company to pay approximately $1,271,206 to CIS, which he deposited into a bank account he controlled.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Brockton Man Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to coercing three minors to produce child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Zaire Aquil Lodge, 46, pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of receipt of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for April 34, 2024. Lodge was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2023.
According to the indictment, on various dates in 2021, Lodge employed, used, persuaded, induced and coerced three minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing CSAM. It is also alleged that Lodge knowingly received and attempted to receive CSAM between February and October 2021.
The charges of sexual exploitation of children provide for a sentence of at least 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 receipt of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least 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.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin 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.
American Airlines Flight Attendant Arrested for Filming Minors in Aircraft LavatoryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An American Airlines flight attendant has been arrested for allegedly surreptitiously recording or attempting to record a minor female passenger using a lavatory aboard an aircraft he was working in September 2023. The defendant is also alleged to have possessed recordings of four additional minor female passengers using lavatories aboard the aircraft he had worked previously.
Estes Carter Thompson III, 36, of Charlotte, N.C., was charged with one count of attempted sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography depicting a prepubescent minor. Thompson was arrested today in Lynchburg, Va. and will remain in custody pending his initial appearance in the Western District of Virginia. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
“The deeply disturbing conduct alleged here is something no parent or child should ever have to worry about when they travel. Mr. Thompson allegedly used his position to prey on and surreptitiously record innocent children, including unaccompanied minors, while in a vulnerable state aboard flights he was working,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Everyone – especially children – should feel safe and secure as airline passengers, and parents should feel comfortable traveling with their children. Protecting children is a paramount priority for this office and we will aggressively investigate and hold accountable people who victimize children.”
“Today, the FBI arrested Estes Carter Thompson III after he repeatedly targeted unsuspecting children to sexually exploit them for his own gratification. What Mr. Thompson is accused of doing is disgraceful, and we believe, calculated, given that this alleged conduct occurred on at least five flights,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “This case should make it crystal clear that the FBI takes crimes aboard aircraft and the sexual exploitation of children seriously. If you’ve been the victim of a crime aboard an aircraft or have witnessed one take place, we ask you to report it to both your flight crew and the FBI.”
According to the charging documents, on Sept. 2, 2023, while working as a flight attendant onboard an American Airlines flight from Charlotte, N.C. to Boston, Mass., Thompson video-recorded or attempted to surreptitiously video-record a 14-year-old female passenger as she used the aircraft lavatory. Specifically, approximately midway through the flight, the minor victim got up to use the main cabin lavatory nearest to where she was seated. When the minor victim arrived at the lavatory it was occupied. After the minor victim had been waiting a short time, Thompson allegedly approached her, told her that the first-class lavatory was unoccupied and escorted her toward first class. Before the minor victim entered the lavatory, Thompson allegedly told her that he needed to wash his hands and that the lavatory’s toilet seat was broken and briefly entered the lavatory. It is alleged that, after Thompson exited the lavatory, the minor victim entered and observed red stickers on the underside of the toilet seat lid, which was in the open position, that stated, “INOPERATIVE CATERING EQUIPMENT” and “REMOVE FROM SERVICE,” and “SEAT BROKEN” was hand-written in black ink on one of the stickers. It is alleged that, beneath the red stickers, Thompson had concealed his iPhone to record a video. The minor victim used her phone to take a picture of the red stickers and the concealed iPhone she found in the lavatory before exiting, at which time Thompson allegedly re-entered it immediately.
According to court documents, when the minor victim returned to her seat, she informed her parents of what she saw and showed them the picture. The victim’s parents reported the matter to other flight attendants onboard who notified the Captain, who in turn notified law enforcement on the ground. It is alleged that the victim’s father confronted Thompson who, shortly thereafter, locked himself in the lavatory with his iPhone for three to five minutes prior to the flight’s descent.
Upon the flight’s arrival at Boston’s Logan Airport, law enforcement observed that Thompson’s iPhone may have been restored to factory settings. It is alleged that a subsequent search of Thompson’s suitcase was found to contain 11 “INOPERATIVE CATERING EQUIPMENT” stickers, like those observed by the minor victim on the back of the toilet seat. A search of Thompson’s iCloud account allegedly revealed four additional instances between January and August 2023 in which Thompson recorded a minor using the lavatory on an aircraft. The minor victims allegedly depicted in the surreptitious recordings were seven, nine, 11 and 14 years old at the time. Additionally, over 50 images of a nine-year-old unaccompanied minor were allegedly found in Thompson’s iCloud. The images included photos taken while the minor victim was seated in her seat pre-flight and close-ups of her face while sleeping.
All minor victims involved in this matter have been identified and their families contacted by law enforcement.
It is further alleged that hundreds of images of AI-generated child pornography were also found stored on Thompson’s iCloud account.
The charge of attempted sexual exploitation of children provides for a sentence of at least 15 years and up to 30 years in prison. The charge of possession of child pornography depicting a prepubescent minor provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison. Both charges also provide for at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 and restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, FBI SAC Cohen and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum 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.
Winthrop Man Sentenced to Prison for Tax and Mail Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former owner and operator of APC, a transportation and delivery company based in Chelsea, was sentenced yesterday for his involvement in a mail fraud scheme.
Anthony Catalano, 52, formerly of Boxford, now living in Winthrop, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to six months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and restitution in the amount of $541,000 to The Travelers Insurance Company (Travelers). Catalano was also ordered to cooperate with the Internal Revenue Service regarding personal and corporate taxes due and owing. Catalano pleaded guilty in October 2023 to two counts of failing to collect, report and pay over employment taxes and one count of mail fraud in connection with cash wages he paid to company employees.From 2017 to 2020, Catalano cashed more than $8 million in APC checks from customers and failed to report the company income to the IRS. Catalano pleaded guilty to using the bulk of the cash funds to pay employees “under-the-table” cash wages which APC was also required to report to the IRS. As a result, neither the company nor the employees paid employment or income taxes on the cash wages, resulting in a tax loss of more than $1 million to the IRS. Catalano also pleaded guilty to mail fraud for failing to disclose the cash wages to Travelers when it provided workers’ compensation coverage for APC employees. As a result, Catalano defrauded the insurance carrier out of more than $500,000 in insurance premiums.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Harry Chavis, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Boston made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Insurance Fraud Bureau. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A. Wild of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.