District of Massachusetts
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Dorchester Man Arrested on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dorchester man was arrested yesterday for receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) obtained via Zoom chat rooms.
Beau Christopher Benson, 35, was charged with possession and receipt of child pornography. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston yesterday before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell, Benson was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for 2 p.m. today.
According to the charging documents, in April 2023, law enforcement was notified that Benson allegedly participated in Zoom video chat rooms used to share and view CSAM. It is alleged that Benson recorded his participation in the chat rooms and saved the recordings – which featured videos of CSAM and conversations between Benson and others about the CSAM – to his social media account. It is alleged that approximately 15 video files depicting CSAM were found saved in his Dropbox. It is further alleged that a cybertip identified Benson as an online user who had uploaded two files containing CSAM to a Dropbox account. Specifically, the files allegedly depicted children who appear to be approximately two to four years old.
The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in federal prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Office’s 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.
Boston Man Sentenced for Distributing 7,000 Pills Containing Fentanyl and Fentanyl AnalogueRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced yesterday for a drug distribution offense involving fentanyl and a fentanyl analogue known as para-fluorofentanyl.
Melvin Cordero, 41, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 37 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On May 10, 2023, Cordero pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and p-fluorofentanyl.
On March 15, 2022, Cordero delivered 7,000 pills containing fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement. The buy was part of a broader investigation into a drug-trafficking organization based in the Dominican Republic. Cordero delivered the pills to the cooperator in Boston’s South End and was arrested and charged in November 2022. Following Cordero’s arrest, law enforcement seized from him a machine used for manufacturing counterfeit pills that he had attempted to sell to an undercover officer.
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 today. Valuable assistance was provided by the DEA New York Field Office, the Boston Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Feldman of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Member of Violent Gang Pleads Guilty to Racketeering, Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston-area man pleaded guilty yesterday to his role in a violent Boston street gang as well as gun and drug trafficking charges.
Kenny Romero, a/k/a “KG,” 29, of Boston, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise (more commonly referred to as RICO or racketeering conspiracy), three counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Feb. 29, 2024.
According to court documents, Cameron Street is a violent gang based largely in Dorchester whose members use violence and threats of violence to preserve, protect and expand its territory, promote a climate of fear and enhance its reputation. Members allegedly post videos or use social media applications to promote Cameron Street, celebrate murders and other violent crimes committed by the gang and denigrate rivals – in particular the NOB gang – an abbreviation for the Norton/Olney/Barry Streets in Dorchester. Cameron Street members allegedly possess, carry and use firearms to murder and assault gang rivals as well as protect narcotics and drug proceeds. Cameron Street members also allegedly distribute controlled substances and firearms, commit armed robberies and engage in human trafficking in part to generate income for the Cameron Street enterprise.
During a two-year investigation, Romero was recorded selling eight firearms, as well as ammunition, cocaine base and cocaine to a cooperating witness, who Romero believed was a member of Cameron Street. The drug and gun sales Romero made were discussed and negotiated over cell phones and Snapchat. Additionally, Romero’s phone was found to contain messages showing he had received funds from human trafficking activities.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 distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine provides for up to 20 years in prison, supervised release of at least three years and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and/or 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.
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. Attorney Christopher Pohl of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The remaining defendants named in the indictment are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lawrence Woman Pleads Guilty in Conspiracy to Use Stolen Identities to Fraudulently Purchase VehiclesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence woman pleaded guilty yesterday to her role in a scheme to use the stolen identities of United States citizens from Puerto Rico to fraudulently purchase vehicles.
Wanda Sanchez, 39, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and false representation of a Social Security number. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for March 12, 2024. The defendant and multiple co-defendants were charged by criminal complaint in September 2020 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2020. All six defendants charged in the indictment have now pleaded guilty.
According to charging documents, in January 2019, Sanchez visited a Massachusetts car dealership to purchase a late-model vehicle and applied for 100% financing. In support of the application, Sanchez provided stolen biographical information of a real United States citizen, a fraudulent Puerto Rico driver’s license and a Social Security card in that identity as proof of identification.
The charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The charge of false representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $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; John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; and Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lowell, Lawrence, Methuen, Haverhill, Woburn and Dartmouth Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elianna J. Nuzum and Adam W. Deitch of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), a specialized investigative group comprising personnel from various state, local, and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring, and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity and benefit fraud schemes.
Former College Track and Field Coach Pleads Guilty to Cyber Fraud Scheme to Obtain Explicit Photos of Innocent Women from Across the CountryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former college track and field coach pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with a scheme to trick women across the country into sending him nude or semi-nude photos using more than a dozen sham social media and email accounts. The defendant cyberstalked one female student-athlete and orchestrated a scheme to gain unauthorized access to a victim’s Snapchat account.
Steve Waithe, 30, of Chicago, Ill., pleaded guilty 12 counts of wire fraud; one count of cyberstalking; one count of conspiracy to commit computer fraud; and one count of computer fraud, aiding and abetting. U.S District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for March 6, 2024. Waithe was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in April 2021 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2021.
“Mr. Waithe’s conduct is despicable. For almost a year, he manipulated, exploited and in one case stalked young women across the county hiding behind a web of anonymized social media accounts and fabricated personas he engineered. Mr. Waithe maliciously invaded the lives of dozens of innocent victims and inflicted real trauma. He now knows no one can hide from justice – even anonymously behind a keyboard. Protecting our communities is one of the highest priorities for this office and we will use every tool at our disposable to ensure predators like Mr. Waithe face the full consequences of their actions,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy.
“Today, this former coach finally admitted to using his position of trust to betray his students when he extorted them for his own sexual gratification. He even went as far as cyberstalking one of them. Make no mistake, predators come in many different forms, and Steve Waithe is no exception,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Cyberstalking is a serious crime that can inflict lasting harm, and thankfully, the victims in this case did not let fear silence them. Many don’t report these types of crimes because they don’t think anything will be done to the perpetrator. We hope this case demonstrates otherwise.”
Waithe previously worked as a track and field coach at several academic institutions, including Northeastern University, Penn State University, Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Tennessee and Concordia University Chicago.
While a track coach at Northeastern, Waithe requested the cell phones of female student-athletes under the pretense of filming them at practice and at meets and covertly sent himself explicit photos of the victims that had previously been saved on their phones.
Starting at least as early as February 2020, Waithe began perpetrating an evolving scheme to dupe women into sending him nude or semi-nude photos of themselves. Specifically, Waithe used anonymized social media accounts with usernames like “anon.4887” and variations of the phrase “Privacy Protector” to contact prospective victims, claiming that he had found compromising photos of them online and offering to “help” get the photos removed from the internet. Waithe also requested additional nude or semi-nude photos from victims that he could purportedly use for “reverse image searches.”
Further, Waithe fabricated at least two female personas, “Katie Janovich” and “Kathryn Svoboda,” in an effort to obtain nude and/or semi-nude photos of women. Under the purported premise of an “athlete research” or “body development” study, Waithe emailed prospective victims pretending to be “Katie” or “Kathryn” with email accounts in their names. The emails described a phony study for athletes and requested information relating to height, weight, body fat and diet habits. The emails also included a request for the victims to send photos of themselves in order to “track their progress” and recommended that the photos show the women in a “uniform or bathing suit to show as much skin as possible.” The emails often included attachments of sample nude and semi-nude images to illustrate the types of photos that victims should send.
Investigators identified over a dozen sham social media accounts used by Waithe and hundreds of photos sent dozens of victims who thought they were emailing someone conducting a legitimate research study.
Waithe also cyberstalked one victim, from at least June 2020 to October 2020, through text messages and direct messages sent via social media, as well as by hacking into her Snapchat account. He texted and sent nude photos of the victim to the victim’s boyfriend, stating, “I wanted to make you aware that someone hacked your girlfriend’s snapchat account and will leak it soon. I need your help to assure this does not happen.” Over the course of those five months, Waithe sent harassing and intimidating messages to the victim and her boyfriend. The messages included explicit photos that Waithe had stolen from the victim’s phone when she was on the Track and Field team at Northeastern.
In October 2020, Waithe conspired with another individual to hack into Snapchat accounts, ultimately gaining access to at least one account and its private “My Eyes Only” folder that contained nude and/or semi-nude photos. In addition, Waithe provided his co-conspirator with the usernames and phone numbers for the Snapchat accounts of at least 15 women. Waithe and his co-conspirator then used this information to craft and send text messages purporting to be from the “Snapchat Support Team” and requesting security information, through which they gained access to at least one account.
The investigation revealed that Waithe’s internet browsing history included visits to webpages with titles like, “Can anyone trace my fake Instagram account back to me?” and “How to Hack Someones Snapchat the Easy Way.” Waithe’s search history also included searches for, among other things, “how to hack snapchat with a username and phone number.”
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274. Case information, including links to charging documents and victim resources, can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/victim-and-witness-assistance-program/us-v-steven-waithe
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison for each count, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of cyberstalking provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charges of conspiracy to commit computer fraud and computer fraud, aiding and abetting, each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. The Northeastern University Police Department provided substantial assistance with the investigation; the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the Chicago Police Department also provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam W. Deitch of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.Worcester Psychiatrist Convicted of Unlawful Distribution of Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester psychiatrist was convicted by a federal jury today of illegally prescribing controlled substances.
Mohamad Och, 67, was convicted following an 11-day jury trial of three counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for Feb. 16, 2024. Och was arrested and charged in July 2021.
“Dr. Och deliberately and recklessly jeopardized patient safety by repeatedly prescribing dangerous combinations of benzodiazepines and stimulants,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This case underscores our office’s unwavering commitment to justice, patient safety and the responsible management of healthcare resources. Ensuring the well-being of patients is paramount.”
“The DEA is committed to ensuring that all registrants are in compliance with the required regulations, which are enforceable through the Controlled Substances Act,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division. “Failure to do so increases the potential for diversion and jeopardizes public health and public safety. DEA pledges to work with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to ensure these rules and regulations are followed.”
“Handing out controlled substances as casually as Halloween candy is a clear-cut crime, in which Dr. Och abrogated his professional ethics. Going forward, this experienced psychiatrist will have plenty of time to analyze his incredibly poor decisions that led to today’s conviction,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The FBI, meanwhile, will continue to pursue investigations involving psychiatrists like Dr. Och.”
“Dr. Och disregarded the wellbeing of his patients by illegally prescribing controlled substances,” said Special Agent in Charge Roberto Coviello of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “We will continue working tirelessly alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure that corrupt medical practitioners who unlawfully overprescribe addictive drugs are brought to justice.”
Och was a licensed psychiatrist who owned and operated Island Counseling Center (ICC), in Worcester, Mass., and has practiced psychiatry elsewhere in Massachusetts, including Nantucket. Among other services, Och was authorized to prescribe Schedule II-IV controlled substances to patients.
Och repeatedly prescribed a combination of benzodiazepines and stimulants outside of the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. Specifically, on multiple occasions between August 2016 and February 2017, Och knowingly issued prescriptions for Adderall (a Schedule II amphetamine) and Xanax (a Schedule IV benzodiazepine) to undercover agents working for the DEA. Evidence at trial showed that amphetamines have a high potential for abuse and present serious cardiovascular risks. Evidence also showed the risks presented by mixing Xanax, a depressant, with a stimulant like Adderall.
Evidence at trial established that the defendant prescribed such highly-addictive medications without doing proper psychiatric examinations, without obtaining prior medical records, and without administering diagnostic tests (including urinalyses or blood tests) – even when faced with facts that the undercover patients may have been participating in drug diversion. Furthermore, the defendant did not discuss or review medication side effects, their conditions’ symptoms, or the risks and benefits of taking drugs like Adderall and Xanax with the undercover agents – despite documenting in medical records that he had done so.
The charge of illegal prescription of a Schedule II controlled substance provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. The charge of illegal prescription of a Schedule IV controlled substance provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three 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 statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, DEA SAC Boyle, FBI SAC Cohen and HHS-OIG SAC Coviello made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Mulcahy and Kaitlin R. O’Donnell of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Quincy Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Quincy man was sentenced in federal court in Boston yesterday for receiving child pornography.
Matthew Ormon, 51, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to five years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. In July 2023, Ormon pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography.
During a search of Ormon’s residence on April 5, 2022, multiple electronic devices, including two custom built computers and a network drive device were seized. At least one device was found to contain a folder with numerous videos depicting child pornography. Some of these files involved minor females performing sex acts on adult males.
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. Special assistance was provided by the Quincy Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Dell’Anno of the Criminal Division 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.
Former Massachusetts State Senator Arrested for COVID FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Former Massachusetts State Senator Dean Tran was arrested today and charged in federal court in Boston with allegedly scheming to defraud the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance and collecting income that he failed to report to the IRS.
Tran, 48, of Fitchburg, was indicted on 25 counts of wire fraud and three counts of filing false tax returns. Tran was arrested this morning and will appear in federal court in Boston at 1:30 p.m. today.
According to the indictment, Tran served as an elected member of the Massachusetts State Senate, representing Worcester and Middlesex from 2017 to January 2021. It is alleged that after his State Senate term ended in 2021, Tran fraudulently applied for pandemic unemployment benefits after he had already accepted employment as a paid consultant for a New Hampshire-based automotive parts company. While working as the paid consultant, it is alleged that Tran fraudulently collected $30,120 in pandemic unemployment benefits.
It is further alleged that Tran concealed over $50,000 in consulting income that he received from the automotive parts company on his 2021 federal income tax return. This was in addition to thousands of dollars in rental income that Tran allegedly concealed from the IRS while collecting rent from tenants of a Fitchburg rental property from 2020 to 2022.
“The indictment returned by the grand jury alleges that Former State Senator Tran exploited pandemic unemployment benefits – diverting critical resources intended for deserving individuals genuinely in need,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Our office and our law enforcement partners are committed to safeguarding the integrity of public assistance programs and holding accountable those who exploit them – no matter who they are – particularly during times of widespread hardship.”
“Dean Tran was once elected to serve taxpayers, but today we arrested him for allegedly cheating them out of tens of thousands of dollars in fraudulent unemployment benefits that were meant to be a lifeline for those struggling for survival as a result of the pandemic,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “This former state senator allegedly made the conscious decision to repeatedly lie about his employment status and underreport his rental property income so he could get a tax break. The FBI and our partners are working hard every day to shut down such fraud schemes and protect the public from being fleeced.”
“An important part of the mission of the Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations of fraud involving the Department of Labor’s unemployment insurance programs. With the passage of the CARES Act and creation of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, we focused our efforts on these types of allegations. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate fraud that has a negative effect on the American workforce,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan Mellone, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
“Elected officials are rightly held to a higher standard when they take an oath to serve,” said Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston. “Instead of honoring his commitment to the public trust, Tran allegedly defrauded the citizens that elected him by failing to pay tax on his income and fleecing a public-assistance program at a time when his constituents needed this help the most, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Rooting out public corruption remains one of IRS CI’s highest priorities.”
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of filing false tax returns provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $100,000. 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, DOL-OIG SAC Mellone and IRS-CI SAC Chavis made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Mulcahy and Dustin Chao of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus and https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/combatingfraud.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form.
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.
Braintree Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Braintree man has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for child pornography charges.
Michael Martin, 44, was sentenced on Nov. 15, 2023 by U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns to five years in prison and five years of supervised release. Martin was also ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution to one of the victims, a $5,000 special assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act and a $10,000 special assessment under the Amy, Vicky and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act. On Aug. 14, 2023, Martin pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography.
On March 9, 2021, the social media platform Tumblr reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that one of its users – later identified as Martin – had suspected child pornography on their account. A subsequent search of Martin’s Braintree residence resulted in the seizure of various electronic devices storing child pornography. Additionally, a search of Martin’s Tumblr account determined that Martin has posted and received child pornography over the social media site. The child pornography included images of children believed to be between four and eight years old.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Braintree Police Chief Tim Cohoon made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Newton Man Sentenced for Unlawful ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Newton man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
Franklin Alcantara-Lorenzo, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo Sorokin to one year and one day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. On Oct. 16, 2023, Alcantara-Lorenzo pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.
Alcantara-Lorenzo, a citizen on the Dominican Republic, was deported from the United States in July 2021 after serving a 21-month federal sentence for conspiracy and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. At some point thereafter, Alcantara-Lorenzo returned to the United States and was arrested by immigration authorities in Chestnut Hill in April 2023.
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 Mark Grady of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Former Needham Police Officer Sentenced for Insider Trading ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Needham police officer was sentenced yesterday for conspiring to trade on inside information about a Massachusetts company’s planned acquisition of a California semiconductor company.
David Forte, 60, of Acton, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to one year of supervised release, with the first six months to be served in home confinement. Judge Burroughs also imposed a $25,000 fine. Forte was charged in January 2022 along with co-conspirators John Younis and Gregory Manning. In June 2023, Forte was convicted by a federal jury of one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and one count of securities fraud.
Beginning 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 Massachusetts-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 Younis and Manning and proposed that the two purchase Linear securities and share their trading profits with him. To avoid detection, Forte did not trade Linear securities in his own name, and he advised Younis not to buy Analog securities because of his brother’s role at the company.
Over the course of the week leading up to the public announcement of the acquisition on July 26, 2016, Forte exchanged numerous phone calls with Younis and Manning, and Younis and Manning amassed Linear securities – sometimes trading within minutes of phone calls with Forte. After the announcement of the deal, which caused Linear’s share price to increase by 30 percent, Younis and Manning sold their Linear securities for a profit and later paid Forte a share of the money they made from trading on Forte’s stock tip.
In June 2022, Younis was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to one month of home detention and two years of probation after pleading guilty to his role in the conspiracy. Manning pleaded guilty in October 2023 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 3, 2024.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. 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.
Boston Man Sentenced for Securities FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man has been sentenced in federal court for exerting secret control over a Massachusetts-based company, Cannabiz Mobile, Inc., as part of a pump-and-dump securities fraud scheme.
Christopher R. Esposito, 57, formerly of Everett, was sentenced on Nov. 14, 2023 by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to five years of probation, with three months to be served at a halfway house. He was also ordered to pay forfeiture and restitution. Esposito pleaded guilty to one count of securities fraud in April 2023.
Between 2012 and 2015, Esposito and co-conspirator, Anthony Jay Pignatello, worked together to conceal their control over Cannabiz Mobile, Inc. and to use backdated promissory notes to fraudulently obtain free-trading shares in the company. Among other steps taken to conceal their control, Esposito caused another individual to be installed as the company’s chairman, president and CEO. In reality, the executive reported to Esposito. Esposito and Pignatello then arranged for a promotional campaign in October 2014 to artificially inflate the value and trading volume of Cannabiz Mobile, Inc’s stock so that they could secretly sell their shares. In total, between September 2014 and February 2015, Esposito personally sold over 1.3 million shares fraudulently obtained as part of the scheme.
Esposito was ordered to pay $20,294 in forfeiture in connection with the pump-and-dump of Cannabiz Mobile. He was also ordered to pay $61,693.50 in restitution to investors who lost money in a separate purported business venture that Esposito pitched involving the company Code2Action, Inc. Between August 2019 and February 2020, Esposito represented to investors that he would take Code2Action, Inc. public via a reverse merger and he solicited investments in the company for that purpose. The reverse merger, however, never took place.
Pignatello separately pleaded guilty in March 2021 to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud for his role in the Cannabiz Mobile scheme. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 12, 2023 before U.S. District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr.
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 James R. Drabick of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Boston Man Indicted for Sex Trafficking a MinorRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly sex trafficking and transporting a minor to Rhode Island to engage in prostitution.
Tramonte Jamier Queen, 23, was indicted on one count of sex trafficking of a child and one count of transportation of minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Queen was previously charged by criminal complaint on Oct. 17, 2023 and has been in state custody on related charges since February 2022. He will be arraigned in federal court in Boston on Nov. 30, 2023.
According to the charging documents, beginning in January 2022, Queen recruited a 16-year-old girl to engage in prostitution. First, it is alleged that Queen directed the victim to take photos of herself – including photos depicting the victim nude and posing provocatively. Shortly thereafter, Queen allegedly directed the victim to earn money for him by engaging in commercial sex. It is alleged that Queen communicated with sex buyers and arranged for the victim to engage in commercial sex in the basement of his mother’s residence in Dorchester as well as at hotels and took all of the proceeds for himself. Queen allegedly used threats and violence to maintain control over the victim.
It is further alleged that Queen drove the victim to a hotel in Warwick, R.I., where he caused her to perform sex acts for his financial benefit. Hours after this trip to Rhode Island, police stopped Queen as he was returning to Boston with victim.
The charge of sex trafficking of a child 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. The transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity count 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 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 Brian A. Fogerty of the Civil Rights & Human Trafficking 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.
Amesbury Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Amesbury man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for child pornography charges.
Thomas Cross, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to five years in prison and five years of supervised release. On Aug. 18, 2023, Cross pleaded guilty to one count each of distribution of child pornography, receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography.
Cross’ charges stem from the November 2018 search of his home that resulted in the seizure of several electronic devices which contained files depicting child pornography and chats between Cross and a person subsequently identified as Desiree Daigle, in which they exchanged various child pornography files. Some of the images depicted an infant known to Daigle, taken in Daigle’s home. In the chat, the two discussed plans for Cross to meet the child in person so that he and Daigle could sexually abuse the child together. Both Cross and Daigle admitted to exchanging child pornography with each other.
Daigle was arrested and charged separately with the sexual exploitation of children. In October 2022, she was sentenced to 17 years in prison and five years of supervised release.
Cross was detained following his arrest in November 2018. He subsequently appealed the order of pretrial detention to the District Court, who released Cross in July 2019 on conditions which, among other things, prohibited him from accessing the internet, possessing pornographic material and possessing internet-accessible devices. However, in June 2020, Cross was re-arrested after he was found using social media to exchange child pornography and he was found to be in possession of multiple cell phones and an internet-connected gaming console – in violation of his conditions of release. Cross has remained in federal custody since.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Assistance was provided by the Amesbury Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Chief 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.
Worcester Man Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Being a Felon in Possession of Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was arrested today for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
Yoelfi Feliz, 27, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and being a felon in possession of a firearms and ammunition. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston today, Feliz was detained pending a hearing scheduled for Nov. 30, 2023.
According to the criminal complaint, between June 2023 and October 2023, Feliz sold over 700 grams of fentanyl to a cooperating witness in Lawrence. Feliz also allegedly sold the cooperating witness two pistols, an AR-15 rifle, an AK-47 rifle and two privately made firearms, also known as “ghost guns,” along with ammunition.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. The charge of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition is punishable by up to 15 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 and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and the Lawrence, Methuen and Worcester Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce 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 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.
The details contained in the complaint are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Venezuelan Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Distributing Thousands of Fentanyl PillsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Venezuelan man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for trafficking fentanyl.
Frank Bienvenido Perez Diaz, 42, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to five years in prison, followed by four years of supervised release. In July 2023, Perez Diaz pleaded guilty to one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
Over the course of a year, Perez Diaz had multiple discussions with a cooperating witness regarding selling the cooperating witness controlled substances, including kilograms of fentanyl. Subsequently, on April 16, 2021, Perez Diaz sold over 2,000 counterfeit fentanyl pills to a cooperating witness.
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. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Massachusetts Department of Correction and the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea Porter of the Criminal Division prosecuted 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.
Repeat Sex Trafficker Arrested for Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Stoughton man previously convicted of multiple counts of sex trafficking has been arrested on sex trafficking charges.
Marvin Pompilus, 39, was charged with one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. Pompilus was arrested yesterday and, following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston, was detained pending a hearing scheduled for Nov. 28, 2023.
“For years, this man allegedly victimized numerous women. Upon his release after a six-year prison sentence on sex trafficking charges, it is alleged that Mr. Pompilus almost immediately returned to targeting and exploiting vulnerable victims to line his own pocket – regularly using violence and drugs to maintain control,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Sex trafficking is a heinous crime that inflicts unimaginable, long-lasting trauma – and it’s happening every day in our communities. Today’s arrest underscores our office’s unwavering commitment to remove sex traffickers from our communities.”
“Marvin Pompilus is accused of exploiting his victims in the worst way. By coercing them with drugs, forcing them to engage in commercial sex, and subjecting them to violence if they refused, he took away the freedom and dignity to which these women are entitled,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation – Human Trafficking Task Force will not stop working to find and help trafficked victims, to protect them from further abuse, and keep their traffickers from hurting anyone else.”
According to the charging documents, from on or about 2021 through 2022, Pompilus used force, fraud, or coercion to cause one victim to engage in commercial sex and victimized at least four others.
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 posed as a sex buyer and responded to the victim’s online advertisement for commercial sex. When Pompilus arrived at the victim’s location, instead of engaging in commercial sex, he allegedly recruited her to engage in commercial sex on his behalf. Over the course of the next several months, Pompilus allegedly used physical violence, threats of violence and drug-based coercion to cause the victim to engage in commercial sex on a daily basis – for which he collected all of the proceeds. It is alleged that Pompilus physically beat the victim regularly and never allowed her to seek medical treatment. At times, Pompilus manually strangled the victim and on one occasion, pointed a gun in the victim’s face. If the victim disobeyed any of the rules that Pompilus set for her, Pompilus would allegedly become physically violent or withhold drugs from the victim until she started to experience the physical symptoms of withdrawal.
It is further alleged that Pompilus used a driver to drive him to deliver drugs or pick up money from other vulnerable women who he was coercing to engage in commercial sex for his financial benefit. Pompilus allegedly used force, physical violence, threats of violence and drug-based coercion to victimize at least four other women and cause them to engage in commercial sex.
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 U.S. Attorney Levy; Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; and FBI SAC Cohen 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-Cunniffe, 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.
Former Nurse Sentenced for Drug Diversion from Boston-Area HospitalRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former nurse was sentenced yesterday in federal court today in Boston for diverting opioids from a Boston-area hospital.
Andrea Falzano, 39, of Winchester, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to three months in prison and one year of supervised release. In August 2023, Falzano pleaded guilty to three counts of unlawfully obtaining controlled substances by fraud, deception, and subterfuge.
“Our office is committed to fighting the opioid epidemic on all fronts, including the diversion of medical opioids by unethical health care providers like Ms. Falzano. This defendant took advantage of her position of trust to steal drugs from her employer,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy.
“The DEA is committed to ensuring the Controlled Substances Act is followed,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Office. “Stealing drugs like opioids from hospitals’ controlled environments jeopardizes public health and public safety. DEA pledges to work with our law enforcement partners in Massachusetts to ensure these rules and regulations are followed by all.”
Beginning in May 2019, Falzano used her capacity as a nurse in the emergency department at a Massachusetts based hospital to withdraw controlled substances from a locked drug cabinet. These substances included morphine, fentanyl and hydromorphone, all of which are opioids and Schedule II controlled substances. In total, Falzano withdrew these substances 412 times for 299 already discharged patients over an approximately five-month period. Negative drug tests uncovered during the investigation indicated that Falzano did not self-administer the drugs that she stole from the hospital at which she was employed, despite stating otherwise to her employer and the Board of Registration in Nursing. In statements to the Board, Falzano attempted to minimize her conduct by calling her theft of controlled substances an “isolated incident,” which it was not.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; DEA SAC Boyle; and Robert H. Goldstein, MD, PhD, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Manufacturing and Selling Ghost GunsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A previously convicted felon pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester today to manufacturing and selling firearms – including ghost guns – and unlawfully possessing ammunition.
Mickie Simmons, 32, of Brookfield, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to deal firearms without a license, one count of dealing firearms without a license and two counts of being a felon in possession of ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for Jan. 30, 2024. Simmons was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in May 2022 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2022.
On two separate occasions between March and May 2022, Simmons sold a confidential source ammunition and ghost guns – firearms that have been manufactured by an individual and not by a firearms manufacturing company. During a later search of Simmons’ residence, at least five ghost guns, including an AR-15 short-barrel rifle, 15 ghost gun kits, numerous rounds of ammunition, components of assault-style rifles, several other firearms and more than $25,000 in cash was seized.
Due to a 2014 state conviction for breaking and entering, larceny and conspiracy for which he was sentenced to 18 months in prison, Simmons is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danial E. Bennett and Brendan O’Shea of the Worcester Branch Office are prosecuting the case.
Member of Catalytic Converter Theft Crew Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to his role in a regional organized theft crew that stole catalytic converters from over 490 vehicles as well as from ATMs and jewelry stores.
Zachary Marshall, 25, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce and interstate transportation of stolen property. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Feb. 7, 2024.
Marshall and six other men were arrested on April 12, 2023, and charged with offenses related to the theft, transportation and sale of stolen catalytic converters taken from over 490 vehicles during 2022 and 2023.
Catalytic converter theft has become a nationwide problem across a multitude of state, local, and federal jurisdictions due to the high-valued precious metals they contain – some of which are more valuable than gold, with black-market prices being more than $1,000 each in recent years. The theft of a vehicle's catalytic converter results in damage that renders the vehicle inoperable – both mechanically and legally under EPA regulations – until properly replaced.
Marshall was a member of an organized crew that allegedly stole catalytic converters from at least 492 vehicles across Massachusetts and New Hampshire in 2022 and 2023 alone. It is believed that a significant number of additional thefts have not been identified or were not ever reported to law enforcement, however. The crew was skilled and able to locate and cut away the catalytic converter from a vehicle within a minute in most instances – often utilizing battery operated power-tools, car jacks. It is alleged that, on numerous occasions, the defendants targeted more than 10 vehicles in a single night, with one night reporting thefts from 26 vehicles.
It is alleged that the crew was led by Rafael Davila, who engaged in catalytic converter thefts and burglaries on a full-time basis – committing thefts multiple nights per week for upwards of eight hours a night. Rafael Davila was allegedly responsible for the planning of and transportation to each targeted theft – using his vehicle, determining price values for stolen converters and purchasing needed materials. It is further alleged that he maintained meticulous notes accounting for the locations that he and his co-conspirators had targeted and the number of catalytic converters that had been stolen, including the makes and models and when they were dropped off.
Marshall participated in thefts of catalytic converters from 107 vehicles over the course of 10 separate instances between Jan. 19, 2023 and April 6, 2023 – most of which targeted vehicles in more than one municipality over the course of a single night.
Once in possession of the stolen catalytic converters, the crew would then sell them to Jose Torres, who would accumulate stolen catalytic converters from multiple theft crews and then in turn sell them to scrap dealers in the Northeast – transacting approximately $30,000 to $80,000 in stolen catalytic converters per week. In particular, Torres sold stolen catalytic converters to scrap dealers who have since been charged federally for interstate transportation of stolen property and money laundering in the District of Connecticut, the Eastern District of California and Northern District of Oklahoma.
Zachary Marshall also admitted to breaking into to a self-storage facility in Northborough, MA on February 2, 2023, with Rafael Davila. During this break-in, Davila and Marshall stole items from storage units, and stole a truck containing approximately $13,000 worth of Milwaukee brand power tools. A high-speed chase from law enforcement took place that evening reaching speeds upwards of 120 mph. Some of the stolen tools would later be recovered during a search of a storage unit controlled by Rafael Davila on April 12, 2023, as part of the takedown in this case.
Torres pleaded guilty to his role in the catalytic converter theft conspiracy on May 17, 2023 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 14, 2023. Alex Oyola pleaded guilty to the ATM and jewelry store burglaries on May 24, 2023 and will be sentenced at a later date. On March 13, 2023, Nicolas Davila pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 9, 2024. Santo Feliberty pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy on Oct. 19, 2023 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 31, 2023. Charges against Rafael Davila and Carlos Fonseca remain pending and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The charge of conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce 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. The charges of interstate transportation of stolen property each provide for a sentence of up to 10 years, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to commit bank theft 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. The charges of bank theft provides for a sentence of up to 10 years, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for up to 10 years, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; and Kevin Gallagher, Director of Operations for the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Northeast Region made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the District of Connecticut, the Northern District of Oklahoma and the Eastern District of California; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and the New England State Police Information Network (NESPIN). Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
Over 70 local police departments in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut contributed to this investigation through the submission of their investigations of catalytic converter thefts in their jurisdiction. The Massachusetts Police Departments contributing to the investigation were Abington, Acton, Andover, Auburn, Bedford, Bellingham, Beverly, Billerica, Burlington, Bridgewater, Canton, Carver, Chelmsford, Concord, Cranston, East Hampton, Easton, Fitchburg, Framingham, Franklin, Gardner, Hampton, Hanover, Haverhill, Hingham, Holliston, Holyoke, Hudson, Ipswich, Lawrence, Leominster, Lynn, Malden, Mansfield, Medford, Marlborough, Methuen, Middleton, Milford, Millbury, Needham, Newton, Northborough, Norwell, Norwood, Peabody, Pembroke, Plymouth, Randolph, Rockland, Sharon, Shrewsbury, Springfield, Sterling, Sturbridge, Sudbury, Tyngsborough, Walpole, Waltham, Watertown, West Bridgewater, Weymouth, Wilmington, Woburn and Worcester. The New Hampshire Police Departments contributing to the investigation were Bow, Concord, Derry, Hooksett, Hudson, Londonderry, Manchester, Salem and Windham. The South Windsor and Windsor Connecticut Police Departments also contributed to the investigation.
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.
U.S. Attorney's Office Settles Disability Discrimination Complaint with Skilled Nursing FacilityRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights reached an agreement today with North End Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center (North End), a skilled nursing facility in Boston, to resolve allegations that the facility denied admission to individuals being treated with medications for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
“Patients suffering from opioid use disorder are too often faced with the agonizing decision between accessing life-saving medication to treat their addiction, or accessing other critical health care. Patients’ health and rehabilitation are negatively impacted when nursing facilities deny admissions simply because someone is engaged in recovery,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “We thank North End Rehabilitation for its cooperation and its commitment in working with us to ensure access to addiction treatment for those who may also need long term care.”
“It is against the law to deny an individual placement in a facility because they are undergoing treatment for an opioid use disorder. This kind of action is not only illegal but leads to further stigma and is contra to efforts to support recovery which is critical,” said Melanie Fontes Rainer, Director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. “Today’s announcement supports this Administration’s national strategy to prevent, treat, and provide long term recovery supports for individuals with behavioral health needs or substance use disorders, as well as the HHS Roadmap for Behavioral Health Integration, which implements the National Strategy by promoting equity in access to affordable, high quality, culturally appropriate care.”
Following a review, several instances were found between December 2020 and April 2022 where patients were denied admissions because they were taking Suboxone or methadone to treat their OUD. Individuals receiving treatment for OUD are generally considered disabled under federal civil rights laws, which prohibits private healthcare providers from discriminating on the basis of disability.
Under the terms of the agreement, North End will, among other things, adopt a non-discrimination policy, revise its admissions policy and provide training to admissions staff. North End will also pay the United States a $111,614 civil penalty. All but $10,000 will be forgiven if North End complies with the terms of the agreement for a two-year period.
Since May 2018, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has settled with 13 healthcare providers to resolve ADA violations related to OUD treatment. These agreements have addressed compliance at 53 skilled nursing facilities.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and HHS OCR Director Fontes Rainer made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Dorchak of the Office’s Civil Rights Unit handled the matter.
Todisco Towing Agrees to Resolve Allegations of Servicemembers Civil Relief Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office reached an agreement today with Todisco Services, Inc., a company doing business as Todisco Towing, to resolve allegations that it failed to obtain a court order before enforcing a lien on a vehicle owned by a U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant who was deployed overseas, in violation of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
The compliant alleged that Todisco Towing impounded the Staff Sergeant’s vehicle, refused to allow him to pay the towing and storage fee by phone, and ultimately sold the vehicle and its contents, which included costly military tactical gear and several irreplaceable items of sentimental value, including a family photograph album and a sweatshirt belonging to a friend who is now deceased.
The SCRA provides financial and housing protections and benefits to military members while they are in military service. One of the SCRA’s protections requires anyone holding a lien on the property of a servicemember to obtain a court order prior to auctioning off, selling, or otherwise disposing of that property. This means that companies have an obligation – before selling or disposing of property – to determine whether the property is owned by a servicemember protected under the SCRA, and if so, obtain court approval prior to disposal. Companies can conduct a search on the Department of Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) website, to determine whether an individual is a protected servicemember.
Under the agreement, which must still be approved by the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, Todisco Towing must pay the Staff Sergeant $5,000 in damages and the United States a $1,000 civil penalty. Todisco Towing has also implemented new policies and trainings to prevent future SCRA violations.
“While he was serving our country overseas and protecting our national security, this servicemember had his car and items of deep personal significance sold off by Todisco despite his efforts to pay the outstanding fees. This is shameful treatment of people serving our nation as part of the armed forces,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is strongly committed to enforcing the rights of the members of our military who sacrifice so much for all of us to enjoy freedom and security every day.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hillary H. Harnett and Torey B. Cummings handled the matter.
This lawsuit resulted from a referral to the Justice Department from the U.S. Air Force. Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under the SCRA may have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations may be found at https://legalassistance.law.af.mil/. For more information about the Department’s SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit https://www.justice.gov/servicemembers.
Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm Offenses and Straw Purchasing ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today in connection with conspiring to illegally traffic and straw purchase firearms.
Gustavo Rodriguez, 20, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to make false statements in records required to be kept by an FFL and one count of aiding and abetting making false statements in records required to be kept by an FFL. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Feb. 5, 2024. Rodriguez was initially charged by complaint on Jan. 17, 2023 along with Cory Daigle and Shakim Grant. He was subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury on March 16, 2023.
According to the charging documents, from in or about August 2022 through November 2022, Rodriguez and, allegedly, Daigle conspired to create false entries in records required to be maintained by Daigle, an FFL, in order to conceal the illegal sale of multiple firearms via Grant to Rodriguez, who could not lawfully purchase or possess firearms. Specifically, Grant and, allegedly, Daigle made and signed false representations on required forms to disguise Rodriguez’s identity as the true firearm purchaser. Rodriguez is prohibited from possessing a firearm. It is further alleged that the defendants attempted to coverup the illegal straw purchase by providing false information to law enforcement.
Grant pleaded guilty in May 2023 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 18, 2023. Daigle has pleaded not guilty and is pending trial.
The charge of conspiracy to make false statements in records required to be kept by an FFL provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aiding and abetting making false statements in records required to be kept by an FFL provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, one year 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; 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 in the investigation was provided by the Revere Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Worcester Man Indicted for Role in Drug Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in connection with his alleged role in a cocaine distribution conspiracy.
Hector Torres, 32, was indicted on one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Torres will appear for arraignment in Worcester at a later date.
In or about June 2022, Torres allegedly conspired with others to possess and distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine.
The charge of conspiring to distribute 500 or more grams 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. 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; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England; John E. Mawn, Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; and Acting Chief Paul Saucier of the Worcester Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin Brown of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the court documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two Indicted for Conspiracy Involving Manufacturing of Counterfeit Pills Containing FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two North Shore men have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for their alleged roles in a conspiracy involving the distribution and manufacturing of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and other controlled substances.
Elmidio Crisostomo, 28, of Lynnfield, and David Depena, 30, of Lynn, were indicted on one count each of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Both men were previously arrested and charged by complaint in June 2023.
It is alleged that Crisostomo and Depena used an apartment in Lynn to manufacture counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and other controlled substances. Crisostomo and Depena then allegedly distributed thousands of these pills to customers in towns including Malden and Revere. It is further alleged that, during a search of the Lynn apartment in June 2023, a large hand-crank-style press used for manufacturing pills as well as multiple kilograms of pills and powder containing fentanyl and other controlled substances were recovered.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
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 today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lynn Police Department and the Revere Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Feldman of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
MS-13 Member Charged for Alleged Role in 2010 MurderRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A member of the transnational criminal organization known as La Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, has been arrested on RICO charges in connection with the murder of an Allston man under a Chelsea bridge in December 2010.
Adam Rodriguez, a/k/a “Pelon,” 33, was charged in a superseding indictment with conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise, more commonly referred to as RICO or racketeering conspiracy. Rodriguez was arrested yesterday and, following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston yesterday afternoon, was detained pending a hearing set for 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 16, 2023.
According to the charging document, MS-13 is a transnational criminal organization with tens of thousands of members located in the United States, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and elsewhere. MS-13 branches, or “cliques,” operate throughout the United States, including in Massachusetts. In furtherance of its mission, MS-13 members are required to commit acts of violence, specifically against rival gang members; kill informants; and support and defend fellow MS-13 members in attacks. MS-13 rewards members who commit acts of violence with promotions within the gang and punishes members who break gang rules.
The superseding indictment alleges that, on Dec. 18, 2010, Rodriquez and other members of MS-13 murdered an Allston man under a bridge in Chelsea. It is alleged that law enforcement recently matched Rodriguez’s voice to a Jan. 26, 2011 recording of an MS-13 meeting in which he acknowledged his participation in the murder. Also on the recording, Rodriguez was allegedly beaten for 13 seconds by other members of MS-13 for leaving Massachusetts after the murder without the gang’s permission. The superseding indictment further alleges that Rodriguez committed other attempted murders with members of MS-13 following the December 2010 murder.
The superseding indictment also charges William Pineda Portillo, a/k/a “Humilde,” 30, with RICO conspiracy. Pineda Portillo was originally indicted in 2017. After an arrest warrant was issued for Pineda Portillo, law enforcement determined that he had been deported to El Salvador under a different name.
Pineda Portillo was arrested in May 2022 on the outstanding warrant and returned to Boston after he was allegedly encountered crossing the border into Texas.
A subsequent investigation determined that a car owned by Pineda Portillo’s father was allegedly used to transport Rodriguez, other MS-13 members and the victim to the scene of the December 2010 murder in Chelsea. Pineda Portillo also allegedly worked to sell a firearm to someone he believed was a fellow MS-13 member, but who was instead a cooperating witness working with law enforcement. It is further alleged that Pineda Portillo conspired to murder an MS-13 member he believed was an informant. Pineda Portillo remains in custody awaiting trial.
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. 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.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, in New England; John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; and Chelsea Police Chief Keith Houghton made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl, Brian A. Fogerty, and Meghan C. Cleary of the Office’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the superseding indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Brockton Man Indicted for Unlawful Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A previously convicted felon has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for unlawfully possessing a Glock pistol and 18 rounds of ammunition.
Michael Whitfield, 42, of Brockton, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Whitfield was previously charged by criminal complaint on Sept. 13, 2023.
According to the charging documents, on March 6, 2023, upon arrival at a motor vehicle accident scene in Brockton, law enforcement observed Whitfield in a vehicle with significant damage, its airbag deployed and a broken passenger door window. It is alleged that there was a strong odor of alcohol coming from inside the vehicle and an empty tequila bottle was observed on the passenger seat floor. It is further alleged that a Glock 19X .9mm pistol loaded with 18 rounds was found on the driver’s side floorboard between Whitfield’s legs.
Due to a prior felony conviction stemming from 2006, Whitfield is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm 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 and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, the Massachusetts State Police, the Brockton Police Department and the Brockton Fire Department. 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.
Three Arrested for Operating High-End Brothel NetworkRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Three individuals have been arrested in connection with operating sophisticated high-end brothels in greater Boston and eastern Virginia. Commercial sex buyers allegedly included elected officials, high tech and pharmaceutical executives, doctors, military officers, government contractors that possess security clearances, professors, attorneys, scientists and accountants, among others.
The following defendants have been charged with conspiracy to coerce and entice to travel to engage in illegal sexual activity:
- Han Lee, a/k/a “Hana,” 41, of Cambridge, Mass.;
- James Lee, 68, of Torrance, Calif.; and
- Junmyung Lee, 30, of Dedham, Mass.
Han Lee and Junmyung Lee were arrested this morning and will appear in federal court in Boston later today. James Lee was arrested in the Central District of California and will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the charging documents, from at least July 2020, the defendants operated an interstate prostitution network with multiple brothels in Cambridge and Watertown, Mass., as well as in Fairfax and Tysons, Va.
It is alleged that the defendants collectively established the infrastructure for brothels in multiple states which they used to persuade, induce and entice women – primarily Asian women – to travel to Massachusetts and Virginia to engage in prostitution.
Specifically, the defendants allegedly rented high-end apartment complexes as brothel locations, which they furnished and regularly maintained. The monthly rent for the brothel locations were as high as $3,664. It is further alleged that the defendants coordinated the women’s airline travel and transportation and permitted women to stay overnight in the brothel locations so they did not have to find lodging elsewhere, therefore enticing women to participate in their prostitution network.
The defendants allegedly advertised their prostitution network primarily on two websites – bostontopten10.com and browneyesgirlsva.blog – which offered appointments with women in either greater Boston or eastern Virginia, respectively. Both websites purported to advertise nude Asian models for professional photography at upscale studios as a front for prostitution offered through appointments with women listed on their websites. The websites listed the height, weight and bust size of women available for appointments and depicted nude and/or semi-nude photographs of each. The women listed as available on the websites updated frequently, with updates to include “coming soon” or “open” to reflect an impending arrival of new women arriving in the area.
Each website allegedly described a verification process that interested sex buyers undertook to be eligible for appointment bookings– including requiring clients complete a form providing their full names, email address, phone number, employer and reference if they had one.
It is further alleged that the defendants maintained local brothel phone numbers which they used to communicate with verified customers and schedule appointments via text message. In these text message exchanges, the defendants allegedly sent customers a “menu” of available options at the brothel, including the women and sexual services available and the hourly rate. Additionally, the defendants allegedly texted customers directions to the brothel’s location – a high-end apartments – where they engaged in commercial sex with the women.
According to the charging documents, the defendants charged sex buyers a premium price for appointments with the women advertised on their websites, which ranged from approximately $350 to upwards of $600 per hour depending on the services and were paid in cash. The defendants allegedly concealed the proceeds of the prostitution network through depositing hundreds of thousands of dollars of cash proceeds into their personal bank accounts and peer-to-peer transfers. Additionally, it is alleged that the defendants regularly used hundreds of thousands of dollars of the cash proceeds from the prostitution business to purchase money orders (in values under an amount that would trigger reporting and identification requirements) to conceal the source of the funds. These money orders were then used to pay for rent and utilities at brothel locations in Massachusetts and Virginia.
Over the course of the investigation, a wide array of buyers were identified, including, but not limited to, politicians, high tech and pharmaceutical executives, doctors, military officers, government contractors that possess security clearances, professors, lawyers, scientists and accountants.
The investigation into the involvement of sex buyers is active and ongoing.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should contact [email protected].
The charge of conspiracy to coerce and entice to travel to engage in illegal sexual activity provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Cambridge Police Commissioner Christine Elow made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Central District of California; the Eastern District of Virginia; the U.S. Postal Service; and the Watertown Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of the Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Raquelle Kaye, of the Asset Recovery Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Tewksbury Woman Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Prison for Embezzlement, Unemployment Fraud and Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Tewksbury woman was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for embezzling more than $1.8 million from her employer, collecting unemployment assistance while employed fulltime and related tax charges.
Joanne Dinoto a/k/a Joanne Mara, 49, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 62 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Dinoto was also ordered to pay restitution of $2,195,592. In March 2023, Dinoto pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud, three counts of wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of filing a false tax return.
Beginning no later than October 2008 and continuing through April 2020, Dinoto stole more than $1.8 million from her employer, a flooring company based in Acton, by falsely inflating her compensation, using her employer’s corporate credit card for personal expenses, and forging at least two checks to herself drawn on her employer’s checking account. To hide her scheme, Dinoto modified her employer’s accounting records. Dinoto later collected unemployment benefits from the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance under her true Social Security number, even though she was then working full time for a different employer, a lighting company based in Wilmington, under a fake Social Security number. Between 2015 and 2020, Dinoto did not report more than $1 million that she embezzled from the Acton company or received from the Wilmington company on her federal income tax returns.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Office; Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations made the announcement today. The Acton Police Department and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office also provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Kearney of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
New York Man Arrested for Bank Fraud Scheme Involving Stolen Identities of Three Massachusetts ResidentsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New York man has been arrested for allegedly using counterfeit United States passports in the name of three Massachusetts residents to withdraw money from their bank accounts.
Jean Andre Bontiffe, 40, was charged with one count of making or using a forged passport, one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Bontiffe was arrested in New York on Nov. 6, 2023 and will appear in federal court in Boston at 1:15 p.m. on Nov. 14, 2023.
According to the charging documents, on Aug. 9, 2022, Bontiffe was arrested by law enforcement 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 three different Massachusetts residents’ bank accounts – stealing a total of $13,800. On July 20, 2022, Bontiffe allegedly entered a TD Bank branch in North Andover 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 (N.Y.) 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.
Lawrence Men Sentenced for Distributing Fentanyl at Veterans Affairs Medical Center in BedfordRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two Lawrence men have been sentenced in federal court in Boston for conspiring to distribute fentanyl to individuals at the Bedford Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Deiby Bladimil Casado Ruiz, 30, was sentenced on Nov. 1, 2023 by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to 24 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Pedro Antonio Sanchez Bernabel, 31, was sentenced on Nov. 6, 2023 by Judge Talwani to 14 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
On July 21, 2023, both Casado Ruiz and Bernabel pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and one count of distribution of fentanyl. Between July 27, 2022 and November 2022, Bernabel and Casado Ruiz conspired to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl. Specifically, the defendants sold fentanyl to individuals at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Bedford, including one veteran who was seeking treatment at the Medical Center for a substance use disorder.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the VA Office of Inspector General’s Northeast Field; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Bedford VA Medical Center Police Service and the Lawrence Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Callahan, Lauren Graber and Kelly Lawrence of the Health Care Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
La Oficina de Envigado Member Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Role in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Tied to Medellín CartelRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Colombian man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for his role in a drug trafficking, money laundering and extortion conspiracy connected to organized crime in the Republic of Colombia.
Fabio Yepes Sanchez, 57, of Medellín, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release. In June 2023, Zapata pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy, one count of extortion conspiracy, one count of interstate and foreign travel or transportation in aid of racketeering, and one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Yepes Sanchez was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2020 along with co-conspirators Mario Zapata Velez, Miguel Colindres and Juan Pablo Ariasgil.
Yepes Sanchez and Zapata Velez were members of La Oficina de Envigado (La Oficina), a criminal organization based in Medellín, Colombia. La Oficina originated in the 1980s when its members provided enforcement and collection services for the Medellín Cartel, including deceased Medellín Cartel leader Pablo Escobar. Today, La Oficina is involved in international narcotics trafficking, drug debt collection, money laundering, extortion and murder for hire.
Yepes Sanchez and Zapata Velez conspired to use threats to extort approximately $750,000 in drug debt from two cocaine traffickers based in Massachusetts. Yepes Sanchez and Zapata Velez also conspired with Colindres and Pablo Ariasgil to obtain and sell five kilograms of cocaine from the Massachusetts traffickers and then repatriate the drug proceeds to Colombia, in partial satisfaction of the outstanding drug debt.
In May 2022, Ariasgil was sentenced to four years in prison and four years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to his role in the cocaine conspiracy. In April, 2023, Colindres was sentenced to 51 months in prison and three years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to his role in the cocaine conspiracy. In September 2023, Zapata Velez was sentenced to five years in prison and three years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to his role in the international narcotrafficking and extortion conspiracies.
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. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs of the Justice Department; the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; and the Government of Colombia. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren A. Graber and Jared C. Dolan 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.
Third Man Arrested for Cocaine and Firearms TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A third man has been arrested in connection with a conspiracy to traffic cocaine and illegal firearms in and around the Boston metro area.
Alan Robinson, 25, of Littleton, was charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, firearms trafficking, and knowingly and intentionally possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Robinson was arrested on Nov. 3, 2023 and, following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston, was detained pending a hearing set for Nov. 7, 2023.
According to the charging documents, Robinson engaged in a controlled purchase with a cooperating witness to sell them four firearms – which included two ghost guns, one of which was an assault rifle, knowing that the cooperating witness was a prohibited individual. Subsequently, a search warrant was executed at Robinson’s residence, where approximately 3.3 kilograms of powdered cocaine was recovered, as well as several firearms and accessories including a ghost gun assault rifle.
The charge possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of firearms trafficking provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, The charge of knowingly and intentionally possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime provides for a sentence of a minimum of five years and up to life in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department. 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 defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Texas Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Advertising Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Texas man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for advertising child sexual abuse material on the dark web.
Neal Staton Grubert, 35, of Bertram, Texas, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathanial M. Gorton to 15 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. On July 12, 2023, Grubert pleaded guilty to one count of advertising child pornography.
In May 2020, Swedish law enforcement authorities determined that a Swedish citizen was producing images and videos of himself sexually abusing his three-year-old niece and distributing them on various dark websites. The investigation identified Grubert as an administrator of one of the websites. Following the Swedish individual’s arrest, a forensic examination of their phone revealed several images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children, including images and videos in which Grubert’s face could be seen watching the exploitation as it happened via webcam while logged onto this dark website. Specifically, Grubert was masturbating while directing the Swedish individual how to molest his niece. A subsequent undercover investigation located images and a video uploaded and published by Grubert in his role as an administrator on the dark website.
The other individual pleaded guilty to charges in Sweden and was sentenced to seven years in prison.
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 in the investigation was provided by the Swedish Police Authority; Swedish National Operations Department; Swedish National IT Crime Centre; Swedish Prosecution Authority; Swedish National Public Prosecution Department; and Swedish National Unit against Organized Crime. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Luke A. Goldworm and Benjamin Tolkoff 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.Over 220 Pounds of Suspected Controlled Substances Seized Including Pills Shaped to Resemble Heart Shaped CandyRead the Press Release
BOSTON - An estimated 10 million doses of controlled substances have been seized, including eight million doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine laced pills and powder. The total street value of the drugs seized is upwards of $8 million. Three men have been arrested in connection with allegedly running this large-scale drug trafficking organization (DTO) on the North Shore of Massachusetts.
Emilio Garcia, a/k/a “6”, 25, of Lynn, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possess controlled substances with intent to distribute and one count of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute; Sebastien Bejin, a/k/a “Bash”, 33, of Lynn, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possess controlled substances with intent to distribute and one count of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute; and Deiby Felix, 40, of Lynn, was charged with one count of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute. The defendants will appear in U.S. District Court on Nov. 13, 2023.
According to the charging documents, in July 2023, an investigation into an overdose death in Salem, Mass., led investigators to a DTO allegedly led by Garcia, Bejin and Felix. The defendants were surveilled for three months, which culminated in search warrants at locations identified in the investigation, and their arrests on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023.
On Nov. 1, 2023, searches were conducted at four locations in Lynn, Mass. These were identified as locations frequented by Garcia and Bejin. The searches resulted in what is believed to be, one of the largest single-location seizures of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Massachusetts and the region. Over 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of controlled substances were seized. The seizure included nine kilograms (20 pounds) of pink heart shaped fentanyl-laced pills pressed to look like candy.
In total, an estimated eight million individual doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine laced pills and powder was seized. The street value is believed to be upwards of $8 million.
More specifically, according to the charging documents, the following drug quantities were seized from the basement of a two-family residential home that was occupied by multiple families and small children:
- More than 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of white powder and rock like substances which field tested positive for methamphetamine and cocaine base.;
- More than 17 kilograms (37 pounds) of suspected raw methamphetamine which equates to approximately more than 3.5 million individual doses;
- Approximately 280,000 counterfeit Percocet pills, believed to contain fentanyl, weighing 28 kilograms (61 pounds) with a street value in the range of approximately, $1.4 million to over $7 million;
- More than 27 kilograms (59 pounds) of counterfeit Adderall pills, believed to contain methamphetamine; and
- Approximately 1.8 kilograms (four pounds) of brown rock and powder-like substances, which tested positive for cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine. This quantity of fentanyl equates to about 900,000 individual doses.
Additional narcotics and five firearms were also seized during the searches.
“The only thing more depraved than trafficking deadly fentanyl is trafficking deadly fentanyl designed to look like candy to appeal to teenagers,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department is focused on attacking every link in the global fentanyl trafficking chain, and we will not stop until those responsible for the fentanyl poisoning epidemic are brought to justice. We also continue to urge families to have open and honest conversations about the urgent threat posed by this epidemic, and the fact that just one pill can kill.”
“This seizure by the FBI's North Shore Gang Task Force saved lives in communities throughout Massachusetts," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. "Not only was this seizure one of the largest in the history of Massachusetts, but some of the pills were created to look like candy, potentially presenting an enormous risk to children. The FBI will continue to relentlessly pursue those involved in narcotics trafficking to keep drugs off our streets, and out of the hands of children."
“The doses of controlled substances seized in this case exceed the number of residents in Massachusetts,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “The fact that we now are seeing fentanyl-laced pills pressed to resemble candy only underscores the urgency of this fentanyl crisis.”
“Today, we’re announcing the arrests of three alleged drug traffickers and what we believe to be the largest seizure of fentanyl and methamphetamine from a single location in New England history. We believe this crew’s constant churn of drug transactions has kept the Bay State awash in dangerous and deadly narcotics and is tied to the overdose death of at least one person from Salem, Massachusetts,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The overdose epidemic has-and does-to this day—wreak devastation on all our communities. There is no demographic this does not touch. Let this case serve as a warning that if you, or a loved one, are buying pills off the street, or getting them from a friend, or from anywhere that is not a pharmacy or physician, they might not be what you think, and it could cost you your life.”
Surveillance during the investigation revealed that Garcia and Bejin would travel to the Broadway stash location on a daily basis and then bring quantities of suspected from the premises to supply lower-level dealers. One such location that appeared to be supplied from the main stash location was an address at 341 Western Avenue in Lynn, where Deiby Felix is alleged to reside. A search of 341 Western Avenue revealed more than three kilograms (6.6 pounds) of pressed pills containing methamphetamine and fentanyl, consistent with those found in the Broadway stash location and a firearm.
The charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and conspiracy to do the same, each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. 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.
Attorney General Garland; FBI Director Wray; Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; FBI SAC Cohen; Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker; and Lynn Police Chief Christopher P. Reddy made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Division; the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; and the Chelsea, Lynnfield and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
GE Aerospace Agrees to Pay $9.4 Million to Resolve Allegations of False Claims Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – GE Aerospace, an operating division of the General Electric Company, has agreed to pay $9,413,024 to resolve allegations that its Lynn, Mass. manufacturing plant (GEA Lynn) sold parts to the United States Army and the United States Navy that were either not properly inspected or were nonconforming, in violation of the False Claims Act.
Headquartered in Evendale, Ohio, GE Aerospace manufactures aircraft engines that it sells to U.S. military customers. Engines that GEA Lynn sells to U.S. military customers must meet the requirements established by engineering drawings. To meet those requirements, GEA Lynn further requires employees to follow manufacturing planning instructions including parts inspections, among other requirements. GE Aerospace admits that, at times from July 24, 2012 to Dec. 31, 2019, GEA Lynn did not conduct required parts inspections and sold engines containing parts that did not meet certain required specifications to U.S. miliary customers. Specifically:
- Between July 24, 2014 and Aug. 11, 2017, GEA Lynn did not consistently use functional gauges to inspect features on certain parts;
- Between July 24, 2014 and Sept. 2018, GEA Lynn omitted at least two inspections of curvic features on certain part numbers; and
- Between July 24, 2014 and Dec. 31, 2019, GEA Lynn sold engines to the U.S Army and the U.S. Navy that contained unallowable metal fragments.
“GE Aerospace failed to follow important inspections requirements on engines it sold to the military,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “These rules exist for a reason – making sure the men and women we depend upon to protect our national security have the highest quality equipment. Our office is committed to combatting and stopping defense contracting fraud, and we will aggressively pursue these cases.”
“The Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the law enforcement arm of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Inspector General, is fully committed to protecting the DoD procurement process,” said Patrick J. Hegarty, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office. “Failing to inspect parts as required by contract specifications compromises military systems and potentially endangers the lives of U.S. service members. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to investigate DoD contractors that submit false claims to DoD agencies and threaten the DoD supply chain.”
“The provision of non-conforming parts for Department of Defense aircraft engines could pose a substantial threat to warfighter safety and readiness,” said Greg Gross, Special Agent in Charge Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), Economic Crimes Field Office. “We thank our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice for their significant efforts on this complex investigation. NCIS remains committed to ensuring the integrity of the DoD procurement process.”
“The results of this investigation shows that our agents, and those of our partner law enforcement agencies, are relentless in their pursuit of those who attempt to defraud the U.S. Government and put our Warfighters lives at risk,” said Supervisory Special Agent John Scarlett, Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, Major Procurement Fraud Field Office, Northeast Fraud Resident Agency. “This case should send a clear message to all who do business with the Department of the Army that we are committed to identifying and stopping contractor fraud.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, DCIS SAC Hegarty, NCIS SAC Gross, and DCIS SSA Scarlett Northeast Fraud Resident Agency made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey Ross and Alexandra Brazier of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled the matter.
Connecticut Man Convicted of Corporate Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Connecticut man was convicted today by a federal jury in Boston of fraudulently obtaining over $500,000 from his former employer, New England Sports Network (NESN).
Ariel Legassa, 51, was convicted of seven counts of mail fraud and three counts of unlawful monetary transactions. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Dec. 20, 2023. In February 2022, Legassa was arrested and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury.
According to evidence presented at trial, from approximately December 2020 to January 2022, Legassa orchestrated a scheme to defraud NESN. In early 2021, Legassa negotiated a contract with a New York company to provide web development services for NESN. At the same time, Legassa created a fake business under the same name as the new vendor. He then used this company to receive fraudulent payments from NESN. During the life of the contract between the New York company and NESN, in addition to approving legitimate invoices from the New York company, Legassa created and approved eleven fake invoices from his fake business. In all, NESN paid Legassa’s fake company $575,500. Legassa then spent the funds on personal expenses, including a private plane, a Tesla, a BMW, a Land Rover and credit card bills. He also transferred the funds into other accounts under his control.
“Mr. Legassa thought he could outsmart NESN and the law. Clearly, he was wrong,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Today’s jury verdict emphasizes that fraudsters who abuse the trust of their employers like Mr. Legassa will be found and held accountable, no matter how deceptive and sly their schemes may be.”
“Everyone would love more take-home pay, but defrauding your employer clearly isn’t the answer,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Ariel Legassa must have launched this scheme because he thought he’d get away with it. Fortunately, our investigative team —and this jury — didn’t let him and he’ll now be held accountable for his actions.”
The charge of mail fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater. The charge of unlawful monetary transactions provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin A. Saltzman and Mackenzie A. Queenin of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.
Two Arrested for Cocaine and Firearms Trafficking ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two men have been arrested in connection with conspiracies to traffic cocaine and illegal firearms in and around the Boston area.
Malcolm Desir, 32, of Brockton and Cordell Miller, 27, of Haverhill, were charged with one count each of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and conspiracy to do the same, being a felon in possession of a firearm and firearms trafficking. The defendants were arrested this morning and were detained following an appearance in federal court in Boston today.
According to the charging documents, Miller was identified as a firearms and ammunition trafficker in the metro Boston area. Over a three-month investigation beginning in August 2023, Miller allegedly sold several firearms to a cooperating witness during controlled purchases and offered to sell distribution weight cocaine. It is alleged that the drug deals were handled by Desir, who distributed the powder cocaine in a number of controlled purchases. During one controlled purchase, Desir also allegedly sold a firearm he had purchased from Miller two years prior. It is further alleged that Miller recently facilitated the controlled purchase of four firearms – which included two ghost guns, one of which being an assault rifle – directly from one of his sources.
The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and conspiracy to do the same, each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of firearms trafficking provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. 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 Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldwork of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Serial Bank Robber Sentenced to 110 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Bedford man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for the July 2021 robbery of a Bristol County Savings Bank branch in Dartmouth. At the time of the robbery, the defendant was on supervised release for a 2015 federal bank robbery conviction.
David A. Frates, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 77 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of $20,000 to the Bristol County Savings Bank for the bank robbery. Frates was also sentenced to 33 months in prison for committing the offense while on federal supervised release for a prior bank robbery conviction. The 33-month period is to be served consecutive to the 77 months imprisonment, for a total term of 110 months in prison.On July 21, 2021, Frates was arrested and charged with the July 19, 2021 robbery of the Bristol County Savings Bank, and has remained in custody since that time. He pleaded guilty in March 2022.
On July 19, 2021, an individual – later determined to be Frates – entered a Bristol County Savings Bank branch in Dartmouth. Frates approached a teller and demanded $20,000. The teller handed Frates money from the bank’s vault and Frates exited the bank. A subsequent investigation identified Frates as the robber and he was arrested on July 21, 2021. At the time of his arrest, Frates was in possession of over $9,000 in cash.
Frates was convicted in 2015 of federal bank robbery charges for the armed robbery of a St. Anne’s Credit Union branch in New Bedford and was sentenced to 11 years in prison. In May 2020, that sentence was reduced to 81 months in prison based, in part, on changes in the United States Sentencing Guidelines.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Dartmouth Police Chief Brian P. Levesque made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.Former Stockbroker Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Prison for Penny-Stock Securities Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A California man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for his involvement as the principal stock trader in a sophisticated securities fraud scheme that generated tens of millions of dollars in illicit profits.
Joseph A. Padilla, 54, of Carlsbad, Calif. and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 66 months in prison and one year of supervised release. He was also ordered to forfeit $3 million and pay restitution in an amount to be determined at a later date. On Aug. 17, 2023, Padilla pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, two counts of securities fraud and one count of attempting to cause the production of an identification document without lawful authority. Padilla was charged in March 2023 along with an alleged co-conspirator.
Padilla is a former stockbroker who was barred from the securities industry in 2012 by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Between 2020 and 2022, Padilla conspired with others to commit securities fraud by facilitating and participating in market manipulation schemes involving the concealed-control of the shares of penny-stock companies.
Specifically, between in or about January and July 2021, Padilla participated in a market manipulation scheme involving the shares of Oncology Pharma, Inc., a thinly traded company that traded on the over-the-counter securities market under the ticker symbol ONPH. As part of the scheme, a co-conspirator allegedly caused nearly all of ONPH’s free-trading shares to be transferred to multiple brokerage accounts for the benefit of Padilla’s clients at 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. Padilla then 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 illicit proceeds in the tens of millions of dollars.
Additionally, between February 2021 and April 2021, Padilla participated in a similar scheme involving the shares of Charlestowne Premium Beverages Inc., a thinly traded company that traded on the over-the-counter market under the ticker symbol FPWM. As part of the scheme, Padilla orchestrated an effort designed, at least in part, to artificially increase Charlestowne’s stock price. He then facilitated the sale of millions of Charlestowne’s shares during a promotional campaign to unsuspecting investors in Massachusetts and throughout the United States, generating illicit proceeds in the millions of dollars.
Padilla was arrested on a criminal complaint in August 2022 and released on pre-trial conditions, which included surrendering his passport and not obtaining another passport. While on pre-trial release, Padilla attempted to acquire a fraudulent Ukrainian passport so that he could flee prosecution. Padilla was arrested in January 2023 for violating his terms of release and his pre-trial release was revoked.
If you traded in ONPH and/or FPWM during the time periods indicated above and believe that you may be potential victims of this fraud, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/victim-and-witness-assistance-program/united-states-v-padilla-et-al.
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 prosecuted the case.The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Fitchburg Man Indicted for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Fitchburg man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Worcester for unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Satron Pridgen, 45, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He will appear in federal court in Worcester on Nov. 6, 2023 before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge David H. Hennessy.
According to the charging documents, at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Sept. 16, 2023, Pridgen was in an altercation outside of Mill City Pub in Fitchburg. It is alleged that, during the altercation, Pridgen pulled out a loaded pistol which he used to beat another man in the head multiple times. When law enforcement intervened, Pridgen allegedly ran off and attempted to discard the firearm by a dumpster before being apprehended.
Pridgen is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to numerous prior convictions out of Worcester Superior Court including: a November 1999 conviction of assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon for which he was sentenced to nine to 10 years in state prison; an October 2011 conviction of armed assault with intent to rob, assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury and possession of a firearm and ammunition as a career criminal for which he was sentenced to 12 years in state prison; and an October 2011 conviction of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and distribution of cocaine, for which he was sentenced to nine to 10 years in state prison.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of up to 15 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 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 Division; and Fitchburg Police Chief Ernest F. Martineau made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce 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.
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.
Cambridge Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Drug Distribution Conspiracy and Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Cambridge man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for federal drug and firearm charges.
Ahsan Arty, a/k/a/ “Hass,” 24, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 10 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In May 2023, Arty pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, and conspiracy to possess and use firearms during and in relation to a drug offense.
In February 2021, Arty conspired to sell crack cocaine to an undercover officer and was captured on recording brokering the drug deal. Intercepted communications revealed that Arty also conspired with others to distribute cocaine.
In August 2021, Arty travelled to California as part of a promotional music tour for an associate. While in California, Arty went to the residence of another associate and stole approximately four kilograms of cocaine. Text messages recovered during the investigation showed that Arty sent the kilograms of cocaine to Massachusetts and later began distributing them upon his return.
In December 2021, Arty and another man traveled to Lawrence to rob an individual who they suspected of having drugs and valuables in their residence. During this incident, Arty was armed with a handgun. They entered the residence and pistol-whipped one of the individuals and demanded the whereabouts of drugs and cash. Ultimately, the drugs and cash were not present. Arty was identified through surveillance video of the vehicle utilized in the incident and text messages proved his involvement.
In February 2022, Arty and two other accomplices broke into the residence of an individual in Everett that he suspected of having drugs and cash. The individual was not present. While inside the residence, Arty stole car keys and luxury brand clothing and recorded a livestream video that he published on the internet. Following the break-in, the victim posted a video online with jewelry and cash suggesting that the break-in was poorly executed. The next morning, after viewing the video, associates of Arty attempted to break-in and rob the victim at the same apartment and multiple rounds of gunfire were discharged during the incident. According to text messages recovered in the case, Arty came to pick up the robbers and ultimately taking them on a high-speed chase from responding law enforcement. The vehicle was later located and impounded. Text messages also captured Arty and the robbers developing an alibi for the vehicle’s use in the robbery and chase.
In April 2022, Arty was arrested outside of a Boston nightclub due to a report of him having a firearm. When law enforcement responded to the scene, Arty drove his vehicle at the officers and struck a nearby vehicle. Arty and another passenger were immediately taken into custody. Two firearms, including a 9mm firearm that was equipped with a selector switch, rendering it capable of firing fully automatic, were located in Arty’s vehicle. It was learned during the investigation that the target of the February 2022 burglary and robbery was believed to be inside of the nightclub and that Arty was outside of the premises waiting for an opportunity to rob him as he exited.
At the time of the offense, Arty was on pretrial release for multiple pending state firearm offenses. These included a January 2019 arrest for possessing a firearm in Boston and a July 2019 arrest for possessing a firearm in Revere. During the Revere incident, Arty fled the scene of an accident and later attempted to flee law enforcement.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin R. Hayden; Middlesex County District Attorney Marian T. Ryan; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; Cambridge Police Commissioner Christine Elow; Everett Police Chief Steven A Mazzie; Lawrence Acting Police Chief William Castro; and Revere Police Chief David J. Callahan made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
U.S. Postal Service Employee Convicted of Theft of Postal Money Orders and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employee was convicted today by a federal jury in Boston of embezzling over $90,000 and fraudulently obtaining unemployment benefits.
Jamesa Rankins, 27, of Brockton, was convicted of one count of theft of government money and three counts of wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Feb. 2, 2024. In July 2022, Rankins was indicted by a federal grand jury.
“The public’s trust and confidence in our government is eroded when federal employees abuse their positions for personal gain. That is exactly what happened in this case. Ms. Rankins exploited her position to embezzle nearly $100,000 in money orders from her employer, the U.S. Postal Service, at the same time she was trying to fleece taxpayers by fraudulently claiming unemployment benefits,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Today’s guilty verdict should be a stern warning to all who contemplate scamming the government – you will be identified, prosecuted and held accountable.”
“The Special Agents of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General are committed to maintaining the integrity of the Postal Service and its personnel. When a Postal Service employee abuses their position and decides to break the public’s trust, USPS OIG Special Agents will work tirelessly with their law enforcement partners to bring those responsible to justice. The dedicated work of Postal Service employees should never be overshadowed by those who compromise their integrity for personal gain. The USPS OIG is thankful for the great relationships we have developed with our law enforcement partners and with the District of Massachusetts U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office.
“Jamesa Rankins violated the public trust placed in her as a U.S. Postal Service employee by fraudulently collecting unemployment insurance while she was employed by the U.S. Postal Service. Rankins stole taxpayer funds intended for those Americans who lost their job due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate these types of allegations,” stated Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge, Northeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
Rankins began working for USPS around 2016, most recently as a Sales & Service Distribution Associate at the Montello Post Office in Brockton. In this role, Rankins had the ability to generate postal money orders, including replacement money orders. During the relevant period, customers could obtain replacement money orders without paying any additional fees if the original money orders were lost, damaged or erroneous. Rankins issued over $90,000 worth of replacement money orders to another individual where the original money orders were not erroneous and had not been lost or stolen. On at least one occasion, Rankins personally negotiated one of the replacement money orders at a check cashing business.
Rankins also applied for and obtained unemployment assistance from the Massachusetts Division of Unemployment Assistance despite being employed by USPS and thus being ineligible to receive unemployment assistance.
The charge of theft of government money provides a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. 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, USPS OIG SAC Modafferi and DOL OIG SAC Mellone made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia M. Carris, Deputy Chief of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Two Sentenced for Roles in Wide-Ranging Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two men were sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for their participation in a wide-ranging fentanyl, heroin, crack and cocaine trafficking conspiracy.
Adiangel Paredes, 37, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 135 months in prison and five years of supervised release. In October 2022, Paredes was convicted by a federal jury of one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 500 grams or more of cocaine and 28 grams or more of cocaine base (commonly known as crack cocaine).
Jonathan Villot, 32, was sentenced by Judge Hillman to five years in prison and three years of supervised release. In March 2023, Villot pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
Following a fatal fentanyl overdose in September 2018, an investigation began into a drug trafficking organization in the Fitchburg area. Intercepted communications, surveillance and controlled purchases identified Paredes as a fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine supplier and Villot as a cocaine distributor.
Between September 2018 and November 2019, Paredes conspired to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine as well as a fentanyl and heroin mixture. Nearly 850 grams of the fentanyl and heroin mixture supplied by Paredes in three controlled purchases was seized during the investigation. In addition, Paredes is responsible for distributing an additional 1.3 kilograms of fentanyl, 2.6 kilograms of cocaine and at least 550 grams of a fentanyl and heroin mixture.
Between January and July 2020, Villot distributed cocaine to a cooperating witness on three occasions. For two of those deals, Villot sent co-conspirator Ivan Torres to deliver the cocaine. Torres pleaded guilty to the indictment and was sentenced in September 2023 to 37 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In addition to the sales to the cooperating witness, Villot is responsible for distributing an additional two kilograms of cocaine in February 2020.
Over the course of the investigation, over 1.8 kilograms of a heroin and fentanyl mixture, over 3.6 kilograms of cocaine and over 50 grams of crack cocaine were seized, as well as a stolen, loaded handgun, drug manufacturing equipment and over $376,000.
The defendants are the 16th and 17th to be sentenced in this case. All 18 defendants have been convicted – either by guilty plea or jury conviction following trial. The remaining defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 16, 2023.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. The Fitchburg and Lunenburg Police Departments and U.S. Postal Inspection Service provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alathea Porter and Sarah Hoefle 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.
Lowell Woman Pleads Guilty in Conspiracy to Use Stolen Identities to Fraudulently Purchase VehiclesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lowell woman pleaded guilty today to her role in a scheme to use the stolen identities of United States citizens from Puerto Rico to fraudulently purchase vehicles.
Arialka Moya, 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and false representation of a Social Security number. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Feb. 7, 2024. The defendant and multiple co-defendants were charged by criminal complaint in September 2020 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2020.
According to charging documents, in January 2019, Moya visited a Massachusetts car dealership and applied for a loan to purchase a vehicle worth over $60,000. In support of the car loan application, Moya provided stolen biographical information of a real United States citizen, including a fraudulent Puerto Rico driver’s license and a Social Security card, as proof of identification.
The charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The charge of false representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $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; John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; and Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lowell, Lawrence, Methuen, Haverhill, Woburn and Dartmouth Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elianna J. Nuzum and Adam W. Deitch of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), a specialized investigative group comprising personnel from various state, local, and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring, and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity, and benefit fraud schemes.
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.
Large-Scale Cocaine Supplier Sentenced to over Nine Years in Prison for His Role in Wide-Ranging Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Fitchburg man has been sentenced in federal court in Worcester for his role in a wide-ranging fentanyl, heroin, crack and cocaine trafficking conspiracy.
Pedro Villot-Santiago, 33, was sentenced on Oct. 30, 2023 by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 112 months in prison and four years of supervised release. In March 2023, Villot-Santiago pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 280 grams or more of cocaine base (commonly known as crack cocaine) and 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Following a fatal fentanyl overdose in September 2018, an investigation began into a drug trafficking organization (DTO) in the Fitchburg area. Beginning in July 2019, court authorized interceptions of wire and electronic communications between members of the DTO and its suppliers revealed Villot-Santiago as a large-scale cocaine supplier.
Over the course of the investigation, over 1.8 kilograms of a heroin and fentanyl mixture and over 50 grams of crack cocaine were seized, as well as a stolen, loaded handgun, drug manufacturing equipment and over $376,000. Villot-Santiago was responsible for over 10 kilograms of cocaine. On the day of his arrest in July 2023, Villot-Santiago was found in possession of a stolen, loaded handgun, as well as over $252,000 in cash.
Villot-Santiago is the 15th defendant to be sentenced in this case. All 18 defendants have been convicted – either by guilty plea or jury conviction following trial. The remaining convicted defendants are scheduled to be sentenced in November 2023.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. The Fitchburg and Lunenburg Police Departments and U.S. Postal Inspection Service provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea 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.
Two Men Sentenced for International Money Laundering and Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two Nigerian men were sentenced today in federal court in Boston for their roles in an expansive money laundering and bank fraud scheme that resulted in millions in losses from pandemic fraud, romance scams and other online scams.
Osakpamwan Henry Omoruyi, 37, and Osaretin Godspower Omoruyi, 36, both previously of Canton, were sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to 78 months and 72 months, respectively. In June 2023, the defendants were each convicted following an eight-day jury trial of one count of bank fraud, one count of bank fraud conspiracy and one count of money laundering conspiracy.
“This case demonstrates that if you prey on the elderly and the vulnerable through on-line scams, you can rest assured that federal law enforcement will invest the resources to track you down and hold you accountable. These types of romance fraud schemes cause both huge financial and emotional harm,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy.
“What these men did is disgraceful. They cashed in on a public health crisis, stole millions from hard-working Americans who were looking for love online, struggling to feed their families, and keep their businesses afloat, and sent that money to their friends overseas,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “It is critical that every dollar spent in pandemic relief goes to those who need it, not to greedy con artists trying to cheat the system. Anyone who tries to follow in their footsteps will soon find themselves in federal court to answer for their crimes.”
“Osakpamwan Henry Omoruyi and Osaretin Godspower Omoruyi conspired with others to launder the proceeds of multiple illegal schemes, including the defrauding of multiple state workforce agencies by obtaining Pandemic Unemployment Assistance unemployment benefits using stolen identities. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to safeguard Department of Labor programs designed to help those that struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan Mellone, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
“These scammers strategically targeted and swindled unsuspecting victims,” said Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New England. “Together, with our law enforcement partners, HSI is dedicated to putting a stop to these criminal acts, which inflict financial ruin on so many. Romance scams are a pervasive threat, and with our partners, HSI special agents will ensure that the transnational criminal organizations responsible for such harm are prosecuted.”
“Today’s sentencing sends a strong message: the Diplomatic Security Service is committed to making sure that those who commit fraud schemes, and use false documents to deceive and defraud their victims, face consequences for their criminal actions,” said Matthew O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Boston Field Office. “Our strong relationship with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement agencies around the world continues to be essential in the pursuit of justice.”
The defendants opened multiple bank accounts in the names of a fake company and fake people using falsified foreign passports. The defendants then used those accounts to receive the proceeds from various frauds perpetrated by their co-conspirators, including pandemic unemployment assistance fraud, romance scams and other online scams.
The majority of the fraud proceeds came from romance scams, which occur when a criminal adopts a fake online identity to gain a victim’s affection and trust. The scammer then uses the illusion of a romantic or close relationship to manipulate and steal from the victim. In total, between 2019 and 2021, the bank accounts involved in the scheme received more than $2 million in fraud proceeds, most of which was transferred to overseas bank accounts controlled by the defendants and their co-conspirators.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, FBI SAC Cohen, DOL-OIG SAC Mellone, HSI SAC Krol, and DSS SAC O’Brien made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Markham and Benjamin A. Saltzman of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, 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.
Quincy Man Arrested for Hiding over $10 Million in Corporate IncomeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Quincy man was arrested yesterday in connection with his alleged involvement in filing false tax returns on behalf of his company that hid over $10 million in corporate income.
Su Nguyen, 60, was charged with aiding and assisting the filing of false tax returns. Nguyen was released on conditions following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston yesterday afternoon before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge M. Page Kelley.
According to the charging documents, between 2016 and 2020, Nguyen was the owner and operator of General Employment Services (GES), a temporary employment agency operating in Massachusetts. Clients paid GES by check for the work performed by GES employees. Nguyen deposited a small number of client checks in a bank account that Nguyen used for GES business and reported that income to the IRS. However, Nguyen allegedly cashed the majority of client checks at a check casher located in Worcester and used that cash on himself and to pay some employees’ wages. It is alleged that in total, Nguyen cashed over $10 million in client checks and did not report that income or the wages paid in cash to the IRS. By doing so, Nguyen and GES failed to pay over $2 million in taxes.
Each count of aiding and assisting the filing of false tax returns provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, up to one year 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; Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Markham of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Oregon Woman Pleads Guilty to Union EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Oregon woman, formerly of Middleborough, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to embezzling nearly $40,000 from a labor union.
Andrea Anderson, 61, pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement from a labor union. U.S. District Court Judge Patti Saris scheduled sentencing for Feb. 27, 2024. Anderson was charged on Sept. 6, 2023.
From approximately 2013 through July 2022, Anderson worked as a part-time administrative employee of the Brotherhood of Shoe and Allied Craftsman (BSAC), whose union office was located inside the garage of Anderson’s father’s residence in Lakeville. Anderson’s duties included signing checks, secretarial work and paying bills. Additionally, Anderson was a signatory on the union bank account, signed and prepared checks and had a union debit card. During her tenure working for BSAC, Anderson embezzled a total of $39,169 from the union. She repaid BSAC some $8,000 leaving a loss to BSAC of $30,316.
The charge of labor embezzlement provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to two years supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jonathan Russo, District Director, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura J. Kaplan of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
California Man Sentenced for Making Threatening CallsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A California man has been sentenced for making threatening communications to the Tufts University Police Department (TUPD) in May 2021.
Sammy Sultan, 50, of Hayward, Calif., was sentenced on Oct. 26, 2023 by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 27 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In November 2022, Sultan pleaded guilty to one count of making threats in interstate commerce.
On or about May 28, 2021, Sultan made eight phone calls to TUPD, six of which included specific threats. During the calls, which collectively lasted about an hour, Sultan claimed to be hiding beneath a bed in a dorm room with a taser and pistol somewhere on campus. Sultan stated that he intended to use the taser if a woman returned to the dorm room and discovered him hiding. During the calls, Sultan played the sounds of a taser activating and a pistol racking – a pistol’s chamber being emptied and reloaded.
TUPD and local police carried out a room-by-room search of numerous buildings on Tufts University’s Medford campus but failed to locate the caller. A subsequent investigation of electronic evidence determined that Sultan had made the calls from California. A law enforcement officer familiar with Sultan’s voice from a prior investigation recognized Sultan’s voice on the TUPD call recordings.
Sultan previously pleaded guilty in December 2017 in the Northern District of California to making hundreds of obscene and harassing phone calls to law enforcement agencies and was sentenced to two years in prison.
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. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Tufts University Police Department; Massachusetts State Police; Illinois State Police; and the Medford, Somerville, North Andover, Malden and Peabody Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy H. Kistner of the National Security Unit prosecuted the case.