District of Massachusetts
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Illegal Alien Sentenced for Money Laundering and Identity Theft ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican man unlawfully residing in Lawrence was sentenced in federal court in Boston for money laundering, false use of a Social Security number and aggravated identity theft.
Juan Carlos Lugo Gonzalez, a/k/a “Josue Cabrera,” 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Denise J. Casper to six years in prison. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In December 2025, Gonzalez pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering, one count of false use of a Social Security number and one count of aggravated identity theft following an indictment by a federal grand jury in February 2025.
Beginning at least as early as 2020, an investigation began into Lugo Gonzalez and others for laundering proceeds of drug trafficking. In August 2023, following a series of communications with undercover law enforcement, Lugo Gonzalez arranged and carried out the delivery of approximately $109,715 in drug proceeds to an undercover agent in Lawrence. During the exchange, Lugo Gonzalez confirmed his identity using a prearranged token and discussed his involvement in trafficking multiple drugs – claiming control over drug activity in the Lawrence area. He attempted to launder drug proceeds two more times, once for $100,000 and another for $125,000.
Additionally, in June 2023, Lugo Gonzalez used a Social Security number assigned to another individual to apply for and obtain a Massachusetts ID and had been living in the community under this alias.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alathea E. Porter and John O. Wray of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
Illegal Alien Charged with Misuse of a Social Security Number and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican, national unlawfully residing in Methuen, has been charged with misuse of a Social Security number and aggravated identity theft.
Victor Urena-Almanzar, 61, has been charged with one count of false representation of a social security number and one count of aggravated identity theft. Urena-Almanzar made his initial appearance in federal court in Boston on May 11, 2026.
According to the charging documents, Urena-Almanzar assumed the identity of a United States citizen and obtained multiple Massachusetts identification cards, as well as a United States passport, in the victim’s name. It is alleged that Urena-Almanzar used that fraudulently obtained United States passport to travel internationally between the United States and the Dominican Republic and to obtain a Massachusetts REAL ID identification card.
In 2001, Urena-Almanzar pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking charges in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. He was also convicted of illegal communication device related fraud in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin in 1995.
The charge of misuse of Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory two-year sentence to run consecutively to any other sentence imposed, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aidan Lang 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.
Eighteen Charged in Multi-State Drug and Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Eighteen individuals in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, California and Hawaii have been arrested in connection with an alleged drug trafficking and money laundering scheme centered in Gardner, Mass.
The following defendants have been charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. They appeared in federal courts in Worcester as well as Trenton, NJ, Orlando, FL, Dallas, Texas, Tulsa, Okla., Riverside, Calif. and Honolulu, Hawaii last week:1. Hai Son Pham, 39, of Gardner, Mass.
2. Kelly Breault, 41, of Leominster, Mass.
3. Boonphet Sysoumang, 42, of Gardner, Mass.
4. Rafael Moreno, 38, of Leominster, Mass.
5. Andres Montemayor, 42, of Arlington, Texas
6. James Jah, 37, of South River, N.J.
7. Cesar Gonzalez, age 42, of Rancho Mirage, Calif.
8. Courtney Spaulding, 42, of Leominster, Mass.
9. Abdeem Griffin, 31, of Vallejo, Calif.
10. Rhonda Reed, of Winchendon, Mass.
11. Fong Yang, 43, of Claremore, Okla.
12. Kenneth Godfrey, 59, of Phillipston, Mass.
13. Scorpio Ramos, 41, of Fitchburg, Mass.
14. Giovan Colon, 36, of Kissimmee, Fla.
15. Gary Boucher, 46, of Shirley, Mass.
16. David Vega, 37, of Fitchburg, Mass.
17. Frederick Hrdy, 38, of Honolulu, Hawaii
18. Jose, Garcia, 36, of Chicopee, Mass.According to the charging documents, Pham headed a drug trafficking organization in North Worcester County, Mass. From there, Pham and his co-conspirators allegedly conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute large quantities of cocaine, marijuana, counterfeit pills and other controlled substances throughout the United States, to include Massachusetts, New Jersey, Florida, Oklahoma, California, Texas, Washington and Hawaii.
According to court documents Pham registered and controlled Infinite Painting, a local commercial and residential painting company. Pham and his co-conspirators allegedly used Infinite Painting to launder drug proceeds through multiple financial institutions by concealing the illegal source of these funds.
The drug conspiracy charge provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years up to lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. The money laundering conspiracy charge provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount involved in the transaction, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Massachusetts State Police; the Worcester County Sheriff’s Department; and Worcester, Gardner, Leominster, Fitchburg, Cliton, Lunenburg, Hopkinton, Westminster, Ashburnham, Winchendon, Templeton, Phillipston, Boylston, Sterling and Weymouth Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danial Bennett of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.Brockton Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Stolen Treasury Check FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man pleaded guilty to charges that he deposited stolen and altered U.S. Treasury checks into shell company bank accounts that he controlled and then withdrew the stolen money to conceal its origin.
Gino Rosario Tyler Alexander Allegra, 32, pleaded guilty to four counts of theft of government funds, four counts of bank fraud and three counts of money laundering. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Aug. 6, 2026. Allegra was charged in a superseding indictment in September 2025 and detained pending trial.
Allegra obtained U.S. Treasury checks that had been issued as tax refunds to individuals and businesses throughout the United States but were later stolen. Allegra deposited these checks into bank accounts that he opened in the name of World Advance, Inc. (WAI), a Massachusetts shell company with no bona fide operations. The stolen checks were altered to name WAI as a payee instead of the actual taxpayers eligible for the refunds. Allegra also purchased bank checks payable to other shell businesses to conceal the origin of the stolen proceeds and deposited and laundered bank checks that others purchased using other stolen Treasury checks. In total, Allegra stole or laundered more than $1.2 million in government funds.
The charges of theft of government funds provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of bank fraud provide for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charges of money laundering provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and fine of up to $500,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. Attorney Foley; Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; Michael Carpenter, Special Agent in charge of the U.S. Department of Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Northeast Field Division; and Jason Buckley, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Kosto, Chief of the Securities, Financial and Cyber Frauds Unit is prosecuting the case.
Behavioral Health Companies and Physician-Owner Agree to Pay $1.4 Million for Allegedly Billing for Psychotherapy Services that Clinicians Did Not PerformRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Behavioral health clinics, Nova Psychiatric Services, P.C. (Nova), Patriot Eldercare, Inc. (Patriot), and the president and director of Nova and Patriot, Alexandra Accardi, M.D., have agreed to pay $1.4 million to resolve allegations that they fraudulently billed government health insurance programs for psychotherapy and medication management services, in violation of the False Claims Act.
As part of the settlement agreement, Nova, Patriot and Accardi admitted and accepted responsibility for certain facts providing the basis for the settlement. Nova and Patriot (collectively also known as Prime Behavioral Health) are behavioral health clinics with office locations in Quincy and Weymouth, Mass. Dr. Alexandra Accardi is a psychiatrist and the founder and owner of Nova and Patriot.
Between Jan. 1, 2017, and May 18, 2023, Nova and Patriot billed Medicare, Medicaid and the Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission (GIC) for medication management and psychotherapy services that behavioral health clinicians did not perform. Nova’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Miguel Saravia, directed independent contractors separate from the companies’ billing departments to alter claims before their submission to Medicare, Medicaid and GIC by adding billing codes for additional psychotherapy and medication management services that the Nova or Patriot behavioral health clinicians had not performed. Nova and Patriot employees repeatedly raised concerns to Accardi and Saravia about these billing practices, but Nova, Patriot, Accardi and Saravia made no changes to these billing practices.
In September 2024, Saravia was charged with six counts of healthcare fraud related to his directing the independent contractors with no billing or medical training to submit false claims to health insurance programs, including Medicare, Medicaid and GIC, on behalf of Nova and Patriot. The charges concerned some of the same fraudulent billing resolved by the civil settlement announced today. Saravia subsequently pleaded guilty to the charges and, on March 26, 2025, was sentenced to 3.5 months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release and was ordered to pay $561,141 in restitution.
The claims resolved in today’s settlement include claims that were brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under the Act, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States and Commonwealth of Massachusetts ex rel. Jessica Spissinger and Matthew Peculis v. Nova Psychiatric Services, P.C., et al., No. 19-cv-11137-ADB. As part of today’s resolution, the relator will receive 17.5% of the settlement amount.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven Sharobem and Lindsey Ross of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled the matter.
accardi_and_nova_psychiatric_settlement_agreement_2026.05.pdf
Former Director of Food Services for Plymouth Public Schools Pleads Guilty to Stealing Food and Equipment for Side BusinessRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former Director of Plymouth Public Schools’ Food Services program pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to a long-running fraud scheme that began in 2014 in which he allegedly stole food and commercial kitchen equipment for use and sale at his private business, the “Snack Shack” on Sandy Neck Beach in Barnstable, Mass.
Patrick Van Cott, 64, of Sandwich, Mass., pleaded guilty to one count of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and two counts of wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick scheduled sentencing for Aug. 19, 2026. Van Cott was charged in April 2026.
Van Cott was the Director of Food Services for the Plymouth Public Schools from 2003 until June 2025. Beginning in 2014, he also operated a seasonal business, the “Snack Shack,” on Sandy Neck Beach.
Van Cott admitted that, between 2014 and June 2025, he defrauded the Plymouth Public Schools by taking food and equipment purchased with funds, including U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funds, and using it to run the Snack Shack. The equipment Van Cott ordered with school funds included two $2,200 refrigerators; a $3,950 two-door freezer; two 12-inch hot plates; a 24-inch griddle; a chargrill; a fryolator; shelving; a sandwich prep table; a convection oven; and hanging chalk boards. In addition, every summer starting in approximately 2014, Van Cott collected condiments, diced chicken, hot dogs, cooking oil, snacks, paper goods, coffee, food products and other miscellaneous items paid for by the Plymouth Public Schools or supplied by the USDA, then used and sold those items at the Snack Shack. Additionally, once or twice per week every summer starting in 2014, Van Cott directed Plymouth Public Schools cafeteria workers to slice at least nine pounds of deli turkey and 4.5 pounds of deli ham which he then sold at the Snack Shack. Van Cott also ordered over $3,000 in premium burger patties with school funds, which he intended to and did sell in menu items at the Snack Shack.
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted program administered on the federal level by the USDA that provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to public school children. In Massachusetts, meals for all students are free, and schools are reimbursed for meals through a combination of USDA funds and state funds.
The charge of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $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 $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Charmeka Parker, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Plymouth Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.
Asian Boyz Gang Member Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A member of the Asian Boyz gang was sentenced in federal court in Boston for conspiracy to distribute counterfeit pills made with methamphetamine that resembled the prescription medication Adderall.
Isiah Lyons, a/k/a “Tank,” a/k/a “Rozay,” 30, of Lowell, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Senior Judge F. Dennis Saylor, IV to 11 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In January 2026, Lyons was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine. Lyons was indicted in January 2025 along with a co-conspirator and other gang associates.
In 2021, an investigation began into the Asian Boyz gang to disrupt the manufacturing and distribution of substantial quantities of methamphetamine pills impacting Lowell.
Lyons profited from the illegal sale of methamphetamine pills by brokering deals for bulk quantities of the pills, which he called “oranges” and “adds.” Between December 2022 and February 2023, Lyons joined a conspiracy to sell the pills in 1,000 pill units, which he called “g packs.” Lyons and his co-conspirators sold four “g packs” containing an estimated 4,000 pills and weighing 1.3 kilograms of methamphetamine. Unbeknownst to Lyons, one of the pill customers was an undercover agent.
To sell the methamphetamine pills, Lyons partnered with two Asian Boyz gang members who were part of the gang’s extensive drug network. They conspired in person and using encrypted messaging applications like Signal. In his message to one of his fellow co-conspirators Lyons told him the price of the pills was $1,250 for the “pacc” – spelled specifically with two “c’s” as a way of acknowledging their common Crips gang affiliation. Lyons sourced the pills from a co-conspirator he paid $1,000 for the “paccs,” booking $250 profit for each deal he brokered during the conspiracy.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Greg C. Hudon, Superintendent of the Lowell Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Billerica, Haverhill, Methuen, North Andover and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Fred M. Wyshak, III and David Cutshall of the Criminal Division prosecuted case.This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
Trinitarios Gang Member Sentenced to Prison for Possession of MachinegunRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence, Mass. man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for possessing a loaded UZI machinegun with an extended magazine loaded with 24 rounds.
Derek Mercado, 21, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Nathaniel M. Gorton to 37 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In November 2025, Mercado pleaded guilty to possessing an UZI machinegun.
Mercado is a member of the Trinitarios gang, a violent criminal enterprise responsible for numerous murders and acts of violence across Massachusetts. On May 6, 2025, an alert to arrest Mercado was broadcast by law enforcement following a report of a domestic violence incident. The victim reported that the defendant was in possession of a firearm in a green duffel bag. At the time, Mercado was in warrant status on two unrelated matters. Mercado was later observed exiting a residence while possessing a green duffel bag. Mercado was taken into custody and an Israel Military Industries UZI model submachinegun containing an extended magazine loaded with 24 rounds was recovered in the green bag. The UZI was later test-fired and determined to be a functional machinegun.
In February 2025, federal racketeering charges were unsealed against 22 leaders and members of the Trinitarios. The charges were the result of a multijurisdictional investigation, dubbed Operation Paper Machetes, which began in the aftermath of four murders as well as a series of attempted murders and shootings that took place in Lynn in 2023, allegedly committed by the Trinitarios criminal enterprise and its members. In March 2025, a Lynn member of the Trinitarios was sentenced to 10 years in prison. In June 2025, two members of the Trinitarios were charged with kidnapping a drug supplier. In July 2025, the leader of the Lynn Chapter was sentenced to 14 years in prison. In December 2025, two members of the Lynn Chapter, Michael Miliano and James Jimenez pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy. In April 2026, Luis Enrique Santana pleaded to racketeering conspiracy. In May 2026, Westyn Lantigua pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and the commission of a shooting involving a machinegun.The charge of possessing a machinegun provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Haverhill Police Chief Robert Pistone made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
Puerto Rican Man Pleads Guilty to Damaging AircraftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Puerto Rican man pleaded guilty today in connection with an incident in which he opened an emergency exit door while aboard a JetBlue flight preparing for takeoff from Boston to Puerto Rico.
Angel Luis Morales Torres, 24, pleaded guilty to one count of damaging or disabling an aircraft. U.S. District Court Senior Judge F. Dennis Saylor scheduled sentencing for Aug. 4, 2026. Morales was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2025.
On Jan. 7, 2025, Morales was a passenger aboard a JetBlue flight scheduled to fly from Boston to Puerto Rico. While the aircraft was on the taxiway preparing for takeoff, Morales stood up from his seat, ran down the aisle and entered an empty emergency exit row, where he began attempting to open the emergency exit door. A flight attendant attempted to restrain Morales and he was eventually tackled by another passenger. Prior to being restrained, Morales managed to open the emergency door, causing the emergency inflatable slide to deploy, and rendering the aircraft inoperable.
The charge of damaging or disabling an aircraft carries a maximum of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Maynard of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
Member of the Lynn Chapter of the Trinitarios Pleads Guilty to Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A member of the Lynn Chapter of the Trinitarios pleaded guilty today to racketeering charges, including his participation in two attempted murders.
Westyn Lantigua, a/k/a “Wes,” a/k/a “Muddy,” 25, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. U.S. Senior District Court Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Aug. 12, 2026. Lantigua was arrested and charged in February 2025.
The Trinitarios is a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Trinitarios adhere to a Magna Carta, employ an internal hierarchy to organize and execute violence, and undertake extensive efforts to maintain the secrecy of the organization and its members.
During today’s court proceeding, Westyn Lantigua admitted to his membership in the gang. Photographs and videos recovered in the investigation showed Lantigua wearing Trinitarios beaded necklaces, making Trinitarios gang signs with his hands and associating with other members and leaders.
Lantigua also admitted to his participation in a June 2022 shooting outside of a fast-food restaurant in Lynn. Court documents describe Lantigua’s white Mercedes driving past the drive-thru lane of the restaurant, where a gray vehicle believed to be used by rival gang members was in line. The gray vehicle was, in fact, occupied by two innocent female victims. Surveillance video showed Lantigua’s white Mercedes parked across the street from the exit of the parking lot, waiting for the gray vehicle to leave.
As the gray vehicle left the fast-food restaurant parking lot, surveillance video showed Lantigua exit the white Mercedes and discharge numerous rounds from a fully automatic firearm at the gray vehicle. Responding officers found that both female victims occupants were hit by gunfire and survived, and the gray vehicle had 10 bullet holes. Officers also recovered 15 9mm casings. Review of Lantigua’s cellular phones, showed photographs and videos of him possessing a fully automatic handgun around the time of the shooting. Additional review showed Lantigua in possession of distribution quantities of drugs.
Lastly, Lantigua participated in the Trinitarios conspiracy to conduct burglaries of convenience stores in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Through these burglaries, the Trinitarios stole lottery tickets that they would cash in shortly after they were stolen. Lantigua participated in multiple such break-ins and was captured on video redeeming stolen tickets with other members of the Trinitarios.
In February 2025, federal racketeering charges were unsealed against 22 leaders and members of the Trinitarios. The charges were the result of a multijurisdictional investigation, dubbed Operation Paper Machetes, which began in the aftermath of four murders as well as a series of attempted murders and shootings that took place in Lynn in 2023, allegedly committed by the Trinitarios criminal enterprise and its members. In March 2025, a Lynn member of the Trinitarios was sentenced to 10 years in prison. In June 2025, two members of the Trinitarios were charged with kidnapping a drug supplier. In July 2025, the leader of the Lynn Chapter was sentenced to 14 years in prison. In December 2025, two members of the Lynn Chapter, Michael Miliano and James Jimenez pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy. In April 2026, Luis Enrique Santana pleaded guilty. Lantigua is the tenth Defendant to plead guilty in the case.
The charge of conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, also known as “racketeering conspiracy” or “RICO conspiracy,” provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Ted Docks, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker; Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble; and Lynn Police Chief Christopher P. Reddy made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Massachusetts Woman Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Charlton, Mass. woman pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester to fraudulently obtaining Social Security benefits and pension payments.
Gina M. Cummings, 61, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for Aug. 20, 2026. In December 2025, Cummings was arrested and charged.
From January 2020 through July 2025, Cummings fraudulently obtained approximately $110,428 in Social Security benefits, private pension payments and COVID Economic Impact Payments. Cummings had access to the checkbook of a Social Security beneficiary and pensioner who died in August 2019. She failed to report the beneficiary’s death to the Social Security Administration, the pension plan and the bank where the funds were deposited. Instead, Cummings accessed the improperly paid funds by forging the deceased beneficiary’s name on 84 checks and regularly depleted the account funds through recurring bill payments.
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, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg and the Worcester Branch Office.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Gardner Woman Pleads Guilty to Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Gardner woman pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester to fraudulently receiving Social Security disability benefits.
Leidy E. Otero, 43, pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of stolen government money or property and one count of Social Security fraud – concealment. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for Aug. 27, 2026. Otero was charged in April 2026.
In 2011, Otero applied for and began receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) as the representative payee for two other individuals based on Otero’s limited income and resources. In assessing a married individual’s eligibility for SSI, the income and resources of the applicant’s spouse is considered if they live together. If an applicant is awarded SSI, they have a continuing obligation to notify SSA of any changes in their marital status, living arrangements and household income and resources.
In July 2014, Otero reported to SSA that she was married, but stated that she did not live with her husband. After that July 2014 report, Otero’s husband became part of the household and Otero did not notify SSA as required. At all times during the charged period, Otero’s husband’s income exceeded the SSI limits. Had Otero accurately reported her living arrangements, her husband’s income would have made her ineligible for SSI when they lived together.
The charge of receipt of stolen government money or property provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of Social Security fraud – concealment provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg and the Worcester Branch Office.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within federal benefit programs.
Former Department of Labor Employee Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Obtaining over $40,000 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance BenefitsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former employee of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to fraudulently obtaining over $40,000 in pandemic unemployment assistance (PUA) benefits.
Mo Yuong Kang, 50, formerly of Woburn and Dracut, Mass., pleaded guilty to four counts of wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Brian E. Murphy scheduled sentencing for Aug. 11, 2026. In August 2025, Kang was indicted by a federal grand jury.
Kang worked as an Industrial Hygienist with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, an agency of the DOL, from June 2016 until July 2023. In 2020 and 2021, Kang was a full-time employee of the DOL and earned over $85,000 annually.
In April 2020, Kang submitted a false PUA application to the Division of Unemployment Assistance (DUA). In the application, Kang claimed under the penalty of perjury that he was “self-employed, an independent contractor, or a gig worker and COVID-19 has severely limited [his] ability to perform [his] normal work,” and that he had not earned more than $89 a week since March 8, 2020. The DUA approved Kang’s claim, and through September 2021 Kang subsequently submitted weekly certifications to the DUA claiming that he did not work and did not receive any income during those weekly periods. Based upon his application and weekly certifications, Kang received $45,868 in PUA benefits to which he was not entitled.
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. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Anthony P. D’Esposito, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Christopher Silvestro, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay of the Public Corruption and Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted in March 2020 and designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act created a new temporary federal unemployment insurance program called pandemic unemployment assistance (PUA), which provided unemployment benefits for individuals who were not eligible for standard unemployment benefits. To receive PUA benefits, Massachusetts claimants were required to certify in an initial registration and in weekly certifications whether or not they worked or received any income during the relevant time period. The PUA program was administered in Massachusetts by the Division of Unemployment Assistance (DUA).
CFO of Boston-Area Spinal Device Company Pleads Guilty to Kickback SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The Chief Financial Officer of SpineFrontier, Inc., a spinal implant company, formerly based in Malden, Mass., pleaded guilty yesterday in connection with a kickback scheme to bribe surgeons to use company products in exchange for sham consulting fees.
Aditya Humad, 41, of Cambridge, Mass., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Aug. 6, 2026. Humad was charged in September 2021 along with the company SpineFrontier, as well as Dr. Kingsley R. Chin, SpineFrontier’s Founder, President and CEO.
Humad paid and conspired to pay over $540,000 in bribes to surgeons in the form of sham consulting fees for work they did not perform. Humad and Chin bribed surgeons to use SpineFrontier’s products, and in turn, SpineFrontier received millions of dollars in revenue from surgeries the surgeons performed.
Humad entered into contracts with surgeons, agreeing to pay the surgeons between $250 and $1,000 per hour for purported consulting for SpineFrontier. In reality, however, Humad and Chin paid the surgeons for using SpineFrontier’s products. Although the surgeon-consulting program was purportedly directed at gathering technical feedback about SpineFrontier’s products, Humad used the bribes they paid pursuant to that program, to induce surgeons to use SpineFrontier’s products in surgeries that were paid for by federal health care programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and Veterans Health Administration. Additionally, the surgeons frequently spent only a small fraction of their reported time, if any, performing actual consulting.
Humad previously agreed to pay a fine pursuant to a civil settlement agreement, including a fixed amount totaling more than $150,000 (including interest) and agreed to potential additional contingency payments based upon Humad’s annual income.
In May 2025, Chin pleaded guilty to making false statements to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. He was subsequently sentenced in August 2025 by Judge Talwani to one year of supervised release with the first six months to be served in home confinement. Chin was also ordered to pay a fine of $9,500 in addition to $40,000 he personally agreed to pay as part of a related civil settlement and $855,000 his wholly-owned company agreed to pay as part of the same settlement.
This plea also follows two guilty pleas in related criminal prosecutions. In August 2020, surgeon Jason Montone, D.O, 50, of Lawson, Miss., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute and obstruction. Medical device distributor John Balzer, 48, of Lenexa, Kan., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute and one count of witness tampering. Montone and Balzer are scheduled to be sentenced in September 2026.
The charge of conspiring to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or gross loss resulting from the offense, whichever is greater, forfeiture and restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of the Inspector General; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Special Agent in Charge Christopher Algieri, Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office; and Jason Buckley, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Abraham R. George, Christopher R. Looney and Mackenzie A. Queenin are prosecuting the case.
Webster Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Distributing Crystal MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Webster man was sentenced on May 8, 2026 in federal court in Worcester for distributing crystal methamphetamine.
Giang Tran, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In January 2026, Tran pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances (involving 50 grams or more of methamphetamine) and distribution of methamphetamine. Tran was indicted on June 10, 2025.
In December 2024 a cooperating witness told law enforcement that Tran was the supplier of pounds of crystal methamphetamine. Tran agreed to deliver crystal methamphetamine to undercover law enforcement posing as the cooperating witness on three occasions. On Jan. 2, 2025, Tran personally delivered the drugs to a commercial plaza in Everett. On Jan. 8, 2025, and again on Jan. 21, 2025, Tran sent an associate to deliver the drugs in Worcester. In total, Tran delivered or arranged the delivery of approximately 1 kilogram of methamphetamine.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Riverside (Calif.) DEA Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Feldman of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Med Spa Owner Pleads Guilty to Performing Illegal Injections Using Unapproved Prescription DrugsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Quincy, Mass. man pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to injecting clients of his business, Rodrigo Beauty Inc., with unapproved botulinum toxin obtained from illegitimate sources outside the United States, resulting in numerous severe cases of botulism.
Rodrigo de Medeiros Siqueira, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of misbranding of a drug after shipment in interstate commerce with the intent to defraud or mislead. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Aug. 12, 2026. Medeiros Siqueira was arrested and charged by complaint in October 2025.
Beginning in or around August 2022, Medeiros Siqueira offered various cosmetic injection procedures, including the injection of botulinum toxin prescription drugs, to clients of Rodrigo Beauty, despite not being licensed to prescribe, dispense, or administer prescription drugs or perform injections. Medeiros Siqueira falsely represented to clients that he was a licensed medical professional authorized to perform injections and made false statements to clients regarding the identity and source of the botulinum toxin products he was using for their injection procedures. Beginning in or around late May 2025, numerous Rodrigo Beauty clients were diagnosed with botulism as a result of injections Medeiros Siqueira performed using unapproved botulinum toxin.
Botulism is a rare and dangerous illness that can result from, among other things, the injection of botulinum toxin. Iatrogenic botulism is caused by botulinum toxin circulating in the blood and spreading beyond the injection site, potentially resulting in life-threatening symptoms, including blurred or double vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, and/or difficulty swallowing or breathing. While botulinum toxin is generally safe when administered by trained medical professionals, improper dosing, administration technique, or use of non-FDA-approved products can result in severe cases of botulism.
If you or a family member believe you received services involving illegal injections and/or unapproved drugs or devices from Medeiros Siqueira or Rodrigo Beauty, please complete the questionnaire located on the FDA’s website at: https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/criminal-investigations/oci-vw-assistance-rodrigo-beauty. Information about the status of the case is located on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/victim-and-witness-assistance-program/united-states-v-rodrigo-de-medeiros-siqueira.
The charge of misbranding of a drug after shipment in interstate commerce with the intent to defraud or mislead provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Fernando McMillan, Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office made the announcement today. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health also provided valuable assistance in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leslie A. Wright of the Health Care Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Additional Charges Files Against Massachusetts State RepresentativeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Massachusetts State Representative for the First Barnstable District has been charged in a superseding indictment with additional counts of wire fraud, money laundering, and filing false tax returns.
Christopher Flanagan, 38, of Dennis, Mass. was indicted with eight counts of wire fraud, one count of money laundering, one count of falsification of records and three counts of filing false tax returns. Flanagan was previously charged in a six-count indictment in April 2025. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
Flanagan is currently the Massachusetts State Representative for the First Barnstable District, which includes the towns of Dennis, Yarmouth and Brewster. Prior to being elected to his first two-year term to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 2022, Flanagan served two consecutive three-year terms as a member of the Town of Dennis Select Board. Flanagan received an annual compensation of approximately $97,546 and $100,945 in 2023 and 2024, respectively, from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
From approximately early 2019 to mid-2024, Flanagan also served as the Executive Officer of a Home Builders Association in Cape Cod (HBA) – a professional trade association that represented the Cape Cod building industry comprised of over 300 members. As HBA Executive Officer, Flanagan reported to a Board of Directors and had signatory authority over HBA bank accounts. Flanagan received annual salary and benefits ranging approximately from $65,800 to $81,600 from 2019 to 2024 from the HBA.
It is alleged that, beginning in at least as early as October 2021, Flanagan was facing personal financial difficulty, with thousands of dollars in outstanding credit card debt, missing mortgage payments and hundreds of dollars in bank overdraft fees. According to the superseding indictment, from in or about November 2021 to January 2023, Flanagan stole more than $36,000 in HBA funds from one of the association’s bank account via wire transfers:
Additionally, it is alleged that from February 2021 to December 2023, Flanagan stole more than $7,000 from another HBA bank account via wire transfers:
Flanagan allegedly used the majority of the stolen funds to pay personal mortgage bills, to pay down thousands of dollars in credit card debt and to make other personal expenditures. In one instance, in January 2023, Flanagan allegedly stole $10,000 from HBA in order to fund his campaign account for State Representative. It is further alleged that, in addition to stealing HBA funds via official checks and PayPal transfers, Flanagan also stole hundreds of dollars via direct debit transactions from the association’s bank account funds to pay for personal psychic services in July 2022.
The superseding indictment alleges that Flanagan did not report the stolen funds on his personal tax returns for tax years 2021, 2022 and 2023. Additionally, it is alleged that Flanagan collected rental income that he failed to report on his 2023 tax returns.
According to the superseding indictment, on or about May 5, 2024, Flanagan concealed the stolen funds from the HBA Board by logging onto HBA’s accounting/bookkeeping software using another employee’s account, entering backdated transactions to account for the stolen funds and entering false transaction codes (e.g., “office supplies,” “travel” and “bank charges”) for the withdrawals.
As part of his concealment, it is alleged that Flanagan told the HBA Board that he withdrew funds to reimburse himself for HBA-related expenses that he had paid for out-of-pocket with his personal funds. When the HBA Board requested proof, Flanagan allegedly provided two phony expense reports:
On the first expense report, Flanagan allegedly claimed he had spent $159.36 on “Technology Expenses” at Best Buy on March 4, 2022 and $537.26 on “Office Supplies” at 4Imprint on April 18, 2022. Records of the actual purchases, however, allegedly showed that the Best Buy purchase was for a portable Bluetooth speaker and that the 4Imprint purchase was for t-shirts supporting Flanagan’s State Representative campaign:
Additionally, in the second expense report, Flanagan allegedly claimed to have spent a total of $3,784.84 on “Office Supplies.” Records of the actual purchases, however, allegedly showed that $2,118.10 of this amount was actually used for Flanagan’s personal expenses. Specifically: $613.70 and $361.24 Best Buy purchases were allegedly for an electric dryer and an air conditioner, both delivered to Flanagan’s home; a $1,050.30 Macy’s purchase allegedly for men’s ties, dress shirts, slacks and sports coats; and a $92.86 purchase at Target allegedly for children’s clothes and toys.
According to the superseding indictment, in or about December 2022, the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) opened an investigation regarding a campaign mailer that was distributed during Flanagan’s 2022 campaign for State Representative, purportedly a group called “Conservatives for Dennis.”
It is further alleged that Flanagan obstructed the OCPF investigation by attributing the source of the mailer to a false persona he created named, “Jeanne Louise,” whom Flanagan claimed was a member of an independent conservative group that had endorsed his candidacy. It is further alleged that Flanagan created and sent phony emails to OCPF purporting to be on behalf of vendors responsible for creating and distributing the mailer.
In or about October 2023, after Flanagan admitted to OCPF that Jeanne Louise was fake and that he himself was the source of the mailer, OCPF expanded its investigation into Flanagan’s campaign finance activity. Specifically, OCPF requested Flanagan produce evidence that the $10,000 deposited into his campaign account in January 2023 had indeed come from his personal funds.
However, it is alleged that Flanagan’s bank statements from the time of the deposit in January 2023 would reflect that he could not have issued the $10,000 campaign check without his theft of HBA money – showing a beginning balance of approximately $42.28 just one week before depositing the stolen funds. In response, Flanagan allegedly provided OCPF with falsified expense reports that claimed that: the $10,000 check from HBA constituted legitimate HBA-reimbursed expenses; that HBA had a practice of allowing Flanagan to withdraw large sums of money for the purpose of expense reimbursement; and therefore, the $10,000 campaign check was a legitimate donation of Flanagan’s own personal funds.
It is further alleged that Flanagan transferred the $10,000 in stolen funds from his personal bank account into his campaign bank account before using the funds to pay vendors in order to conceal the true source of the funds.
The charges of 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. The charge of money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000. The charge of falsification of records 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 charges of filing false income tax returns provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Jason Buckley, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Maynard and Dustin Chao of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions 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.
Registered Sex Offender Arrested for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A registered sex offender has been arrested and charged with possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
James Muzzi, 61, of Medford, Mass., was charged with possession of child pornography. Muzzi remains detained following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston earlier today.
According to the charging documents, Muzzi’s cell phone contained thousands of images and videos of CSAM, including children who appeared to be as young as three to five years old. It is further alleged that Muzzi’s phone also included online chat messages in which Muzzi and other individuals exchanging multiple videos containing CSAM as well as messages regarding CSAM. Muzzi was previously convicted in Massachusetts state court of three counts of distribution of child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography.
Because Muzzi is a recidivist offender, the charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of no less than 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Medford Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julissa Walsh and Luke Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Narcotics and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Methuen man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for trafficking counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine, unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition and using a firearm in relation of a drug trafficking offense.
Shawn Hart, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 10 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In October 2025, Hart pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of more than 40 grams of fentanyl; one count of possession with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine; one count of using a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking offense; and one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition. Hart was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2023.
In August 2022, Hart was identified as a manufacturer and distributor of counterfeit pills containing controlled substances on the North Shore of Massachusetts. On Sept. 15, 2022, Hart distributed approximately 500 counterfeit Adderall pills, containing 68 grams of fentanyl, during a controlled purchase in North Billerica. Additionally, on June 1, 2023, Hart distributed approximately 100 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing suspected fentanyl and well as a 9mm privately manufactured firearm (commonly known as a “ghost gun”) containing 19 rounds of ammunition during a controlled purchase at his home in Methuen.
In addition, three additional firearms, a pill press used for manufacturing counterfeit pills and suspected narcotics in various forms and quantities were seized from Hart’s residence following his arrest.
Hart is prohibited from possession firearms and ammunition due to multiple previous state felony convictions, including: possession with intent to distribute a class a controlled substance in December 2003; armed robbery in June 2004, for which he was sentenced to two years in prison; masked armed robbery, breaking and entering a vehicle at night and larceny in August 2004, for which he was sentenced to two years in prison; and assault and battery on a correctional institution guard in September 2004, for which he was sentenced to six months in prison.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Office; and Thomas Greco, 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 Methuen Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Wray of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
MS-13 Member Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for RacketeeringRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A member of La Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for his role in a previously-unsolved murder.
Adam Rodriguez, a/k/a “Pelon,” 35, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to 15 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In July 2024, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise. Rodriguez was charged in November 2023.
Rodriguez, along with co-defendants William Pineda Portillo, a/k/a “Humilde” and Jose Vazquez, a/k/a “Cholo” a/k/a “Little Crazy,” conspired with others to murder a 28-year-old man on Dec. 18, 2010 in Chelsea, Mass. That evening, law enforcement responded to a 911 call in the vicinity of the Fifth Street on-ramp to Route 1 in Chelsea. There, law enforcement found the victim with approximately 10 stab wounds to his chest and back, along with injuries to his head. The victim was transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds. A recent re-examination of evidence collected during the initial investigation identified members of MS-13, including Vasquez, as having committed the murder.
In the week leading up to the incident, Rodriguez, Vasquez and other MS-13 members conspired to murder the victim because they believed the victim belonged to a rival gang. Evidence revealed that on the day of the murder, Pineda Portillo picked up Rodriguez, Vasquez, other MS-13 members, and the victim in Allston and drove the group to Chelsea. Once there, Rodriguez, Vasquez and the other gang members led the victim to an area under the Fifth Street on-ramp to Route 1. Once in the secluded area under the highway, an MS-13 member hit the victim in the head with a rock, another MS-13 member stabbed the victim with a machete and Vasquez stabbed the victim with a knife. Vasquez’s palm print was identified on the handle of a silver kitchen knife recovered from the murder scene. The victim’s blood also was found on the knife.
An undercover recording of an MS-13 meeting that took place on Jan. 27, 2011 – approximately six weeks after the murder – captured Rodriguez acknowledging his participation in the murder and other gang members disciplining him for leaving Massachusetts after the murder without the gang’s permission. Vasquez was also identified as being present for the meeting.
In July 2025, Vasquez was sentenced to 25 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Vasquez was already serving a 212-month prison sentence for a May 2018 federal conviction for conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise. Vasquez will serve a total of 37 years for his crimes. Also in July 2025, Pineda Portillo, an illegal alien from El Salvador, was sentenced to 16 years in prison and will be subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence.
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 members maintain and enhance their status in the gang and the overall reputation of the gang by participating in such violent acts.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Geoffrey D. Noble, Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; Chief Shumeane Benford of the Somerville Police Department; and Chief Keith Houghton of the Chelsea Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Boston Field Division; United States Customs and Border Protection; United States Citizenship and Immigration Services; and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Pohl, Meghan C. Cleary and Brian A. Fogerty of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Illegal Alien Sentenced to over Two Years in Prison for Selling Firearms Without a LicenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Salvadoran national unlawfully residing in Chelsea was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for making multiple illegal firearms sales.
Melbi Ovidio Ortez, 41, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Denise J. Casper to 27 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence.
In February 2026, Ortez pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license and one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. In June 2025, Ortez was arrested and charged.
Ortez was identified as an 18th Street Gang associate who supplied firearms and controlled substances to gang members. On four different occasions between April 3, 2025 and May 2, 2025, Ortez sold firearms and ammunition behind his Chelsea residence. Ortez sold a Glock 9mm caliber pistol; a Sturm and Ruger .22 caliber revolver; a Glock .40 caliber pistol; a Colt .380 caliber pistol; magazines; and over 100 rounds of ammunition. In addition, the serial numbers on both the Glock 9mm pistol and the Colt .380 pistol had been defaced. TheGlock 9mm pistol had been purchased only 20 days earlier from a licensed firearms dealer in New Hampshire. Ortez also sold cocaine two times during that same period.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Boston, Chelsea, Everett, Falmouth, Lynn, Medford, Nantucket and Revere Police Departments; Massachusetts State Police; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Fraud Detection and National Security Unit; Massachusetts Department of Correction; and the Suffolk County and Middlesex County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecutedthe case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
Eight Gang Members and Associates Charged with Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A federal indictment was unsealed today against seven members and associates of the Boston-based Columbia Point Dawgs and Johnston Road gangs and their associates for firearm and drug charges. A federal complaint was also filed against an eighth defendant for being a felon in possession of ammunition. One defendant is currently on pre-trial release for a pending state murder case.
According to charging documents, from at least January 2025 through on or about April 21, 2026, four of the defendants, Raughn Williams, a/k/a “Pancho;” Champion Brown, a/k/a “Champ,” a/k/a “C. Brown;” William Brown, a/k/a “EBK;” and Jillian Karabello, conspired to engage in the business of dealing in firearms without the required license. Williams is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. It is alleged that these four defendants sold 18 firearms to an undercover agent and cooperating witness during the investigation, including numerous high-powered rifles and tactical rifles with extended clips (pictured below). It is also alleged that the firearms these defendants sold during the investigation included a Glock pistol with an obliterated serial number and a machinegun conversion device (MCD) attached, four additional MCDs, and another high-powered rifle (pictured below).
A federal search warrant was executed today at Champion Brown’s apartment where approximately 21 switches and five firearms were recovered. Two of the firearms were AR style pistols and two had obliterated serial numbers. One firearm had a switch attached to it.
According to court documents a switch, or MCD, is designed to convert a semi-automatic pistol into a fully automatic machinegun, capable of firing all rounds in a magazine with a single pull of the trigger. The device typically attaches to the rear of a pistol’s slide, defeating the mechanism that limits firing to one round per trigger pull. Pistols equipped with switches are difficult to control because they are not manufactured to support fully automatic gunfire, and the use of switches therefore increases the danger to the public of being shot.
“The conduct alleged is frightening to say the least. In addition to two AR style pistols and other firearms, today we seized approximately 21 machinegun conversion devices, commonly referred to as “switches” in just one apartment,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “These devices convert a semi-automatic pistol into a fully automatic machinegun, capable of firing hundreds of shots in seconds. I think it goes without saying that today’s arrests and seizures have made our communities safer.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge Thomas Greco said, “Today’s arrests highlight ATF’s mission in the fight against violent crime. For those looking to commit drug and violent crimes in our community, you will not find safe haven in the City of Boston. ATF is committed to using every available resource to target those contributing to the cycle of violence in these neighborhoods by distributing drugs and trafficking firearms. The success of this investigation included the efforts of many state and local partners, in ATF’s continued all-hands approach to making communities safer.”
A photograph of the 18 guns purchased during the course of the investigation is included below. (See Appendix B)
According to charging documents, Raughn Williams; Myles King, a/k/a “Mizzie Cash;” Husnain Akram, a/k/a “Frenchy;” and Junior Jean Louis, a/k/a “Jiggy,” conspired to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, involving 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 28 grams or more of crack cocaine. These defendants are also charged with distribution of fentanyl and/or crack cocaine. A federal search warrant was executed today at the residence of Husnain Akram and over a kilogram of fentanyl was seized. A search warrant was also executed at the residence of Malachi Martins where a privately made firearm (PMF) or so-called “ghost” gun, containing ammunition was recovered. Martins was charged by complaint with being a felon in possession of ammunition.
According to court documents, the defendants are members or associates of the Boston based Columbia Point Dawgs or the Johnston Road gangs and work together to sell guns and drugs to gang members and others throughout Boston, Brockton, Randolph and other parts of Southeastern Massachusetts. Two of the defendants have prior federal convictions and are currently on federal supervised release. According to court documents, Myles King is on pre-trial release for a pending state murder case.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of no less than 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base provides for a sentence of no less than five and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, supervised release for up to three years and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of unlawful possession of a machinegun provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, supervised release for up to three years and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, supervised release for up to three years and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Thomas A. Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Boston and Cambridge Police Departments; Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department; Boston Housing Authority; Drug Enforcement Administration; and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys John T. Dawley, Jr. and David Cutshall of the Organized Crime & Gang 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.
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APPENDIX A
- Raugh Williams, a/k/a “Pancho,” 28, of Randolph, is charged with conspiracy to deal firearms without a license, felon in possession of a firearm, conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of fentanyl, distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl and distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base;
- Champion Brown, a/k/a “Champ,” 22, of Dorchester, is charged with conspiracy to deal firearms without a license;
- William Brown, a/k/a “EBK,” 27, of Dorchester, is charged with conspiracy to deal firearms without a license and unlawful possession of a machinegun;
- Husnain Akram, a/k/a “Frenchy,” 27, of South Easton, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession to distribute controlled substances and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl;
- Myles King, a/k/a “Mizzie Cash,” 26, of Weymouth, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base;
Junior Jean Louis, a/k/a “Jiggy,” 26, of Miami, Fla., is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base;
7. Malachi Martins, 31, of Brockton, is charged with felon in possession of ammunition; and
8. Jillian Karabello, 23, of Medford is charged with conspiracy to deal firearms without a license.
APPENDIX B
Arizona Man Sentenced to over 13 Years in Prison for His Role in Conspiracies to Distribute Fentanyl and Cocaine and Laundering the ProceedsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Tucson, Ariz., man has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for his role in distributing truckloads of fentanyl and cocaine and then laundering the proceeds.
Reginel Cazares, a/k/a “Junior,” 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Denise J. Casper to 160 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In January 2026, Cazares pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances (involving 400 grams or more of fentanyl and five kilograms or more of cocaine) and money laundering conspiracy. Cazares was indicted on June 13, 2024.
In August 2023, law enforcement learned about an individual named “Junior” – later identified as Cazares – based in Tucson, Ariz., who organized multi-kilogram deliveries of fentanyl and cocaine from California to Massachusetts. The kilograms were driven by tractor trailer from the area of Ontario, Calif., to Massachusetts. In November and December of 2023 Cazares directed a cooperating witness to pick up $600,00 in drug proceeds from two co-defendants in Tewksbury, Mass. On Feb. 16, 2024, Cazares directed the cooperating witness to pick up four kilograms of fentanyl and nine kilograms of cocaine in Ontario, Calif., which were to be driven to Massachusetts and the Carolinas. The narcotics were intercepted by law enforcement.
In 2012, Cazares was convicted of cocaine conspiracy in the District of New Jersey and sentenced to 57 months in federal prison.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Riverside (Calif.), Bakersfield (Calif.) and Tucson (Ariz.) DEA Offices; San Bernadino County (Calif.) Sheriff’s Department; Inland Regional Narcotics Enforcement Team; the Methuen Police Department; and U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Feldman of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
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.
Virginia Man Charged with $6.6 Million Wire Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A dual national of the United States and the Philippines has been charged in federal court in Boston with allegedly stealing more than $6.6 million from his employer over the course of a decade.
Ricardo Fontanilla, 66, of Fairfax, Va., was charged in a criminal complaint with wire fraud. Fontanilla was arrested at his home on May 3, 2026 and made his initial appearance yesterday in federal court in Arlington, Va. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the allegations in the complaint, between 2013 and December 2025, Fontanilla worked at the Victim Company, a global financial services company which had its U.S. headquarters in Massachusetts, as a Security Administration Services employee. Fontanilla’s role allegedly gave him access to the Victim Company’s financial systems, which tracked borrowers’ mortgage payments in connection with residential mortgage-backed securities—a kind of financial instrument that allows investors to purchase ownership in a pool of residential mortgage loans. Beginning at least as early as 2016, Fontanilla allegedly altered the Victim Company’s records to make it appear that the Victim Company was receiving excess payments from mortgage servicing companies that were collecting borrower payments. As alleged, Fontanilla fraudulently transferred these supposedly “excess” payments back to one mortgage servicer (Company A), and then falsely informed Company A representatives that the Victim Company had mistakenly refunded these amounts. In directing Company A to return the mistaken refunds to the Victim Company, Fontanilla allegedly directed Company A to wire the funds to a personal bank account he controlled at Wells Fargo.
Records for the Wells Fargo account show Fontanilla received more than $6.6 million in wires from Company A between 2016 and 2025 and that Fontanilla allegedly made payments from the account for more than $3.2 million in personal credit card payments to Capital One, JPMorgan Chase and American Express; $778,000 in mortgage and loan payments; more than $200,000 in cash and cash-equivalent withdrawals; spent more than $70,000 at Cartier locations in Italy, Spain, the Philippines and the United States; and purchased a vehicle for approximately $77,000 —amounts far exceeding the approximately $83,000 annual salary Fontanilla received from the Victim Company.
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 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, restitution, and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley, Ted Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office and Brian Tucker, Special Agent in Charge, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Office of Inspector General made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth B. Kosto, Chief of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Frauds Unit, is prosecuting the case.
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Three Charged with Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Three individuals, two from Lawrence and one from Methuen, were charged in connection with alleged fentanyl distribution.
Ales Mena, a/k/a “Shubill,” 29 and Andy Mena 25, both of Lawrence, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Yeriel Torres Rodriguez, 27, of Methuen, was charged in a separate criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. All three defendants made an initial appearance in federal court in Boston and detention hearings have been scheduled for May 8, 2026.
According to the charging documents, Ales Mena, known as “Shubill” was identified as a high-level narcotics trafficker tied to the Trinitarios and Gangster Disciples street gangs, among others. On Oct. 27, 2025, Ales Mena allegedly traveled from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, to Boston, Mass., on a commercial aircraft with his girlfriend. Upon arrival at Boston Logan Airport, Ales Mena and his girlfriend were sent to a secondary inspection where agents seized cell phones belonging to Ales Mena. Upon later forensic examination of the phones, it is alleged that the phones contained conversations about narcotics trafficking. In addition, multiple photographs of what appeared to be fentanyl sent through text messaging applications were allegedly identified.
On Oct. 31, 2025, a kilogram of fentanyl sent via UPS was seized allegedly following text communication between Ales Mena and a contact in Mexico.
On three occasions from February to April of 2026, Ales Mena allegedly coordinated the sale of fentanyl through his cousin, co-defendant Andy Mena. It is alleged that Andy Mena completed two fentanyl sales, 25 grams and 100 grams, to a confidential witness. On April 23, 2026, the defendants together, allegedly travelled from Torres-Rodriguez’s residence to a car wash in Methuen for a third sale, where they allegedly sold a kilogram of suspected fentanyl to a confidential witness.
Following a search of Torres-Rodriguez’s residence on May 5, 2026, a concealed “hide” was discovered in an end table in the living room. It is alleged that within the compartment, partial kilo quantities of narcotics, including a vacuum sealed package of a powder that field-tested positive for cocaine, and a vacuum sealed half-brick of a grey substance marked with an “LV” stamp that field tested positive for fentanyl, were located. Also seized during the search were scales, kilo press parts and stamps to press into kilogram brings, including an “LV” and a “7” stamp.
The charge possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Customs and Border Protection, the Massachusetts State Police, Woburn Police Department, Methuen Police Department, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, Lawrence Police Department, Boston Police Department, Framingham Police Department, Andover Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaitlin Brown and Phillip Mallard of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.
This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Boston Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations , and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (and Project Safe Neighborhood.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Thirty Individuals Charged in Global Insider Trading Scheme Netting Tens of Millions in Illicit ProfitsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Charges were unsealed today against 30 defendants in connection with a large-scale, decade-long insider trading scheme that netted tens of millions of dollars in illicit profits. The defendants, who include corporate attorneys and other financial professionals, are alleged to have stolen and used confidential information on nearly 30 merger and acquisition deals from several of the nation’s premier law firms, including a firm headquartered in Massachusetts.
Nineteen defendants were arrested today and will make appearances in federal court in Los Angeles, Calif., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and New York, among other locations. Two defendants located in Russia and Israel are considered fugitives.
The first indictment charges the following 16 defendants with two counts of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, two counts of securities fraud and one count of money laundering conspiracy:
- Pedram Fejal, 39, of Brooklyn, New York;
- Brian Fensterszaub, 45, of Hollywood, Fla.;
- Mark Fensterszaub, 47, of Hollywood, Fla.;
- Simon Fensterszaub, 50, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.;
- Ilya Gavrilov, 56, of Russia;
- Baruch Igal Hatanian, 39, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.;
- Yisroel Horowitz, 50, of Hollywood, Fla.;
- God Izraelov, 46, of Israel;
- David Moradi, 35, of Brooklyn, New York;
- Nicolo Nourafchan, 43, of Los Angeles, Calif.;
- David Ostrov, 49, of Clifton, New Jersey;
- Yechiel Salzberg, 51, of Far Rockaway, New York;
- Abe Shilian, 35, of Brooklyn, New York;
- Gavryel Silverstein, 43, of Hollywood, Fla.;
- Joseph Suskind, 39, of Sunny Isles, Fla.; and
- Robert Yadgarov, 45, of Long Beach, New York.
That indictment also charges Nicolo Nourafchan with two counts of obstruction of justice, and Mark Fensterszaub, Moradi and Suskind with making false statements to law enforcement.
A second indictment charges five defendants with two counts of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, two counts of securities fraud and one count of money laundering conspiracy:
- Lorenzo Nourafchan, 38, of Los Angeles, Calif.;
- Nowel Milik, 52, of Brea, Calif.;
- Nicholas Rudela, 30, of Covina, Calif.;
- David Makary, 35, of Covina, Calif.; and
- Stjepan Vinski, 30, of Glendora, Calif.
Milik and Vinski are also charged with obstruction of justice. Makary is also charged with making false declarations before a grand jury, and Milik, Rudela and Vinski are charged with making false statements to law enforcement.
Charges against nine other defendants for securities fraud conspiracy were also unsealed today. The government’s investigation is ongoing.
“Our country’s financial markets and professional firms should be free from the rampant fraud and breaches of duty that these charges allege,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “The trading on unannounced financial news alleged here not only violated the securities laws, but it also took advantage of the special access and ethical duties that come with a law license. If the American people believe that trading is only for the connected, they will keep their investment and retirement savings out of the markets, which will hurt our economy. Today’s charges, the result of a years-long investigation with our law enforcement partners, are part of my office’s ongoing efforts to ensure a level playing field for all investors.”
“With today's arrests, the FBI has dismantled a large-scale, decade-long, international organized criminal network of corporate attorneys and financial professionals who are accused of stealing and trading on material, non-public information from several of our nation’s leading law firms, including one right here in Massachusetts. Everyone charged today is accused of scoring significant profits from expected market moves and making out like bandits. That’s not merely gaming the system – it’s a federal crime,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Anyone who engages in insider trading fundamentally undermines the trust necessary for our financial markets to function, and the FBI is committed to ensuring that those markets are a level playing field, not just profiting those with friends in the know.”
As alleged in the charging documents, Nicolo Nourafchan, who was a licensed corporate attorney at several large law firms, and others, accessed their law firms’ internal computer networks to view confidential documents relating to pending acquisitions, including confidential transactions on which Nourafchan did not work, and then provided the material non-public information (MNPI) to others in exchange for kickbacks. Nicolo Nourafchan and his partner, Robert Yadgarov, another New York attorney, allegedly recruited other attorneys and insiders to serve as sources of inside information. In exchange for the MNPI, Nourafchan and Yadgarov allegedly paid their sources kickbacks consisting of up to hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash.
Nourafchan and Yadgarov also allegedly provided the MNPI to a network of traders and middlemen whom they also enlisted to join the scheme. The middlemen, including Gavryel Silverstein and Lorenzo Nourafchan, allegedly provided the MNPI to other traders and tippees as a way of attempting to obscure the connections between sources and traders. Meanwhile, the traders allegedly executed trades while in possession of MNPI, either on Nourafchan and Yadgarov’s behalf or on their own behalf, in exchange for their agreement to kickback illicit trading proceeds to Nourafchan, Yadgarov, and others. Many traders allegedly passed the MNPI onto other traders, again in exchange for their agreement to kick back illicit trading proceeds up the chain to the sources of the MNPI, including Nourafchan and Yadgarov.
In total, it is alleged that overseas traders (including Gavrilov and Izraelov) and traders located in California, Florida, New Jersey and New York, among other locations, traded while in possession of MNPI ahead of nearly 30 M&A deals involving public companies, including some of the largest M&A deals of the last decade, on national and foreign securities exchanges.
As alleged, the defendants and other co-conspirators sought to keep law enforcement from learning about the scheme by, among other means, using burner phones, encrypted applications, coded language, including about “flights,” and in-person meetups where conspirators turned off their electronic devices or put them elsewhere before communicating with each other.
For example, on or about June 7, 2022, Nicolo Nourafchan, while on a “leave of absence” from a law firm where he worked, allegedly viewed confidential materials on the law firm’s document management system regarding a potential acquisition of iRobot, which was a deal that he did not work on. Shortly thereafter, on or about June 16, 2022, Simon Fensterszaub allegedly purchased iRobot securities while in possession of MNPI. On or about June 16, 2022, and continuing through on or about July 8, 2022, Silverstein and Simon Fensterszaub allegedly exchanged the following coded messages before lapsing into an express discussion of the deal:
S. FENSTERSZAUB: We cannot miss this boat!!
S. FENSTERSZAUB: How’s the rabbi??
SILVERSTEIN: He’s stable
S. FENSTERSZAUB: Is he still scheduled for surgery?
SILVERSTEIN: We are still waiting for the Dr to check if it’s still needed
S. FENSTERSZAUB: Now I’m confused and worried at the same time
SILVERSTEIN: U shouldn’t be worried
S. FENSTERSZAUB: Well have you gotten through to anyone at the hospital | Any chance you can find out today how the Rabbi is feeling | ?
SILVESTEIN: Unfortunately nothing
S. FENSTERSZAUB: Dude that’s scary
SILVERSTEIN: Yeah
S. FENSTERSZAUB: Should I tell ppl to pull out?
SILVERSTEIN: Stagnant. No movement on the situation
S. FENSTERSZAUB: Find out if we should bail
. . .
S. FENSTERSZAUB: So what should I advise ppl
SILVERSTEIN: Are they even
S. FENSTERSZAUB: I could find out but based on the current price I would assume so
SILVERSTEIN: So pull. But we might go back at it shortly.
S. FENSTERSZAUB: I have to remember to tell people tomorrow | Had the deal died? Or can we still be hopeful? Any way to find out
SILVERSTEIN: Still be hopeful. I will speak with him today
S. FENSTERSZAUB: I can’t tell you how badly I need this
Defendants and other co-conspirators also allegedly traded in brokerage accounts in the names of shell companies and other corporate entities, enlisted others to trade on behalf of co-conspirators, traded in others’ brokerage accounts, and traded in foreign brokerage accounts, all to try to evade the detection of U.S. securities regulators and law enforcement. Conspirators allegedly transferred proceeds and kickback payments in cash and through intermediaries and shell companies, in locations like Panama and Switzerland. At times, such payments were allegedly disguised as purported “loans” or business transactions.
The charge of conspiracy to commit Title 18 securities fraud provides for a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of conspiracy to commit Title 15 securities fraud provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of Title 18 securities fraud provides for a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of Title 15 securities fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount of money involved in the laundering transactions, whichever is greater. The charge of making false statements provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of obstruction of justice provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, as well as three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of making a false declaration before a grand jury provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, as well as 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.
U.S. Attorney Foley and FBI SAC Docks made the announcement today. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission provided valuable assistance in this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Kaitlin R. O’Donnell and Ian J. Stearns of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud 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.
Illegal Alien Previously Convicted of Drug Trafficking Charged with Healthcare Benefit Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national unlawfully residing in Dorchester, Mass. has been arrested and charged with healthcare benefit fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Manuel Antonio Baez, 52, was charged with one count of falsely representing a Social Security number, one count of making false statements relating to health care matters and one count of aggravated identity theft.
According to the charging documents, Baez allegedly used the stolen identity of a U.S. citizen, including the citizen’s social security number, to obtain government benefits. Specifically, Baez allegedly represented that he was a U.S. citizen when applying for healthcare benefits in Massachusetts and submitted a sworn affidavit falsely alleging the same. It alleged that Baez ultimately obtained over $80,000 in MassHealth benefits using the stolen identity. Baez also allegedly committed drug offenses in the name of the U.S. citizen, including a 2018 conviction for trafficking heroin and other offenses and a 2007 conviction for possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance.
The charge for falsely representing 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. The charge of making false statements relating to a health care program provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory two-year sentence to run consecutively to any other sentence imposed, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin T. Missett of the Health Care Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Foxborough Man Charged with Impersonating a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Foxborough man was charged today in federal court in Boston with impersonating a federal immigration officer.
Francisco Soares, 56, was charged with impersonating a federal officer on April 29, 2026 and arrested on April 30, 2026. Soares was subsequently released on conditions following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston on May 1, 2026.
The criminal complaint alleges that Soares told various Brazilian nationals that he worked for U.S. Immigration and that for a price, he could provide the individuals assistance with obtaining U.S. citizenship. Soares, who has never worked for the U.S. government, allegedly took thousands of dollars from his victims.
In 2014, Soares was charged, and later convicted in 2015, with impersonating a federal officer, in the U.S. District Court in Boston and sentenced to three years of probation and 12 months of home confinement. He was also ordered to pay a fine of $5,000 fine and $4,300 in restitution.
The charge of impersonating a federal officer or employee provides for a maximum sentence of three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
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.
Veterans Affairs Employee Charged with Fraudulently Obtaining Multiple Covid-19 BenefitsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton woman, who has been employed full-time as a Medical Technician with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs since August 2021, has been charged in federal court in Boston with wire fraud.
Denise Baez, 51, was charged on May 1, 2026 with two counts of wire fraud.
As alleged in the charging documents, Baez submitted two applications seeking Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans. In those applications, Baez made false claims regarding gross income purportedly earned from a sole proprietorship. To support these false claims, Baez allegedly attached fraudulent tax documents as part of the applications. The PPP loan applications were approved and Baez received $41,666. Baez allegedly used that money on personal expenses. However, in September 2021, Baez allegedly submitted loan forgiveness applications that falsely claimed the entire $41,666 was spent on payroll. Based on the misrepresentation the loans were forgiven.
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 or twice the gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Algieri with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northeast Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Sullivan of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
Treasurer of Labor Union Sentenced for EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Leominster man was sentenced on May 1, 2026 in federal court in Worcester for embezzling from a labor union.
Joe Scott, Jr., 55, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman to 42 months of probation, with six months of home confinement. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $49,559. In January 2026, Scott pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement from a labor union.Scott was the Treasurer of the International Union of Electrical Workers, Communication Workers of America, Local 81154 (“IUE-CWA Local 81154”), a labor union chapter based in Gardner, Mass., that represents union members from various employers in Massachusetts. Scott used his position as Treasurer to embezzle approximately $49,559 from IUE-CWA Local 81154, by making debit card expenditures, withdrawing funds and issuing checks, from union bank accounts, all for Scott’s personal benefit. Scott used the money to pay for, among other things, storage costs, home internet and cell phone services, electrical and gas services, home improvement tools, dumpster rental and personal expense while on vacation.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jonathan Russo, District Director, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan O’Shea of the Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Roxbury Man Sentenced for Role in Fraudulent CDL SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Roxbury man was sentenced on May 1, 2026 in federal court in Boston for surreptitiously providing an individual with the answers to exam questions for a Commercial Learners’ Permit. In the state of Massachusetts, you must have a CLP before obtaining a commercial driver’s license.
Frank Castro, 53, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to time served (approximately 23 months in prison). In January 2025, Castro was convicted of unlawful production of an identification document. Castro was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2024.
On or about Oct. 18, 2021, Castro told an undercover agent that he could help him obtain a CLP in Massachusetts for $3,000. On or about Dec. 10, 2021, Castro explained to the undercover agent that the agent would need to sneak a Bluetooth device into the testing area at a Massachusetts RMV, surreptitiously place the device into his ear, then cover it with headphones used during the exam. Castro said that he would be connected with the undercover agent via the Bluetooth device such that he could hear the audio questions and provide the undercover agent with the correct answers.
On or about Dec. 22, 2021, the undercover agent deposited $3,000 into Castro’s bank account before proceeding to the Danvers RMV to take the CLP exam. The undercover agent connected with Castro using the Bluetooth device, and Castro provided the exam answers to the undercover agent in real time during the exam. The undercover agent passed the exam with Castro’s unlawful assistance and received a Massachusetts CLP.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Brian C. Gallagher, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Maynard and David G. Tobin of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Illegal Alien Charged with Unlicensed Dealing of FirearmsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national, unlawfully residing in Milford, Mass., has been charged for allegedly dealing firearms without a license. Specifically, the defendant allegedly sold firearms, including a ghost gun to a confidential informant.
Caua Da Silva, 21, was charged in federal court in Worcester with one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license.
According to the charging documents, beginning in July of 2025, an investigation began into Da Silva as a potential source of illegal firearms sales in Massachusetts. As part of the investigation, it was determined that Da Silva is not lawfully present in the United States. Between November of 2025 and April 21, 2026, Da Silva sold firearms to a confidential informant on several different occasions. One of the firearms that Da Silva sold was a privately manufactured firearm, or a “ghost gun.”
The charge of unlicensed dealing in firearms provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations, Massachusetts State Police, the Milford Police Department, Worcester Police Department, Marlborough Police Department and the Hudson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Stendig of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Boston Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Two Massachusetts Men Plead Guilty to Their Roles in Multi-Million Dollar Bank Fraud RingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two Massachusetts men pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to their roles in a multi-million-dollar scheme to defraud banks in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island.
Victor Kolawole, 26, of Brockton and Keith Wainaina, 24, of Lowell, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. U.S. District Court Judge Julie E. Kobick scheduled sentencings for July 23, 2026 and Sept. 9, 2026, respectively. In July 2025, Wainaina and Kolawole were arrested along with four others.
Beginning no later than December 2022, Kolawole and Wainaina conspired with Phalentz Vernot and others to defraud local banks. Specifically, Vernot obtained, without authorization, the names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers and bank account numbers of customers of various local banks. Vernot and Wainaina then identified individuals to pose as these customers and procured fake identification documents with the victim customers’ names but the imposters’ photos. Vernot and Wainaina then drove the imposters to banks, where the imposters presented the fake identification documents and withdrew large sums from the victim customers’ accounts in the form of Cashier’s checks. Wainaina and Kolawole then deposited those checks into bank accounts they controlled and used the funds to purchase additional Cashier’s checks payable to Vernot. Vernot used some of the money to pay the individuals posing as bank customers as well as bank insiders who helped to facilitate their scheme, including by intentionally skipping customer verification protocols. Wainaina deposited, or attempted to deposit, more than $762,000 in Cashier’s checks drawn on victims’ accounts into bank accounts he controlled. Kolawole deposited approximately $373,000 in Cashier’s checks drawn on victims’ accounts into bank accounts he controlled.
Vernot pleaded guilty in December 2025 and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 22, 2026.The charges of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud provide for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount of money involved in the laundering transactions, whichever is greater. The charge of aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year prison sentence consecutive to any sentence received on the other charges. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Haven Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Connecticut State Police and the Gloucester (R.I.), Sutton, Concord (Mass.), Dracut, Westwood and Abington Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Kearney of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Peabody Man Sentenced to over Four Years in Prison for ExtortionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Gangster Disciple gang member from Peabody, Mass. was sentenced in federal court in Boston for making threats of physical violence to extort money from two victims.
Damien Willette, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 51 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In September 2025, Willette pleaded guilty to conspiracy to make interstate communications with the intent to extort and making interstate communications with intent to extort. Willette was indicted in March 2025 along with co-conspirators William Walley and Michael O’Shea.
Willette, who was incarcerated with his alleged co-conspirators, threatened two individuals – a former Gangster Disciple who was recruited into the gang by Willette (Victim 2) and their romantic partner (Victim 1) – while serving state prison sentences.
Willette expected Victim 2 to provide him with financial assistance during his incarceration from November 2020 to May 2024, as well as to his fellow incarcerated gang members. Gangster Disciple gang members refer to this practice as “aid and assistance.” Willette told Victim 2 that he would be “blessed out” of the gang if he continued to provide “aid and assistance.” However, Victim 2 attempted to disassociate from the Gangster Disciples gang soon after his recruitment. When Victim 2 stopped providing assistance, Victim 1 continued on his behalf.
On or about March 2023, Willette and his alleged co-conspirators started threatening the victims with physical violence if they stopped providing money to them while they were incarcerated. For example, Willette warned the victims that if they failed to provide “aid and assistance,” Victim 2 would not be “blessed out” when Willette was released from state prison. Willette specified that he would have gang members pistol whip the victims that “it’s going to be bad for you and everyone you know” if they failed to provide “aid and assistance.”
Michael O’Shea was sentenced in January 2026 to 51 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Department of Correction and the Lawrence Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Convicted Felon from East Boston Indicted for Unlawfully Possessing Machinegun and Ghost GunsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An East Boston man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for being a felon in possession of a firearm and for possession of a machinegun. Three privately made firearms (ghost guns), four machine gun conversion devices, a 3D printer, five magazines and 31 privately made firearm receivers were allegedly found during a search on March 31, 2026.
Angel Negron, 47, was indicted on one count of felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession of a machinegun. Negron was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint on March 2026. He remains detained pending a hearing scheduled for May 6, 2026.
According to the charging documents, between Jan. 14, 2026, and March 2, 2026, Negron ordered 29 firearm parts to his apartment via his eBay account. Additionally, on March 3, 2026, Negron allegedly submitted an online complaint to a firearm company, saying that a trigger he purchased from the company’s eBay store did not fire his firearm properly. In that communication, Negron allegedly included a photograph of a firearm with a 3D printed frame.
During a search of Negron’s apartment on March 31, 2026, three privately made firearms (ghost guns), four machine gun conversion devices, a 3D printer, five magazines and 31 privately made firearm receivers were seized:
In 2007, Negron was convicted in Suffolk Superior Court of possession of a firearm without a license and carrying a loaded firearm, for which he was sentenced to 30 months in the house of correction.The charge of felon in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possession of a machinegun provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Jason Buckley, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Robinson of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Federal Law Enforcement to Host Virtual Webinar on How to Keep Kids Safe OnlineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts is hosting a virtual webinar on May 7, 2026 on how to keep children safe online. Topics will include social media, gaming, sextortion, extremist threats and the rise of generative artificial intelligence. The event will feature presentations from subject matter experts, including the Federal Bureau of Investigations; Homeland Security Investigations; and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. There will also be live Q&A with participants and resources for further education.
Registration is required for the event please find link below. The webinar will not be recorded:
Topic: Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online
Date and time: Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 6:30 PM (EST)
Registration: https://usao.webex.com/weblink/register/r3e7ec6dd39529e1d1509dc763f5668f8
Members of the media who are interested in attending should contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office in advance at [email protected]. Media representatives are welcome to observe the event and report on the presentations and resources shared; however, out of respect for participants, media should not identify, approach, or interview attendees or quote questions posed by participants during the event.
If you are unable to attend the scheduled webinar but interested in attending other similar presentations in the future, please email [email protected] to be put on our mailing list.
Interested in promoting the event in your community? A media kit and additional resources can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/project-safe-childhood/project-safe-childhood-resources
Hyde Park Man Arrested and Charged with Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Hyde Park man has been arrested and charged for allegedly possessing child sexual abuse materials (CSAM).
Nicholas J. McDonagh, 25, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of possession of child pornography. McDonagh was arrested on April 23, 2026 and remains in federal custody pending further order by the court.
According to the charging documents, in June 2025, investigators with the Delaware State Police identified McDonagh as the potential suspect behind sexually explicit messages, photos and videos that had been sent to a 12-year-old Delaware girl via Snapchat earlier that year. It is alleged that McDonagh had been communicating with this girl over Snapchat from approximately January to March 2025, and that the two had engaged in “nude video chats.”
During subsequent searches of McDonagh’s residence and person on Aug. 6, 2025, several cellphones were seized. It is alleged that the devices were found to contain approximately 24 video files depicting CSAM, including several videos depicting girls who appear to be younger than 12 years old. It is further alleged that one of the devices contained several Snapchat messages with the minor victim from Delaware. The defendant was arrested and charged by state authorities that same day, on Aug. 6, 2025, and later released on bail with pretrial conditions, including GPS monitoring, internet restrictions and refraining from any unsupervised contact with minors.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274 or contact [email protected].
The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael A. Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Delaware State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Potapchuk of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s 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.
Michigan Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Northampton CompanyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Michigan man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield, Mass. to a scheme to defraud a Northampton construction company.
Jonathan McCormack, 41, of Lapeer, Mich., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and five counts of wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Aug. 17, 2026. In May 2024, McCormack was indicted by a federal grand jury.
McCormack was employed as a project supervisor for BluRoc, LLC., a construction company based in Northampton, Mass. McCormack also owned and operated JDM Site Services, LLC (JDM), a Michigan-based company that rented heavy equipment to BluRoc. McCormack used his positions at BluRoc and JDM to conduct a scheme to divert labor, equipment and material to conduct work and renovate a hunting lodge in Lake City, Mich.
Between April 2020 and August 2020, McCormack directed four of his BluRoc crew members, including his brother, to work at the hunting lodge while approving their time (as well as his own) into BluRoc’s computer tracking system as work on BluRoc projects, thereby ensuring that they were paid by BluRoc. This work included laying approximately 300 timber mats, hay and seed that McCormack took from a BluRoc worksite without payment. Specifically, on April 4, 2020, McCormack falsely approved the time for himself, his brother and three crew members for BluRoc projects in Indiana when they were actually working for McCormack at the hunting lodge.
McCormack agreed to forfeit six snowmobiles and repay BluRoc $98,087.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to five 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.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neil Desroches and Steven H. Breslow of the Springfield Branch Office are prosecuting the case.
Lynn Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Drug Conspiracy and Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynn man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for a years-long drug conspiracy and a January 2023 armed robbery of a drug distributor, during which the defendant and another individual stole approximately $24,000 in drug trafficking proceeds intended for the purchase of cocaine.
Harvey Rodriguez, a/k/a “Big Opp,” 29, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 10 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In January 2026, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of conspiracy interfere with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act Robbery). In August 2025, Rodriguez was arrested and charged.
Rodriguez was a participant in a multi-year drug conspiracy that took place in the Lynn area and on the North Shore of Massachusetts. As described in the court papers, Rodriguez conspired with numerous other distributors including those he supplied, and others who have been previously charged with federal drug offenses, including Vincent Caruso, a/k/a “Fatz”, Lawrence Michael Nagle, Jr. and Schuyler Oppenheimer, a/k/a “SK”. The drug conspiracy involved the manufacturing of counterfeit prescription pills and the sale of kilograms of cocaine and fentanyl in Lynn and throughout Massachusetts. Over the course of the investigation, Rodriguez distributed cocaine and methamphetamine to a cooperating witness and confidential informant on four occasions.
Rodriguez also participated in an armed robbery of a drug customer. On Jan. 30, 2023, a drug transaction was scheduled to take place at an apartment in Woburn, during which an associate of Rodriguez was to deliver a kilogram of cocaine in exchange for approximately $24,000. During the transaction, Rodriguez and Claudio Melo entered the apartment and pointed semiautomatic pistols at the drug customer before taking the $24,000 in cash, which was proceeds of drug trafficking activities the drug customer was engaged in. Rodriguez and Melo then forced the drug customer to open a safe in his bedroom, which was empty. Shortly thereafter, both robbers departed with the $24,000 cash.United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Boston made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Massachusetts State Police; and the Lynn Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Worcester Man Sentenced for Being a Felon in Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced yesterday for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Gilbert Morin, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman to six years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. In September 2025, Morin was indicted by a federal grand jury. Morin was arrested and charged in state court on May 30, 2025, and has remained in custody since.
On May 30, 2025, police responded to a report of a man with a firearm outside of downtown nightclub. Unable to locate the individual at the scene, officers drove a short distance away and observed a man who appeared to be concealing an item in his hand. When police attempted to stop the individual, later idented as Morin, he led police on a foot chase. Upon being apprehended, Morin was found to have possessed a stolen Taurus pistol loaded with ammunition. Morin previously was convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Feld Division; and Paul Saucier, Chief of the Worcester Police Department made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin J. Brown of the Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.
This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Boston Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Two Men Plead Guilty to Causing Explosion on Harvard Medical School CampusRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two Massachusetts men pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to conspiring to damage a building on Harvard Medical School’s (HMS) campus using a large commercial firework.
Logan David Patterson, 18, of Plymouth, Mass. and Dominick Frank Cardoza, 21, of Bourne, Mass., each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to damage, by means of an explosive. U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley scheduled sentencings for Aug. 4, 2026. In November 2025, the defendants were arrested and charged.
At approximately 2:23 a.m. on Nov. 1, 2025, surveillance cameras located at Huntington Avenue and Longwood Avenue in Boston captured two males – later identified as Patterson and Cardoza – walking toward the HMS campus wearing face coverings and dark clothing. Surveillance video captured the defendants lighting what appeared to be roman candle fireworks at approximately 2:24 a.m.
At approximately 2:33 a.m., the defendants were seen climbing over a chain-link fence into a construction area surrounding the Goldenson Building and, minutes later, climbing scaffolding beside the building to access the roof. At approximately 2:45 a.m., campus police received a fire alarm alert from an explosion on the fourth floor of the Goldenson Building, which houses a research laboratory within HMS’s Department of Neurobiology. It was determined that the defendants detonated a large, commercial firework inside a wooden locker in the fourth-floor research laboratory.
Subsequent security footage captured the defendants visiting the fifth floor of the building before exiting via a first-floor emergency exit and fleeing in opposite directions; removing and discarding clothing items they had worn on the HMS campus; and returning to the nearby campus of Wentworth Institute of Technology, which they were visiting for Halloween social activities.
The charge of conspiracy to damage, by means of fire or an explosive, 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.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Holcomb of the National Security Unit is prosecuting the case.
Previously Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Firearm and Ammunition OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynn man with multiple prior criminal convictions pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition.
Derrick J. Poe, 40, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition before U.S. District Court Judge Brian E. Murphy who scheduled sentencing for Aug. 4, 2026. Poe was charged by criminal complaint in February 2026 and is in federal custody pending sentencing.
Between Dec. 2, 2025 and Dec. 18, 2025, Poe distributed crack cocaine to undercover law enforcement in three separate controlled purchases in Salem, Mass. Poe was arrested after the third controlled purchase. A subsequent search of Poe’s Lynn residence resulted in the recovery of suspected crack cocaine and other evidence of drug distribution as well as three firearms and ammunition. Two of the firearms were privately made polymer-80 pistols, bearing no serial numbers, which are commonly referred to as “ghost guns.” The third firearm was a Springfield Armory 9mm pistol that had been reported stolen from Columbus, Ohio:
Poe is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to multiple prior felony convictions, including in Alabama. These include a 2006 conviction for unlawful possession of a controlled substance and robbery as well as a 2012 conviction for receiving stolen property. Poe received concurrent 10-year and 20-year sentences for the 2006 drug and robbery offenses – sentences which were later suspended and he was ordered to serve four years in prison followed by four years of supervised probation. As for the 2012 receipt-of-stolen-property offense, Poe received a 69-month prison sentence that was suspended, with credit for time served, and was placed on probation for 60 months. In 2016, he was convicted in Massachusetts state court of possessing Class B drugs with intent to distribute.
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 other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Thomas A. Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lynn and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aidan Lang of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Leader of Violent Criminal Enterprise Sentenced to More Than 18 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The leader of a violent criminal enterprise that operated in Hampden County was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for directing the trafficking of large amounts of cocaine and crack cocaine throughout Western Massachusetts, as well as for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The defendant used violence and threats of violence to control his territory in Holyoke, including an attempted violent armed kidnapping.
Vicente Gonzalez, 45, of Springfield, Mass. was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 220 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release. In July 2024, Gonzalez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. In October 2005, Gonzalez pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
Gonzalez was arrested and charged along with four others in March 2022.
In early 2021, Gonzalez was identified as the leader of a violent criminal enterprise that operated in Hampden County. Gonzalez’s organization included at least 10 individuals, who served as lookouts, runners, managers, enforcers and manufacturers to support the daily sale of cocaine and crack cocaine in the Holyoke and Springfield areas. – The primary base of operations was an apartment building in Holyoke that was located in a highly populated residential neighborhood. The investigation revealed that Gonzalez’s drug trafficking operations were prolific – distributing approximately 500 grams per month in the area of the apartment building alone between April 2021 and March 2022.
In furtherance of the trafficking activity, Gonzalez used violence and threats of violence to control his territory in Holyoke – maintaining an arsenal of firearms at the apartment stash house.
In June 2021, Gonzalez led an attempted armed kidnapping of a rival drug dealer at the apartment building. Specifically, moments after the victim entered the building, Gonzalez and his co-conspirators were captured on surveillance video in broad daylight, attempting to abduct the victim, pulling him back into the building, brandishing firearms and attempting to detain the victim.
Gonzalez has a significant criminal history that includes violent offenses and narcotics activity. He has prior convictions for armed home invasion in Florida, for which he received a three-year sentence, and a narcotics conviction in Massachusetts, for which he received a sentence of three to five years.
Gonzalez is the fourth defendant to be sentenced in the case. The remaining fifth defendant, Ocasio-Ramos, pleaded guilty to his involvement in the drug trafficking conspiracy and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug offense in February 2024 and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 28, 2026.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan; and Lawrence E. Akers, Superintendent of the Springfield Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Hampden District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neil L. Desroches and Annapurna Balakrishna of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
RelyOn Nutec Agrees to Pay $2.3 Million to Resolve Allegations of PPP Loan FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – RelyOn Nutec USA LLC (RelyOn), a company headquartered in Houma, La., has agreed to pay $2,389,213 to resolve allegations that it fraudulently obtained a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan for which it was ineligible.
Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and the Economic Security Act (CARES Act) on March 29, 2020, to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain approved expenses through the PPP, which the Small Business Administration (SBA) administered. The PPP provided for loans in two “draws”—first draw loans became available in March 2020, with a second draw announced in January 2021. To be eligible for PPP loans, businesses were required to certify on their loan applications that they met certain size standards based on, for example, the number of employees they, and their affiliated entities, collectively employed. In determining number of employees, businesses generally were required to count all employees of U.S. and foreign affiliates. Businesses with more than 300 employees were not eligible for second draw loans.
As part of the settlement, RelyOn admitted that, in January 2021, it received a $1,279,707 second draw PPP loan. RelyOn certified that it was eligible for the loan under the PPP regulations in effect at the time of the application and represented that it had 99 employees, including affiliates’ employees. RelyOn later sought and received forgiveness of the full amount of that loan. When it applied for the loan and when it applied for forgiveness, RelyOn did not qualify for the loan because it had more than 300 employees, when considering employees of its affiliates. Prior to 2021 and through 2022, RelyOn was a wholly owned subsidiary of RelyOn Nutec Holding A/S Denmark (RelyOn Denmark), a global company based in Denmark. When it applied for the second draw loan and when it applied for forgiveness, RelyOn had more than 300 employees, when considering employees of its foreign affiliates.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and the U.S. Small Business Administration made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julien M. Mundele of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled the matter.
Illegal Alien Sentenced to Prison for Selling Firearms and FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national unlawfully residing in Carver, Mass. was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for selling four firearms as well as fentanyl in 2024.
Talles Provette De Faria, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Angel Kelley to 32 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of the imposed sentence. In December 2025, the defendant pleaded guilty to one count of dealing firearms without a license, one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing in firearms without a license and one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He was charged by criminal complaint in September 2024.
On two dates between April and September 2024, Provette De Faria met with a cooperating witness in Eastern Massachusetts and sold a total of four firearms. In addition, Provette De Faria communicated with the cooperating witness on other dates about other firearms and also sold the cooperating witness fentanyl.
Specifically, on April 24, 2024, Provette De Faria sold two 9mm pistols and ammunition in exchange for cash at a Home Depot parking lot in Plymouth. Later, on May 15, 2024, Provette De Faria sold fentanyl to a cooperating witness at a parking lot in Barnstable.
On subsequent dates, Provette De Faria continued to send pictures and videos to the cooperating witness showing firearms – both pistols and rifles – and offering them for sale. This continued across several dates and into June. On several occasions, Provette De Faria indicated that he had an out-of-state source of supply for firearms.
On Sept. 19, 2024, before he was arrested by authorities, Provette De Faria sold a pistol, a rifle, as well as a 30-round magazine loaded with 27 rounds of ammunition to the cooperating witness in Plymouth. The pistol had previously been reported as stolen:
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; David T. Wesling, Acting Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations; and Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Plymouth, Barnstable and New Bedford Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Reynolds and Michael J. Crowley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Gardner Man Charged with Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Gardner man has been charged with possessing fentanyl intended for distribution.
Jason Page, 41, was charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Page was arrested on April 15, 2026 and remains in custody following an initial appearance in federal court in Worcester earlier today.
According to the charging documents, in the spring of 2024, an investigation began into Page for alleged drug trafficking activities. A search of Page’s apartment in Gardner and his storage locker in Leominster were in January 2026 and allegedly resulted in the discovery of more than $29,000 in suspected drug proceeds, digital scales, psilocybin mushrooms and marijuana in his apartment. More than 60 grams of fentanyl pills, more than 47 grams of fentanyl powder, more than 95 grams of cocaine, more than 240 grams of methamphetamine and more than 60 grams of MDMA were allegedly found in his storage unit.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a no less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and the Gardner Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Stendig of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Former Massachusetts Woman Indicted for Fraudulently Obtaining More than $100,000 in COVID-19 Rental Assistance Funds in CaliforniaRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Minnesota woman, formerly of Holliston, Mass., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston in connection with her fraudulent receipt of emergency rental assistance funds intended to provide housing assistance for individuals unable to pay rent due to a financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yvonette Joseph, 45, of Minneapolis, Minn., was indicted on two counts of theft of government money and two counts of unlawful monetary transactions. The defendant was previously charged by criminal complaint in August 2025 and released on conditions.
According to the charging documents, in or about November 2021, Joseph received more than $100,000 in Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) funds from the California Department of Housing & Community Development, the administrator of the ERA program for the state of California, after purported tenants submitted applications identifying Joseph as the landlord of a property in Los Angeles. Upon receipt of the funds, Joseph allegedly moved the funds from one bank account she controlled to another account she controlled, before wiring some of the funds to a bank account in Nigeria and wiring other funds to a cryptocurrency exchange – a digital marketplace where users can buy, sell and trade cryptocurrency.
In 2021, Congress established the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program to provide financial assistance to eligible low-income households to cover the costs of rent, rental arrears, utilities and other house-related expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The charges of theft of government money and unlawful monetary transactions each provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, forfeiture and restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Loren J. Sciurba, Deputy Inspector General of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Inspector General made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Kearney of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is 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 https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-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.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Jorge Junior Alvarez Rodriguez, 22, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for July 29, 2026. Alvarez was charged in May 2025.
On May 3, 2025, upon arrival at Boston’s Logan Airport from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Alvarez was flagged for secondary screening. During a review of Alvarez’s cell phone, files depicting CSAM were found. Multiple files depicting children as young as four to seven years old were discovered.
The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant may be subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Customs and Border Protection, Boston Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Maynard and Julissa Walsh of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Former Director of Food Services for Plymouth Public Schools Charged with Stealing Food and Equipment for Side BusinessRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former Director of Plymouth Public Schools’ Food Services program has been charged in connection with a long-running fraud scheme that began in 2014 in which he allegedly stole food and commercial kitchen equipment for use and sale at his private business, the “Snack Shack” on Sandy Neck Beach.
Patrick Van Cott, 64, of Sandwich, Mass., was charged with one count of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and two counts of wire fraud. The defendant will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the charging document, Van Cott was the Director of Food Services for the Plymouth Public Schools from 2003 until June 2025. Starting in approximately 2014, he also operated a seasonal business called the “Snack Shack” on Sandy Neck Beach in Barnstable, Mass.
It is alleged that, between 2014 and June 2025, Van Cott defrauded the Plymouth Public Schools by taking food and equipment purchased with funds including U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funds and using that food and equipment to run Snack Shack. The equipment Van Cott is alleged to have ordered with school funds includes two $2,200 refrigerators; a $3,950 two-door freezer; two 12-inch hot plates; a 24-inch griddle; a chargrill; a fryolator; shelving; a sandwich prep table; a convection oven; and hanging chalk boards. In addition, every summer starting in approximately 2014, Van Cott is alleged to have collected condiments, diced chicken, hot dogs, cooking oil, snacks, paper goods, coffee, food products and other miscellaneous items paid for by the Plymouth Public Schools or supplied by the USDA, which he then used and sold those items at Snack Shack. He is further alleged to have directed Plymouth Public Schools cafeteria workers to slice at least nine pounds of deli turkey and 4.5 pounds of deli ham, which he sold in various menu items at the Snack Shack, once or twice per week starting in 2014. Van Cott is also alleged to have ordered over $3,000 in premium burger patties with school funds, which he intended to and did sell in menu items at the Snack Shack.
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted program administered on the federal level by the USDA that provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to public school children. In Massachusetts, meals for all students are free, and schools are reimbursed for meals through a combination of USDA funds and state funds.
The charge of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $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 $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Charmeka Parker, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Plymouth Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Eye Practice and Physician Owner Agree to Pay $415,000 to Resolve Allegations of False Claims to MedicareRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The Mitchell Eye Center, a Florida ophthalmology practice, and Dr. Alan Mitchell, an ophthalmologist and former owner of the Mitchell Eye Center, have agreed to pay $415,000 to resolve allegations that they caused the submission of false claims to Medicare in violation of the False Claims Act.
The United States alleges that from September 2018 through March 2020, Mitchell Eye Center and Dr. Mitchell caused the submission of false claims for transcranial doppler (TCD) tests to Medicare and the Veterans Health Administration. A TCD test is a non-invasive diagnostic test that can be used to estimate the blood flow through certain blood vessels in the brain by bouncing high-frequency sound waves off blood cells. As part of the settlement agreement, the Mitchell Eye Center and Dr. Mitchell admitted to and accepted responsibility for facts underlying the settlement agreement. Mitchell Eye Center had contractual agreements with an independent medical diagnostics company, Eyecuity, PLLC (Eyecuity). During the relevant time, Eyecuity paid Mitchell Eye Center for every referral that the Mitchell Eye Center made for TCD tests, even though the parties’ contracts called for payment based on fair market value of rent and administrative services rendered, and not per-patient or per-test that Mitchell Eye Center referred to Eyecuity. When documenting the purported medical necessity of the TCD tests for Medicare to cover the costs of the tests, Mitchell Eye Center physicians also signed order forms that Eyecuity had provided, indicating that patients had Vertebro-Basilar Syndrome or Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency (VBI), a very rare condition. But Mitchell Eye Center physicians did not have reason to believe that patients had a diagnosis of VBI.
The United States contends that the claims for the TCD tests that Mitchell Eye Center and Dr. Mitchell caused Eyecuity to submit to Medicare were false because the TCD tests were not medically necessary and because the Mitchell Eye Center received payments from Eyecuity that violated the Anti-Kickback Statute.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge, Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. The Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles B. Weinograd of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit is handling this case.