District of Massachusetts
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Advertising Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Texas man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to advertising child pornography on the dark web.
Neal Grubert, 35, of Bertram, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of advertising child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Nathanial M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Oct. 19, 2023. Grubert was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2021.
In May 2020, Swedish law enforcement authorities determined that a Swedish citizen was producing images and videos of himself sexually abusing his three-year-old niece and distributing them on various dark websites. The investigation identified Grubert as an administrator of one of the websites. Following the Swedish individual’s arrest, a forensic examination of their phone revealed several images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children, including images and videos in which Grubert’s face could be seen watching the exploitation as it happened via webcam while logged onto this dark website. Specifically, Grubert was masturbating while directing the Swedish individual how to molest his niece. A subsequent undercover investigation by federal law enforcement located images and a video uploaded and published by Grubert in his role as an administrator on the dark website.
The other individual pleaded guilty to charges in Sweden and was sentenced to seven years in prison.
The charge of advertising child pornography provides for a sentence of at least 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Swedish Police Authority; Swedish National Operations Department; Swedish National IT Crime Centre; Swedish Prosecution Authority; Swedish National Public Prosecution Department; and Swedish National Unit against Organized Crime. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Luke A. Goldworm and Benjamin Tolkoff of the Major Crimes Unit 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.Leominster Man Pleads Guilty to Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Leominster man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Worcester to possessing large quantities of counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine intended for distribution.
Chanhda Onesyvieng, 48, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for Oct. 4, 2023. Onesyvieng was charged on May 1, 2023.
In early April 2023, federal law enforcement received information that Onesyvieng was distributing significant quantities of counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine in Rhode Island. On April 28, 2023, during a traffic stop of Onesyvieng in Worcester, approximately two kilograms of counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine and approximately 135 grams of cocaine were seized. During a subsequent search of the defendants’ residence in Leominster, approximately one kilogram of counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, approximately one kilogram of cocaine, and approximately $60,000 in cash were seized.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and John. E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danial E. Bennett of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Six Arrested for Multi-State Drug Conspiracy Spanning Massachusetts, Rhode Island and TexasRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Six individuals were arrested today for their alleged involvement in a drug trafficking organization that distributed oxycodone pills obtained from a source in the Houston area, across Southeastern Massachusetts and beyond.
- John Campbell, a/k/a Jizz, 40, of Taunton, Mass. was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
- Kenneth Veiga, 33, of Abington, Mass. was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
- Michael Atwood, 36, of Carver, Mass. was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
- Austin Gonsalves, 36, of Fall River, Mass. was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
- Scott Lambert, 55, of Falmouth, Mass. was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances; and
- Christan Russell, a/k/a Christian Russell, a/k/a Bear, 32, of Tomball, Texas was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
The defendants will appear in U.S. District Court later today.
According to the charging documents, an investigation into John Campbell began in April 2022 after receiving information that he was allegedly distributing oxycodone pills. A series of controlled buys were conducted and Campbell’s telephone calls and text messages were intercepted. Those interceptions allegedly revealed that Campbell redistributed oxycodone pills to Michael Atwood and Scott Lambert. It is further alleged that Atwood and Lambert re-distributed the oxycodone pills they obtained from Campbell to others. On Feb. 24, 2023, law enforcement stopped Lambert in Bourne, Mass after he allegedly met with Campbell, and 73 oxycodone pills were found hidden in a Krazy Glue container.
Kenneth Veiga’s telephone calls and text messages were also intercepted and revealed that he allegedly obtained and distributed oxycodone pills that he received from Christan Russell and that re-distributed oxycodone pills to Austin Gonsalves. It is further alleged that Russell obtained and brought oxycodone pills from pharmacies in the Houston area to the Boston area for distribution to Veiga. Specifically, it is alleged that in February 2023, flight records show that Russell travelled to Boston and met with Veiga; during a meeting in March 2023, Veiga met with Russell at the Twin River Casino, in Lincoln, R.I., where Russell allegedly distributed oxycodone pills to Veiga; and in May 2023, Veiga and Russell met again for an oxycodone pill exchange at a hotel in Brookline, Mass.
“Massachusetts continues to suffer from the devastating effects of the lethal opioid crisis and overdose deaths are far too common. Stemming the opioid crisis is one of this office’s highest priorities including stemming the flow of illegally diverted narcotics as alleged in this case from Texas to Massachusetts,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Illegally distributed opioids leave a trail of violence and death as they course through the black market. We will never cease in our efforts to penetrate these drug rings and do everything in our power to protect the people of Massachusetts.”
“The state of Massachusetts is faced with an opioid crisis unlike ever before,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Agency. “Those responsible for distributing oxycodone pills illegally to the citizens of Massachusetts need to be held accountable for their actions. DEA will aggressively pursue Drug Trafficking Organizations and individuals who distribute drugs in order to profit and destroy people’s lives. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”
“Traffickers of Oxycodone pills are among the main culprits behind the opioid epidemic, and investigation and interdiction of these criminals rightfully remains a major priority of law enforcement. The Massachusetts State Police and our partners at the US Attorney’s Office and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies are committed to disrupting the drug trafficking organizations that facilitate the influx of illegal narcotics into our state, or communities, and our neighborhoods,” said Massachusetts State Police Interim Colonel John E. Mawn Jr.
“The opioid crisis has a very real and very harmful impact on our communities. Today’s charges illustrate that those involved in illicit opioid trafficking and those employing money laundering schemes to move their illegal proceeds will be held accountable. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed, working with our law enforcement partners, to identifying those who place our communities at risk through the illicit opioid trade and dismantling their operations through enforcement actions such as these,” said Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division.
“The Falmouth Police Department is committed to working with our Local, State and Federal Partners in a unified effort to hold those accountable bringing this poison into our Communities and Commonwealth,” said Falmouth Police Chief Jeffrey Lourie.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; DEA SAC Boyle; MSP Interim Colonel Mawn Jr.; USPIS INC Larco-Ward; Chief Lourie; and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation made the announcement today. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; United States Coast Guard Investigative Service; the Barnstable, Dennis, Bourne, Mashpee, Yarmouth, Sandwich and Falmouth Police Departments; and the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office provided valuable assistance in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys John Mulcahy of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit and Alexandra Amrhein of the Asset Recovery Unit are prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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.
New Hampshire Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Manchester, N.H. man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to his role in a multi-state methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy.
Anthony Elwell, 49, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Nov. 1, 2023. In May 2021, the defendant was indicted along with three other individuals, Andrew Lunn, Mark Daileanes and William Velez.
On four occasions between June and September 2020, Lunn sold pure methamphetamine to a cooperating witness in amounts ranging from 100 to almost 280 grams. Velez supplied Lunn with the methamphetamine for each of those deals. For one of the deals, in July 2020, Elwell provided Daileanes with money to purchase 280 grams of methamphetamine from Lunn.
Elwell is the last of the four defendants to plead guilty in this case. Lunn is scheduled to be sentenced on July 27, 2023, Daileanes is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 20, 2023 and Velez is scheduled to be sentenced on July 19, 2023.
The charges of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Division, made the announcement today. The New Hampshire State Police and the Everett, Nashua (N.H), Merrimack (N.H.), Litchfield (N.H), and Manchester (N.H.) Police Departments provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea Porter of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Lawrence Man Pleads Guilty to Disaster Fund Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to using stolen identities to fraudulently obtain over $450,000 in Economic Injury Disaster Loan funds from the Small Business Administration (SBA) and to launder the funds.
Darwyn Joseph, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and four counts of wire fraud and aiding and abetting. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Oct. 19, 2023. Joseph was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in December 2020 along with co-conspirator Ramon Joseph Cruz, Jr. The defendants were subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2021.Between approximately April and December 2020, Joseph and Cruz were involved in a conspiracy to use stolen identity information of United States citizens to apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Specifically, Joseph and Cruz used stolen identity information of U.S. citizens to open fraudulent bank accounts which were then linked to other fraudulent bank accounts set up to receive the SBA funds. Joseph and Cruz also received some of the debit cards associated with fraudulent bank accounts into which SBA funds were deposited, and then laundered those funds by using them to purchase large numbers of iPhones for re-sale. Joseph and Cruz also wired a portion of the funds to the Dominican Republic in furtherance of the scheme.
Over $452,000 in SBA funds were fraudulently obtained in connection with this scheme. Approximately $250,000 of this money was used to purchase iPhones in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.Cruz pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy on May 18, 2023. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 30, 2023.
The charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elianna Nuzum and Adam Deitch of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.Clinton Man Pleads Guilty to Employment Tax Fraud, Mail Fraud and False Statements; Leominster Man Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Clinton man and Leominster man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester in connection with their involvement in tax and mail fraud, and other offenses.
Juliano Fernandes, 42, of Clinton, pleaded guilty to 11 counts of employment tax fraud, two counts of mail fraud, and two counts of making false statements to a federal agency. Anderson Dos Santos, 39, of Leominster, pleaded guilty to four counts of filing a false tax return. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencings for October 2023.
Fernandes exercised financial control over Force Corporation and AB Construction, both Massachusetts-based construction companies. Between 2015 and 2017, Fernandes willfully failed to account for and pay over employment taxes for these companies to the United States Internal Revenue Service. In addition, from approximately April 2013 through January 2017, Fernandes defrauded worker’s compensation insurance companies by misrepresenting the number of employees at Force Corporation and AB Construction, and the amount of wages paid to the employees. Fernandes also, in August 2017, made materially false statements to the U.S. Department of Labor regarding the value of property he owned in Lunenburg, Mass., and that he never had responsibility or control over the payroll of Force Corporation. These statements related to the Department of Labor’s efforts to collect funds from Fernandes and his businesses in connection with alleged civil wage violations.
Dos Santos, who worked for AB Construction, signed and filed individual tax returns for tax years 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017, in which he materially under-reported his income.
The charge of mail fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charges of failure to pay over employment taxes and making a false statement each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of filing a false tax return provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $100,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations, Boston Field Office; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Labor Racketeering and Fraud, Northeast Region; and Anthony DiPaolo, Executive Director of the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan D. O’Shea and Danial Bennett of the Worcester Branch Office, and John T. Mulcahy of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit, are prosecuting the case.
Andover Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Northern New England Fentanyl Trafficking OperationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Andover man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in connection with a fentanyl trafficking operation that spanned across northern New England.
Randell Starlin Medina Rodriguez, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and p-Fluorofentanyl, a fentanyl analogue. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Oct. 5, 2023.
Medina Rodriguez was arrested and charged in February 2022 along with five other co-defendants. All six defendants were subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2022.
Beginning in mid-2021, Medina Rodriguez conspired with others to deliver hundreds of grams of fentanyl throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. Specifically, Medina Rodriguez and others served as Massachusetts-based dealers who delivered large quantities of fentanyl to wholesale customers who in turn would distribute those substances in Maine and/or New Hampshire.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and p-Fluorofentanyl, a fentanyl analogue, provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Hassink and Lauren Graber of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.
The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Worcester Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced on July 7, 2023 in federal court in Worcester for distributing and possessing child pornography.
Kenneth Gianatasio, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 12 years in prison and eight years of supervised release. On March 14, 2023, Gianatasio pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography.
In August 2019, Gianatasio initiated a conversation with an undercover agent on Kik Messenger. During the conversation, Gianatasio requested to meet the agent in order to engage in sexual activity with the agent’s fictitious underage daughter. During subsequent interviews with law enforcement, Gianatasio admitted that he used Kik as well as other applications to distribute, receive, and possess images and videos of child pornography as well as engage others in conversations about meeting to perform sexual acts on children. Gianatasio also stated that he kept his child pornography in secret applications in his devices for five years. A search of Gianatasio’s iPhone and iPad were found to contain videos and images of child pornography, including thousands of thumbnails in applications on his iPhone.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Worcester Police Department and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lucy Sun and Kaitlin J. Brown of Levy’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.Two Men Indicted for Conspiracy to Straw Purchase FirearmsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two men have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for allegedly conspiring to straw purchase firearms in Maine and traffic the firearms to Massachusetts.
Traveyon Richardson, 25, of Bangor, Maine and Breon Stroup, 26, of Fall River, Mass., were indicted on one count each of conspiracy to straw purchase firearms. Richardson was also indicted on one count of trafficking of firearms and Stroup was indicted on one count of felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. The defendants will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the charging document, in September 2022, Stroup allegedly used Snapchat to ask Richardson to purchase two specific firearms for him in Maine, where Richardson resides. It is alleged that the following day, Stroup sent Richardson a Cash App money transfer and Richardson purchased the firearms online. Then, Richardson allegedly picked up the firearms from the federal firearm license dealer and drove the firearms to Massachusetts in October 2022.
It is further alleged that approximately two weeks later, in October 2022, Richardson and Stroup had a phone conversation where Stroup assured Richardson that he had deleted his Snapchat account. When Richardson allegedly inquired about Stroup’s iCloud account, Stroup responded that he had deleted his iCloud account also.The charge of conspiracy to straw purchase firearms 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 trafficking of firearms 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 being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Fall River Police Department and the Maine State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucy Sun of Levy’s Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Springfield Man Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield man has been sentenced in connection with an armed robbery of a convenience store and firearms charges.
Emilio Rivera, 34, was sentenced on July 6, 2023 by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to six years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. In March 2019, Rivera pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery, one count of using a firearm in relation to crime of violence and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
On Nov. 14, 2019, Rivera and, allegedly, co-defendant Alfredo Aldeco robbed a clerk in a West Springfield convenience store at gunpoint. When law enforcement later executed a search warrant on Rivera’s home, they found the firearm used in the robbery along with another firearm and ammunition, owned by Rivera. At the time, Rivera was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a prior felony conviction.
Aldeco has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the West Springfield, Holyoke, Agawam, Chicopee, Northampton and Springfield Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Deepika Bains Shukla of Levy’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Rockport Business Owner Charged with Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The owner of a local landscaping company was charged today and has agreed to plead guilty in connection with a multi-year scheme to underreport income on his tax returns.
Steven O’Brien, 70, of Rockport, was charged with five counts of filing false tax returns. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the Court.
According to the charging documents, O’Brien, the owner of Steve’s Landscaping, Inc., cashed customer checks instead of depositing customer payments into his business bank accounts. It is alleged that O’Brien then did not report his income from the cashed checks on his corporate tax filings and personal tax returns for tax years 2016 through 2021, resulting in an income tax loss of more than $368,000.
The charge of filing false tax returns provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of $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.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil of Levy’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Correctional Officer Sentenced to Prison for Violating Inmate's Civil RightsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former senior Correctional Officer at U.S. Bureau of Prisons Federal Medical Center in Devens (FMC Devens) was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for using excessive force on an inmate.
Seth M. Bourget, 42, of Woodstock, Conn., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to one year and one day in prison and two years of supervised release. In December 2022, Bourget was convicted by a federal jury of one count of deprivation of civil rights under color of law.
On or about June 18, 2019, Bourget struck a handcuffed inmate suffering from severe mental disorders with a large protective shield with excessive force, causing serious head injuries. Specifically, on the day of the incident, the inmate was acting out and not prepared for his move to a different unit. Evidence at trial established that the inmate was sprayed in the face with pepper spray and locked in a cell with his hands cuffed behind his back for approximately 45 minutes. As a result, the inmate was in an agitated state and unable to consistently engage in a coherent conversation or understand regular verbal commands. Bourget and other officers prepared to conduct a use of force on the inmate involving a train of five men entering the cell – which Bourget volunteered to lead using a protective shield. Trial evidence established that, upon entry into the cell, Bourget thrust the protective shield upward and struck the handcuffed inmate in the chin area, snapping the inmate’s head back and causing the inmate to fall back onto the concrete cell floor. The resulting impact caused significant injury to the inmate’s head, including lacerations that required 12 staples and a gash on his lip that required six sutures.
“Corrections officers are placed in a position of public trust and the overwhelming majority of correctional officers do their jobs with professionalism, respect and dedication to protect and serve. In this case, a jury unanimously found that Mr. Bourget abused his position of authority when he violently struck a mentally ill and defenseless inmate,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This office will continue to hold accountable bad actors who abuse their power and violate the public’s trust in them.”
“No inmate should experience abuse at the hands of a Federal Bureau of Prisons employee. Bourget assaulted an inmate using excessive force, and today’s sentencing shows that those who abuse their power will be held accountable for their actions,” said Ryan T. Geach, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General New York Field Office.
“Corrections officer Seth Bourget betrayed the public trust when he violently struck a severely mentally ill inmate who was handcuffed inside a locked cell. Today’s sentence holds him accountable for his blatant disregard for the laws he swore to uphold, and the civil rights he violated,” said Christopher DiMenna. Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “As law enforcement officers, we are all bound by oath to serve all citizens equally, with compassion, professionalism, dignity, and respect which clearly did not happen in this case.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; DOJ-OIG New York Field Office SAC Geach; and FBI Acting SAC DiMenna made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neil J. Gallagher Jr. of the Public Corruption Unit and Torey B. Cummings of the Civil Rights & Human Trafficking Unit prosecuted the case.
Five Springfield Men Indicted for Drug Distribution and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Five Springfield men were indicted on July 6, 2023, in connection with a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
- Abraham Heredia, 23, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl;
- Jose Heredia, Jr., 34, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug offense;
- Lamiek White, 29, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm;
- Isais Diaz, 24, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine and one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl; and
- Robert Collado, 38, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine.
Heredia, Heredia, Jr. and White were arrested in June 2023. White and Abraham Heredia were arraigned in federal court in Springfield on July 6, 2023, before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Katherine A. Robertson, and the remaining defendants will be arraigned in the upcoming weeks.
According to the charging documents, Heredia and Heredia, Jr. conspired on at least two dates to distribute fentanyl. On June 7, 2023, the defendants allegedly conspired to distribute more than one and a half kilograms of fentanyl. It is further alleged that approximately 200 grams of fentanyl and a firearm with an obliterated serial number were found during a search of White’s residence. Court documents also allege that Diaz conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and that he and Collado conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $10 million. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and fine of up to $8 million. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and fine of $8 million. The charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug offense provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to life in prison, which must be served consecutive to the sentence imposed for the drug offense. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; the Holyoke, Springfield, Chicopee, West Springfield and Easthampton Police Departments; the Berkshire, Hampden and Franklin County Sherriff’s Offices; and the Massachusetts State Police Gang Unit provided valuable assistance in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of the Springfield Branch Unit is prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dominican Man Indicted for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after deportation.
Manny Bautista-Arias, 31, was charged with one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the charging documents, Bautista-Arias was deported from the United States in September 2017. It is alleged that sometime after his removal, Bautista-Arias unlawfully returned to the United States and was removed again in November 2018. Sometime after his removal, it is alleged that Bautista-Arias unlawfully reentered the United States for a second time. On June 10, 2023, Bautista-Arias was arrested by immigration authorities in Quincy.
The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Todd M. Lyons, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan C. Cleary of Levy’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Boston Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Transporting FirearmsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegally transporting firearms from Alabama into Massachusetts.
Jarmori Brown, 21, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In March 2023, Brown pleaded guilty to one count of illegal transportation or receipt in state of residency of firearm purchased or acquired outside of state of residency, and one count of conspiracy to illegally transport firearms.
In July 2022, Brown was charged along with co-defendants Brandon Moore, Jahquel Pringle and Kobe Smith. Brown has been in state custody on unrelated state charges since being charged federally. Pringle and Smith are currently in federal custody pending their trials. Moore’s case was transferred to his home district of the Middle District of Alabama, where he has since pleaded guilty.
Brown, and allegedly Pringle, Smith and Moore, conspired to obtain at least 24 firearms from Alabama, where Moore lived, and then transport them to Boston. In August 2020, Brown traveled from Boston to Alabama on a commercial bus to pick up the firearms, allegedly from Moore, and then transported the firearms, concealed within luggage, back to Boston on the commercial bus. According to court documents, at least seven firearms obtained in this manner have been recovered by law enforcement from the streets of Boston and surrounding communities.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of Levy’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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.
North Easton Contractor Agrees to Plead Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The owner of a concrete company was charged today and has agreed to plead guilty to a multi-year scheme to underreport income on his tax returns.
Cleber Gomes Pecanha, 48, of North Easton, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of tax evasion. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the Court.
According to the charging document, Pecanha, the owner of CGP General Construction, Inc., cashed customer checks and did not deposit the receipts in his business bank accounts. Pecanha did not tell his tax preparer that he was cashing large numbers of checks from customers and only gave the tax preparer his bank statements as support for his tax filings. By hiding his income in this manner, Pecanha underreported income from the business on his personal tax returns, resulting in an income tax loss of more than $1,862,033 for the tax years 2017 to 2021. Pecanha used the proceeds of his income tax evasion scheme to fund an off-the-books cash payroll.
The charge of tax evasion provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to 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.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil of Levy’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Violent Gang Member Convicted of Drug and Firearms Conspiracy Involving Six ShootingsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The last remaining defendant in a multi-phase investigation targeting drug trafficking and gang violence in communities north of Boston was found guilty yesterday of operating a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy that manufactured and distributed kilograms of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine in Maine. The trial evidence also included proved his participation in six shootings. The defendant served as a supplier for multiple large-scale drug dealers in Maine and participated in the acquisition of over 40 firearms for gang members.
Armani Minier-Tejada, a/k/a “Shotz,” a/k/a “Gustavo,” 23, was convicted by a federal jury of one count of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, cocaine, and other controlled substances; one count of conspiracy to use and carry a firearm during and in relation to, and possess a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime; and one count of use and carrying, brandishing and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime.. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Oct. 5, 2023. Based upon the charges for which he was convicted, Minier-Tejada faces a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 40 years in prison.
The investigation began in 2020 in direct response to an increasing number of shootings in communities north of Boston committed by street gangs whose violence is fueled by drug distribution. The investigation resulted in the arrest and charging of Minier-Tejada and his co-conspirators Shelby Kleffman, Jaiir Coleman and Christina Bernbaum in early 2021. All three of Minier-Tejada’s co-conspirators pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing.
Minier-Tejada was a member of a street gang known as the Tiny Rascal Gangsters (TRG), one of the largest and most violent criminal street gangs in the country that operates on a decentralized structure via local groups or “sets.” TRG is involved in street-level distribution of powdered cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy and methamphetamine and members are known for their involvement in gun violence, including drive-by shootings of residences of rival gang members.
The government introduced evidence at trial that Minier-Tejada and his co-conspirators participated in a long-running conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine in Boston, the North Shore and Bangor, Maine. At trial, the government introduced evidence that Minier-Tejada served as the supplier for multiple large-scale drug dealers in Maine and, in total, he and his co-conspirators were responsible for trafficking more than 10 kilograms each of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine into Maine.
Minier-Tejada and his coconspirators produced numerous videos and images in which they were depicted brandishing and holding firearms, including multiple machine guns. Evidence was introduced at trial that in 2019 and 2020, Minier-Tejada and co-conspirator Coleman committed six shootings in Boston and surrounding communities in furtherance of the drug conspiracy. One of the shootings, which took place in Cambridge in July 2020, was in response to a video being live-streamed from a parking lot accusing Minier-Tejada and Coleman of cooperating with law enforcement. Minier-Tejada and Coleman travelled to the streaming location with two firearms – including a machine gun – and together fired at least 30 rounds into a large crowd of people gathered in the parking lot.
Additionally, evidence was introduced that the drug conspiracy of which Minier-Tejada was a leader acquired over 40 firearms and multiple “selector switches” for TRG members. “Selector switches,” or auto sears, are aftermarket parts that convert a semi-automatic firearm into a machine gun.
“The highest calling for the Department of Justice is to keep our communities safe. This case should send a clear and unequivocal message to those who chose to pump fentanyl and other deadly drugs into our streets and brazenly brandish highly dangerous firearms to protect their trade – you will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We will spare no resources working with our federal, state and local partners to make sure that people who terrorize their communities and who show a callous disregard for human life will spend decades behind bars,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy.
“Armani Minier-Tejada stands convicted of numerous shootings committed in furtherance of his large-scale drug trafficking ring that polluted the streets of Maine with everything from deadly fentanyl to cocaine, crack cocaine & methamphetamine,” said Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division. “The FBI’s North Shore Gang Task Force will continue to work diligently to remove violent criminals from our communities, and we thank the jury for their swift verdict in this case.”
“DEA is committed to investigating and dismantling violent poly drug trafficking organizations like this operating in Massachusetts led by Armani Minier-Tejada,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Office. “As we all know, drug trafficking in our communities, along with the gun and physical violence that often accompanies it, is a serious threat to public safety. This is unacceptable and we will not allow it to happen. DEA and its local, state and federal partners are dedicated to bringing to justice those that commit these crimes. This verdict not only holds Mr. Minier-Tejada accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are contributing to the drug crisis in Massachusetts.”
“ATF’s deepest gratitude goes out to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for pursuing this investigation, as well as the state and local partners who diligent assisted with this investigation, which included a cavalier act of shooting a machine gun into an open public area. Our community can rest tonight, knowing our streets are safer with Armani Minier-Tejada being found guilty for his crimes,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to our officers, and law enforcement partners, who worked collaboratively to bring justice following a very concerning series of events in Cambridge and across our region,” said Cambridge Police Commissioner Christine Elow. “This conviction is yet another example of how working together can make our streets and communities safer. It also demonstrates the collective action we all are deeply committed to taking, particularly when addressing important issues like gun violence and drug trafficking that can cause great harm and trauma to our communities.”
“The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency continues to coordinate our enforcement efforts with our local, State and Federal partners to combat the lethal drug epidemic in Maine. This case underscores how dangerous these criminal drug traffickers are and how vital it is to shut down these criminal enterprises. We want to recognize and thank the many law enforcement professionals who participated in complex case and the successful prosecution,” said Rick Desjardins, Director of the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.
Minier-Tejeda is the 18th and final federal defendant to be convicted in this case. Over the past three years, the investigation has resulted in the arrest, conviction and imprisonment of multiple drug traffickers and violent offenders in the greater Boston area, including Vincent Caruso, a/k/a “Fatz;” his mother Laurie Caruso and co-conspirator Ernest Johnson, a/k/a “Yo Pesci;” Malden-based drug trafficker Phillips Charles, a/k/a “Phon C;” and large-scale methamphetamine supplier and TRG leader David Oth, a/k/a “Baby Bouncer.”
The charge of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, cocaine, and other controlled substances, provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least 10 years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of conspiracy to use and carry a firearm during and in relation to, and possess a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime provides for a sentence of up to life in prison because a machine gun was involved in the offense, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge use and carrying, brandishing and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years and up to life to be served consecutively to the penalty for the underlying drug trafficking crime, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. As such, based on the crimes for which Minier-Tejada was convicted, he faces a mandatory 40 years in federal prison. Sentences are imposed by a federal district judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Levy, FBI SAC DiMenna, DEA SAC Boyle, ATF SAC Ferguson, Commissioner Elow and MDEA Director Desjardins made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine; Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; Middlesex and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices; Essex and Hancock (Maine) County Sheriff’s Department; and the Chelsea, Everett, Lynn, Malden, Salem, Somerville, Bangor (Maine), Portland (Maine) and Westbrook (Maine) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Kaitlin R. O’Donnell of Levy’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
UPDATE: This press release was amended on July 25, 2023.
Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Unlawful Possession of Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dorchester man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition as a previously convicted felon.
Kevin Blackmore, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On March 7, 2023, Blackmore pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
On June 19, 2022, police were dispatched to a hotel in Sharon, Mass. in response to a call for a possible disturbance involving two vehicles. At the scene, the female occupant of one vehicle requested police assistance in collecting personal items from Blackmore, who was driving the second vehicle. When officers assisted Blackmore in searching the vehicle for those items, they recovered a black Smith and Wesson .45 caliber semi-automatic firearm, a Taurus .9mm semi-automatic firearm, 97 rounds of .9mm ammunition and 100 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition. According to court records, Blackmore has numerous prior felony convictions stemming back to 1996 and going up through 2020, as a result Blackmore is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Blackmore has multiple prior convictions for violent behavior, nine restraining orders involving eight different women and a prior conviction for illegal possession of a firearm in 2009.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Sharon Police Department and the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of Levy’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Florida Man Sentenced for BriberyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Florida man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Springfield for paying bribes to receive contracts for work at a college in New York.
Willian Borges, 30, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to two years of probation and forfeiture of $225,000. The government recommended a sentence of two years in prison. In October 2022, Borges pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to pay bribe payments and three counts of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds.
Borges was a principal of DWD Builders, a general contracting firm, from 2018 to 2019. During this time, Borges paid bribes to co-conspirator Floyd Young, who held positions involving facility maintenance at a New York college, in exchange for preference in obtaining contracts for construction, repair, maintenance and other work for the college. The bribes Borges paid Young during face-to-face meetings were made in cash and worth 15% of the contract. In addition, as Borges received payment for work done at the college, he paid Young bribes on a periodic basis. Borges paid approximately $225,000 in exchange for approximately $2,250,000 in contracts.In August 2020, Young pleaded guilty to steering contracts for construction, repair, maintenance and other work for the colleges to favored contractors, including Borges, in exchange for bribe payments typically in the amount of 15% of the contract.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of Levy’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Boston Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking Following Two-Kilogram Cocaine DealRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced yesterday for selling two kilograms of cocaine and possessing nearly one kilogram of heroin as well as a high-powered rifle in East Boston.
Carlos Acosta Estrella, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 10 years in prison and eight years of supervised release. In September 2022, Estrella pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and one count of possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. Estrella was indicted along with his mother, Ana Guadalupe Acosta Grajeda, in October 2019.Estrella and Grajeda were arrested after they were videotaped selling two kilograms of cocaine to a cooperating witness in East Boston. A search of Estrella and Grajeda’s apartment in East Boston resulted in the seizure of nearly one kilogram of heroin, an additional kilogram of cocaine, numerous cellphones, a high-powered tactical shotgun with a laser sight and a box of ammunition for the shotgun.
Grajeda was sentenced in June 2022 after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and has since been deported to Mexico.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael A. Cox made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Pohl of Levy’s Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
New York Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New York man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Springfield to drug trafficking charges involving fentanyl.
Chanty Reynoso Vasquez, 28, of Bronx, N.Y., pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Nov. 20, 2023. Reynoso Vasquez was indicted by a grand jury in May 2022.
On March 30, 2022, in Springfield, Reynoso Vasquez possessed 400 grams or more fentanyl intended for distribution.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, up to six years of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England; and Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of Levy’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Medford Contractor Charged with Tax Evasion and Filing False Loan ApplicationsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The owner of a local excavation and plowing company has been charged and has agreed to plead guilty in connection with a multi-year scheme to underreport income on his tax returns and to obtain loans based on false loan applications.
Peter Tufts, 55, of Medford, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of tax evasion and two counts of submitting false loan applications. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the Court.
According to the charging document, Tufts, the owner of Tufts Construction, Inc. underreported income on his corporate and personal tax returns for tax years 2015 through 2021, resulting in an income tax loss of more than $465,000. In addition, Tufts used the proceeds of his income tax evasion scheme to fund an off-the-books cash payroll that Tufts used to avoid employment taxes, causing a payroll tax loss of more than $539,000.
It is further alleged that, while perpetrating his tax evasion scheme, Tufts obtained loans from a local community bank and from the Small Business Administration (SBA) based on false loan applications. In his loan applications, and associated loan documents, Tufts falsely told the bank and the SBA that he had never declared bankruptcy, owed no back taxes, and was not involved in litigation. In fact, as alleged, Tufts was involved in ongoing bankruptcy proceedings when he obtained his loans and was engaging in a multi-year income and employment tax evasion scheme.
The charge of tax evasion provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of false loan applications provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million 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.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service in Boston made the announcement today. The United States Postal Inspection Service, Office of the Inspector General; the United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, Criminal Investigations Bureau; and the Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil of Levy’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Honduran Man Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Honduran man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for illegal reentry.
Blas Antonio Celaya-Padilla, 41, of Chelsea, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 45 months in prison. His sentence will be served concurrently with a 37 month federal sentence he is currently serving for conspiracy to commit alien smuggling in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Padilla was previously deported from the United States on five prior occasions between 1999 and 2015 and has three prior federal convictions for illegal reentry: a 2004 conviction in the Western District of Texas; a 2011 conviction in the District of Arizona; and a 2012 conviction also in the District of Arizona. Sometime after his 2012 deportation, Padilla illegally reentered the United States. Padilla’s criminal conduct in North Carolina occurred after his three prior illegal reentry convictions.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Chelsea Police Chief Keith E. Houghton made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Levy’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Former Bosnian Combatant Pleads Guilty to Passport FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Winthrop man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to fraudulently obtaining a U.S. passport, and then using it to enter the United States from Istanbul, Turkey in 2021.
Azem Gigo Zebic, 52, pleaded guilty to one count of use of a fraudulently obtained passport. U.S. District Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Nov. 30, 2023. Zebic was arrested by information and subsequently waived his indictment in May 2023.
Zebic was admitted to the United States from Croatia in 1997 after falsely claiming that he had been the subject of persecution by Serb forces during the Bosnian War. Zebic falsely claimed, among other things, that Serb forces had captured, interrogated, beaten him and forced him to pull wounded soldiers from the front lines. Further, once in the United States, Zebic continued to make false statements about his past, including that he had never assisted anyone else enter the country illegally. However, Zebic had, in fact, assisted another alleged Bosnian combatant – Kemal Mrndzic – enter the United States unlawfully by falsely claiming that he was Mrndzic’s half-brother. Mrndzic, who was recently indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston, allegedly engaged in the persecution of Serbs while a supervisor of guards at the notorious Celebic prison camp before he fraudulently applied for refuge in the United States. Zebic used this false history and his additional false statements, to obtain lawful permanent residency, American citizenship and a United States passport.
The use of a fraudulently obtained passport provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Sharon B. MacDermott, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Boston Field Office; and Jonathan Davidson, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. This matter was investigated with the assistance of the United States Interagency Human Rights Violators & War Crimes Center. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. McNeil and Jason A. Casey of Levy’s National Security Unit are prosecuting the case.
Connecticut Real Estate Agent Agrees to Plead Guilty to Defrauding Clients in Long Running Short Sale Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A real estate agent was charged yesterday and has agreed to plead guilty in connection with a multi-year scheme to defraud his clients by engaging in fraudulent short sales of government and bank-owned properties to straw buyers acting at the direction of the defendant and a co-conspirator.
Sheldon Haag, 34, of Glastonbury, Conn., has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the Court.
According to the charging document, Haag and a co-conspirator used straw buyers to acquire properties owned by the clients of the brokerage where he worked, which included banks and other mortgage holders. The straw buyers included a shell company set up by a co-conspirator as a purported construction company. Haag and his co-conspirators allegedly hid their involvement as the de facto buyers of short sale properties from their clients, the owners of the properties, and used their inside knowledge as the owner’s broker to minimize sale prices in order to maximize their gain from later “flipping” the properties.
It is also alleged that, while perpetrating the “flipping scheme,” Haag and his co-conspirators further defrauded clients by submitting fraudulent renovation bids from contractors to their own clients, including from the fake construction company they controlled through a co-conspirator. Once their clients accepted a fraudulent bid, Haag and his co-conspirators would allegedly hire different contractors at much lower cost and pocket the difference between the fraudulent bid and the actual cost of property repairs.
The charge of conspiracy to commit 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 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.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; and Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office made the announcement today. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil of Levy’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two Charged in Conspiracy to Access Protected Computer Network of Non-Profit Mental Health Treatment ProviderRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two men have been charged in Worcester for allegedly conspiring to access a protected computer of their former employer, a non-profit substance use and mental health treatment provider that operates recovery centers throughout Massachusetts.
Nathan Howe, 42, of Rutland, Mass., was indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, three counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to access a protected computer to obtain information and cause damage and one count of intentionally causing damage to a protected computer and impairing medical treatment. Patrick Edmonds-Morin, 31, of Union, Conn., was charged by Information on May 18, 2023, with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to access a protected computer to obtain information. Howe was taken into custody on May 16, 2023 and was released on conditions of pre-trial supervision. Edmonds-Morin will appear in federal court in Worcester on June 28, 2023.
According to the charging documents, Howe and Edmonds-Morin were employed by the non-profit until April 2021 and October 2020, respectively. It is alleged that, between September and December of 2021, Howe and Edmonds-Morin conspired to access records of the non-profit’s employees, listen to and view conversations between the employees, and create and deploy a computer program designed to impede a Vice President of the non-profit’s use of the network. In November 2021, Howe allegedly accessed the computer network and transmitted a command that shut down the network for the non-profit’s Westborough campus where individuals were receiving in-patient treatment. By allegedly shutting down the network, Howe made the non-profit’s electronic medical records system inaccessible at its sites across Massachusetts, impairing or potentially impairing the medical examination, diagnosis, treatment and care of patients.
It is further alleged that, between July 2018 and November 2020, Howe and Edmonds-Morin conspired to commit wire fraud by obtaining cell phones from a cell phone provider which were intended for the non-profit’s staff and, instead, selling the cell phones to third parties for personal profit, typically in the amounts of hundreds of dollars per phone.
The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to access a protected computer without authorization to obtain information and cause damage, provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of intentionally causing damage without authorization to a protected computer and causing the potential impairment of medical treatment provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to access a protected computer without authorization to obtain information, provides for a sentence of up to one year in prison, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan O’Shea of Levy’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Think Tank Agrees to Pay More Than $500,000 to Resolve Allegations That It Falsely Certified Its Eligibility to Receive PPP LoanRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a $501,161 settlement with the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS), a nonprofit headquartered in Washington, D.C., to resolve allegations that IPS falsely certified that it was eligible to receive a Second Draw Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA). As part of the settlement, IPS admits that it certified to the SBA that it was not a think tank primarily engaged in political or lobbying activities, when it had publicly stated otherwise.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain approved expenses, through the PPP. Entities that applied for Second Draw PPP loans were required to certify their eligibility for the loan, including that they were not “primarily engaged in political or lobbying activities.”
IPS conducts research and publishes reports to influence public policy. As detailed in the settlement agreement, on Feb. 11, 2021, IPS submitted an application for a Second Draw PPP loan from SBA. In its application, IPS certified that it was “not a business concern or entity primarily engaged in political or lobbying activities, including any entity that is organized for research or for engaging in advocacy in areas such as public policy or political strategy or otherwise describes itself as a think tank in any public documents.” But, as IPS admits, IPS has described itself as a “think tank” in various sections of its website, on LinkedIn, and in various public documents, including reports and press releases. Per its corporate bylaws, “The purpose of IPS is to conduct research to produce publications, and to educate the public on important matters of public policy.” Among many other objectives, IPS’ Strategic Plan for 2021-2022 included lobbying activities such as “leveraging public scholarship for social movements with progressives in Congress.”
The United States contends that IPS was ineligible for a Second Draw PPP loan, which it received only after falsely certifying to SBA that it was not primarily engaged in political or lobbying activities.
The settlement stems from allegations originally brought in a lawsuit filed by a whistleblower under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, which allow private parties, known as relators, to bring suit on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery. In connection with today’s announced settlement, the relator will receive 10 percent of the recovery.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Isabella Casillas Guzman, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julien M. Mundele and Jessica J. Weber of Levy’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled the matter.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
US v. Institute for Policy Studies - Settlement AgreementSpringfield Man Sentenced for Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield man was sentenced today for fentanyl distribution.
Christian Camacho, 25, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to six months in prison and three years of supervised release. In November 2022, Camacho pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
On or about March 30, 2022, in Hampden County, Camacho knowingly possessed 40 grams or more of fentanyl intended for distribution. Additionally, at the time of his arrest, Camacho was found in possession of more than 129 grams of fentanyl laced with heroin packaged for distribution in more than 8,000 bags as well as $14,282 cash.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England; and Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of Levy’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Injured Workers Pharmacy to Pay $10 Million to Resolve Allegations of Improper Dispensing and Submitting False ClaimsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Injured Workers Pharmacy (IWP) – which has been one of the largest purchasers of opioids in the United States, among pharmacies – has agreed to pay $10 million to resolve allegations that it violated the Controlled Substances Act by improperly filling prescriptions for controlled substances, including opioids, and submitting false claims for payment to the Department of Labor. In addition, IWP will also enter into a five-year corrective action plan with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
As part of the settlement agreement, IWP admitted that between 2014 and 2019 it failed to adequately address prescriptions with “red flags,” including high doses of opioids, early refills and dangerous drug combinations, before dispensing them to injured workers. “Red flags” indicate prescriptions that may not have been issued for a legitimate medical purpose, such as abuse or diversion. IWP previously settled a parallel investigation by the Massachusetts Attorney General into its dispensing practices.
The settlement also concerns IWP’s claims for payment submitted to the Department of Labor, which administers the federal workers’ compensation program. In 2017, in an effort to curb opioid abuse among injured federal workers, the Department of Labor began reviewing claims and flagged concerning prescriptions – a process called a Drug Utilization Review (DUR). Before paying claims flagged for a DUR, the Department of Labor requires pharmacies to represent that a pharmacist or the prescribing medical professional addressed the concerns raised by the DUR. As part of the settlement, IWP admitted that, between 2017 and 2019, IWP’s claims employees routinely represented to the Department of Labor that IWP consulted with prescribers about DURs when, in fact, IWP did not consult with those prescribers. Instead, claims employees, who lacked clinical pharmacy experience and training, submitted codes representing “prescriber consulted” without consulting IWP pharmacists or prescribers.
Under the terms of the settlement, over the next five years, DEA is allowed to conduct unannounced inspections of IWP without Administrative Inspection Warrants. The DEA monitors pharmacy prescribing practices to ensure compliance with federal law. Pharmacies found in violation face escalating penalties including revocation of their DEA Registration number – the authorization that allows them to write prescriptions for controlled substances.
To address issues uncovered in the investigation, IWP made improvements in its pharmacy practices. For example, the company developed additional procedures to review high-risk prescribing; increased training for all employees; eliminated production quotas for pharmacists and staff; implemented a drug diversion team to implement, establish and maintain diversion controls throughout the pharmacy; and established protocols to reduce losses of prescriptions shipped through the mail. The company also retained additional personnel to address high-risk prescribing, including a new chief compliance officer and a pain management specialty pharmacist. Prior to the settlement, IWP stopped dispensing prescriptions through the Department of Labor’s workers compensation program.
“Last week brought disturbing reports that opioid overdose deaths only increased last year in Massachusetts. Pharmacies are on the front lines of the prescription pill and opioid epidemic devastating our communities,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Pharmacies that distribute dangerous prescription pills have a solemn responsibility to comply with measures enacted to curb abuse and addiction. Prosecutors in our office in the Civil and Criminal Divisions are working every day to fight the scourge of opioids, whether it is prosecuting traffickers, holding pharmacies and manufacturers accountable, or ensuring access to treatment for substance use disorder. We will not relent in our effort to protect the people of Massachusetts from these dangerous drugs.”
“The DEA is committed to ensuring that all registrants are in compliance with the required regulations, which are enforceable through the Controlled Substances Act,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “Failure to do so increases the potential for diversion and jeopardizes public health and public safety. DEA pledges to work with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to ensure these rules and regulations are followed.”
“Injured Workers Pharmacy (IWP) enriched themselves by submitting false claims to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) between December 12, 2017, and September 26, 2019. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs to protect the integrity of the DOL’s benefit programs,” said Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge, Northeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.
“This settlement allows the OWCP to recover medical bill payments under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act and return these funds to the Employees’ Compensation Fund,” said Office of Workers’ Compensation Director Christopher J. Godfrey. “It also shows the commitment of the Department of Labor to ensuring that program funds are used as the law requires, and the benefits of having the department’s Office of the Inspector General devote significant investigative resources to detecting cases of possible abuse within the FECA program.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, DEA SAC Boyle, DOL-OIG SAC Mellone and OWCP Director Godfrey made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian M. LaMacchia and Jessica J. Weber of Levy’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled the matter.
US v. Injured Workers Pharmacy - Settlement AgreementWinchester Man and Former Medical Device Sales Rep Arrested for Defrauding Boston Hospital and Lying to Federal AuthoritiesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former DePuy Synthes sales representative and team lead was arrested today for allegedly defrauding a Boston area hospital and lied to federal authorities investigating his interference with the hospital’s sterilization processes.
Matthew Capobianco, 45, of Winchester, Mass., was indicted on eight counts of wire fraud and one count of making material false statements. Capobianco was arrested today and, following an initial appearance and arraignment in federal court in Boston this afternoon, was released on conditions.
According to the indictment, from January 2016 through June 2017, Capobianco defrauded a Boston area hospital out of hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of spine products that he falsely represented were used in spine surgeries he covered. As a sales representative at DePuy, Capobianco was present in operating rooms at the hospital during spine surgeries dressed in scrubs and a surgical mask. In that role, Capobianco was responsible for tracking the type and quantity of DePuy products used in the spine surgeries on usage forms that he submitted to the hospital’s billing department, among other things. It is alleged that Capobianco’s compensation was tied to the volume of products that surgeons at the hospital and elsewhere used in their surgeries. To boost his sales numbers, increase his compensation, and attain higher rankings within DePuy’s sales organization, Capobianco falsely represented on usage forms that more—and more expensive—DePuy products were used during the spine surgeries than were actually used. Capobianco’s alleged fraudulent overbilling caused the hospital to pay DePuy for products that were not used in spine surgeries and caused DePuy, in turn, to pay Capobianco commissions that he was not entitled to.
It is further alleged that, in late 2016, Capobianco instructed a subordinate DePuy sales representative to bring certain DePuy spinal implants into an operating room at the hospital for a surgery, without those implants first being sterilized. As Capobianco and his sales colleagues understood, using unsterile implants in a spine surgery could lead to serious infection or death. It is alleged that on May 30, 2017, after this 2016 incident, , Capobianco himself brought DePuy spinal implants that were not in compliance with the hospital’s sterilization policies to an operating room at the Boston area hospital. Concerned about the dangers posed by unsterile implants, hospital employees confiscated the spinal implants to ensure they were not used in a scheduled surgery that day, and Capobianco was banned from the hospital that afternoon. During a subsequent interview with federal agents that day about the sterilization incident and his interference with the hospital’s sterilization processes in the months leading up to it, Capobianco allegedly made false statements, including about his actions earlier that day.
The charges of wire fraud provide 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. The charge of false statements 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.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office; Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Fernando McMillan, Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office; and Robert Coviello Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations made the announcement today. Patrick M. Callahan, Deputy Chief of Levy’s Health Care Fraud Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney William B. Brady of Levy’s Health Care Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Taunton Woman Agrees to Plead Guilty in Conspiracy to Issue Driver's Licenses to Applicants Who Did Not Take Road TestRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Taunton woman has been charged and has agreed to plead guilty to conspiring to defraud the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) into issuing driver’s licenses to applicants who did not take the road test.
Neta Centio, 55, was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the Court.
According to the charging document, Centio used CashApp to pay a road test examiner at the Brockton RMV service center to misrepresent to the RMV that certain driver’s license applicants had passed their road test when in fact they did not even show up to take the test. As a result of the fraud, the RMV mailed driver’s licenses to unqualified applicants. It is alleged that after Centio’s fraud was discovered, she told the road test examiner, “Don’t say nothing about the CashApp. . . . Break the phone.”
The charge of conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charging document also seeks a $20,215 forfeiture money judgment. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Christopher A. Scharf, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region made the announcement today. The Mattapoisett Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine Wichers and Adam Deitch of Levy’s Public Corruption Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Attorney and Former U.S. Congressional Candidate Indicted for Defrauding Clients of More Than $5 Million in Escrow FundsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An attorney and former candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives was arrested today in connection with a scheme to defraud a business-to-business supply company based in India of millions of dollars and using client funds for business and personal expenses, including the purchase of a $2.7 million home in Boca Raton, Fla.
Abhijit Das, a/k/a “Beej,” 50, of North Andover, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston on June 20, 2023 on 10 counts of wire fraud. Das was arrested today in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and appeared in the Southern District of Florida this afternoon. In June 2021, Das was arrested for allegedly violating the Federal Election Campaign Act and false statements.
According to the indictment, Das was an attorney and principal manager of a boutique law and advisory firm called Troca Global Advisors with offices in Boston and New York. Beginning in or about May 2020, Das began providing legal representation and escrow services to two twin brothers and their logistical supply company in India that was coordinating large shipments Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the pandemic.
The indictment alleges that Das diverted more than $5 million in escrow funds from his clients’ accounts to other accounts and used the funds for personal expenses – including expenses for his law firm, a yacht owned by one of his hotels, as well as $2.7 million for his Boca Raton home. . Das allegedly induced his clients to transfer funds to accounts he controlled in multi-step, layered transactions under the guise of legal advice about the risk of potential litigation and provided clients with fraudulent and forged account statements to conceal the scheme.
The indictment further alleges that Das committed nine of the 10 counts of wire fraud while on court mandated pre-trial release conditions resulting from his June 2021 indictment. That earlier indictment charged Das with campaign finance violations, embezzlement of campaign funds and making materially false statements to the Federal Election Commission.
The charges of wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and 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.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil J. Gallagher Jr. of Levy’s Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Worcester Man Previously Charged with Possessing Machinegun Indicted on Additional Drug-Related ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man who was previously charged with unlawfully possessing a machinegun has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Worcester on drug charges.
Jose Rivera, 24, was charged in a superseding indictment with possession of a machinegun, receipt of a firearm by a person under indictment for a felony, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Rivera will appear in federal court in Worcester at a later date.
According to the charging documents, during a search of Rivera’s residence on March 7, 2023, three Glock switches – including one attached to a Glock .40 caliber firearm were recovered. Glock switches convert semi-automatic Glock pistols into fully automatic machineguns and are considered machineguns under federal law. It is alleged that Rivera also possessed cocaine intended for distribution. It is further alleged that Rivera received the Glock .40 caliber firearm at some point on or after Oct. 9, 2021, while he was under indictment in state court for a felony punishable by a term of imprisonment of over a year.
The charge of unlawful possession of a machinegun provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of receipt of a firearm while under indictment provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, to be run consecutively with the sentence imposed on the other counts, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin Brown of Levy’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
This case is also a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
West Boylston Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Offense and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A West Boylston man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Worcester to possessing cocaine intended for distribution and wire fraud with respect to COVID-19 relief programs.
Augustus “Bobo” Kormah, 33, pleaded guilty on June 20, 2023 to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and two counts of wire fraud. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for Oct. 18, 2023. Kormah was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2021.
On Sept. 11, 2020, Kormah was arrested following a suspected drug transaction. During a search of Kormah’s apartment, approximately 26 grams of cocaine and ammunition was seized. Additionally, between approximately May and October 2020, Kromah used personal information of others to submit false claims for COVID-19 unemployment benefits and small business loans.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charges of wire fraud provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Andrew Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service, Boston Field Office; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Worcester Police Chief Steven Sargent made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucy Sun of Levy’s Criminal Division and Danial Bennett of Levy’s Worcester Branch Office are prosecuting the case.
This case is a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.Three Springfield Men Arrested for Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Three Springfield men were arrested and charged yesterday in connection with a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
Abraham Heredia, 23, and Jose Heredia, Jr., 34, were charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Lamiek White, 29, was charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The defendants appeared in federal court in Springfield yesterday before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Katherine A. Robertson.
According to the charging documents Heredia and Heredia, Jr. conspired on at least two dates to distribute fentanyl. On one occasion on June 7, 2023, the defendants allegedly conspired to distribute more than one and a half kilograms of fentanyl. It is alleged that approximately 200 grams of fentanyl and a firearm with an obliterated serial number were found during a search of White’s residence.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute provides for a sentence of at up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; the Holyoke, Springfield, Chicopee, West Springfield and Easthampton Police Departments; the Berkshire, Hampden and Franklin County Sherriff’s Offices; and the Massachusetts State Police Gang Unit provided valuable assistance in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of Levy’s Springfield Branch Unit is prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lawrence Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Prison for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for fentanyl trafficking.
Manuel Santana Vizcaino, a/k/a “Dave,” 38, was sentenced on June 21, 2023 by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf to 151 months in prison and four years of supervised release. On Feb. 11, 2023, Santana Vizcaino was convicted by a federal jury of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
In September 2020, Manuel Santana Vizcaino arranged for the distribution of more than a half kilogram of fentanyl to an individual. Specifically, on Sept. 3, 2020, Manuel Santana Vizcaino provided the individual with approximately 270 grams of fentanyl concealed inside a guava juice box at his apartment in Lawrence. Later, on Sept. 14, 2020, while outside the United States in the Dominican Republic, Manuel Santana Vizcaino arranged for his brother, Santo Santana Vizcaino, to sell the individual another 250 grams of fentanyl. Manuel Santana Vizcaino was arrested in December 2020 at Logan Airport upon returning from the Dominican Republic. Following a search of Manuel Santana Vizcaino’s apartment, an additional two kilograms of fentanyl was seized.
In May 2022, Santo Santana Vizcaino was sentenced to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to the same charges in January 2022.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Customs and Border Protection; Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Massachusetts State Police; and the Essex County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip C. Cheng and Lucy Sun of Levy’s Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Fall River Man Pleads Guilty to Four Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Fall River man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to robbing four separate banks in Massachusetts within a five-day period and attempting to rob a fifth bank.
William Sequeira, 60, pleaded guilty to four counts of bank robbery and one count of attempted bank robbery. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Sept. 12, 2023. Sequeira was charged by criminal complaint in November 2022 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2022.
Between Sept. 26, 2022 and Sept. 30, 2022, Sequeira robbed four separate banks in the Fall River and Boston areas. Specifically, Sequeira robbed: a Citizens Bank branch in Fall River on Sept. 26, 2022; a Santander Bank branch in Boston on Sept. 27, 2022; a M&T Bank branch in Boston on Sept. 28, 2022; and a TD Bank branch in Boston on Sept. 30, 2022. During the Santander Bank robbery on Sept. 27, 2022, Sequeira ran up to a teller and stated, “give me a $100 bill or I’ll put a bullet in your head.” Sequeira did not present a firearm. During the M&T Bank robbery on Sept. 28, 2022, Sequeira approached a teller and stated, “I'm going to put a gun to your head if you don't give me the $100 bills.” During the TD Bank robbery on Sept. 30, 2022 in Boston, Sequeira approached a teller and stated, “give me all the $100s in the drawer,” and “give me all the money before I blow your brains out,” before fleeing on foot with money from the teller.
On Oct. 5, 2022, law enforcement surveilling the Back Bay area in an effort to locate Sequeira, spotted him entering a Citizens Bank branch on Boylston Street in Boston. There, Sequeira approached the teller, said “Give me hundreds,” and then threatened to shoot the teller if they did not move fast enough. Sequeira was immediately apprehended.
The charges of bank robbery each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of attempted bank robbery 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.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Fall River Police Department and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of Levy’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy Announces Summer Violence Reduction InitiativeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts announced today that it has launched a Summer Violence Reduction Initiative to assist and support local communities in reducing gun violence that often accompanies the warmer summer months.
As part of its Summer Violence Reduction Initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is convening a series of regional roundtable meetings with law enforcement in local communities across the state to discuss emerging trends in violence, impacts across the region, resource allocation and potential for collaboration. The goal is to foster cooperation, transparency and data driven solutions.
As part of this initiative, Acting U.S. Attorney Levy is also establishing a Ghost Gun Task Force (GGTF) to address the emerging threat of trafficking in privately made firearms (PMFs), commonly referred to as “ghost guns.” PMFs are firearms assembled or otherwise produced by a person other than a licensed manufacturer, often without a serial number. According to data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), PMF seizures have increased exponentially in Massachusetts over the last few years. Specifically, PMFs accounted for nearly 10% of total firearm recoveries in 2022, a tenfold increase compared to 2020. In response to this emerging threat, Levy is establishing the GGTF to convene ATF, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Massachusetts State Police (MSP) and the Attorney General’s Office to act as force multipliers and stem the flow of PMFs and other weapons into Massachusetts.
Additionally, in May 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s Office convened its eight Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) cities, Boston, Brockton, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, New Bedford, Springfield and Worcester. The meeting focused on crime trends, hot spots, targeted enforcement efforts and ideas for sharing resources to reduce violent crime. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts, and incorporates research, data analysis and lessons learned from other violent crime reduction initiatives to inform its decision-making on the most effective violence reduction strategies. PSN is customized to account for local violent crime problems and resources, and follows four key design elements: community engagement, prevention and intervention, focused and strategic enforcement and accountability.
Through PSN grants, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is funding youth violence prevention and intervention organizations in Boston, Holyoke, Lawrence and Lowell. PSN funding also supplemented existing resources in several PSN cities to support gunshot detection technology and equipment.
In October 2023, as part of its PSN program, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will be convening a statewide Gang Investigators’ Summit. One component of the Summit will be statewide training for local and state law enforcement on identifying armed criminals and de-escalation techniques. This training will include tactics to respond to the growing threat posed by ghost guns.
“One of the core missions of the Department of Justice and law enforcement generally is to keep communities safe. As we have learned over the years, the most powerful tool to accomplish that is our strong partnerships with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Levy. “With this week marking the beginning of summer, law enforcement is reminded that warmer weather typically correlates with a spike in violent crime, particularly in urban areas. While our PSN initiative packs a powerful punch in combatting violence by ensuring that impacted communities have the necessary tools and resources to reverse the trend and strengthen community safety, it is our hope that the Summer Violence Reduction Initiative will give local cities and towns the increased support and resources they need to have a safe and healthy summer.”
“In the USAO Summer Violence Reduction Initiative, ATF remains committed to identifying and disrupting sources of illegally manufactured firearms in order to stop the cycle of violence in its tracks,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge James Ferguson.
“Homeland Security Investigations is proud to join our federal, state, and local partners to take on the threat to public safety posed by privately made firearms. The proliferation of “ghost guns” as they’re also known, is a complex emerging issue that will require the collaboration of law enforcement agencies each leveraging their unique authorities and expertise,” said Michael Krol, Special Agent in Charge of HSI New England. “Public safety is our highest priority and we are ready to work together to tackle this challenge with our partners to make a safer Massachusetts.”
“The illicit trade of privately made firearms and firearms accessories poses a very real risk to U.S. Postal Service employees and the public we serve. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to working with our partners to identify those involved, remove these weapons from the community, and hold those involved accountable,” said Inspector in Charge Ketty D. Larco-Ward, USPIS Boston Division.
“As we head into the summer, a time when we historically see an uptick in violence in our communities, violent offenders are on notice to put down their guns and stop dealing deadly, addictive drugs. Kids should be able to play in a park, swim at a community pool, or get ice cream on the corner without fear of being shot or poisoned,” said Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The FBI is committed to working closely with our law enforcement partners in this task force to remove dangerous weapons from our streets.”
“The Massachusetts State Police are committed to continuing our work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to investigate and interdict the flow of ghost guns. Too often these weapons, which can be personally manufactured, are used to facilitate illegal narcotics activity and to perpetuate gun violence in our communities. We value these partnerships and the joint efforts that result as we work collectively to make our neighborhoods, our communities, and our Commonwealth safer,” said MSP Colonel John E. Mawn Jr.
“Gun violence is an epidemic that affects us all, and one that tragically tends to spike during the summer,” said Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell. “I commend the U.S. Attorney's Office for establishing a new task force to address gun trafficking and ghost guns as part of their Summer Violence Reduction Initiative. We look forward to a strong partnership, and progress on our shared goal of protecting communities throughout the Commonwealth.”
To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.
Tyngsborough Daycare Worker Arrested for Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Hampshire woman employed at a daycare in Tyngsborough, Mass., was arrested this morning on child exploitation and child pornography charges.
Lindsay Groves, 38, of Hudson, N.H., was charged with one count of sexual exploitation of children and one count of distribution of child pornography. Groves, who is currently in custody, will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the charging documents, Groves worked at Creative Minds located in Tyngsborough, Mass. It is alleged that, between May 2022 and June 2023, Groves took nude images of children at the day care and sent the photos to an individual with whom she was previously in an intimate relationship. Specifically, Groves allegedly used natural bathroom breaks for the children (routine diaper/pull-up changes prior to “naptime”) to take multiple photos of the prepubescent children in a private bathroom and then sent the photos to the individual via text message.
A preliminary forensic review of Grove’s cellphone allegedly revealed over 2,500 text messages between Groves and the individual. These messages allegedly included discussion about, and transfer of, explicit photographs that Groves had taken of children while employed at Creative Minds – including at least four sexually explicit images of children who appear to be approximately three to five years old. This investigation is continuing.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.
The charge of sexual exploitation of children provides for a sentence of at least 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of distribution of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison, a mandatory minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Nashua (N.H.) Police Chief Kevin Rourke made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire; Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office; and the Hudson, N.H. Police Department. Creative Minds Early Learning Center cooperated in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anne Paruti and Jessica L. Soto of Levy’s Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
US v. Lindsay Groves - Complaint AffidavitWorcester Man Sentenced to over Eight Years in Prison for Role in Rockland Robbery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced today for his role in an attempted robbery of a Rockland-based glassware dealer.
Keith Johnson, a/k/a “Eike,” 41, of Worcester, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 98 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. In November 2022, Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, commonly referred to as Hobbs Act robbery. Johnson was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2019 along with co-defendants Shaun Walker, Junior Melendez and Grace Katana.
In March 2019, Johnson, Walker, Katana and Melendez conspired to rob the home of a high-end glassware dealer in Rockland. Between March 18, 2019 through March 25, 2019, court authorized intercepted communications over a cellphone used by Melendez revealed that Johnson and his co-conspirators were planning an armed home invasion and robbery of the Rockland residence.
During the afternoon of March 25, 2019, the four men traveled over 60 miles from Worcester to Rockland in two vehicles. Katana and Melendez first scoped out the robbery target location, a residence which at that time was occupied by a female resident. Katana and Melendez then proceeded to a nearby hardware store and purchased a two-foot iron crowbar, a screwdriver and razor blades. Law enforcement arrested the four men in the parking lot of the hardware store – disrupting the attempted robbery. In addition to the items just purchased at the hardware store, a loaded .380 firearm was seized from the glove compartment of the vehicle occupied by Johnson.
In June 2022, Katana was convicted by a federal jury of Hobbs Act robbery and was sentenced in October 2022 to 64 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In May 2022, Walker pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery and, in November 2022, was sentenced to 36 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On March 13, 2023, Melendez was sentenced to 156 months in prison and three years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to his role in the conspiracy.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; John E. Mawn, Jr. Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent; and Rockland Police Chief John R. Llewellyn made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Greg A. Friedholm and Kristen M. Noto of Levy’s Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Hyde Park Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Hyde Park man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for the armed robbery of a Hyde Park bank.
Paul Whooten, 59, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to seven years in prison and five years of supervised release. On January 12, Whooten pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery.
On Dec. 21, 2019, Whooten entered a branch of Rockland Trust Bank in Hyde Park wearing a long, dark coat over a yellow and black reflective jacket with a bright yellow hood, as well as a knit hat, black sunglasses, a mask and gloves. Whooten was also carrying something that looked like an assault rifle but that later turned out to be a BB-gun. Upon entering the bank, Whooten pointed it at the teller and stated, “Give me all of your money.” The teller filled Whooten’s bag with $13,603 in cash, and Whooten fled the bank on foot. Bank surveillance cameras captured images of Whooten throughout the robbery.
Shortly after leaving the bank, Whooten was observed on the street wearing clothes consistent with those observed inside the bank and still holding what appeared to be a rifle in his hand. Law enforcement immediately apprehended Whooten and a black rifle-type BB gun and bag of cash were recovered from him.Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam W. Deitch of Levy’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Brockton Man Indicted for Passport FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for allegedly lying that his United States passport had been lost in order to secure a replacement to enter the country, when in fact, the passport had been confiscated by prosecuting courts in Cabo Verde following his arrest for murder.
Johnny Barros Brandao, 40, was indicted on one count of passport fraud. Brandao was previously charged by criminal complaint on May 7, 2023 and arrested on May 9, 2023. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the charging documents, on March 27, 2014, in Cabo Verde, Brandao shot an individual in the head using a .45 caliber revolver, took one million and five hundred thousand Cape Verdean Escudo and then dumped the victim’s body on the side of a road. It is further alleged that on July 26, 2021, Brandao shot and killed another individual using a 9mm caliber firearm and threw the victim’s body over a cliff.
Brandao was arrested in Cabo Verde on these charges. On Dec. 12, 2022, after a period of pretrial detention, Brandao was released subject to supervision. The Cabo Verde court also ordered that Brandao not depart Cabo Verde – confiscating his Cabo Verdean national ID card as well as his United States and Cabo Verde passports.
According to the charging documents, on Dec. 28, 2022, Brandao applied for a replacement United States passport at the U.S. Embassy in Dakar, Senegal. In the section of the form that directs the applicant to explain how his prior passport was lost or stolen, it is alleged that Brandao reported he had lost his passport while out to dinner on Dec. 25, 2022.
The charge of passport fraud provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jonathan Davidson, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Protective Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan C. Cleary of Levy’s 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.
Two Loan Brokers Plead Guilty to Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two operators of a loan brokerage businesses pleaded guilty yesterday today in federal court in Boston to conspiring to defraud a Massachusetts-based bank and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Ted Capodilupo, 57, of South Easton, and Joseph Masci, 71, of Boston, pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf scheduled sentencing for Sept. 8, 2023. The defendants were charged in January 2022 along with co-conspirator Brian Ferris, a loan officer at a Massachusetts-based bank.
Between 2015 and 2018, Capodilupo, Masci and Ferris agreed to defraud the bank and the SBA by submitting fraudulent loan applications to the bank, which administered the SBA’s small business express loan program, to secure bank loans guaranteed by the SBA. Specifically, Capodilupo and Masci submitted dozens of fraudulent loan applications to the bank on behalf of borrowers who were ineligible for traditional business loans. These loan applications misrepresented, among other things, the identity of the real loan recipients and the businesses for which the loans were sought.
Capodilupo and Masci also fabricated federal tax forms submitted in support of the fraudulent loan applications, falsified applicant signatures and falsely indicated that no broker had assisted in preparing or referring the loan applications. Capodilupo and Masci charged borrowers fees for obtaining these fraudulent loans. Ferris, who worked as a loan officer at the bank, caused the bank to issue loans for which Capodilupo and Masci submitted applications and received a kickback from Capodilupo and Masci of approximately $500 per loan. The scheme generated approximately $270,000 in fees for Capodilupo and Masci. Many of the loans that the bank issued as a result of the fraudulent applications ultimately defaulted, resulting in substantial losses to the bank.
On April 21, 2023, Ferris pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 3, 2023.
The charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison; five years of supervised release; a fine of up to $1 million or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater; restitution; and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Patricia Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), New York Region; Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Brian Tucker, Special Agent-in-Charge, Eastern Region, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection; and Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, Special Agent in Charge of SBA OIG’s Eastern Region, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Holcomb of Levy’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Three New Hampshire Men Charged with Conspiring to Harass and Intimidate Two JournalistsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Three New Hampshire men have been charged in connection with a conspiracy to harass and intimidate two New Hampshire journalists employed by New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR). The alleged harassment and intimidation of the victims included the vandalism – on five separate occasions – of the victims’ homes, as well as the vandalism of the home of one of the victim’s immediate family members with bricks, large rocks and red spray paint.
Tucker Cockerline, 32, of Salem, N.H., Michael Waselchuck, 35, of Seabrook, N.H. and Keenan Saniatan, 36, of Nashua, N.H. were each charged by criminal complaint with conspiring to commit stalking through interstate travel. Cockerline and Waselchuck were arrested this morning and, following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston this afternoon, were detained pending a hearing scheduled for June 20, 2023 at 2 p.m. Saniatan remains at large.
“The critical role that the press plays in our society goes back to the founding of our nation. Today’s charges should send a clear message that the Department of Justice will not tolerate harassment or intimidation of journalists. If you engage in this type of vicious and vindictive behavior you will be held accountable,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy.
“Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of any healthy democracy and these three men are now accused of infringing on that freedom by conspiring to harass and intimidate two New Hampshire journalists who were simply doing their jobs,” said Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division. “Everyone has a right to express their opinion, but taking it over the line and committing vandalism will not be tolerated."
According to the charging document, after a year-long investigation, an NHPR journalist (Victim 1) published an article in March 2022 detailing allegations of sexual and other misconduct by a former New Hampshire businessperson, identified in the charging document as Subject 1. Another NHPR journalist (Victim 2) also contributed to the article, which appeared on NHPR’s website during and after March 2022. Thereafter, it is alleged that Cockerline, Waselchuck and Saniatan conspired with each other and with at least one other individual – allegedly identified as a close personal associate of Subject 1 — to retaliate against NHPR and Victims 1 and 2 by vandalizing the victims’ homes with bricks and large rocks, as well as spray-painting lewd and threatening language on the homes’ exteriors. It is alleged that the following acts of vandalisms occurred in April and May 2022:
- At approximately 11:00 p.m. on April 24, 2022, a brick was thrown through a front exterior window of Victim’s 1’s former residence in Hanover, N.H. The word “C*NT” was spray-painted in large red letters on the front door;
- On the evening of April 24, 2022 or during the early morning hours of April 25, 2022, the word “C*NT” was spray-painted in large red letters on the front door of Victim 2’s home in Concord, N.H. The exterior of the home was also damaged by a large rock, which appeared to have been thrown at the house;
- Shortly before midnight on April 24, 2022 or during the early morning hours of April 25, 2022, a softball-sized rock was thrown through a front exterior window of Victim 1’s parents’ home in Hampstead, N.H. The word “C*NT” was spray-painted in large red letters on one of the garage doors;
- At approximately 12:54 a.m. on May 21, 2022, Victim 1’s parents’ home in Hampstead was vandalized a second time. The word “C*NT” was spray-painted in large red letters on one of the garage doors. Although no windows were broken, a brick was discovered on the ground near the house’s foundation as if it had been thrown at the house; and
- At approximately 5:54 a.m. on May 21, 2022, a brick was thrown through an exterior window of Victim 1’s house in Melrose, Mass. The phrase “JUST THE BEGINNING” was spray-painted in large red letters on the front of the home.
The charging documents allege that Cockerline, Saniatan and Waselchuck are responsible for committing all five of these vandalisms.
The charge of conspiracy to commit interstate stalking carries a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 and restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI Acting SAC DiMenna made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Concord, Hampstead and Hanover, New Hampshire Police Departments and the Melrose, Massachusetts Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason A. Casey and Torey B. Cummings of Levy’s Criminal Division 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.
Former FedEx Driver from Middleborough Pleads Guilty to Selling Firearms He Stole from Packages on His TruckRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Middleborough man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to charges stemming from his stealing and selling three firearms from FedEx packages he was responsible for delivering.
Frank P. O’Toole, 40, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession or sale of a stolen firearm. U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley scheduled sentencing for Sept. 26, 2023. O’Toole was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in August 2022 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2022.
O’Toole previously worked as a FedEx delivery truck driver out of a FedEx facility in Middleborough. Between October 2021 and June 2022, O’Toole stole three packages he was responsible for delivering, each containing a firearm intended for a Federal Firearms Licensee. On Aug. 9, 2022 and Aug. 12, 2022, O’Toole sold the three firearms to an undercover agent during two separate controlled purchases.
The charge of possession of a stolen firearm provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and Middleborough Police Chief Joseph Perkins made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of Levy’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
California Man Sentenced for Assaulting Two Female Passengers on Flight to BostonRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A California man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for assaulting two women aboard a redeye flight from Los Angeles to Boston.
Jairaj Singh Dhillon, 43, of Modesto, Cal., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Paul G. Levenson to one year of probation, with the first six months to be served in home confinement. On March 20, 2023, Dhillon pleaded guilty to two counts of assault while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States.
During an overnight flight from Los Angeles to Boston on May 31, 2022, Dhillon engaged in unwanted sexual contact with two female passengers sitting next to him. The first victim reported that Dhillon, seated in the aisle seat next to her, touched her thigh and groin area while she was taking care of her infant child who was in a car seat in the window seat next to her. The first victim called for help and stated out loud, “this man just groped me.” The second victim, who was seated in the aisle seat opposite Dhillon, reported that Dhillon reached out with both hands and simultaneously grabbed her groin and buttocks when she was standing in the aisle. Flight crew intervened and moved Dhillon to another part of the plane for the duration of the flight. Dhillon was immediately taken into custody upon the flight’s arrival in Boston.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Dell’Anno of Levy’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Two Convicted of Romance and Pandemic Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two Nigerian men were found guilty yesterday by a federal jury in Boston for their roles in expansive online fraud schemes targeting individuals in the United States, including pandemic unemployment assistance fraud, romance scams and other online scams.
Osakpamwan Henry Omoruyi, 37, and Osaretin Godspower Omoruyi, 36, both previously of Canton, were each convicted following an eight-day jury trial of one count of bank fraud, one count of bank fraud conspiracy, and one count of money laundering conspiracy. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris ordered that the defendants be taken into federal custody pending sentencing, which is scheduled for Sept. 22, 2023. The defendants were charged by criminal complaint in March 2021.
The defendants opened multiple bank accounts in the names of fake people using fraudulent foreign passports. The defendants then used those accounts to receive the proceeds from various frauds perpetrated by their co-conspirators, including pandemic unemployment assistance fraud, romance scams, and other online scams. The majority of the fraud proceeds came from romance scams, which occur when a criminal adopts a fake online identity to gain a victim’s affection and trust. The scammer then uses the illusion of a romantic or close relationship to manipulate and steal from the victim. In total, between 2019 and 2021, the defendants received more than $1.7 million in fraud proceeds and transferred most of the money overseas.The charges of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank provide for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $1 million or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, and forfeiture. The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $500,000, or twice the value of the criminally derived property, whichever is greater, and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Supervisory Special Agent Gregory Batman, Chief of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Criminal Investigations Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Markham and Benjamin A. Saltzman of Levy’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Previously Convicted Felon Arrested for Distributing Fentanyl Pills and Unlawful Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Methuen man was arrested today for allegedly trafficking counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl and unlawfully possessing ammunition.
Shawn Hart, 45, was charged with one count distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition. He will appear in federal court in Worcester this afternoon.
According to the charging documents, in August 2022, Hart was identified as a manufacturer and distributor of counterfeit pills containing controlled substances on the North Shore. On Sept. 15, 2022, Hart allegedly distributed approximately 500 counterfeit Adderall pills, containing 68 grams of fentanyl, during a controlled purchase in North Billerica. Additionally, on June 1, 2023, Hart allegedly 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.
It is further alleged that 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 this morning 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.
The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of unlawful possession of ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Office; and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Methuen Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich of Levy’s Narcotics & Money Laundering 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.
Leader of Money Transmitting Business that Laundered over $1 Million in Fraud Proceeds Sentenced to Five Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Texas man was sentenced on June 13, 2023 in federal court in Boston for operating an illegal money transmitting business that laundered the proceeds of international investment and romance fraud schemes
Charles Ochi, 28, of Grand Prairie, Texas, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to five years in prison and three years of supervised release. Ochi was also ordered to pay forfeiture of $141,021 and restitution, which will be determined at a later date. On April 12, 2023, Ochi pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy, one count of conspiring to conduct an unlicensed money transmitting business and one count of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business.
In or about 2016, Ochi organized and led a group of money transmitters that laundered over $1 million in proceeds from fraud schemes. Some of these fraud schemes purported to offer trading and Bitcoin investing services when, in fact, investor funds were stolen and later victims’ investments were used to pay purported returns to earlier investors. Ochi recruited at least five individuals in Texas and Maryland to join his operation, and directed them to use bank accounts to receive fraud proceeds and then to withdraw and transfer the money to numerous other persons, often by cashier’s check or through electronic transfers. Ochi also engaged in illicit currency exchange business activity, in which he, a co-conspirator, and others exchanged fraud proceeds for Nigerian Naira on the black market.
In total, the scheme laundered over $1,168,000 from at least 123 victims of investment and romance fraud schemes in Massachusetts, California, Florida, and Canada.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; and Jennifer De La O, Director of Field Operations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Division of Enforcement at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil of Levy’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon Sentenced for Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Fitchburg man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Worcester for being a convicted felon in possession of a 10 mm Glock pistol, which he used to shoot a victim.
Joel Polanco, 34, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 80 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In April 2022, Polanco pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
In October 2020, Polanco was arrested after police responded to the area of Snow and Cherry Streets in Fitchburg following a report of a person suffering a gunshot wound to the leg. A witness reported seeing someone fitting Polanco’s description shoot the victim. In addition, surveillance videos showed a person fitting Polanco’s description carrying what appeared to be the black fanny-pack and holding an item in his hand that appeared to be a gun. Polanco shot the victim using a 10 mm Glock pistol which was later recovered from a black fanny-pack in the area of Snow Street.
Polanco is prohibited from possessing a firearm after being convicted of being a felon in possession of ammunition and distribution of cocaine base in March 2011.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Fitchburg Police Chief Ernst Martineau made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Mulcahy and Danial E. Bennett of Levy’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.