District of Massachusetts
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Former Senior Athletic Department Administrator at the University of Southern California Sentenced to Six Months in Prison in College Admissions CaseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former Senior Associate Athletic Director at the University of Southern California (USC) was sentenced today for using her position to facilitate students’ admission as purported athletic recruits in exchange for money.
Donna Heinel, 61, of Long Beach, Calif., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to six months in prison and two years of supervised release. Heinel was also ordered to forfeit $160,000. In November 2021, Heinel pleaded guilty to honest services wire fraud.
As the Senior Associate Athletic Director and Senior Women’s Administrator, Heinel was one of the highest-ranking members of the USC Athletics Department and served as the liaison between athletic coaches and the USC Admissions Department. Beginning in early 2014, Heinel solicited and received bribe payments from William “Rick” Singer and his clients to facilitate their children’s admission to USC as athletic recruits. For approximately four years, Heinel misled USC’s athletic admissions subcommittee by presenting the students as recruits to USC’s athletic teams when, in reality, the coaches had not recruited them and some did not even play the sport they were purportedly being recruited to play. In some cases, Heinel falsified students’ athletic credentials when presenting them to the athletic admissions subcommittee. In exchange, Heinel received more than $1 million in payments from Singer and his clients to university accounts she oversaw. In addition, Heinel received $160,000 in payments for her own personal benefit. In total, the subcommittee on athletic admissions approved the admission of approximately two dozen applicants Heinel presented as purported recruits.
Singer previously pleaded guilty and, on Jan. 4, 2023, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to 42 months in prison.
Case information, including the status of each defendant, is available here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/investigations-college-admissions-and-testing-bribery-scheme.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, 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 Terry Harris, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General Eastern Regional Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen E. Frank, Leslie A. Wright, Kristen A. Kearney, Ian J. Stearns and Kriss Basil of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Dominican Man Sentenced for Illegally Reentering United States Following DeportationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A repeat convicted felon from the Dominican Republic with a criminal record that goes back nearly 19 years was sentenced on Jan. 4, 2023 in federal court in Boston for reentering the United States illegally after deportation.
Yonathan Leandro Villar, 37, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to 30 months in prison. Today’s sentence will run concurrent with a 78-month sentence Villar is currently serving in an unrelated state case. Villar will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. In December 2020, Villar pleaded guilty to illegal reentry.
Villar illegally entered in United States in 1992 using a fraudulent passport. In October 2015, Villar was encountered by immigration officers who confirmed Villar was illegally present in the United States., In July 2016, he was removed from the United States after being released from federal custody for a false passport application conviction. Sometime thereafter, Villar reentered the United States without having received approval to reapply for admission.
In August 2019 Villar was arrested in Foxboro and charged with narcotics and motor vehicle offenses. Fingerprints obtained from Villar at the time of his arrest positively matched those obtained prior to his removal from the United States in 2016.
Villar has a criminal history that dates back almost 19 years with multiple convictions including for firearms, heroin offenses, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and attempt to fraudulently obtain a passport. He has more than 20 aliases, 15 false dates of births and nine false social security numbers.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Foxborough Police Chief Michael A. Grace made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Dominican Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Heroin and Fentanyl from Dominican RepublicRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to conspiring to traffic multiple kilograms of heroin and fentanyl from the Dominican Republic to states on the East Coast.
Kelvin Regalado, 42, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and 100 grams or more of carfentanil; one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute ketamine; and one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for May 10, 2023. Regalado was indicted in December 2020, along with co-defendant Marcos Cabrera, while he was residing in the Dominican Republic. Regalado was extradited to the United States in May 2022 after being taken into custody by Dominican authorities.
From August 2019 through March 2020, in the Dominican Republic, Regalado conspired with Cabrera to deliver nearly three kilograms of heroin and carfentanil to cooperating witnesses in New York, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Additionally, Regalado arranged to have one kilogram of fentanyl and one kilogram of ketamine sent to the cooperating witnesses through the mail in Massachusetts.
In January 2022, Cabrera was sentenced to 87 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to his role in the conspiracy.
The charges of conspiracy and distribution of and possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and 100 grams or more of carfentanil provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute ketamine provide for a maximum of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of Rollins’s Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance.
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.
Springfield Man Sentenced to Nearly Seven Years in Prison for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Worcester for drug trafficking charges involving fentanyl.
Juan Jimenez, 48, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 83 months in prison and four years of supervised release. In April 2022, Jimenez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and two counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
On multiple occasions in May 2021, Jimenez sold fentanyl to an undercover agent. Specifically, on May 12, 2021, Jimenez met the undercover officer at a parking lot in Sturbridge where he provided the undercover agent with a package containing almost 50 grams of fentanyl. During the meeting, Jimenez expressed that he did not want to have “that much” on him and therefore intended to bring another individual to future meetings to handle transactions. On May 19, 2021, Jimenez drove himself and another individual to the same parking lot to meet with the undercover agent. There, Jimenez sent his accomplice to provide the undercover agent with a package containing 50 grams of fentanyl.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Southbridge Police Chief Shane Woodson; and Sturbridge Police Chief Earl Dessert made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen M. Noto of Rollins’ Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Melrose Man Indicted for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Melrose man has been indicted in connection with possession and receipt of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Patrick Baxter, 42, was indicted on one count of possession of child pornography and one count of receipt of child pornography. Baxter will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date. He was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint in December 2022.
According to the charging documents, Baxter downloaded CSAM from the internet on three occasions in June and July 2021. A computer hard drive seized during a search of Baxter’s residence was allegedly found to contain approximately 427 video files depicting CSAM.
The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and the Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Melrose Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
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.
Everett Man Pleads Guilty to Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Everett man pleaded guilty today to committing the February 2021 armed bank of a TD Bank branch in Allston.
Jamaine Howell, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a crime of violence. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for May 10, 2023. Howell was charged by criminal complaint in March 2021.
On Feb. 7, 2021, Howell entered a branch of TD Bank on Commonwealth Avenue in Allston and handed a demand note and a plastic bag to the teller. Howell threatened the teller and stated that he had a gun. Howell then threatened two bank customers and displayed a firearm. After taking the plastic bag –containing approximately $5,900 – from the teller, Howell instructed one of the customers to leave the bank with him. After walking about a block with Howell, the customer managed to flee while Howell was distracted.
Later that week, police received a report that Howell brandished a firearm at a guest at a hotel in Sharon. On Feb. 16, 2021, police officers arrested Howell, and found him armed with a loaded .45 caliber Ruger handgun. Police also found a loaded semi-automatic shotgun in a vehicle that had previously been rented to Howell.
The charge of bank robbery provides for a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence provides for an additional sentence of five years to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. The Boston, Sharon and Lynn Police Departments provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Dell’Anno of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Boston Man Sentenced for Role in Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A drug distributor for a Boston-area drug trafficking organization (DTO) was sentenced today for his role in a conspiracy involving cocaine and cocaine base (crack cocaine).
Terrence Daye, 34, of Boston, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 28 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In September 2022, Daye pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.Daye was charged with 23 others in June 2020 as part of Operation Snowfall, which ultimately resulted in the charging of two different drug trafficking conspiracies during the overall period of November 2018 through June 2020.
According to the charging documents, beginning in November 2018, law enforcement investigated a DTO in which Daye was a drug distributor. The DTO was comprised of Boston-based street gang members and associates in the Commonwealth Development in Brighton, formerly known as Fidelis Way, a multi-apartment public housing development. It is alleged that the DTO assumed control over multiple apartments, which they used to store, cook, package and sell drugs – most of which consisted of cocaine or cocaine base, which the DTO supplied to customers, wholesalers and distributors. As a result, the DTO caused a blight of the development and reduced the quality of life of the other residents.
Daye is estimated to have distributed between approximately 100 and 200 grams of cocaine base during the conspiracy, and overall, between 300 and 400 grams of cocaine (including powder and base) during the course of his participation in the Fidelis Way DTO. Daye is the sixth defendant to be sentenced in the Fidelis Way drug conspiracy. The remaining defendants in the Fidelis Way conspiracy have all pleaded guilty and are pending sentencing. In the other charged conspiracy, the defendants are either pending sentencing or have pleaded not guilty and are pending trial. One defendant, Derek Hart, remains at large.
First Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Brian A. Kyes, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement. Assistance with the investigation was provided by the Braintree, Cambridge, Canton, Randolph and Weymouth Police Departments; the Suffolk, Norfolk and Bristol County District Attorneys’ Offices; and the Suffolk, Plymouth and Norfolk County Sheriffs’ Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaitlin R. O’Donnell and Timothy E. Moran of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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.
Acton Man Pleads Guilty to Using Stolen Identities to Obtain COVID Relief FundsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Acton man pleaded guilty today in connection with a conspiracy to use stolen identities to fraudulently obtain disaster loan funds from the Small Business Administration (SBA) and to launder the funds.
Edwin Acevedo, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for May 16, 2023. Acevedo was arrested and charged along with co-conspirator Hector Garcia in August 2021.
According to charging documents, Acevedo’s co-conspirators used stolen identity information of United States citizens to apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans. It is alleged that Garcia used stolen identity information of a United States citizen to open a fraudulent bank account, which was then linked to other fraudulent bank accounts set up to receive the SBA funds. Acevedo coordinated co-conspirators’ receiving some of the debit cards associated with fraudulent bank accounts into which SBA funds were deposited. Acevedo and co-conspirators laundered the SBA funds by using the debit cards to purchase iPhones, which Acevedo and others then re-sold for cash. It is also alleged that Garcia and other co-conspirators wired a portion of the funds to co-conspirators in the Dominican Republic.
It is alleged that over $452,000 in SBA funds were fraudulently obtained in connection with the scheme. Approximately $250,000 of this money was used to purchase iPhones in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
On Dec. 8, 2022, Garcia was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, three counts of wire fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft. He has since pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.
The charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and of wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Valuable assistance was also provided by Homeland Security Investigations in Orlando, Fla.; Small Business Administration, Office of the Inspector General; Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General; Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General; Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General; Department of State; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Massachusetts State Police; New Hampshire State Police; and the Acton, Nashua (N.H.), Manchester (N.H.) and Ocala (Fla.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elianna Nuzum and Adam Deitch of Rollins’ Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Architect of Nationwide College Admissions Scheme Sentenced to More Than Three Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The orchestrator of a nationwide conspiracy that facilitated cheating on college entrance exams and the admission of students as fake athletic recruits to elite universities – including Georgetown, Stanford, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the University of Southern California (USC), the University of Texas, Wake Forest and Yale – was sentenced today in federal court in Boston.
William “Rick” Singer, 62, of St. Petersburg, Fla., formerly of Newport Beach, Calif., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Senior Judge Rya W. Zobel to 42 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Singer was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $10,668,841 to the Internal Revenue Service and to forfeit specific assets with a value in excess of $5.3 million and approximately $3.4 million in the form of a forfeiture money judgment. In March 2019, Singer pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruction of justice.
“Rick Singer was the architect of a sprawling criminal enterprise that corrupted the admissions process at several of the nation’s most elite universities. His decade-long scheme resembled something out of a Hollywood movie. He courted the entitled, rich and famous, who were so desperate for their children to secure college admission, that they lied, cheated and bribed to get them in,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “While this historic case generated headlines around the globe with privilege, celebrity and entitlement at its core, it also exposed the profound failings in the college admissions process. There should not be a separate college admissions process for the rich, powerful and entitled. This case exposed that there is. But it also resulted in meaningful changes in the college admissions process and I am incredibly proud of that.”
“Rick Singer was the mastermind of a massive criminal enterprise that undermined the college admissions process at universities all across the country. Fueled by pure and simple greed, Mr. Singer raked in millions of dollars in his corrupt scheme in which he rigged the system, making it much easier for far less qualified students and their families to buy their way into some of this country’s most elite universities. With every bribe he paid, he sold out hardworking students a little more. There is no question the damage he has done is profound and today’s sentence shows that there are significant consequences for his criminal conduct,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Operation Varsity Blues uncovered a bold and shameless decade-long scheme that undercut hard-working students trying to get into these prestigious universities the right way. Everyone we’ve arrested, charged, and convicted to date were integral to the scheme’s success, but without Rick Singer, they never would have succeeded.”
“Access to a quality education is a key pillar of our society and the American institutions that are educating our future leaders are second to none. But maintaining fairness in the access to these great institutions is also a vital part of this system,” said Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston. “Today’s sentence should send a clear message and serve as a deterrent to those who might contemplate similar fraudulent schemes.”
“Today’s action shows that Mr. Singer abused his position to help scores of parents cheat their way through the college admissions process. In doing so, he damaged the reputation of the schools and hurt legitimate students who sought admission to those schools. That is unacceptable,” said Terry Harris, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General Eastern Regional Office.
Singer owned and operated the Edge College & Career Network LLC (The Key) – a for-profit college counseling and preparation business – and served as the CEO of the Key Worldwide Foundation (KWF) – a non-profit corporation that he established as a purported charity to provide educational and self-enrichment programs for disadvantaged youth.
Between approximately 2011 and February 2019, Singer conspired with dozens of parents, athletic coaches, a university athletics administrator, and others, to use bribery and other forms of fraud to secure the admission of students to colleges and universities including Georgetown, Stanford, UCLA, USC, the University of Texas, Wake Forest and Yale. The conspiracy involved paying off test proctors and administrators to permit cheating on college entrance exams and bribing university athletic coaches and administrators to designate applicants as purported athletic recruits based on fabricated credentials.
Singer facilitated cheating on the SAT and ACT exams for his clients by instructing them to seek extended time for their children on college entrance exams, which often involved having the children purport to have learning disabilities in order to obtain the required medical documentation. Once the extended time was granted, Singer instructed the clients to change the location of the exams to a test center where corrupt test proctors took the exams in place of the students, gave the students the correct answers during the exams, or corrected the students’ answers after they completed the exams, and corrupt test administrators permitted the cheating to occur. In many instances, the students taking the exams were unaware that their parents had arranged for the cheating.
Singer also accepted payments from parents to bribe coaches and university athletics administrators to designate their children as purported athletic recruits, regardless of their athletic experience or abilities. As part of the scheme, Singer directed his associates to create falsified athletic “profiles” for the students, which were then submitted to the university admissions offices in support of the students’ applications. The profiles included fake athletic honors and, in some instances, staged or photoshopped photos purporting to show the students engaged in athletic activity.
To conceal the scheme, Singer used the Key Worldwide Foundation to disguise bribe payments as purported charitable contributions, thereby enabling clients to deduct the bribes from their federal income taxes. In total, Singer accepted more than $25 million from his clients as part of the scheme – of which he paid bribes totaling more than $7 million and transferred, spent, or otherwise used more than $15 million for his own benefit.
In total, 55 defendants [i] were charged for their involvement in Singer’s exam cheating and athletic recruitment conspiracy. Of those, 53 were convicted – either by guilty plea or jury conviction following trial. One defendant received a Presidential Pardon and one defendant entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the government. To date, the government has collected $8,880,802 in forfeiture from seized bank accounts, real estate and voluntary payments, $5,682,954 in fines and $96,960 in restitution. For more information on defendants charged in the conspiracy, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/investigations-college-admissions-and-testing-bribery-scheme
U.S. Attorney Rollins, FBI SAC Bonavolonta, IRS SAC Simpson and DOE-OIG SAC Harris made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen E. Frank, Leslie A. Wright, Kristen A. Kearney, Ian J. Stearns and Kriss Basil of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol Head, Chief of Rollins’ Asset Forfeiture Unit, prosecuted the case.
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[i] The Singer-led scheme involved 55 defendants (this number includes Singer). This number does not include two defendants, Amin Khoury and Robert Repella, who conspired separately with former Georgetown tennis coach Gordon Ernst, a defendant in the Singer scheme, but were not themselves involved in the Singer scheme.
Fall River Man Indicted for Four Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Fall River man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly robbing four separate banks in Massachusetts within a five-day period and attempting to rob a fifth bank.
William Sequeira, 59, was indicted on four counts of bank robbery and one count of attempted bank robbery. Sequeira was previously charged by criminal complaint on Nov. 18, 2022 with one count of bank robbery and one count of attempted bank robbery.
According to the charging documents, between Sept. 26, 2022 and Sept. 30, 2022, Sequeira robbed four separate banks in the Fall River and Boston areas. Specifically, it is alleged that 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 TD Bank robbery on Sept. 30, 2022 in Boston, Sequeira allegedly 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, it is alleged that 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.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, 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 Rollins’ 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.
Worcester Man Indicted for Sending Obscene Material to a MinorRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly transferring obscene material to a 14-year-old minor over social media.
Andrew James Gallagher, 28, was indicted on one count of transfer of obscene material to a minor. He was arraigned in federal court in Worcester on Dec. 23, 2022 before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge David H. Hennessy and released on conditions. Gallagher was previously charged by criminal complaint on Dec. 5, 2022 and arrested the following day.
According to the charging document, in April 2022, Gallagher contacted the victim using a social media platform. It is alleged that Gallagher asked, “are you underage at all?” to which the minor victim replied identifying himself as 14 years old. Gallagher then allegedly sent two obscene images of himself to the minor victim, expressed interest in meeting with the minor victim in person and asked the minor victim to send an explicit video of himself to Gallagher.
The charge of transfer of obscene material to a minor provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent; and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigation’s in New England made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Omaha Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto of Rollins’ Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dominican Man Indicted for Illegally Reentering the United States and Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly reentering the United States and distributing fentanyl after previously being deported.
Juan Carlos Santos-Ocasio, a/k/a “Cristhian Aybar-Done,” 40, was indicted on one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Santos-Ocasio appeared before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell on Dec. 23, 2022 and remains in federal custody. He was previously arrested and charged on Nov. 29, 2022.
In October 2007, Santos-Ocasio was arrested in the Bronx, N.Y., on heroin distribution conspiracy charges. Santos-Ocasio is a citizen of the Dominican Republic and did not have legal authority to be present in the United States. In November 2008, Santos-Ocasio pleaded guilty in the Eastern District of New York to heroin distribution conspiracy and was subsequently sentenced to 37 months in prison. He was removed from the United States upon completion of his sentence in the summer of 2010.
Sometime after his removal, Santos-Ocasio allegedly reentered the United States unlawfully. In November 2022, he was arrested in Lawrence for allegedly reentering the United States without authorization. According to the indictment, in addition to the charge of being in the U.S. without authorization, Santos-Ocasio also allegedly distributed 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
The charge of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Todd Lyons, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin Brown of Rollins’ Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Massachusetts IV Pump Manufacturer Agrees to Pay Nearly $500,000 to Resolve Allegations That It Knowingly Distributed Defective Devices Used for ChemotherapyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Natick-based intravenous (IV) infusion pump manufacturer Zyno Medical, LLC (Zyno), has agreed to pay $493,140 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act.
The settlement resolves allegations that Zyno knowingly distributed defective IV administration sets that were used to deliver controlled dosages of chemotherapy and other medications to Medicare beneficiaries. As part of the settlement, Zyno has admitted that it knew as early as November 2015, that certain of its administration sets were defective, that the defect had caused leaks during the infusion of medication, and that the defect had the potential to cause such leaks during future infusion treatments. Zyno did not issue a recall for the affected medical administration sets, however, and even continued to sell affected medical administration sets for a certain period. In July 2016, Zyno finally issued a recall notice to its customers.
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims that whistleblowers brought under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. In connection with today’s settlement, the whistleblowers will receive twenty percent of the recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Bertucci, et al. v. Zyno Medical LLC, et al., No. 20-cv-10388-WGY (D. Mass.).
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Principal Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, Head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division; Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General; Fernando McMillan, Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations; and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles B. Weinograd of Rollins’ Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit and Trial Attorney Joanna G. Persio of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, handled the matter.Worcester Couple Arrested for Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester husband and wife have been arrested in connection on sex trafficking charges.
Kiersten Soto, 29, and Moises Soto, 30, were indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion and one count of traveling or using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activities. The defendants were arrested on Dec. 16, 2022 and, following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell, were detained.
According to the indictment, from February through May 2022, the Sotos used force, fraud and coercion to traffic a victim for commercial sex in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Additionally, Kiersten Soto was charged with traveling and using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activities, specifically prostitution, in violation of the Travel Act.The charges of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion each provide for a sentence of at least 15 years and up to life in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of traveling or using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activities, specifically prostitution, provides for a sentence oof up to five years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Special assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Marlboro and Worcester Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen W. Hassink and Leah B. Foley of Rollins’ Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Vermont Man Sentenced for Narcotics OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Vermont man was sentenced on Dec. 14, 2022 in federal court in Boston for his role in a cocaine conspiracy.
Lorenzo Deconinck, 60, of Jamaica, Vt., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to time served (approximately one day in prison) and two years of supervised release, with the first six months of supervised release to be served in home confinement. In September 2019, Deconinck pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
Deconinck conspired with David Cruz and others to distribute cocaine in Massachusetts. Specifically, between 2015 and 2016, Cruz obtained cocaine from sources in Mexico and transported it to the Springfield area via concealed compartments in a Nissan Juke. Deconinck then purchased more than 50 grams of cocaine from Cruz with the intent to distribute it.
Cruz previously pleaded guilty to drug and firearms offenses and is awaiting sentencing.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations, the DEA’s Carlsbad (Calif.) Resident Office and Westfield (Mass.) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neil L. Desroches, Catherine G. Curley and Steven H. Breslow of Rollins’ Springfield Branch Office 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.
Leader of Violent Brockton-Based Drug Crew Sentenced to Nearly 20 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for his role leading a wide-ranging drug trafficking conspiracy reaching from Boston to Brockton to Cape Cod.
Djuna Goncalves, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 230 months, or more than 19 years, in prison and five years of supervised release. In October 2021, Goncalves pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base, oxycodone and marijuana; possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin; possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base and marijuana; being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
“Djuna Goncalves was the leader of a violent drug trafficking operation that, for years, fueled serious and deadly crimes involving guns and including murders that plagued neighborhoods across our Commonwealth,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “This office will continue to prioritize protecting our communities by finding and prosecuting the drug traffickers and violent offenders who terrorize our neighborhoods. If you fall into that category, consider yourself warned.”
“Djuna Goncalves was the leader of a violent drug crew responsible for moving vast quantities of fentanyl and other deadly drugs throughout southeastern Massachusetts. While they turned a profit, people and their families were tormented by the forces of drug use and addiction,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for the Homeland Security Investigations New England Field Office. “HSI is committed to dismantling and disrupting drug trafficking operations to stop the flow of drugs into New England. We’re proud to join our partners to announce today’s sentence.”
“DEA is committed to investigating and dismantling Drug Trafficking Organizations and individuals like Mr. Goncalves who are responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl and heroin,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division. “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Goncalves accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are fueling the opioid epidemic with deadly drugs in order to profit and destroy people’s lives. DEA’s top priority is combatting the opioid epidemic by working with our local, county, state and federal partners to bring to justice anyone who distributes this poison.”
In the fall of 2018, law enforcement began investigating a violent Brockton drug crew headed by Djuna Goncalves. The investigation revealed that Djuna Goncalves worked with his brothers (and co-defendants) Cody and Tony Goncalves and others to distribute large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, cocaine base and marijuana throughout southeastern Massachusetts from a base of operations in Brockton. The investigation also targeted several Boston-based drug suppliers to the Goncalves brothers. Large quantities of heroin, fentanyl, cash, a loaded handgun, and an AK-47 assault rifle were seized from Djuna Goncalves, who had previously been convicted of two prior drug distribution offenses.
In all, 17 defendants, including Djuna Goncalves, were indicted as part of a wide-ranging drug trafficking conspiracy. Djuna Goncalves was the last defendant to be sentenced.
U.S. Attorney Rollins; HSI SAC Millhollin; DEA SAC Boyle; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl and Alathea E. Porter of Rollins’ 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.
Lawrence Woman Sentenced in Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence woman was sentenced in federal court in Boston yesterday for a drug trafficking offense in connection with her role in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy.
Danybelkis Vasquez-Rodrigue, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV, to 45 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On Aug. 30, 2022, Vasquez-Rodrigue was convicted following a five-day trial of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
In November 2020, law enforcement began an investigation into Rodriguez-Ruiz, who had been identified as a Lawrence-based drug supplier. On Nov. 24, 2020, Rodriguez-Ruiz distributed nearly one kilogram of fentanyl to a cooperating witness. In exchange for the fentanyl, Vasquez-Rodrigue collected $42,000 from the cooperating witness. Through small payments to multiple individuals through local money remitting businesses, Vasquez-Rodrigue then transmitted those drug proceeds to the fentanyl supplier in Mexico.
On Sept. 9, 2022, Rodriguez-Ruiz was sentenced to 57 months in prison and three years of supervised release after previously being convicted of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. The case was investigated by the FBI’s Strike Force including the Norfolk County Sherriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alathea E. Porter and Stephen W. Hassink of Rollins’ 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.U.S. Attorney's Office Announces Agreement with Massachusetts Department of Correction to Address Unconstitutional Mental Health Treatment of Incarcerated IndividualsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts and the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division have entered into an Agreement with the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) to resolve its investigation into the treatment of incarcerated individuals with acute mental health issues.
The Settlement Agreement resolves the United States’ claim that the DOC engaged in a pattern or practice of constitutional violations under the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
“As prosecutors, we have a duty to enforce criminal laws which can result in sending people to carceral facilities. We also have a duty to ensure that once someone is incarcerated and in the custody and control of a state, local or federal government, that they receive constitutional treatment and adequate mental and physical health care. In the instant case, our investigation found unconstitutional conditions and circumstances where incarcerated people in mental health crisis harmed themselves up to and including suicide,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “We must provide better mental health treatment in our carceral facilities. Statistics show that far too many of the incarcerated population suffers from significant mental health and substance use disorders, among other severe things. Moving forward, we will be working closely with DOC to address and correct the serious issues and violations identified in our November 2020 Notice. This agreement is the product of hard work and collaboration and offers many innovative solutions. Specifically, the creation of a Stabilization Unit, a newly established civilian Support Person position, as well as mandatory out-of-cell mental health contacts. With these innovations, we intend for Massachusetts to become the gold standard in mental health supervision and treatment for incarcerated individuals. DOC could become an example for the nation.”
“Our investigation found that Massachusetts’ prisons subjected incarcerated people in mental health crisis to prolonged periods of restrictive housing conditions, instead of providing them constitutionally adequate mental health care and supervision,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This agreement ensures heightened supervision, increased out-of-cell contact with mental health staff, and intensive mental health care in a new treatment-focused housing unit when needed. These reforms will help ensure people receive the services they need when they are in crisis.”
Under the Agreement, the DOC will improve policies and training related to mental health care for incarcerated individuals. These improvements will ensure that individuals in mental health crisis receive three daily mental health contacts; that support staff interact with them while they are on a mental health watch; and that the DOC develop a new unit to provide more intensive mental health treatment for individuals in mental health crisis who are not improving while on mental health watch. In addition, the DOC will provide better documentation of increasing mental health treatment for incarcerated individuals experiencing prolonged mental health crisis. The DOC’s Mental Health Director will now have a role in determining the cell conditions and privileges for anyone on a mental health watch.
The Agreement also provides for the appointment of an independent monitor, Dr. Reena Kapoor, to ensure compliance with this Agreement. Dr. Kapoor is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. She has previously served on legal monitoring teams that assessed mental health care in prison systems and has published extensively on the intersection between solitary confinement and mental illness. Dr. Kapoor will assess the DOC’s implementation of the Agreement’s requirements; review clinical determinations to ensure adequate mental health treatment for individuals in mental health crisis is being provided; and file public reports on compliance with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and DOJ’s Civil Rights Division on the progress.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts and the Civil Rights Division initiated the investigation of the DOC in October 2018 under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, enacted in 1980. This law authorizes the Attorney General to file a lawsuit to address the rights of individuals in institutionalized settings. In November 2020, the Department announced findings that the DOC violated the constitutional rights of incarcerated individuals in mental health crisis. The Department found that the DOC did not adequately supervise incarcerated individuals in mental health crisis, did not provide them adequate mental health care and used prolonged mental health watches under restrictive housing conditions.
The investigation was conducted jointly by the Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Massachusetts and the Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section of the Department of Justice. This matter is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer A. Serafyn, Chief of Rollins’s Civil Rights Unit and Michelle Leung and Gregory Dorchak also with Rollins’s Civil Rights Unit.
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Civil Rights Unit please visit www.justice.gov/usao-ma/civil-rights. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt.
Springfield Woman Pleads Guilty to Reselling Stolen Goods and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield woman pleaded guilty in federal court in Springfield on Dec. 16, 2022 to reselling stolen goods on eBay and money laundering.
Mimi Mai, 49, pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of stolen goods, four counts of money laundering, and two counts of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for April 7, 2023.
Mai owned and operated a pawn shop in Holyoke, Mass., called EZ Exchange. Mai purchased stolen goods from people she knew had stolen the items and resold them on eBay at a price well above what she had paid the sellers. The stolen goods included a variety of household goods, including power tools, electronic devices, sunglasses, and beauty and personal care products. Between 2018 and 2021, Mai earned more than $2.1 million from the sale of items she had listed for sale as “new” on eBay. Mai then used her eBay earnings to buy property in Florida.
The charges of interstate transportation of stolen goods and engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of money laundering provides for a sentence of at least 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 other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; and Holyoke Police Chief David Pratt made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the Springfield Police Department, New England State Police Information Network and investigators from Home Depot, CVS, Target and Stop & Shop. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine Curley of Rollins’ Springfield Branch Office.
New Hampshire Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Fentanyl Intended for DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Manchester, N.H., man pleaded guilty yesterday to possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute.
Michael Warner, 30, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for March 15, 2023.
In August 2020, Warner was observed leaving a known drug source location in Lawrence. Once on the highway, agents stopped Warner, who admitted to buying 70 grams of fentanyl, an amount consistent with narcotics distribution.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of Rollins’ Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Correctional Officer with the U.S. Bureau of Prisons Convicted by Jury of Violating Inmate's Civil RightsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A federal jury in Boston has convicted a senior correctional officer at FMC Devens of injuring an inmate following a five-day trial.
Seth M. Bourget, 42, of Woodstock, Conn., a Senior Correctional Officer at U.S. Bureau Prisons Federal Medical Center in Devens (FMC Devens), was convicted of one count of deprivation of civil rights under color of law. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for April 5, 2023. Bourget was arrested and charged in February 2020.
“When Mr. Bourget took an oath to become a law enforcement officer, he swore to serve and protect. He violated that oath when he violently struck a mentally impaired and handcuffed inmate,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “When members of law enforcement demonstrate such poor judgment and gross misconduct, they undermine the exceptional work the vast majority of their colleagues do every day. Wearing a badge is an honor and comes with enormous responsibility. Mr. Bourget’s conduct fell so far below that standard he is now a convicted felon. We thank the jury for their verdict. The victim in this case sustained significant physical injuries and required 12 staples to close a gash Mr. Bourget caused to the back of his skull. Today’s conviction is for him.”
“We entrust Correctional Officers with great authority and responsibility. Bourget abused his power and assaulted an inmate using excessive force. Today, the jury held him accountable for his misconduct,” said Ryan T. Geach, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General New York Field Office.
“Today’s verdict shows that corrections officers like Seth Bourget who break the law, violate their oath, deprive an inmate of their civil rights, and then try to cover it up will be held accountable for their disgraceful conduct,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Most corrections officers are good and honest public servants doing an enormously challenging and important job, but the FBI will not hesitate to pursue those who violate the civil rights of their prisoners because no one is above the law.”
According to evidence presented at trial, on or about June 18, 2019, Bourget struck a handcuffed inmate suffering from severe mental illness with a large protective shield with excessive force, causing serious head injuries.
The charge of willful deprivation of civil rights under color of law provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, two 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.
U.S. Attorney Rollins, DOJ-OIG SAC Geach and FBI Boston SAC Bonavolonta made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neil J. Gallagher, Jr. of Rollins’ Public Corruption Unit and Torey B. Cummings of Rollins’ Civil Rights & Human Trafficking Unit are prosecuting the case.
Brookline Doctor Indicted for Money Laundering and Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brookline sleep medicine physician has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for his alleged role in a health care fraud scheme.
Dr. Pankaj Merchia, 49, of Brookline and Boca Raton, Fla., was indicted on three counts of money laundering and one count of health care fraud. Merchia self-surrendered this morning and will appear in federal court in Boston today at 3 p.m. before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal.
According to the indictment, Merchia perpetrated two distinct health care fraud schemes. Specifically, Merchia allegedly billed former patients’ insurance companies for monthly rentals of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPap) machines years after the former patients had discontinued their use of the machines and/or returned the machines to Merchia’s office. It is alleged that Merchia used the proceeds of this fraud to purchase an expensive home in Brookline. Additionally, Merchia allegedly billed the insurance company of a family member over $400,000 for a monthly rental of a CPAP machine, despite knowing that the insurance carrier would not pay for treatment rendered by a family member. It is alleged that Merchia used the proceeds of this fraud to fund a wire transfer of $250,000 and to purchase at least $140,000 in securities.
The charges of money laundering and health care fraud provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joleen Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; and Anthony M. DiPaolo, Executive Director of the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren A. Graber of Rollins’ Health Care Fraud Unit and Evan D. Panich of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering 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.
Quincy Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Quincy man has been sentenced for drug trafficking offenses in connection with conspiring to distribute and possess, and possessing with intent to distribute, over a kilogram of fentanyl, including counterfeit fentanyl pills.
Damian Cortez, 34, was sentenced on Dec. 15, 2022 by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to eight years in prison and three years of supervised release. On June 23, 2022, Cortez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Cortez is one of 10 defendants indicted together in June 2020 as part of a broader federal sweep targeting numerous NOB street gang members and associates in which 31 total defendants were charged. All of Cortez’s co-defendants have pleaded guilty to various charges and are scheduled to be sentenced in the upcoming months.
According to court documents, NOB – an abbreviation for the Norton/Olney/Barry streets in Dorchester – is a violent criminal enterprise whose members and associates are involved in numerous types of criminal activities throughout Massachusetts, including murders, attempted murders, armed robberies, drug trafficking, sex trafficking and illegal firearms offenses. Numerous contraband items including 11 firearms, over one kilogram of fentanyl (including over 2,000 fentanyl pills manufactured to appear as commercial oxycodone pills), a commercial pill press, over 15 pounds of marijuana and approximately $36,000 in cash were recovered during the investigation.
Cortez was a significant fentanyl trafficker and NOB member/associate who supplied drugs to and supported various crimes on behalf of the gang. On June 16, 2020, a search of an apartment where Cortez was residing resulted in the seizure of a commercial pill press, dyes, cutting agent, and over a kilogram of fentanyl, some of which was pressed into pills manufactured to appear as pharmaceutical-grade oxycodone pills, among other drug trafficking paraphernalia.
First Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Bryan Kyes, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro; Quincy Police Chief Paul Keenan; Randolph Police Chief Anthony Marag; Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez; Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara; Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden; Suffolk County Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins; Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph D. McDonald, Jr.; Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III; and Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick W. McDermott made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Crowley and Sarah Hoefle of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon Indicted for Drug and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A repeat convicted felon has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly possessing a firearm, multiple rounds of ammunition and fentanyl intended for distribution while on federal supervised release.
Francisco Gabriel Diaz, 32, of Boston, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Diaz was charged by criminal complaint in December 2021.
According to the charging documents, on June 24, 2021, a search of the residence where Diaz was staying resulted in the recovery of a black Taurus G2S 9mm firearm, a 9mm magazine containing seven live 9mm rounds, a 9mm magazine containing one live 9mm round, over 40 grams of fentanyl, several plastic bags containing crack cocaine, a box of sandwich bags and a digital scale. Diaz is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions, including an October 2017 conviction for possession with intent to distribute a Class B Substance. Diaz was on federal supervised release at the time of the search.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. 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. The charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug offense provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin A. Saltzman of Rollins’ Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Bronx Man Arrested for Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Bronx man has been arrested for travelling to the Worcester area to distribute approximately one kilogram of fentanyl.
Jose Luis Lopez Genao, 30, of Bronx, N.Y., was charged with one count of distribution of and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. Genao was arrested on Dec. 8, 2022 and, following an initial appearance in federal court in Springfield before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Katherine A. Robertson, was detained pending a hearing set for Dec. 20, 2022.
According to the charging document, Genao travelled from New York to the Worcester area to deliver approximately one kilogram of fentanyl. Genao was arrested on site and the kilogram of fentanyl was seized by law enforcement.
The charge of distribution of and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised released, and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. The investigation was led by the FBI with its law enforcement partners including members of the OCDETF Strike Force and Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force. Valuable assistance was provided by the Easthampton Police Department and the Hampden and Berkshire County Sheriff's Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Mazur and Neil L. Desroches of Rollins’ Springfield Branch 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 defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Taunton Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Dealing FirearmsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Taunton man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to dealing firearms without license, including “ghost guns.”
William Viera, 33, pleaded guilty to dealing in firearms without a license. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for March 9, 2023. Viera was arrested and charged on April 18, 2022.
“Ghost guns are even more dangerous than firearms assembled by a licensed manufacturer. Although each are deadly and can kill someone, the PMF rarely has a serial number and is virtually untraceable. Often, people use them in an attempt to hide their criminal activity because the origin and use of the firearm is unknown,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins.
“Prohibited persons who not only have direct access to firearms, but illegally manufacture firearms for other prohibited individuals is a significant threat to our community,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division. “ATF is committed to identifying these individuals and bringing them to justice.”
Beginning in or around April 2022, Viera was identified as an illegal firearms dealer and ghost gun manufacturer. “Ghost guns,” or privately made firearms (PMFs), are firearms assembled or otherwise produced by a person other than a licensed manufacturer, often without a serial number. In April 2022, through the use of a cooperating witness, Viera was contacted about available firearms. During his communications, Viera stated he could manufacture PMFs, including a Glock-style PMF and an AR platform rifle or pistol receiver. Viera also made completed firearms from unfinished firearms kits and sold the completed firearms to other individuals. The cooperating witness subsequently met with Viera at his residence on multiple occasions, where Viera was observed in possession of a Glock-style PMF. Between July 15, 2022, and Aug. 8, 2022, Viera sold three Glock style PMFs and ammunition to the cooperating witness during three separate controlled purchases. Additionally, a search of Viera’s residence on Aug. 18, 2022, resulted in the recovery of one commercially manufactured AR platform firearm and two finished PMFs, as well as ammunition and parts and tools used for firearm making, among other things.
Viera does not possess a federal firearms license and is prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition due to prior felony convictions, including a 2012 conviction in Bristol County of armed robbery for which he was sentenced to two to five years in prison.
The charge of dealing in firearms without a license provides for a sentence of up to 5 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $ 250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. Attorney Rollins and ATF SAC Ferguson made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Taunton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Dell’Anno of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
California Attorney Pleads Guilty to Selling Unregistered SecuritiesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A California attorney pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with the illegal sale of over $1.3 million worth of unregistered shares of a Massachusetts-based health care company.
Daniel V. Martinez, 63, of Yuba City, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of sale of unregistered securities. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for April 13, 2023. Martinez was charged by an Information on Sept. 30, 2022.
Between 2013 and 2016, Martinez served as a real-estate attorney for Avtar Singh Dhillon, who was then chairman of the Massachusetts-based biotechnology company, Arch Therapeutics, Inc. Dhillon and Martinez placed 2.75 million Arch Therapeutics shares that Dhillon beneficially owned into a limited liability company that Martinez created and for which Martinez was the sole manager. At Dhillon’s direction, Martinez then sold the shares in the open market without a valid exemption under the relevant securities laws and distributed the approximately $1.34 million in proceeds. Martinez distributed the proceeds primarily to third parties for Dhillon’s benefit, taking a small portion directly for himself.
On Dec. 8, 2022, Dhillon pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to disclose stock sales, one count of aiding and abetting the sale of unregistered securities, and one count of touting compensation nondisclosure conspiracy before U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock, who scheduled sentencing for April 18, 2023.
The charge of sale of unregistered securities provides for a sentence up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $10,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Office made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by SEC’s headquarters and Boston regional office. Assistant U.S. Attorney James R. Drabick of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Texas Man Indicted for Threatening Doctor Affiliated with the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education CenterRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging a Texas man with threatening a Boston doctor because the doctor provided care for members of the transgender community.
Matthew Jordan Lindner, 38, of Comfort, Texas, was charged with interstate transmission of threatening communication, and selecting the victim because of the gender identity of persons for whom the victim provided medical care. Lindner was arrested on Dec. 2 and subsequently released on bond by a U.S. Magistrate Judge in San Antonio. He will appear in federal court in Boston on Dec. 22 before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell.
According to the indictment, in August 2022, inaccurate information spread online regarding procedures at Boston Children’s Hospital for gender nonconforming children. It is alleged that on Aug. 31, 2022, Lindner called the Boston-based National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center and left a threatening voicemail targeting one of the Center’s affiliated doctors. In that voicemail, Lindner allegedly said: “You sick motherf*****s, you’re all gonna burn. There’s a group of people on their way to handle [victim]. You signed your own warrant, [victim]. Castrating our children. You’ve woken up enough people. And upset enough of us. And you signed your own ticket. Sleep well, you f******, c***.”
In August 2022, U.S. Attorney Rollins announced the creation of the “End Hate Now” hotline – 1-83-END-H8-NOW (1-833-634-8669) – for reporting hate-based incidents or potential criminal activity. Massachusetts residents and visitors are encouraged to call the hotline to report concerning or troubling incidents of hate, potential hate crimes, or concerns regarding individuals believed to be espousing the hate-filled views or actions we learn of far too often in the wake of mass shootings and/or acts of hate-based violent extremism. Callers are encouraged to leave their contact information but may remain anonymous. At this time, the hotline is available in English, Spanish, Cantonese and French.
The charge of interstate transmission of threatening communication provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Rollins and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian A. Fogerty of Rollins’ Human Trafficking & Civil Rights 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.
Saugus Woman Sentenced for Trafficking Counterfeit Percocet Pills Containing FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Saugus woman was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for her role in a large-scale drug trafficking organization that manufactured and distributed hundreds of thousands of counterfeit Percocet pills containing fentanyl.
Nicole Benton, 46, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison Burroughs to two years in prison and three years of supervised. In September 2021, Benton pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and other controlled substances and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy.
Benton was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in June 2021 along with co-conspirators Vincent Caruso, Laurie Caruso and Ernest Johnson, as part of an investigation that began in 2020 in response to an increased number of shootings in communities north of Boston by street gangs whose violence was fueled by drug distribution.
Benton was a lower-level runner of a large drug trafficking organization (DTO) operated by Vincent Caruso, a self-admitted Crip gang member, that included Johnson and Vincent Caruso’s mother, Laurie Caruso, among others. The DTO sold counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl – produced using multiple large pill presses capable of generating thousands of pills per hour – to street gangs for further distribution on the North Shore of Massachusetts. A single counterfeit fentanyl pill allegedly retails between $10-$20, thereby generating millions of dollars in retails sales.
Benton distributed more than 100,000 pressed fentanyl pills on behalf of the organization. Based upon pills seized during the investigation, 100,000 pills would equate to more than 10 kilograms of fentanyl. During a search of Benton’s residence on June 30, 2021, approximately 40 grams of fentanyl pills and a firearm were seized.
In June 2022, Vincent Caruso was sentenced to 250 months (more than 20 years) in prison and five years of supervised release. Laurie Caruso was sentenced in June 2022 to nine years in prison and four years of supervised release. On May 20, 2022, Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition and is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 27, 2023.
First Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Division; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts States Police made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the Essex, Middlesex and Suffolk County District Attorneys’ Offices; Essex, Middlesex, Suffolk and Hancock (Maine) County Sheriffs’ Departments; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine; Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; and the Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Danvers, Everett, Lynn, Malden, Salem, Saugus, Somerville, Revere, Bolton (Maine), Bangor (Maine), Portland (Maine) and Westbrook (Maine) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Massachusetts Man Sentenced for Wire Fraud and Illegally Exporting Defense Articles to TurkeyRead the Press Release
A Massachusetts man was sentenced yesterday to 33 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for a scheme to illegally export defense technical data to foreign nationals in Turkey in connection with the fraudulent manufacturing of parts and components used by the U.S. military, in violation of the Arms Export Control Act. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) later determined that some of the parts were substandard and unsuitable for use by the military.
On Aug. 10, 2022, Arif Ugur, 53, of Cambridge, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud, two counts of violating the Arms Export Control Act and one count of conspiring to violate the Arms Export Control Act.
“The defendant willfully defrauded the Department of Defense and gave access to controlled defense information to individuals in a foreign country for personal gain,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “This type of brazen disregard for our export control laws threatens our military readiness and technological advantage and will not be tolerated by this department.”
According to court documents, in 2015, Ugur, founded and was the sole managing partner of the Anatolia Group Limited Partnership (Anatolia), a domestic limited partnership registered in Massachusetts. Beginning in approximately July 2015, Ugur bid on and acquired numerous contracts to supply the DOD with various parts and components intended for use by the U.S. military. Many of these contracts required that the parts be manufactured in the United States. Both in bids submitted to DOD and in subsequent email communications with DOD representatives, Ugur falsely claimed that Anatolia was manufacturing the parts in the United States. In fact, Anatolia was a front company with no manufacturing facilities whatsoever. Unbeknownst to DOD, Ugur contracted with a company in Turkey to make the parts and then passed them off to DOD as if they had been manufactured by Anatolia in the United States. Because they had not been manufactured in the United States in accordance with the contacts, Ugur failed to allow DOD to inspect the parts prior to delivery to the U.S. military. Many of the parts were substandard and some could not be used at all.
To enable the Turkish company to manufacture the parts, Ugur shared technical specifications and drawings of the parts with his co-conspirators overseas, some of whom were employees of the Turkish company. Ugur also provided his overseas co-conspirators with access to DOD’s online library of technical specifications and drawings. Because of their military applications, many of these parts were designated as Defense Articles under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the United States Munitions List (USML). Thus, an export license was required to export the parts and related technical data (blueprints, specifications, etc.) from the United States to Turkey. Ugur knew of these restrictions, but nonetheless exported technical data controlled under the ITAR and USML to employees of the Turkish manufacturer without an export license.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; U.S. Attorney Rachael S. Rollins for the District of Massachusetts; Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty of the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Matthew B. Millhollin of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Rashel Assouri of the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Export Enforcement, Boston Field Office made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason A. Casey and Timothy H. Kistner for the District of Massachusetts prosecuted the case.
Framingham Man Arrested for Operating Unlicensed Money Transmitting BusinessRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Framingham man was arrested this morning in connection with operating an unlicensed money transmitting business.
Luiz DaSilva, 68, was indicted on one count of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. DaSilva will appear in federal court in Boston at 3:30 p.m. this afternoon before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Judith G. Dein.
According to the indictment, from in or about October 2018 through in or about October 2020, DaSilva failed to comply with the federal registration requirements for money transmitting businesses in operating his business, Mix Cell Phones, LLC.
The charge of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Framingham Police Chief Lester Baker made announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering 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.
Dorchester Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dorchester man was sentenced yesterday for racketeering (RICO) conspiracy stemming from his involvement in the Boston-based street gang, NOB.
Darius Bass, a/k/a “Tre” or “Trigga Tre,” 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 12 years in prison and three years of supervised release. On June 3, 2022, Bass pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, commonly known as RICO conspiracy.
Bass is one of 10 defendants indicted together in June 2020, as part of a broader federal sweep targeting numerous NOB street gang members and associates in which 31 total defendants were charged. All of Bass’ co-defendants have pleaded guilty to various charges and are awaiting sentencing.
According to court documents, NOB – an abbreviation for the Norton/Olney/Barry streets in Dorchester – is a violent criminal enterprise whose members and associates are involved in numerous types of criminal activities throughout Massachusetts, including murders, attempted murders, armed robberies, drug trafficking, sex trafficking and illegal firearms offenses. During the investigation, numerous contraband items were seized including 11 firearms, over one kilogram of fentanyl (including over 2,000 fentanyl pills manufactured to appear as commercial oxycodone pills), a commercial pill press, over 15 pounds of marijuana and approximately $36,000 in cash.
Bass was an active, central and violent member of the NOB gang who personally committed, planned and supported various crimes on behalf of the gang. The Court determined that Bass was responsible for two attempted murders and took those into consideration at sentencing. Specifically, in October 2016, individuals exchanged gunfire on the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth campus in a public parking lot near campus housing. Later, in January 2017, several shots were fired at a target’s residence in a residential neighborhood in Randolph.
First Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Brian A. Kyes, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro; Quincy Police Chief Paul Keenan; Randolph Police Chief Anthony Marag; Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez; Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara; Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden; Suffolk County Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins; Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph D. McDonald, Jr.; Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III; and Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick W. McDermott made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Crowley and Sarah Hoefle of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
中华人民共和国公民因跟踪缠扰行为被捕Read the Press Release
波士顿 – 伯克利音乐学院的一名中国留学生因涉嫌威胁和骚扰一名张贴支持中国民主传单的人而被逮捕并指控。
25岁的吴啸雷被指控一项跟踪缠扰罪，将于今天下午在波士顿联邦法院首次出庭。吴在伯克利音乐学院进修期间居于波士顿，今天下午三点将到联邦法院出庭。
起诉书指出，2022年10月22日，有人在伯克利音乐学院波士顿校园或附近张贴写着“与中国人民站在一起”、“我们要自由”和“我们要民主”的传单。据称，大约在2022年10月22日至2022年10月24日期间，吴通过微信、电邮和Instagram给发布传单的受害者发送了一系列信息，其中包括“再贴给你丫手剁了。”吴还告诉受害者，他已向中国公安机关举报了受害者的行为，中国公安机关将会“问候”受害者的家人。 吴还被指控招揽其他人查明受害者的住处，并公开发布受害者的电邮地址，希望其他人在网上骚扰受害者。
“司法部会永远捍卫言论自由和政治表达的权利。我们认为吴先生的威胁和骚扰行为并不是言论自由，相反，这些行为是企图压制和恐吓异议人士表达与中国不同的观点。”联邦检察官蕾切尔·罗林斯(Rachael S. Rollins) 表示。“我们不会容忍针对那些和平宣传想法、从事工作或表达意见的人士的威胁，骚扰或其他任何的镇压行为或企图。言论自由是美国的宪法权利，我们会不惜一切代价保护和捍卫这项权利。”
“今天，美国联邦调查局逮捕了吴啸雷,因为他屡次威胁和侵犯一名公开反对中国执政共产党的人士的权利。我们认为吴先生跟踪和骚扰受害者、并向中国执法部门举报受害者对民主自由的支持，可能导致受害者及其家人受到调查。被控的行为令人极其不安，同时亦完全违背了我们国家的民主价值观。”联邦调查局波士顿分局局长约瑟夫·博纳沃隆塔(Joseph R. Bonavolonta)声称。“此案还突出表明了联邦调查局一直致力于保护所有公民行使言论自由的权利。我们也努力将任何企图侵犯这项权利的人绳之以法。”
跟踪缠扰罪最高可判处五年监禁、三年监管释放，以及最高25万美元的罚款。判决由联邦地区法院法官依据美国管辖刑事案件的判决准则和法规作出。
美国检察官罗林斯和联邦调查局分局局长博纳沃隆塔(Bonavolonta)今天发布此公告。罗林斯下属国家安全科的美国助理检察官蒂蒙席·吉斯特纳（Timothy H. Kistner）负责起诉此案。
指控文件中的细节仅为指控，被告推定为无罪, 除非并直到在法庭上排除合理怀疑被证明有罪。
People's Republic of China Citizen Arrested for StalkingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Berklee College of Music student, who is citizen of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), has been arrested and charged with stalking in connection with threatening and harassing communications he allegedly made towards an individual who posted fliers in support of democracy in China.
Xiaolei Wu, 25, was charged with one count of stalking and will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston this afternoon. Wu has lived in Boston while attending the Berklee College of Music. Wu will appear in federal court in Boston at 3 p.m. this afternoon.
According to the charging documents, on Oct. 22, 2022, an individual posted a flier on or near the Berklee College of Music campus in Boston which said, “Stand with Chinese People,” as well as, “We Want Freedom,” and “We Want Democracy.” It is alleged that, beginning on or about Oct. 22, 2022 and continuing until Oct. 24, 2022, Wu made a series of communications via WeChat, email and Instagram directed towards the victim who posted the flier. Among other things, Wu allegedly said, “Post more, I will chop your bastard hands off,.” He also allegedly told the victim that he had informed the public security agency in China about the victim’s actions and that the public security agency in China would “greet” the victim’s family. It is further alleged that Wu solicited others to find out where the victim was living and publicly posted the victim’s email address in the hopes that others would abuse the victim online.
“The Department of Justice will always defend the right to engage in free speech and political expression. We allege that Mr. Wu’s threatening and harassing behavior was not free speech. Rather, it was an attempt to silence and intimidate the activist’s expressed views dissenting of the PRC,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “We will not tolerate threats, harassment or any other repression attempts against those peacefully promoting their ideas, doing their jobs, or expressing their opinions. Freedom of speech is a constitutional right here in the United States and we will protect and defend it at all costs.”
“Today, the FBI arrested Xiaolei Wu for repeatedly threatening and infringing on the rights of a civic activist who spoke out against the ruling Communist Party of China. We believe Mr. Wu stalked, harassed, and reported the victim’s support for democracy to law enforcement in the People’s Republic of China so it would launch an investigation into the victim and her family. This alleged conduct is incredibly disturbing and goes completely against our country’s democratic values,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “This case also highlight’s the FBI’s ongoing commitment to protecting the exercise of free speech for all citizens and our efforts to bring to justice anyone who tries to infringe on those rights.”
The charge of stalking provides for a sentence up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. Attorney Rollins and FBI SAC Bonavolonta made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy H. Kistner of Rollins’ National Security 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.
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For a translated version of this press release, please see the attachment below.
Methuen Man Sentenced for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Methuen man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his involvement in a fentanyl distribution conspiracy.
Nino De Leon Guzman, a/k/a “Chino,” 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to four years in prison and three years of supervised release. On Aug. 3, 2022, Guzman pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, two counts of distribution of fentanyl, one count of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
From October 2020 through in or about June 2021, undercover agents purchased fentanyl from De Leon Guzman and his associated drug trafficking organization on nine separate occasions in the Lawrence and Methuen areas. At the time of his arrest on June 23, 2021, De Leon Guzman was found in possession of fentanyl packaged for distribution and the cell phone for fentanyl deals. A subsequent search of De Leon Guzman’s residence in Methuen resulted in the recovery of a kilogram brick of fentanyl, a blender containing multiple bags of fentanyl, a drug ledger, clothing he had worn in prior drug transactions and a sock in a nightstand containing $2,500 cash in drug proceeds.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Former Director of Operations for New England Compounding Center SentencedRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former Director of Operations of the now-defunct New England Compounding Center (NECC) was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for conspiring to defraud the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 2012, 753 patients in 20 states were diagnosed with a fungal infection after receiving injections manufactured by NECC that were contaminated with preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate (MPA), and more than 100 patients died as a result. The outbreak was the largest public health crisis ever caused by a contaminated pharmaceutical drug.
Sharon Carter, 58, of Hopkinton, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to five months in prison and one year of supervised release. Carter was also ordered to pay a fine of $4,000. In December 2018, Carter was convicted following an eight-week jury trial of conspiracy to defraud the United States.
“One may think that making misrepresentations or lying to federal regulators is a victimless crime. This case proves otherwise. In her role as Director of Operations, Ms. Carter conspired to deceive regulators into treating NECC as a lawfully operating pharmacy,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “The victims in this case – all trusting, innocent people – were simply seeking pain relief. Instead, those who survived were sentenced to a lifetime of anguish and trauma. This sentence speaks to my office’s ongoing commitment to the safety and protection of our residents in all areas of life and ensuring those who seek to do harm are held accountable.”
“As NECC’s director of operations, Sharon Carter conspired with her colleagues to lie to federal regulators to perpetrate a massive fraud scheme that harmed hundreds of people across the country whose lives will never be the same. Our thoughts are with them as Ms. Carter is finally held responsible for her role in one of the worst public health crises in U.S. history,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “While she now heads to prison, rest assured the FBI, and our law enforcement partners will continue to work to bring others who like her, violate the law and put patients at risk to justice.”
“FDA depends upon truthful representations from regulated firms, especially in the area of high-risk drug compounding, in order to help protect consumers from potentially unsafe products,” said Fernando McMillan, Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office. “We are grateful that those at NECC who violated this essential principle, including Ms. Carter, have been brought to justice.”
“Our nation’s veterans deserve the highest quality healthcare services, and this sentence demonstrates the VA OIG’s commitment to diligently investigating any potential criminal activity that could threaten the safety of VA’s patients,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Algieri with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northeast Field Office. “The VA OIG appreciates the support of the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their efforts to achieve justice in this case.”
“This case demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to the safety and health of the American public,” said Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, along with our federal law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate and take action against those who take part in this type of atrocious behavior.”
The criminal investigation revealed that NECC pharmacists knowingly made and sold numerous drugs in an unsafe manner and in insanitary conditions. The investigation also revealed that NECC repeatedly misrepresented to the FDA and the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy that NECC was operating as a pharmacy dispensing drugs only pursuant to patient-specific prescriptions, when, in reality, NECC was shipping drugs in bulk across the nation for over a decade, evading regulatory oversight through fraud and misrepresentation.
As Director of Operations, Carter oversaw the processing and confirmation of drug orders received by NECC. Carter conspired with others to shield NECC’s operations from regulatory oversight by the FDA by claiming to be a pharmacy dispensing drugs pursuant to valid, patient-specific prescriptions. In fact, NECC routinely dispensed drugs in bulk without valid prescriptions. Carter directed employees to engage in numerous fraudulent prescription schemes to deceive regulators by creating the appearance that NECC had prescriptions for the drugs it was selling.
Barry Cadden, former co-owner of NECC and head pharmacist, and Glenn Chin, NECC’s supervisory pharmacist, were both resentenced following the government’s successful appeals of their original sentences. On July 7, 2021, Cadden was resentenced to 174 months in prison and ordered to pay forfeiture of $1.4 million and restitution of $82 million. On July 21, 2021, Chin, NECC’s supervisory pharmacist, was resentenced to 126 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Chin was also ordered to pay forfeiture of approximately $473,584 and restitution in the amount of $82 million.
U.S. Attorney Rollins; FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D.; FBI SAC Bonavolonta; FDA SAC McMillan; VA OIG SAC Algieri; DCI SAC Hegarty; and USPIS INC Larco-Ward made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda P.M. Strachan, Chief of Rollins’ Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Looney of Rollins’ Health Care Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Former Cambridge Man Sentenced for Wire Fraud and Illegally Exporting Defense Articles to TurkeyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Cambridge man was sentenced today in Boston for illegally exporting defense technical data to foreign nationals in Turkey in connection with the fraudulent manufacturing of parts and components used by the U.S. military. Some of the parts were later determined to be substandard and unsuitable for use by the military.
Arif Ugur, 53, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 33 months months in prison and two years of supervised release. Pursuant to an order entered by Judge Gorton, Ugur, who is a U.S. lawful permanent resident from Turkey, agreed to return to Turkey upon completion of his sentence. On Aug. 10, 2022, Ugur pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud, two counts of violating the Arms Export Control Act and one count of conspiring to violate the Arms Export Control Act.
In 2015, Ugur, founded and was the sole managing partner of the Anatolia Group Limited Partnership (Anatolia), a domestic limited partnership registered in Massachusetts. Beginning in approximately July 2015, Ugur bid on and acquired numerous contracts to supply the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) with various parts and components intended for use by the U.S. military. Many of these contracts required that the parts be manufactured in the United States. Both in bids submitted to DOD and in subsequent email communications with DOD representatives, Ugur falsely claimed that Anatolia was manufacturing the parts in the United States. In fact, Anatolia was a front company with no manufacturing facilities whatsoever. Unbeknownst to DOD, Ugur contracted with a company in Turkey to make the parts and then passed them off to DOD as if they had been manufactured by Anatolia in the United States.
Because they had not been manufactured in the United States in accordance with the contacts, Ugur failed to allow DOD to inspect the parts prior to delivery to the U.S. military. Many of the parts were substandard and some could not be used at all.
In order to enable to the Turkish company to manufacture the parts, Ugur shared technical specifications and drawings of the parts with his co-conspirators overseas, some of whom were employees of the Turkish company. Ugur also provided his overseas co-conspirators with access to DOD’s online library of technical specifications and drawings. Because of their military applications, many of these parts were designated as Defense Articles under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the United States Munitions List (USML). Thus, an export license was required to export the parts and related technical data (blueprints, specifications, etc.) from the United States to Turkey. Ugur knew of these restrictions, but nonetheless exported technical data controlled under the ITAR and USML to employees of the Turkish manufacturer without an export license.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Patrick J. Hegarty, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Rashel Assouri, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason A. Casey and Timothy H. Kistner of Rollins’ National Security Unit prosecuted the case.
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.
Felix Bienvenido Gonzalez-Arias, a/k/a “Victor Manuel Trinidad-Lugo,” 38, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. He will appear in federal court in Boston on Dec. 16, 2022.
According to the indictment, on Sept. 1, 2022, in Middleton, Gonzalez-Arias was found to have reentered the United States after previously being deported in April 2018.
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.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Todd Lyons, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of Rollins’ Major Crimes 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.
Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today to drug trafficking offenses in connection with distributing multiple kilograms of fentanyl and thousands of counterfeit fentanyl pills to undercover agents.
Luis Sonier Bautista Moreta, 26, pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for April 26, 2023. Bautista was indicted in January 2022 and has been in custody since his arrest in November 2021.
Bautista’s relative negotiated two sales of fentanyl to an undercover officer. Bautista handled the sales transactions, which took place on Oct. 22, 2021 in Attleboro and on Nov. 1, 2021 in Dorchester. Both times, Bautista entered the car of a cooperating source acting on behalf of the undercover officer and delivered fentanyl. The first transaction involved one kilogram of fentanyl and 6,000 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl; the second transaction involved an additional kilogram of fentanyl. Bautista’s relative arranged for Bautista to sell 1,000 more pills to the undercover officer on Nov. 5, 2021, but Bautista left before completing the deal. , On Nov. 10, 2021, a search of Bautista’s residence resulted in the seizure of 1,000 pills containing fentanyl.
The charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to life of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to life of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Feldman of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Methuen Man Sentenced to More Than Seven Years in Prison for Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Methuen man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for armed bank robbery.
Caio Costa, 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 90 months in prison and five years of supervised release. On July 26, 2022, Costa pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery and one count of using and carrying a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence.
On Sept. 25, 2020, Costa, armed with a loaded revolver and donning a black motorcycle helmet, entered a branch of the Salem Five Bank in Tewksbury. Inside the bank, Costa brandished a black revolver and stole over $7,000. Costa then fled on a motorcycle leading to a high-speed chase with law enforcement, reaching speeds up to 100 m.p.h. Costa eventually crashed the motorcycle in Lawrence and escaped on foot. Law enforcement later located the motorcycle helmet and clothing consistent with that worn by Costa during the robbery. The next day, Costa was arrested at a Salem, N.H. motel at which time he was in possession of a large sum of cash.
During an interview with law enforcement, Costa admitted to robbing the Salem Five Bank three days earlier and committing other armed bank robberies between August and September 2020. He also directed law enforcement to a dumpster where a loaded black revolver, black gloves, a black backpack and other items of clothing used during the robbery were recovered.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan; Tewksbury Police Chief Ryan M. Columbus; Barry Golner, Interim Superintendent of the Lowell Police Department; Wilmington Police Chief Joseph Desmond; and Chelmsford Police Chief James M. Spinney made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
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.
Jonathan Alcequiez-Sanchez, 35, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Alcequiez-Sanchez was remanded into federal custody after previously being charged by criminal complaint on Nov. 25, 2022. He will appear in federal court in Boston on Dec. 14, 2022.
According to the charging documents, Alcequiez-Sanchez was deported from the United States on Sept. 18, 2018, after being arrested in the Bronx, N.Y. for unlawful entry. It is alleged that sometime after his September 2018 removal, Alcequiez-Sanchez illegally reentered the United States.On or about Dec. 27, 2021, Alcequiez-Sanchez was convicted in Lawrence District Court of drug distribution and weapons charges for which he was sentenced to serve jail time at the Essex County House of Corrections. Alcequiez-Sanchez was taken into federal custody upon his release on Nov. 15, 2022.
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.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Todd Lyons, Boston’s Field Office Director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of Rollins’ 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.
Third Suspect Arrested and Charged in Violent Armed Robbery of Martha's Vineyard BankRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A third individual has been charged and arrested in relation to the violent armed bank robbery on Martha’s Vineyard on Nov. 17, 2022.
Romane Andre Clayton, 21, of Jamaica, was arrested on Dec. 9, 2022 in Connecticut and charged with one count of being an accessory after the fact to armed bank robbery. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date. Two co-defendants, Miquel A. Jones and Omar Odion Johnson, were previously arrested and charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boston on Dec. 1, 2022. Jones and Johnson remain in state custody on related charges.
According to the charging documents, on the morning of Nov. 17, 2022, three masked and armed individuals forced their way into the rear door of the Rockland Trust bank in Tisbury. All three individuals were wearing dark colored clothing and white masks resembling an elderly man with exaggerated facial features. According to witnesses, each of the individuals were allegedly carrying what appeared to be semi-automatic handguns. The video surveillance also showed that one of the individuals was carrying what appeared to be a walkie-talkie. Once inside the bank, one of the individuals allegedly held a gun to the head of one of the bank employees and forced him to open the bank’s vault. It is further alleged that the individuals entered the vault and took approximately $39,100, then bound the employees with duct tape and plastic zip ties, demanded access to one of their vehicles, and left the premises in an employee’s car.
A short time after the robbery, the stolen car was located in a parking lot approximately 2.3 miles from the bank and determined that, minutes after the robbery, the individuals allegedly left the parking lot in another vehicle.
According to the charging documents, following an investigation, Jones and Johnson were identified as suspects. It is alleged that subsequent searches resulted in the recovery of three $100 bills and clothing consistent with the robbers in Jones’ car; a black handgun from Johnson’s home; and paperwork reflecting both a money transfer to Jamaica in the approximate amount of $700 and cash deposits in the amount of $4,100 made at a bank in Connecticut in Johnson’s car.
Additionally, according to the charging documents, during a search of the Tisbury farm used by a local landscaping company which employs Jones, a glove, paper money band, zip tie and multiple rubber band – items consistent with the bank robbery – were recovered. During the search, investigators observed an area that appeared to have had a recent fire, and found burned pieces of nylon, white metal plastic consistent with a white mask, burned walkie-talkie pieces, an antennae, batteries and pieces of metal consistent with a duffle bag zipper. Within a few feet of the burned area two semi-automatic handguns loaded with 9mm ammunition were discovered buried inches under the ground. These items, including the handguns, were consistent with items possessed by the robbers during the robbery of the Rockland Trust bank.
According to surveillance video obtained from the Steamship Authority ferry terminal in Vineyard Haven, it is alleged that less than 40 minutes after the robbery – at approximately 8:58 a.m. on Nov. 17, 2022 – Clayton was captured arriving in a silver sedan to a parking lot nearby the ferry terminal, parking the vehicle, purchasing ferry tickets and boarding a ferry at 9:21 a.m. Approximately 30 minutes later, at 9:53 a.m., Johnson is allegedly captured arriving to the same parking lot and getting into the driver’s seat of the silver sedan Clayton had previously arrived in and parked before boarding a ferry. It is further alleged that Johnson is later captured driving the silver sedan to the vehicle reservation clerk booth, purchasing a vehicle ferry ticket and boarding a freight ferry in the silver sedan at 12:24 p.m.
On Nov. 19, 2022, Jones was arrested on state charges of accessory after the fact and was later charged with armed and masked bank robbery in Edgartown District Court on Nov. 28, 2022. On Nov. 25, 2022, a criminal complaint and warrant were issued by the Edgartown District Court charging Johnson with the Nov. 17, 2022, masked and armed robbery of the Rockland Trust bank. Johnson was located and arrested in New Haven, Conn., and was taken into state custody. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
The charge of being an accessory after the fact to armed bank robbery provides for a sentence of up to 150 months in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Cape & Islands District Attorney Michael O’Keefe; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Tisbury Police Chief Chris Habekos; West Tisbury Police Chief Matt Mincone; Edgartown Police Chief Bruce R. McNamee; Chilmark Police Chief Jonathan Klaren; Oak Bluffs Police Chief Jonathan Searle; Aquinnah Police Chief Randhi P. Belain; Canterbury (N.H.) Police Chief Michael Labrecque; and New Haven (Conn.) Police Chief Karl Jacobson made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Postal Inspection Service; the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms; Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and the United States Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan Chambers Cleary and Kenneth G. Shine of Rollins’s Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Boston Man Sentenced to More Than Nine Years in Prison for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for distributing methamphetamine.
Daniel Lennon, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 118 months in prison and five years of supervised release. On June 30, 2022, Lennon pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine and two counts of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
In January and February 2021, investigators conducted three undercover purchases of methamphetamine from Lennon. On Jan. 13, 2021, Lennon delivered approximately 28 grams of 95% pure methamphetamine; on Jan. 19, 2021, Lennon delivered approximately 112 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine; and on Feb. 4, 2021, Lennon delivered approximately 110 grams of 87% pure methamphetamine.
When investigators searched the hotel room where Lennon was staying, they located myriad drugs and drug distribution paraphernalia, including nearly 400 grams of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues, over 500 grams of methamphetamine, over 40 grams of cocaine and approximately $16,740 in cash.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. The Boston Police Department provided valuable assistance in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren A. Graber of Rollins’ Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Watertown Father and Son Found Guilty of Lottery Scam and Tax FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A father and son were convicted by a federal jury yesterday in connection with a “ten-percenting” scheme in which they cashed winning Massachusetts state lottery tickets on behalf of the ticket holders to avoid taxes and receive tax refunds.
Ali Jaafar, 63, and Yousef Jaafar, 29, both of Watertown, were convicted of one count of conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one count each of filing a false tax return. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for April 11, 2023 and April 13, 2023 for Ali Jaafar and Yousef Jaafar, respectively. Mohamed Jaafar, another of Ali Jaafar’s sons, who was also involved in the scheme, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service on Nov. 4, 2022 and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 8, 2023.
“By defrauding the Massachusetts Lottery and the Internal Revenue Service, the Jaafars cheated the system and took millions of hard-earned taxpayers’ dollars. This guilty verdict shows that elaborate money laundering schemes and tax frauds will be rooted out and prosecuted,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins.
The defendants conspired with others to purchase winning lottery tickets at a cash discount from gamblers all over Massachusetts, often using convenience store owners to facilitate the transactions. This scheme—referred to as “ten-percenting” because the ticket purchasers typically keep between 10-20 percent of each ticket’s value—allows the real gamblers to avoid reporting the winnings on their tax returns. The defendants and co-conspirators then presented the winning tickets to the Massachusetts Lottery Commission as their own and collected the full value of the tickets. The defendants also reported the ticket winnings as their own on their income tax returns and claimed fake gambling losses to offset the claimed winnings, thereby avoiding federal income taxes and receiving tax refunds.
Between 2011 and 2020, the defendants and their co-conspirators cashed more than 14,000 lottery tickets and claimed more than $20,000,000 in Massachusetts lottery winnings. Based upon their submitted lottery claims, in 2019, Ali Jaafar was the top individual lottery ticket casher for Massachusetts. Mohamed Jaafar was the third highest individual ticket casher and Yousef Jaafar was the fourth highest individual ticket casher. In total, the three family members received more than $1,200,000 in tax refunds by claiming other peoples’ lottery tickets as their own and then offsetting those winnings with fake gambling losses on their tax returns.
The charge of conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, and restitution. The charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering 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 property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater, restitution and forfeiture. The charge of filing false tax returns provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.U.S. Attorney Rollins and Joleen Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Markham and Kristen A. Kearney of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.
Convicted Felon Sentenced for Having Loaded Firearm in Carry-On Luggage at LoganRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Stoughton man has been sentenced in federal court in Boston on a federal weapons charge.
Sanusie M. Kabba, 37, was sentenced on Dec. 8, 2022 by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Kabba was also ordered to pay a fine of $30,000. On Sept. 7, 2022, Kabba pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Kabba was arrested in September 2021 at Logan Airport after a loaded firearm was found in his carry-on luggage at a security checkpoint. Kabba was also found in possession of a driver’s license and two credit cards bearing the same stolen identity.
Kabba was previously convicted in federal court of conspiracy to distribute at least 1,000 kilograms of marijuana, oxycodone, and cocaine and conspiracy to collect a debt by extortionate means, for which he served 63 months in prison.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
St. Vincent Hospital Agrees to Pay Approximately $1.784 Million to Resolve False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – St. Vincent Hospital (St. Vincent) in Worcester has agreed to pay approximately $1.784 million to resolve allegations that it received impermissible “outlier” payments from Medicare by inflating its charges for cardiac surgical procedures and failed to fully reimburse the government for its receipt of these outlier payments after it became aware of the issue. As part of the settlement, St. Vincent admits that it received outlier payments to which it was not entitled.
Hospitals performing surgical procedures can receive reimbursement from Medicare by submitting a claim to a Medicare Administrative Contractor containing, among other information, a Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) code that identifies the procedure performed and the hospital’s costs and charges for the services and supplies provided in treating the patient. In some cases, a hospital might report having incurred extraordinarily high costs due to performing medically necessary services to address unforeseen complications for a particular patient. In such cases, where a hospital suffers losses in excess of a set threshold, Medicare will pay a hospital an “outlier” payment, in addition to the set reimbursement amount.
St. Vincent admits that between 2018 and 2019, it increased its charges for all inpatient services, including for a cardiac surgical procedure known as a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR); once by 18%, and two more times by 15%. St. Vincent’s increased charges resulted in a greater number of Medicare outlier payments, including cases where outlier payments were not appropriate because there were no unforeseen complications or extended lengths of stay that led to the extraordinarily high costs.
Although prior to settling with the United States, St. Vincent made a voluntary payment to the Medicare Administrative Contractor, that voluntary payment did not fully reimburse Medicare for all outlier payments St. Vincent received for TAVRs and other cardiac-related surgical procedures in cases where patients did not require an increased level of care or an extended length of stay resulting in extraordinarily high costs.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Health and Human Service’s Office of Inspector General, Boston Regional Office made the announcement today. The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven Sharobem and Jessica J. Weber of Rollins’ Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit.
New Jersey Man Indicted for Allegedly Conspiring with Man Posing as DEA Agent to Defraud Victim of GoldRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Jersey man was indicted by a federal grand jury yesterday in connection with a conspiracy to convince a Massachusetts victim to convert her bank account funds into gold, claiming her accounts had been compromised by purported drug traffickers.
Gaurang Contractor, 38, a citizen of India living in Jersey City, N.J., was indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Contractor will appear in federal court in Worcester, Mass. on Dec. 16, 2022. Contractor was previously arrested on state charges on Aug. 8, 2022.
According to the indictment, a man posing as an agent for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) who referred to himself as “Oscar White,” contacted a victim in early August 2022 and told the victim that her bank accounts had been “compromised” by drug dealers. “Oscar White” directed the victim to withdraw funds from purported compromised bank accounts and to convert those funds to gold. It is alleged that White provided the victim with the name of a jewelry store in Hadley, Mass. where the victim could purchase the gold. White then allegedly directed the victim to leave the gold in an unlocked vehicle and promised to send a “court officer” to pick up the gold for safekeeping.
On Aug. 8, 2022, Contractor drove from New Jersey to Hadley. According to court documents, Contractor conducted surveillance of the jewelry store where the victim had purchased the gold at the direction of White. Contractor allegedly followed the vehicle containing the supposed gold. Upon arriving at the meeting location, it is alleged that Contractor removed the two buckets from the vehicle and placed them in his own car. He was subsequently arrested.
The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to a $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan; and Hadley Police Chief Michael A. Mason made the announcement today. Valuable assistance also was provided by the Police Department of the Worcester County town in which the victim resides. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danial Bennett and Kaitlin Brown of Rollins’ Worcester Branch Office are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Melrose Man Arrested for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Melrose man has been charged in connection with possessing and receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Patrick Baxter, 42, was charged with one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Baxter was arrested on Dec. 7, 2022 and, following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston yesterday afternoon, was detained pending a detention hearing that has not yet been scheduled by the Court.
According to the charging documents, Baxter downloaded CSAM from the internet on two occasions in June and July 2021. A computer hard drive seized during a search of Baxter’s residence was allegedly found to contain approximately 427 video files depicting CSAM.
The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and the Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Melrose Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
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.
Framingham Man Convicted of Role in Business Email Compromise SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A federal jury in Boston convicted a Framingham man today for his role in a business email compromise (BEC) scheme.
Gustaf Njei, 27, was convicted following a five-day jury trial of two counts of wire fraud, one count of structuring to avoid reporting requirements, one count of unlawful monetary transactions, and one count of money laundering conspiracy. U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for March 9, 2023. A federal grand jury indicted Njei in June 2021.
The evidence at trial established that Njei conspired with others to open bank accounts in Massachusetts in the name of a sham company, to receive the criminal proceeds of a BEC scheme. A BEC scheme is a sophisticated scam often targeting businesses involved in wire transfer payments. The fraud is carried out by compromising and/or “spoofing” legitimate business email accounts through social engineering or computer intrusion techniques, to cause employees of the victim company (or other individuals involved in legitimate business transactions) to transfer funds to accounts controlled by the scammers.
Njei’s co-conspirators used hacked and spoofed email accounts to trick the victims of the scheme into wiring hundreds of thousands of dollars to a bank account under Njei’s control. Njei then transferred part of the funds to a bank account located overseas, while splitting the remaining funds with a co-conspirator in the United States.
“Online criminals spend their days targeting millions of victims with increasingly sophisticated but fraudulent emails. They just need to fool a few people into surrendering their life savings or business revenues to hit a pay day,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Mr. Njei created a bank account in the name of a fake company. These victims sent hundreds of thousands of dollars and suffered real harm as a result of this cyber scheme. People deserve to feel safe and protected in their communities – whether in person or online. Today’s verdict shows that we will find and hold scammers accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Last year, business email compromise scams cost consumers nationwide nearly $2.4 billion and here in Massachusetts victims reported losing almost $68 million. Gustaf Njei’s conviction today demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to holding accountable everyone who participates in these scams, which use lies and deceit to trick victims out of their hard-earned money,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division “We thank the jury for their swift verdict.”
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of structuring to avoid reporting requirements provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of unlawful monetary transactions provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $500,000 or twice the 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.
U.S. Attorney Rollins and FBI SAC Bonavolonta made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys William B. Brady and Benjamin A. Saltzman of Rollins’ Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Four Individuals Indicted for Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Four individuals were indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury in Boston for their roles in a wide-ranging fentanyl trafficking conspiracy.
Angel Morales, 51, of Roslindale; Quenty Ogando, 44, of Dorchester; Erika Prado, 31, of Hyde Park; and Rahelin Reynoso, 33, of Dorchester, were indicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Morales was also charged with one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
According to the indictment, between September 2022 and November 2022, Morales, Ogando, Prado and Reynoso conspired to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. As part of the fentanyl distribution conspiracy, Morales allegedly used various post offices and FedEx facilities in Boston, Randolph, Holbrook, Quincy, Mattapan, Braintree, Milton and elsewhere to mail over 150 packages containing suspected fentanyl. On one occasion, on Sept. 23, 2022, it is alleged that Morales mailed over 850 grams of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl from a FedEx location in Randolph. On Nov. 22, 2022, during a search of an apartment in Mattapan allegedly being used as stash location by the defendants, over 22 kilograms of pills containing fentanyl, over 22 kilograms of loose powder containing fentanyl, three industrial grade pill presses, as well as numerous sealed envelopes containing various amounts of pills were recovered.
The charges of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, as well as distribution and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, provide for a sentence of up to life, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement today. The Boston Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Massachusetts State Police and United States Customs and Border Protection provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Zacks of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the criminal complaint and indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.