District of Massachusetts
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Statement from U.S. Attorney Rachael S. Rollins Regarding Alleged Threats Made to Boston Children's HospitalRead the Press Release
“Today’s news about the alleged threats directed at Boston Children’s Hospital transgender health program is disturbing to say the least. Children deserve an opportunity to thrive and grow as their own authentic selves. Parents/guardians and health care providers who support them in that journey should be allowed to do so free of threats and harassment. I want to make it clear that the Department of Justice will ensure equal protection of transgender people under the law. As Attorney General Merrick Garland recently said, “At the Justice Department, we view confronting hate crimes as both our legal and our moral obligation.” I have made confronting hate crimes a priority of my administration, establishing a unit dedicated to the investigation and prosecution of civil rights violations. We also have worked tirelessly to send a message to hate groups that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is open for business. Our newly established hotline, 1-83-END-H8-NOW has resulted in dozens of calls and we will continue to pursue all leads. While free speech is indeed the cornerstone of our great nation, fear, intimidation and threats are not. I will not sit idly by and allow hate-based criminal activity to continue in our District.”
TSA Labor Union President Sentenced in Fraud Scheme to Misappropriate Union FundsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The president of a local union representing Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for engaging in a fraud scheme to defraud the union by misappropriating $29,050 in union funds.
Marie LeClair, 59, of Lynn, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to three years of probation with six months of home confinement. LeClair was also ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture of $29,050. On June 2, 2022, LeClair pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
LeClair was the president of the American Federation of Government Employees, Local 2617, which was based in Boston and represented TSA employees. Beginning in or about March 2015, LeClair engaged in a scheme to defraud the union by misappropriating funds belonging to the union for her personal use. Specifically, LeClair transferred funds from union accounts to a travel debit card issued in her own name without the knowledge or authorization of the union and used the misappropriated union funds for personal expenses. On May 22, 2018, LeClair made a wire transfer of $3,000 from a union account to her personal travel debit card.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Jonathan Russo, District Director of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards; and Dr. Joseph V. Cuffari, Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Kaplan of Rollins’ Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Leader of Brighton Drug Trafficking Organization Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The leader of a Boston-area drug trafficking organization (DTO) has pleaded guilty to his role in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy.
Matthew Drayton, 45, of Boston, pleaded guilty on Aug. 10, 2022 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Dec. 14, 2022.
Drayton was charged with 23 others in June 2020 as part of Operation Snowfall, which 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 for which Drayton was both a leader and 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, where they stored, cooked, packaged and sold drugs – most of which was 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 for other residents. As the investigation continued, law enforcement ultimately identified another DTO operating within the Boston area and targeted its large-scale drug suppliers and their associates.
Court documents allege that Drayton was the leader of the Fidelis-Way related DTO whose members were responsible for the packaging, selling, storing and distribution of drugs to, or collection of proceeds from, drug customers, drug runners or other drug distributors and suppliers. It is estimated that Drayton distributed between 280 and 840 grams of cocaine base during the course of his participation in the Fidelis Way DTO. Drayton also participated in a number of controlled buys involving cocaine base during the investigation. Additionally, Drayton used violence or threats of violence to maintain control within the DTO, including at times directing such force against the DTO’s drug runners.
Drayton is the sixth defendant to plead guilty in the Fidelis-Way related drug conspiracy. The remaining defendants have pleaded not guilty and are pending trial.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
First Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Douglas Bartlett, Acting 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 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 documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Middleborough Man Charged with Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Middleborough man has been charged in connection with his alleged theft and attempted sale of three firearms from FedEx packages he was responsible for delivering.
Frank P. O’Toole, 39, was charged with one count of possession of a stolen firearm. O’Toole was arrested on Aug. 12, 2022. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Paul G. Levenson, O’Toole was detained pending a detention hearing which is scheduled for Aug. 17, 2022.
According to the charging documents, O’Toole previously worked as a FedEx delivery truck driver out of the FedEx facility. It is alleged that, between October 2021 and June 2022, O’Toole stole three packages he was responsible for delivering, each containing a firearm intended for a Federal Firearms Licensee. On Aug. 9, 2022 and Aug. 12, 2022, O’Toole allegedly sold the three firearms to an undercover agent during two separate controlled purchases.
The charge of possession of a stolen firearm provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and Middleborough Police Chief Joseph Perkins made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of 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.
Convicted Felon Sentenced for Illegal Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today for illegal possession of a semiautomatic pistol and ammunition.
Shaquille Lee, 29, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 46 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On March 2, 2022, Lee pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
“Prohibited individuals who possess firearms and ammunition pose a great danger to our communities. As a convicted felon, Mr. Lee was strictly forbidden from possessing any firearms, yet was found with a gun and ammunition. Adding insult to injury, he was on state pretrial release for a violent crime and subject to an active arrest warrant for a shooting. This has to stop. People need to be on notice that if you engage in violent serious crimes, particularly those involving guns, you are forfeiting your right to freedom pending your trial,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “My office will continue to work with law enforcement to ensure that violent and dangerous individuals like Mr. Lee do not continue to freely roam our communities without repercussions.”
“ATF remains committed in our efforts to keep firearms out of the hands of convicted felons,” said James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division. “ATF will continue to work with our state, local, and federal law enforcement partners and use all available resources to combat violent gun crimes that occur within our communities.”
In April 2021, Lee was on state pretrial release for assault and battery charges and also subject to an active arrest warrant as a suspect in a February 2021 shooting in Canton. Those cases are currently pending in Malden District Court and Plymouth Superior Court, respectively. On April 23, 2021, law enforcement conducted a search of Lee’s apartment and recovered a Glock, Model 23, .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol, loaded with 13 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition on the nightstand table in his bedroom. Lee was also found in possession of an additional 18 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition in an extended firearm magazine. Lee is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to a 2018 state conviction of distribution, and possession with intent to distribute, a Class B substance.
U.S. Attorney Rollins, ATF SAC Ferguson and Canton Police Chief Kenneth Berkowitz; and Everett Police Chief Steven A. Mazzie made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Dawley, Jr. of Rollins’ Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Owner of Medford Construction Company Indicted for $11 Million Tax Offenses and Making False StatementRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Quincy man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in connection with a tax fraud scheme that resulted in a tax loss of approximately $4.4 million and allegedly making false statements about a fatal workplace accident.
Mauricio Baiense, 55, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, seven counts of failure to collect and pay over taxes, one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return, and one count of making false statements. Baiense was released on conditions following an initial appearance before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal on Aug. 8, 2022
According to the indictment, Baiense owned and operated Contract Framing Builders, Inc. (CFB), a Medford-based construction business. Baiense was responsible for filing CFB’s quarterly employment tax returns and collecting and paying over to the IRS payroll taxes withheld from the wages of the company’s employees. It is alleged that, from approximately 2013 through 2017, Baiense facilitated having approximately $11 million worth of checks drawn on CFB’s corporate bank account to purported subcontractors, which were in fact nominee entities allegedly controlled by him. Baiense allegedly then cashed or directed others to cash the checks at a check cashing business and used the money to operate an “off-the-books” cash payroll for CFB’s employees. It is alleged that Baiense did not report the cash wages to the IRS and did not pay employment taxes on wages paid to employees in cash. Baiense also allegedly assisted in the preparation of at least one fraudulent employment tax return that understated the actual wages paid to CFB’s employees.
It is further alleged that Baiense made a false statement to federal investigators when questioned under oath at a U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) hearing regarding a fatal workplace accident.
The charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of failure to collect and pay over taxes each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of making a false statement 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; Stuart M. Goldberg, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Tax Division; Galen Blanton, Regional Administrator of the Department of Labor OSHA Region 1; Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General in Boston made the announcement. Assistance in the investigation was also provided by the Department of Homeland Security, OSHA Criminal Investigations Team, Region 1, and the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Tobin of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit and Trial Attorney Thomas F. Koelbl of the Justice Department’s Tax Division 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.
Brighton Man Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Prison for Role in Cocaine Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A supervisor within a Boston-area drug trafficking organization (DTO) has been sentenced in federal court in Boston.
Arthur Hodges, 36, was sentenced on Aug. 10, 2022 by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 65 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On April 19, 2022, Hodges pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
Hodges 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 for which Hodges was both a supervisor and 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, where they stored, cooked, packaged and sold drugs – most of which was 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. As the investigation continued, law enforcement ultimately identified another DTO operating within the Boston area and targeted its large-scale drug suppliers and their associates.
Hodges oversaw a number of the Fidelis Way-related DTO members who were responsible for the packaging, selling, storing and distribution of drugs to, or collection of proceeds from, drug customers, drug runners or other drug distributors and suppliers. Hodges is estimated to have distributed between 280 and 840 grams of cocaine base during the course of his participation in the Fidelis Way DTO.
Hodges is the first defendant to be sentenced in the Fidelis-Way related drug conspiracy. Six defendants previously pleaded guilty. Two defendants pleaded not guilty and are pending trial.
First Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Douglas Bartlett, Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long 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.
Virginia Man Sentenced to Nearly 20 Years in Prison for Murder Aboard Commercial Scalloping BoatRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Virginia man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston after admitting to a 2018 murder aboard a scalloping vessel off the coast of Massachusetts.
Franklin Freddy Meave Vazquez, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 235 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. On March 9, 2022, Meave Vazquez pleaded guilty to one count of murder in the second degree, one count of attempted murder and one count of assault with a dangerous weapon. Meave Vazquez, a Mexican national, is in the United States illegally and will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence.
“This was a horrific act of workplace violence. Today’s sentence, although it cannot erase the traumatic and pain caused to the families of the murder victim and the survivors of the brutal attack, I hope it brings some accountability. Mr. Meave Vazquez violently attacked three of his crewmates aboard a scalloping boat, killing one and seriously injuring the others,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Meave Vazquez will now serve nearly 20 years behind bars, unable to endanger or harm any other people. I offer my condolences to the family of the murder victim and to the survivors and their loved ones.”
“Our thoughts are with each of the families, nothing can replace their loved ones”, said Coast Guard Rear Admiral John Mauger, Commander, First Coast Guard District. “Commercial fishing is a foundation of maritime commerce, and we are focused on ensuring the safety of the industry. We sincerely appreciate the teamwork with our federal partners in bringing justice to this case.”
“This murder was senseless and horrific, and so were the other unprovoked, violent assaults Mr. Vazquez committed, turning what should have been a regular day at work into a dreadful nightmare for his victims and their families,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division. “There is no question today’s sentence is just, given the brutality and indifference to human life this man has demonstrated. Removing dangerous criminals from our streets, and our seas, is a top priority of FBI Boston’s Violent Crimes Task Force.”
On Sept. 23, 2018, the scalloping vessel, The Captain Billy Haver, was sailing approximately 50 miles off the coast of Nantucket with seven crew members aboard, including Meave Vazquez and the three victims. While working inside the shucking house Meave Vazquez used a hammer to strike Victim A in the head and into unconsciousness. He then walked out onto the deck and stabbed Victim B multiple times with a long fishing knife. In response to the commotion, Victim C climbed up from the ice hold, was struck in the head by Meave Vazquez with the hammer and fell back down the ladder, bleeding from his head. Meave Vazquez then closed the cover to the ice hold and covered it with heavy baskets of scallops, preventing Victim C and another crew member from being able to exit the hold. Meave Vazquez then struggled with the vessel captain, whom he attempted to stab, before climbing to the top of the rigging with the hammer.
Victim A and Victim B were taken by a rescue boat to a nearby ship for medical attention where Victim B was pronounced dead.
Meave Vazquez remained at the top of the rigging until the Coast Guard arrived and was immediately taken into custody. He was transferred into federal custody upon arrival at the Boston port the following day.
U.S. Attorney Rollins, Admiral Mauger, FBI SAC Bonavolonta and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. The investigation was led by the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine Wichers and Laura J. Kaplan of Rollins’ Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Tobacco Wholesaler Sentenced for PACT ViolationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A tobacco wholesaler from Connecticut was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield for violating the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (PACT) Act.
Syed I. Bokhari, 57, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to one year of probation. The government recommended a sentence of 18 months in prison. Bokhari pleaded guilty on April 19, 2022. In a related civil forfeiture action, Bokhari agreed to forfeit seized tobacco, currency, and other assets, which resulted in the recovery of $2,197,985 by the government.
Established in 2010, the PACT Act is designed to prevent the evasion of state tobacco taxes on cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. The PACT Act requires, among other things, businesses to file a statement with the state tobacco tax administrator prior to shipping cigarettes or smokeless tobacco into that state.
Bokhari owned and operated a wholesale supply business in Scranton, Pa., that sold smokeless tobacco to customers in Massachusetts. Between 2010 and June 5, 2012, Bokhari’s business shipped smokeless tobacco to customers in Massachusetts without ever filing the required statement with the Massachusetts tobacco tax administrator.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Massachusetts Department of Revenue Commissioner Geoffrey E. Snyder; Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division, Boston Office; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for the Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Morgan of Rollins’ Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Rhode Island Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Drug Trafficking and Violent Kidnapping ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Pawtucket, R.I. man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to charges related to a violent kidnapping and witness retaliation and intimidation scheme.
Anthony Basilici, 39, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, one count of possession and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice by retaliating against a witness, victim or informant. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Nov. 7, 2022. Basilici was charged along with 12 co-conspirators in a superseding indictment in March 2020.
“The defendant’s conduct is nothing short of horrifying. Mr. Basilici actively and willingly participated in a violent scheme to kidnap, beat and terrorize a victim who he wrongly believed was working with law enforcement. Additionally, he possessed a firearm for the purpose of facilitating the heroin trafficking conspiracy that he was involved in,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “This case is another example of how drug trafficking activities drive violence in our communities. Pursuing drug traffickers and violent criminals is a top priority of my administration. We will find and prosecute those who threaten the health and safety of our communities. They will be removed from the neighborhoods they terrorize and harm.”
“As we all know, drug trafficking in our communities, along with the gun and physical violence that often accompanies it, is a serious threat to our families and communities,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “This is unacceptable and will not be allowed to happen. DEA and its local, state and federal partners are dedicated to bringing to justice those that commit these crimes.”
This case arose from a 2018 investigation into a wide-ranging heroin trafficking conspiracy in the Cape Cod area.
According to court documents, in 2019, law enforcement began investigating a Cape Cod drug trafficking organization (DTO), allegedly led by Edwin Otero. It is alleged that Otero and his co-conspirators distributed large quantities of heroin throughout Cape Cod, including Hyannis, Mashpee, Centerville and Osterville as well as Pawtucket, R.I. Interceptions from Otero’s phone identified Basilici as a key member of the DTO.
On May 8, 2019, Basilici and, allegedly, others were involved in a shooting at a co-conspirator’s residence related to a drug debt allegedly owed Otero. Basilici was intercepted as he discussed hiding in the woods after the shooting, and changing his phone number to avoid arrest. Intercepted communications showed Basilici and, allegedly, others speaking in code about finding and hiding guns used in the shooting.
Additionally, according to court documents, in April 2019, Basilici’s co-conspirators lured a victim from Massachusetts to Rhode Island, where they kidnapped and held him, stripped him naked, assaulted and threatened to rape him, and then took his clothing and cell telephone. The purpose of this kidnapping and assault was to retaliate against the victim because the co-conspirators erroneously believed the victim was cooperating with law enforcement, and the assailants repeatedly yelled at the victim for being a “rat.” Basilici, for his part, video recorded the assault—which lasted over 18 minutes. Basilici provided this video to Otero, who further intimidated or attempted to intimidate other witnesses after the kidnapping by sharing the video with numerous others.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin provides for a sentence of up to 40 years in prison, a minimum of five years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. The charge of possession and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to commit kidnapping provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to obstruct justice by retaliating against a witness, victim, or informant provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. Attorney Rollins, DEA SAC Boyle, Barnstable Police Chief Matthew K. Sonnabend and Barnstable County Sheriff James M. Cummings, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl and Lauren Graber of Rollins’ Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
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.
Parent Sentenced in College Admissions CaseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Pennsylvania man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with using fraud and bribery to facilitate his child’s acceptance to Georgetown University.
Robert Repella, 63, of Ambler, Penn., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to one year of probation, with the first 25 days spent in home detention, 220 hours of community service and a fine of $220,000. In May 2020, Repella pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud.
Repella agreed to pay Gordon Ernst, the head Georgetown tennis coach at the time, more than $120,000 directly, in exchange for purporting to recruit his daughter to the Georgetown tennis team. Repella was not involved in the college admissions conspiracy led by William “Rick” Singer, which also involved Ernst.
Repella first met with Ernst in August 2017 and agreed to pay Ernst to use one of his six yearly recruitment slots for Repella’s daughter, even though her abilities were not at the level of a typical Georgetown recruit. During an arranged Georgetown campus visit for Repella’s daughter, Repella handed Ernst a check in the amount of $25,000. Repella made a second payment of $25,000 to Ernst slightly more than two weeks later. After Ernst designated Repella’s daughter as one of his tennis recruits, Repella made additional payments to Ernst, or for his benefit, through August 2018, including tuition payments to Ernst’s daughters’ private high school.
Ernst previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 30 months in prison, two years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $3,435,053.
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 and Ian Stearns of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Peabody Man Sentenced for Distributing Drugs Laced with FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Peabody man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for participating in a conspiracy that distributed fentanyl and drugs laced with fentanyl.
Francisco Tavarez, a/k/a “Jose,” 25, was sentenced by U.S District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 21 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Tavarez previously pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of fentanyl and one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl on March 29, 2022.
“This case is an unfortunate illustration of the deadly effects of opioids and the destruction they cause to people, families, and communities,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Mr. Tavarez was involved in a drug trafficking conspiracy that exploited pain and suffering for profit. The opioid crisis - which flourishes due to actions by individuals like Mr. Tavarez - has taken far too many lives in our Commonwealth. With today’s sentencing, we honor the memory of the young woman whose overdose death in January 2017 sparked the instant investigation.”
“Fentanyl is causing tremendous damage to our community,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division. “Those who distribute this poison are endangering the safety of the citizens of the Massachusetts. The DEA will continue to work each day alongside our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who are responsible for distributing fentanyl and other deadly drugs. DEA’s top priority is combatting the opioid epidemic.”
In January 2017, a fatal opioid overdose in Melrose prompted an investigation into drug activity on the North Shore of Boston. Tavarez’s co-defendant Yeffry Reynoso was identified as a heroin and fentanyl supplier who ran an active drug business and employed various individuals as runners who delivered the drugs on his behalf. The investigation determined that Reynoso supplied the opioids that led to the fatal overdose in January and that he had previously supplied the victim with heroin and a heroin/fentanyl mixture on a regular basis in 2016.
During the subsequent investigation into Reynoso’s drug trafficking activities in the Spring of 2017, a cooperating witness made a controlled purchase of heroin and a heroin/fentanyl mixture from Reynoso. The cooperating witness then introduced Reynoso to an undercover investigator who was posing as a new customer. In March 2017, Tavarez was identified as a runner for Reynoso when he delivered fentanyl to the undercover investigator on Reynoso’s behalf. Tavarez was later observed engaging in multiple suspected drug transactions with individuals believed to be Reynoso’s drug customers. Following a suspected hand-to-hand drug deal in Salem, local law enforcement stopped Tavarez and seized a small quantity of fentanyl, a small quantity of a cocaine/fentanyl mixture, and $2,340 from his car.
In January 2019, Reynoso pleaded guilty and was sentenced in June 2019 to 150 months in prison and four years of supervised release. Reynoso was also ordered to pay restitution of $4,765.
U.S. Attorney Rollins, DEA SAC Boyle, Melrose Police Chief Michael Lyle and Salem Police Chief Lucas J. Miller made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney James E. Arnold of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Maine Recidivist Sex Offender Charged with Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Maine man has been charged with failing to register as a sex offender after he moved from Haverhill to Fryeburg, Maine.
Frank Boyd, 53, was charged with one count of failure to register as a sex offender. Boyd is currently in state custody awaiting trial on state charges and will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the charging documents, Boyd was a Level 3 Sex Offender after being convicted of sex offenses against children in 2001 and 2009. Accordingly, he was required to register as a sex offender and update his registration any time he moved or changed employment.
In 2020, Boyd registered as a sex offender and listed a Haverhill address as his residence. It is alleged that on or around March 23, 2021, police determined that Boyd was no longer living at the Haverhill residence he had listed on his registration form and was later found to have moved to Fryeburg, Maine. He did not register as a sex offender in Maine nor update his sex offender registration in Massachusetts at any point prior to his arrest on state charges on July 27, 2022. Boyd has two prior state court convictions in 2008 and 2015 of failure to register as a sex offender.
The charge of failure to register as a sex offender 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 Douglas Bartlett, Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts made the announcement today. The Haverhill and Fryeburg (Maine) Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum 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.
Lynn Man Pleads Guilty to Mail TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynn man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to stealing money from the mail.
Juan Murillo, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of mail by an employee of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Nov. 9, 2022. Murillo was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 3, 2022.
While serving as a City Carrier for the United States Postal Service, Murillo stole two iPads which had been previously delivered to a Harvard University dorm while on his route delivering other mail. Additionally, on or about Sept. 23, 2021, Murillo stole cash from mail that he was supposed to deliver to postal customers.
The charge of theft of mail by an employee of the U.S. Postal Service provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Office, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Harvard University Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia M. Carris, Deputy Chief of Rollins’ Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit, is prosecuting the case.
Former Director of West Hollywood Private School Sentenced in College Admissions CaseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former director of a private elementary and high school in West Hollywood, Calif. was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for his participation in the college admissions case.
Igor Dvorskiy, 56, of Sherman Oaks, Calif., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to one year of supervised release, which includes three months of home detention, and forfeiture of $149,540. In November 2019, Dvorskiy pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit racketeering.
Dvorskiy administered the SAT and ACT exams at the private school in Los Angeles where he was a director. In exchange for bribe payments directed to his school by co-conspirator William “Rick” Singer – typically $10,000 per student – and in violation of his duty of honest services to the ACT and the College Board, Dvorskiy allowed another co-conspirator, principally Mark Riddell, to purport to proctor the ACT and SAT exams for the children of Singer’s clients and to correct their answers after the exams. Dvorskiy then returned the falsified exams to the ACT and College Board for scoring. Dvorskiy cooperated with the government’s investigation.
On April 8, 2022, Riddell was sentenced to four months in prison and two years of supervised release. Riddell was also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and to forfeit $239,449. Singer previously pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
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 Field 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 and Ian J. Stearns of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Former Cambridge Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Illegally Exporting Defense Articles to TurkeyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Cambridge man pleaded guilty today in Boston in connection with his scheme to illegally export defense technical data to foreign nationals in Turkey for the fraudulent manufacturing of various United States military parts, 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.
Arif Ugur, 53, 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. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Dec. 14, 2022. Ugur was indicted on July 21, 2021.
In 2015, Ugur, a Turkish national, 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 a variety of machine parts and hardware items intended for use by the United States military. Many of these contracts required that the parts be manufactured in the United States. In his initial bids and in subsequent email communications with DOD representatives, Ugur falsely claimed that Anatolia was manufacturing the parts in the United States. In fact, Anatolia and Ugur had no manufacturing facilities in the United States or elsewhere. Instead, Ugur contracted with a Turkish manufacturer to make the parts and then passed them off to DOD as if they had been manufactured by Anatolia in the United States.
Ugur shared technical specifications and drawings of various DOD parts and components with employees of the Turkish manufacturer so that they could produce the parts for Anatolia. Ugur also provided employees of the Turkish manufacturer and other Turkish nationals with access to DOD’s online library of technical specifications and drawings. Many of the parts that Ugur contracted to provide, and did provide to DOD, 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 (drawings, 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.
The charge of violating the Arms Export Control Act provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of 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 from the offense. The charge of conspiring to violate the Arms Export Control Act provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Patrick J. Hegarty, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and James Brigham, Acting 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 are prosecuting the case.
Brighton Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A drug distributor within a Boston-area drug trafficking organization (DTO) has pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy involving cocaine and cocaine base.
Phillip Williams, 38, of Brighton, pleaded guilty on Aug. 8, 2022 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Nov. 17, 2022.
Williams was charged with 23 others in June 2020 as part of Operation Snowfall, which ultimately resulted in the prosecution 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 Williams was a 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. The DTO’s conduct reduced the quality of life of the other residents of Commonwealth Development. As the investigation continued, law enforcement ultimately identified another DTO operating within the Boston area and targeted its large-scale drug suppliers and their associates.
Williams is estimated to have distributed between approximately 100 and 200 grams of cocaine base during the course of his participation in the Fidelis Way DTO. Williams is the fifth defendant to plead guilty in the Fidelis-Way related drug conspiracy. The remaining defendants have pleaded not guilty and are pending trial.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to life 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.
First Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Douglas Bartlett, Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long 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 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 documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Boston Man Sentenced to Nearly Three Years in Jail for Online Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in online fraud schemes.
Macpherson Osemwegie, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 32 months in prison and two years of supervised release. Osemwegie was also ordered to pay restitution of $686,264. On Sept. 1, 2021, Osemwegie pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud.
Osemwegie agreed with others to participate in a series of romance and other online scams designed to trick victims into sending money to accounts that Osemwegie and others controlled. Romance scams occur when a criminal adopts a fake online identity to gain a victim’s affection and trust. The scammer then uses the illusion of a romantic or close relationship to manipulate and/or steal from the victim.
To carry out the schemes, Osemwegie and his co-conspirators used fake foreign passports in others’ names to open bank accounts, and in turn directed the victims to send money to those accounts. Osemwegie’s role was to open bank accounts into which victim funds were transferred and quickly withdraw the funds. In less than three years, Osemwegie opened at least 16 bank accounts at seven banks using four different fraudulent passports. From June 2017 through February 2020, Osemwegie and his co-conspirators stole almost $690,000 from nearly 100 victims, many of whom were elderly and, in some instances, were deprived of their life savings.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Jonathan Davidson, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Kearney of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Rhode Island Man Pleads Guilty to Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Woonsocket, R.I. man pleaded guilty today to trafficking multiple victims to engage in prostitution across seven states.
Ronald Hall, 48, pleaded guilty to four counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and one count of transportation of an individual with intent to engage in prostitution. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Nov. 3, 2022. Hall was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2020.
“The trauma inflicted upon victims of sex trafficking is beyond measure. For nearly a decade, Mr. Hall used violence and threats to target and exploit five separate victims across seven different states. This man targeted vulnerable women with substance use disorders and essentially enslaved them. The behavior he engaged in was unconscionable. Although nothing will ever erase the profound, long-lasting hurt and pain these women have suffered at the hands of Mr. Hall, today’s conviction hopefully brings some long-awaited justice and accountability,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Identifying and prosecuting sex traffickers is one of my administration’s highest priorities. Last week, I formally announced the creation of the Civil Rights and Human Trafficking Unit in my office, which is dedicated to fighting civil rights violations including human trafficking, hate crimes, and the excessive use of force by law enforcement. Now fully staffed and operational, this Unit will focus on bringing an end to civil rights violations, including human trafficking activity, in Massachusetts and bringing justice and accountability to victims, their families and impacted communities.”
“Hall used fear and intimidation to control the women he trafficked, using drugs to coerce them and make it difficult to leave. HSI is not only committed to bringing human traffickers like Hall to justice, but also to ensuring the safety and stability of the survivors of such appalling crimes. With this plea HSI New England hopes the survivors of his abuse feel a measure of security knowing that he is no longer at large and is facing considerable time in prison as they begin their journey to heal and recover,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for the Homeland Security Investigations in New England.
“This investigation and prosecution serve as an example of the Massachusetts State Police commitment to fight human trafficking and hold accountable those that prey on the vulnerable. The MSP is proud to continue to partner with our local, state and federal partners in this effort,” said Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police.
From at least late 2010 through late 2019, Hall used force, threats and coercion to traffic five victims between Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Florida, and Nevada, to engage in prostitution. Hall targeted and recruited several of the victims, who suffered from substance use disorder, and used their drug addictions to coerce them into engaging in commercial sex in exchange for drugs. Hall regularly scheduled the victims to engage in prostitution – sometimes as frequent as multiple times per day, every day of the week – and took almost all of the proceeds for himself. Hall punished victims who did not meet the quotas he set for them by withholding drugs or through violence. To maintain control, Hall subjected his victims to starvation, regular threats of injury, physical abuse, forced intercourse, violent assaults with weapons including knives, belts and bats and made some of the victims brand themselves with a tattoo of his nickname.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.
The charge of sex trafficking provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to a lifetime in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of transportation for purposes of prostitution provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. Attorney Rollins, HSI SAC Millhollin and Colonel Mason made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Evan Gotlob of Rollins’ Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
Former Boston Public School Dean who Recruited Students into Latin Kings Gang Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former member of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) who was at the time an academic dean in the Boston Public Schools pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to racketeering charges. The defendant attempted to murder a student that he had recruited into the gang and who was selling marijuana in the high school at the defendant’s direction.
Shaun Harrison, a/k/a “Rev,” 63, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Harrison faces a sentence of 218 months, or approximately 18 years, in prison. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for Nov. 15, 2022. Harrison is the 60th and final defendant in the case to plead guilty in the case. Two defendants remain wanted on federal arrest warrants.
“Mr. Harrison stole the youth and innocence from impressionable minors, exploiting his position of trust to corrupt and coerce vulnerable and at-risk children into a world of criminal activity. And, but for a miracle, he nearly took a juvenile victim’s life, shooting him at point blank range in the back of the head. Much of this crime and violence was perpetrated while Mr. Harrison was an Academic Dean at a Boston Public School and on the City’s payroll. He used his position of trust to find his victims and groom them. It is truly disgusting,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “For years, the Latin Kings terrorized our communities and targeted youth to join their violent criminal enterprise. No more. Thanks to the exceptional collaboration between our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, this dangerous organization has been dismantled. Today’s conviction of Mr. Harrison brings an end to the Latin Kings’ reign and offers accountability to the many victims and various communities harmed by each of the 60 total defendants the U.S. Attorney’s Office has prosecuted and convicted. And we remain diligent in our quest to find the two remaining defendants that fled and have active warrants. They can run, but they can’t hide. We will not stop until we find them.”
“This former high school dean and self-professed anti-violence advocate was supposed to be looking out for the best interests of his students, when in reality he was living a double life as a Latin King, engaging in violence while recruiting at-risk students to traffic drugs and further the insidious needs of the gang,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Shaun Harrison continued to associate with the Latin Kings while serving time on state charges behind bars and his conduct warrants his conviction today as a federal felon.”
In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against dozens of leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings.
The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.
In 2015, Harrison was hired by the Boston Public Schools to serve as an academic dean at English High School. In that role, Harrison was to act as a mediator between teachers and students, contact families when students struggled, work with at-risk students and run an anger management program for 10 boys after school. While working at the Boston Public Schools, Harrison was a member of the Latin Kings, known as “Rev” or “King Rev,” and used his position as academic dean to recruit a number of the at-risk students into the Latin Kings gang. Harrison directed the recruited students to distribute marijuana and other drugs, which he provided, in the high school and collected the drug proceeds. A number of the students that Harrison recruited included Wilson Peguero, a/k/a “King Dubb,” who later became the “Inca” or the leader of the D5K Chapter of the Latin Kings; Alexis Peguero, a/k/a “King Lexi,” who became the “Cacique” or the second-in-command of the D5K Chapter of the Latin Kings; Dante Lara, a/k/a “King Nasty;” Oscar Pena, a/k/a “King O-Block;” and others. Wilson Peguero, Alexis Peguero, Lara and Pena were each charged in this case and sentenced to serve 30 months, 21 months, two years and 32 months in prison, respectively.
In March 2015, Harrison came to believe that one of the students distributing drugs for him had stolen money from him, no longer wished to sell drugs and may tell the police about Harrison’s crimes. On March 3, 2015, Harrison met up with this student at McDonalds. While walking behind the student, Harrison pulled out a handgun and shot the student in the back of the head at point blank range. This shooting was captured on video by a surveillance camera in the area. The student survived.
The student provided information to police concerning Harrison, his recruitment of students into the Latin Kings and the sale of drugs in the Boston Public Schools. Harrison was arrested soon thereafter and charged in Suffolk Superior Court with crimes related to the attempted murder. In 2018, Harrison was convicted by a jury and sentenced to approximately 25 years in state prison.
While in state prison following his conviction, Harrison continued to associate with Latin Kings members, including through jail calls to other co-defendants. Conversations between Harrison and other Latin Kings members included discussions about the identities of confidential informants in Harrison’s case and other efforts to identify those who contributed to his conviction. The Latin Kings supported Harrison during his state incarceration, discussed Harrison’s loyalty to the Latin Kings and refusal to implicate others and put money into his jail accounts.
The RICO conspiracy charge 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.
U.S. Attorney Rollins; FBI SAC Bonavolonta; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden; Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long; and New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira made the announcement. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of Rollins’ 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.
Former Somerville Man Sentenced for Distributing Methamphetamine and Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Somerville man was sentenced on Aug. 4, 2022 in federal court in Boston for his role in a cross-country methamphetamine conspiracy and illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition.
Antonio Gribaudo, a/k/a “Tony,” 41, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole, Jr. to 50 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Gribaudo was also ordered to pay forfeiture of $5,300. In November 2020, Gribaudo pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a substance or mixture containing methamphetamine and one count of illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition.
In November 2018, Gribaudo was introduced to Brandon Greenberg, a methamphetamine supplier living in Phoenix. Between November 2018 and July 23, 2019, Greenberg mailed more than 30 methamphetamine packages through the United States mail to Gribaudo and Gribaudo’s girlfriend and co-conspirator Mary Stout at their apartments in Boston and Somerville. Upon receipt of the drugs, Gribaudo and Stout then distributed the methamphetamine to their customers. One of Gribaudo and Stout’s customers was co-conspirator Aaron Smith, who later contributed funds with Gribaudo and Stout to purchase the methamphetamine from Greenberg and distributed the narcotics in the Boston area.
In April 2019, a parcel mailed from Phoenix and addressed for delivery to Stout was intercepted by law enforcement and found to contain 887.1 grams of “ice” methamphetamine. This methamphetamine was later determined to be 99% pure. Investigators subsequently determined that Gribaudo, Stout and Smith had contributed funds toward the purchase of this methamphetamine and that the parcel had been mailed by an individual acting on Greenberg’s behalf.
In July 2019, Gribaudo left a backpack with a loaded firearm at a blackjack table inside an Everett casino.. During a search of Gribaudo’s storage unit in September 2019, investigators recovered 50 rounds of ammunition and a small quantity of additional methamphetamine.
On Oct. 28, 2021, Greenberg was sentenced to 50 months in prison. On Feb. 17, 2022, Smith was sentenced to one year and one day in prison. On June 22, 2022, Stout was sentenced to time-served and five years of supervised release.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; Melissa Llosa, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Phoenix Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long made the announcement today. The Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Arlington Police Department, and Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office assisted in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James E. Arnold 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.
Everett Man Charged in Superseding Indictment for Additional Securities Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Everett man has been charged in a superseding indictment in connection with two securities fraud schemes: one involving an alleged pump-and-dump and one involving the alleged misappropriation of tens of thousands of dollars of investor funds to pay his personal expenses.
Christopher R. Esposito, 55, was charged in a superseding indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and sale of unregistered securities, one count of securities fraud and one count of sale of unregistered securities, concerning the alleged pump-and-dump scheme. In April 2022, Esposito was indicted on one count of securities fraud and one count of wire fraud, in relation to the alleged misappropriation scheme.
According to the charging documents, Esposito and co-conspirator Anthony Jay Pignatello conspired between 2012 and 2015 to conceal their control over the Massachusetts-based microcap company Cannabiz Mobile, Inc. and to use backdated promissory notes to fraudulently obtain free-trading shares in the company. They then allegedly arranged for a promotional campaign in October 2015 to pump up Cannabiz Mobile’s stock so that they could sell – i.e., dump – their shares into the market and make money. In so doing, they allegedly sold and offered to sell Cannabiz Mobile stock in violation of the securities laws because the securities were not registered with the SEC and no exemption from SEC registration was available.
In addition, between August 2019 and February 2020, Esposito allegedly sold shares in a separate company, Code2Action, Inc., based on material misstatements and omissions and then misappropriated much of the proceeds. More specifically, Esposito is alleged to have, among other things, deliberately misled prospective investors about Code2Action’s plan and ability to complete a reverse merger, which Esposito touted would enable the investors to sell their shares at a profit, and spent over $57,000 of the investors’ funds to pay himself and his personal expenses.
The charges of conspiracy and sale of unregistered securities each provide 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 from the offense. The charges of securities fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. 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 from the offense. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
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 James R. Drabick of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Weymouth Man Pleads Guilty to Market Manipulation ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Weymouth man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to his role in a sophisticated, multi-year market manipulation conspiracy involving securities traded on securities exchanges within the United States, including the New York Stock Exchange and NADSAQ.
Jiali Wang, 44, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled by the Court. Wang was initially charged in October 2019 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury on May 24, 2022.
From approximately 2013 through at least 2018, Wang participated in the manipulative trading activity of a group of securities traders located in China and, at times, in Massachusetts. Specifically, Wang and his co-conspirators used multiple brokerage accounts in their names, and in the names of others with whom Wang had a relationship, to artificially depress or inflate the prices of thinly traded securities. They did so by repeatedly placing relatively small sell (or buy) orders designed to send a false signal about a security’s supply (or demand) and to depress (or inflate) the security’s price. Wang and his co-conspirators then immediately placed relatively large buy (or sell) orders on the other side of the market to take advantage of their manipulations. Once the large orders executed, Wang and his co-conspirators cancelled their outstanding manipulative orders.
Pursuant to a plea agreement, Wang agreed to forfeit at least $6.5 million in illicit proceeds from the conspiracy.
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 James R. Drabick of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Veterans Affairs Medical Center Employee Charged with Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Royalston man was arrested yesterday on child pornography charges.
Kevin Divoll, 51, was charged with one count of possession of child pornography. Following an initial appearance yesterday in federal court in Springfield before U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni, Divoll was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for Aug. 9, 2022.
According to the charging document, investigators identified the IP address of a device distributing child pornography through peer-to-peer communications and determined the device was using the public Wi-Fi at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Leeds. Further investigation identified that Divoll, an employee at the VA Medical Center, as the owner and user of the device. It is alleged that during a search of Divoll’s residence yesterday, a laptop, external hard drive and cellphone were found to contain child pornography including images of toddler-aged children.
The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office; and Andrew Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement. Assistance was provided by the Leeds VA Medical Center Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine G. Curley of Rollins’ Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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.
Milton Man Sentenced for Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The owner of a used car dealership in Fall River has been sentenced for money laundering.
Augustine Osemwegie, 53, of Milton, was sentenced on Aug. 3, 2022 by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to six months of home confinement and two years of supervised release. Osemwegie was also ordered to pay a fine of $5,500 and forfeiture. On April 21, 2022, Osemwegie pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering.
Osemwegie used his car dealership, vehicle auctions and international car shipping to launder and transmit the proceeds of romance scams, pandemic unemployment fraud and other fraudulent schemes. Specifically, Osemwegie accepted fraud proceeds in cash from “customers,” took a percentage fee for laundering the funds and then used the remaining funds to purchase used vehicles at auto auctions, purportedly for the use of his customers. Osemwegie then shipped those vehicles abroad, principally to Nigeria, where they were sold for the benefit of Osemwegie’s customers.
In September 2020, during recorded calls and meetings with an undercover agent, Osemwegie agreed to accept fraud proceeds from the undercover agent and transfer them abroad, under the guise of purchasing a used luxury sedan.
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 Ian Stearns of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Methuen Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Methuen man pleaded guilty on Aug. 3, 2022 in federal court in Boston to his involvement in a fentanyl distribution conspiracy.
Nino De Leon Guzman, a/k/a “Chino,” 31, 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. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Oct. 27, 2022. Guzman was charged in June 2021 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2021.
From October 2020 through in or about June 2021, undercover law enforcement agents purchased fentanyl from Guzman and his associated drug trafficking organization on nine separate occasions in the Lawrence and Methuen area. At the time of his arrest on June 23, 2021, Guzman was found in possession of fentanyl and the cell phone undercover agents used to call him for fentanyl deals. A subsequent search of 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.
“Drug traffickers who pedal the poison that is fentanyl will be aggressively prosecuted by our office,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “The quantities at issue in this prosecution put real lives at risk and inflict a huge amount of harm on the hardworking people of Lawrence and Methuen who want to raise their families in communities free from drug trafficking and violence.”
“Fentanyl is causing tremendous damage to the state of Massachusetts,” Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division. “This court proceeding should act as a warning to those traffickers who are distributing this poison in order to profit and destroy people’s lives. DEA’s top priority is combating the opioid epidemic by working with our local, county, state and federal partners to bring to justice anyone who distributes this deadly drug.”
The charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl each provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charges of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl each provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of 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 $5 million. The charge of distribution of fentanyl provides for up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Levy and DEA SAC Boyle made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Holyoke Man Indicted for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Holyoke man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Springfield for illegal firearm possession.
Joseph Anthony Montaner-Vasquez, 25, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Montaner-Vasquez is currently in state custody and will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the indictment, on May 25, 2022, Montaner-Vasquez was found in possession of a Glock 9-millimeter caliber pistol and 20 rounds of ammunition. Montaner-Vasquez was previously convicted of a felony and is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm provides 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; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Holyoke Police Chief David Pratt made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of Rollins’ Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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.
Holyoke Man Arrested for Unlawful Possession of Machine Guns, Possessing Unregistered Firearms and Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Holyoke man was arrested today after being indicted by a federal grand jury in Springfield in connection with illegally possessing numerous firearms including unregistered machine guns, short-barreled rifles and other weapons as well as firearm silencers.
Daniel A. Augusto, 56, was indicted on one count of unlawful possession of machine guns, six counts of unlawful possession of unregistered firearms and one count of making false statements to federal agents. He will appear in federal court in Springfield this afternoon.
“Guns are deadly weapons. There are strict requirements regarding licensing for and registering of firearms. We believe Mr. Augusto not only unlawfully possessed numerous unregistered firearms, but also possessed a stockpile of machineguns and conversion devices that have the capability to rapidly cause death and destruction,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “The illegal possession of firearms and, moreover, machineguns, greatly threaten the safety of our communities. Gun laws are in place for a reason. The conduct alleged here is very serious. My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute individuals who try to bring deadly weapons into our communities.”
“The unlawful possession of unregistered machineguns is a federal crime that ATF takes very seriously as it threatens the safety of our communities,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Boston Field Division. “ATF has had a long and productive relationship with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners in combating violent crime and stopping the unlawful possession of firearms that are not legally registered.”
According to the indictment, on Feb. 23, 2022, Augusto unlawfully possessed multiple unregistered firearms, magazines and silencers, including more than 40 conversion devices and forced reset triggers that are classified as machineguns under federal law. Specifically, Augusto allegedly possessed:
- One PTR Industries, Inc., model PTR 9, 9x19mm caliber firearm bearing serial number 9MC010480 with one magazine and an altered HK MP5-type machinegun trigger housing installed;
- 38 “switch-type” Glock machinegun conversion devices bearing a counterfeit Glock logo;
- Three Rare Breed FRT-15 forced reset triggers designed to allow drop-in installation into AR-15 type firearms, with no serial number;
- One Tommy Triggers FRT-15-3MD forced reset trigger designed to allow drop-in installation into AR-15-type firearms, with no serial number;
- One Imperial Arms Co., model EFFEN 90, 5.7x28mm caliber firearm bearing serial number HXX37 with one magazine;
- One PTR Industries, Inc., model PTR 9, 9x19mm caliber firearm bearing serial number 9MK001951 with a collapsible shoulder stock, thread protector, electronic sight, and forward grip, and with one magazine;
- One Sig Sauer, model MPX, 9x19mm caliber firearm bearing serial number 62B058947 with an electronic sight, a forward grip, and a Maxim Defense collapsible shoulder stock, and with one magazine;
- One Intratec, model Tec-9, 9x19mm caliber firearm bearing serial number 54601, with a secondary forward grip and a synthetic sling; and
- Two black firearms silencers with no markings.
It is further alleged that on Feb. 23, 2022, Augusto falsely stated to federal agents that all of the firearms in his residence belonged to his son and his girlfriend and that he never asked his son or his girlfriend to purchase firearms.
The charge of unlawful possession of machineguns provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of unlawful possession of unregistered firearms each provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 and forfeiture of the illegally possessed firearms. The charge of making false statements to federal agents provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. Attorney Rollins and ATF SAC Ferguson made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Holyoke Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of Rollins’ Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Massachusetts Assistant Chief Probation Officer Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting a ChildRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Assistant Chief Probation Officer for Lynn District Court was sentenced in federal court today in connection with child exploitation offenses.
Brian Orlandella, 49, of Beverly, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf to 17 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Orlandella was also ordered to pay a $5,000 special assessment to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. On April 20, 2022, Orlandella was convicted following a six-day jury trial of one count of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of transfer of obscene material to a minor.
“Mr. Orlandella took advantage of a vulnerable, 13-year-old girl – he sent sexually explicit material to her and coerced her into producing obscene content through an anonymous social media profile. In his day-to-day life, Mr. Orlandella held himself out to be a trusted member of the law enforcement community, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “The sexual exploitation of children is an offense that will never be tolerated in my office. We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to prosecute predators and bring treatment, services and justice to our victims.”
“Orlandella knowingly preyed upon a child, sending her explicit videos and directing her to reciprocate. The internet and social media are an integral part of everyday life for our children, and knowing that predators like Orlandella are lurking online is every parent’s worst nightmare. Today’s sentence underlines that the exploitation of children will not be tolerated and that the consequences are serious,” said Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “HSI is committed to using our unique investigative abilities to search the darkest parts of the internet to find predators like Orlandella and bring them to justice.”
In May 2018, a mother in Texas contacted local police about messages she found on her 13-year-old daughter’s cell phone between her daughter and an adult man, later identified as Orlandella. In the messages, sent via the Kik mobile application, Orlandella sent the victim images of himself masturbating and directed her to send him sexually explicit pictures and videos of herself. The 13-year-old victim told him she was 14 years old, and he acknowledged that he was much older than she was.
The Kik account’s IP address was traced to Orlandella’s residence in Massachusetts. During a search of his residence, two of Orlandella’s phones were seized, one of which contained evidence tying Orlandella to the Kik account that was used to procure sexually explicit imagery from the underage victim. During an on-site interview at his home, Orlandella admitted that he had used Kik and was the person depicted in the obscene videos recovered from the child’s phone.
U.S. Attorney Rollins and HSI SAC Millhollin made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Port Neches (Texas) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anne Paruti, Chief of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit, and Adam W. Deitch, of Rollins’ Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit, prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ offices and 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 via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Michigan Man Arrested for International Computer Fraud Scheme and Distribution of Opioids and Other Illegal DrugsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Michigan man was arrested today in connection with a complex multi-year scheme to defraud computer users and to sell controlled substances online.
Doyal Kalita, 35, of Redford, Mich., was indicted on one count of wire fraud conspiracy, one count of conspiracy to import Schedule II and Schedule IV controlled substances and one count of money laundering conspiracy. Kalita will make an initial appearance in federal court in the Eastern District of Michigan today. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
“Taking advantage of innocent people through the assumed anonymity that the internet provides is a cowardly crime. We believe that Mr. Kalita ran an online criminal enterprise that not only targeted and deceived innocent online users out of their own money, but also pumped deadly opioids into our communities,” said United State Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Bad actors think they can remain undetected from law enforcement while behind a computer screen. They should think again. We have the tools to identify you and bring your criminal activity to a halt. And we will use them.”
“Tech support scams cost Massachusetts residents $5.3 million last year, and consumers, nationwide, lost $347 million. The FBI is working hard every day to hold the criminals behind these scams accountable for the harm they inflict, and today, we arrested Doyal Kalita for his alleged role in a multi-year, international scheme to defraud computer users, and, for his role in a side business selling imported drugs online,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Today’s arrest should be a warning to others that the FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to root out fraudsters who victimize our fellow citizens for personal gain.”
“The defendant and others allegedly operated a variety store of online scams. First, they are alleged to have devised a complex help-desk scam to defraud innocent individuals who were simply trying to resolve phony computer problems. In addition, they are also accused of operating an online drug distribution scheme that sold controlled substances,” said Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, Boston Office. “As a result of today’s charges, their scams are no longer in operation, and they will now be held responsible for their alleged fraud and deceit.”
According to the indictment, in 2015, Kalita and a co-conspirator started a scheme to defraud internet users through the use of deceptive pop-up screens that falsely told victims that their computers were infected with viruses (or were otherwise damaged) and directed the victims to call for technical support. In fact, the victims were connected to Kalita and his co-conspirator’s call centers in India and in Michigan and were scared or deceived into buying products and services that they did not need. It is further alleged that, contemporaneously with the fraud scheme, Kalita and his co-conspirator launched an online drug distribution scheme that sold controlled substances, including opioids, and shipped the drugs from India and Europe to persons in Massachusetts and elsewhere in the United States. It is alleged that another individual later joined the conspiracy as one of Kalita’s principal drug suppliers.
The charge of wire fraud conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the 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 value of the laundered funds, whichever is greater. The charge of conspiracy to import controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million or twice the gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charges of drug distribution and conspiracy to distribute drugs each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million or twice the gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. Attorney Rollins, FBI SAC Bonavolonta and IRS SAC Simpson made the announcement today. The United States Marshals Service in Boston provided valuable assistance in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud 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.
Hyde Park Man Indicted for COVID-Relief and Federal Assistance Benefit FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Hyde Park man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in connection with his alleged use of a stolen identity to fraudulently obtain pandemic relief funds and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, previously known as Food Stamps.
Fernando Mateo Valenzuela, 68, was indicted on three counts of mail fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft and two counts of misrepresentation of a Social Security number. Valenzuela was previously charged by criminal complaint on June 17, 2022. He has remained in custody since his arrest on June 21, 2022.
According to the indictment, Valenzuela, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, used the identity of a United States citizen to apply for and receive $29,051 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits, made available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. It is further alleged that Valenzuela also used the identity to apply for and receive $7,230 in SNAP benefits.
The charges of mail fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of aggravated identity theft each provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison, one of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of misrepresentation of a Social Security number each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three 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; Bethanne M. Dinkins, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigation, Northeast Region; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; Ketty Larco-Ward, Postal Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Tobin of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), a specialized investigative group comprising personnel from various state, local, and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring, and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity, and benefit fraud schemes.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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.
United States Attorney's Office Files Civil Forfeiture Action to Recover Proceeds of Cryptocurrency Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The United States Attorney’s Office filed a civil forfeiture action to recover 73,586 USDT (Tether), cryptocurrency alleged to be proceeds of an online investment fraud scheme. Tether is a unit of cryptocurrency that is equivalent in value to one U.S. dollar.
In January 2022, federal agents began investigating an investment fraud scheme that targeted a Massachusetts victim. The victim had been contacted in October 2021 through LinkedIn. After further communications in Chinese through another application, the victim was lulled into making what she believed was a legitimate cryptocurrency investment. The victim was induced to download an application that appeared to be a legitimate cryptocurrency platform but was fraudulent, and then invested money through that fraudulent site.
After the victim reported the crime, federal agents traced a portion of the funds the victim invested to another cryptocurrency wallet, resulting in the seizure of 73,586 USDT. It is a violation of federal law to use wire communications as part of a scheme to defraud or to obtain money or property by means of false or fraudulent pretenses. A civil forfeiture action allows third parties to assert claims to property, which must be resolved before the property can be forfeited to the United States and returned to victims.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Andrew Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra W. Amrhein of Rollins’ Asset Recovery Unit is prosecuting the civil forfeiture action.
The details contained in the civil forfeiture complaint are allegations. The United States Attorney’s Office has not filed a corresponding criminal action on the matter.
U.S. Attorney Rollins Announces "End Hate Now" Hotline for Reporting Acts of HateRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Today, United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins announced the rollout of:
1-83-END-H8-NOW
(1-833-634-8669)
The “End Hate Now” hotline is dedicated 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.
Hate crimes are illegal acts committed based on a victim’s perceived or actual race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability. Beliefs are not hate crimes. Distasteful ideologies, advocacy of political or social positions, use of discriminatory rhetoric, or the general philosophic embrace of biased or hate-filled beliefs are not crimes. Under federal law, investigations may not be based solely on an individual’s beliefs or their protected First Amendment activity.
“With the uptick in horrific mass-shootings and unimaginable acts of racially motivated violent extremism we have seen across our country, people are scared. In Massachusetts, we have recently seen multiple incidents of groups espousing deeply offensive and hurtful ideologies displayed on our streets. A recent act of hateful vandalism at the future PRYDE senior housing facility in Hyde Park threatened burning and death against the LGBTQ+ community. Enough is enough. My office is offering our residents and visitors a new outlet for bringing these critical and concerning issues seeped in bigotry and hatred to the attention of law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Rollins. “I am asking people – when you see hate, call this number and let us know. If you have serious concerns about a loved one, a friend, or even an acquaintance, call this number and let us know. We have dedicated resources to these important issues and stand ready to act when necessary. This too is a vitally important form of community policing.”
As part of this effort, U.S. Attorney Rollins also formally announced the leadership of her newly created Civil Rights and Human Trafficking Unit in her Criminal Division, which will focus on prosecuting cases involving civil rights violations, including hate crimes, human trafficking, and police use of excessive force. U.S. Attorney Rollins announced the establishment of this dedicated Unit at her Investiture in April 2022. It is now fully staffed and operational. The Unit will be led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Riley in the role of Unit Chief. Ms. Riley recently served as the Chief of Human Trafficking and Exploitation Unit for the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, where she prosecuted and supervised cases involving human trafficking and online exploitation of youth and adults. During her more than 10 years as an Assistant District Attorney for Suffolk County, Ms. Riley prosecuted over 300 cases and secured successful convictions in over 50 jury trials. In 2015, she was awarded as the Suffolk County Outstanding Prosecutor of the Year. She is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross and Suffolk University Law School. Ms. Riley will supervise a Unit of three federal prosecutors and exceptional support staff and will work closely with the Office’s existing five-member Civil Rights Unit in the Civil Division, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Serafyn.
“Protecting Massachusetts residents from violence and hate is the top priority of my administration,” stated U.S. Attorney Rollins. “In Massachusetts, we have a long history of standing up to hate and intolerance. Today, we continue that honored tradition. By establishing this 1-83-END-H8-NOW hotline and a Civil Rights and Human Trafficking Unit, my office is fully equipped and dedicated to fighting hate-fueled criminal activity across our Commonwealth.”
Swampscott Man Sentenced for Tax Scheme Targeting Greater Boston Congolese CommunityRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Swampscott man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with a scheme to defraud the Internal Revenue Service by falsely inflating taxpayer’s federal income tax refunds and diverting a portion of those refunds to accounts he and his co-conspirators controlled.
Boris Shadari, 46, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 30 months in prison and two years of supervised release. Shadari was also ordered to pay restitution of $496,082. On March 31, 2022, Shadari pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, three counts of filing a false tax return, three counts of aiding or assisting in filing a false tax return, two counts of theft of government funds, five counts of aggravated identity theft and one count of witness tampering. Co-conspirator Christian Zynga previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States in October 2021 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 16, 2022.
“Mr. Shadari not only defrauded the federal government, but also took advantage of people in his own community, many of whom were hardworking immigrants who were not familiar with American tax laws,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Today’s sentence provides justice for members of the Congolese community in Greater Boston that Mr. Shadari targeted and exploited. Contact information, as well as general information on choosing a tax preparer and reporting concerns about tax preparers, is available in several languages on www.irs.gov.”
“In a scheme that was difficult to detect, Boris Shadari took advantage of dozens of hard-working members of his own community, betrayed their trust, and defrauded taxpayers in the process, all the while raking in almost half a million dollars for himself,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Also troubling is Mr. Shadari’s attempt to intimidate one of his victims into lying to investigators. While today’s sentence holds him accountable for his criminal conduct, it also underscores the need for all of us to exercise due diligence when choosing a tax preparer.”
“Today’s sentencing should bring some measure of closure to the members of the Congolese community, whose vulnerability and trust Shadari preyed upon and exploited,” said Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, Boston Office. “This sentencing ends a painful chapter for all those impacted by the defendant’s crimes and now holds him accountable for his predatory actions. Sadly, this crime is an all too common one and a stark reminder of the importance of selecting an honest tax preparer.”
“Through disguise and deceit, Mr. Shadari conned members of his community to trust him only to repay their trust with greed,” said Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division. “Today’s sentencing shows how using the U.S. Mail to facilitate any fraud scheme will not be tolerated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.”
From 2012 to 2018, Shadari and Zynga held Shadari out as a tax professional, targeting the Congolese community of Greater Boston. Until 2017, they took their customers’ tax information to a tax professional at a tax preparation company and provided the tax professional with false information concerning their customers’ dependents, dependent and childcare expenses and business income and losses in order to inflate the customers’ federal income tax refunds. They then caused the refunds to be split between the customers’ bank accounts and accounts they and their co-conspirators controlled. After 2017, Shadari prepared customers’ returns himself and added false information to the returns to inflate the refunds due. Shadari also failed to report the income he received from this scheme on his own tax returns. After Shadari became aware of the investigation, he told a taxpayer to lie to investigators about the information in the returns he had prepared for her and suggested she would owe thousands of dollars back to the IRS and that her immigration status in the United States could be compromised if she did not do as he instructed.
U.S. Attorney Rollins, FBI SAC Bonavolonta, IRS CI SAC Simpson and USPIS INC Larco-Ward made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Kearney of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Rhode Island Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing Public FundsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Rhode Island woman, formerly of North Easton, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to stealing approximately $74,000 in Veteran Affairs (VA) and Office of Personnel Management (OPM) benefits from a veteran she was supposed to be protecting.
Lisa Heino, 55, of Newport, R.I., pleaded guilty to two counts of theft of public funds. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock scheduled sentencing for Dec. 2, 2022. Heino was charged on June 1, 2022.
In May 2014, Heino was appointed by the Massachusetts state court to serve as the conservator for the victim who was a veteran and retired federal employee. Later, in October 2014, Heino became the OPM representative payee for the victim as well. As a court appointed conservator and representative payee, Heino had access to the federal VA and OPM monthly benefit payments that were directly deposited into the victim’s bank account. In this capacity, Heino transferred federal VA and OPM benefit payments from the victim’s bank account to her own bank account and used the funds for her own expenses. Specifically, from in or about June 2017 through August 2018, Heino stole or converted approximately $44,191 in VA funds she was not entitled to for her own use. Additionally, from in or about January 2017 through January 2019, Heino stole or converted approximately $29,853 in OPM funds she was not entitled to for her own use.
After Heino was removed as conservator in 2017 and representative payee in 2019, she continued to access the victim’s bank account and federal benefits. When interviewed by authorities, Heino admitted to withdrawing the benefit payments from the victim’s bank account and depositing the funds into her own account for her personal use while serving as conservator and representative payee.
The charges of theft of government funds each provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office; and Scott A. Rezendes, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Personnel Management, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Lowell Man Indicted for Possessing Half a Kilogram of Methamphetamine Intended for DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lowell man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Boston on methamphetamine charges and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
Ravouth Chhoy, 33, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
“The highly addictive nature of methamphetamine, combined with the destruction it causes to the health of its users, makes it a lethal threat to the well-being of our communities,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “We believe that Mr. Chhoy possessed and intended to distribute more than half a kilo of this dangerous narcotic. Those who seek to dispense harmful drugs throughout this Commonwealth have no regard to the lives that they are damaging. We at the U.S. Attorney’s Office do. These prosecutions will continue if this behavior persists.”
"As methamphetamine seizures are on the rise, DEA stands committed to keeping this highly addictive drug out of Massachusetts," said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. "This arrest not only holds Mr. Chhoy accountable for these crimes but it also serves as a warning to those traffickers who are contributing to the drug crisis in America. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts in Massachusetts."
The charge of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substances containing a detectible amount of methamphetamine provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life years in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. The charge of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. Attorney Rollins and DEA SAC Boyle made the announcement today. The Boston Police Department provided critical assistance in the investigation of this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Campus Police Dispatcher Sentenced for Straw Purchase of Glock FirearmsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former campus police dispatcher for the Cape Cod Community College Police Department was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with making false statements in order to purchase two firearms which can only be purchased by law enforcement officers.
Justin F. Watson, 36, of Mashpee, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to time served (one day in prison), one year of supervised release, with the first four months to be served in home confinement, and 50 hours of community service. The government recommended a sentence of six months in prison. On April 29, 2022, Watson pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements during the purchase of firearms and one count of making false statements in a record.
“Gun laws exist for a reason – to protect lives and reduce violence. Anyone who lies and evades to avoid gun safety laws will be prosecuted,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Lawmakers and law enforcement have put clear limits on who can purchase powerful Glock weapons. These laws are intended to keep dangerous weapons in the hands of fully trained police officers, not circulating on the street.”
“Straw purchasing a firearm is a federal crime with serious consequences,” said James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division. “ATF is committed to working with our local, state, and federal partners to investigate and prosecute the “straw purchasers” in conjunction with the individuals who receive these firearms.”
From March 2018 to February 2019, Watson was an Institutional Security Officer/Campus Police Dispatcher with the Cape Cod Community College Police Department. As such, Watson neither carried a weapon nor had the power to make arrests on campus.
Watson ordered a Glock pistol to be delivered to a firearms dealer on Cape Cod. On Aug. 26, 2018, Watson went to the firearms dealer to pick up the Glock, Model 22, GEN4, .40 caliber pistol. Before receiving the firearm, Watson provided his Cape Cod Community College identification card, which listed him as “Campus Police” and “Faculty/Staff,” to the manager and completed a Public Safety Purchase Form identifying himself as an Institutional Security Officer.
Watson called another firearms dealer and spoke with the store’s operator, who informed him that only law enforcement officers with the power to conduct arrests could purchase Glock Model 26 firearms. Watson falsely stated that he was a police officer with authority to make arrests. On Nov. 17, 2018, Watson went to the firearms dealer with his girlfriend and spoke with a sales manager. His girlfriend told the sales manager that she was Watson’s boss and that Watson had authority to make arrests. Watson identified himself as a police officer to the sales manager and then purchased a Glock, Model 26, GEN4, 9mm pistol for $425. Watson completed a required ATF Form and affirmed that he was the actual buyer of the firearm. The form warned that, “If you are not the actual buyer, the dealer cannot transfer the firearm(s) to you.”
During the sale, Watson provided his Cape Cod Community College identification card and completed a certification letter indicating that he was purchasing the firearm for “on or off duty use” and not “for resale.” Watson also completed another certification form and listed himself as “Campus Police.” Watson then transferred the Glock Model 26 to his girlfriend on Dec. 19, 2018.
During an interview with law enforcement, Watson acknowledged that he used his Cape Cod Community College identification card when he purchased both Glock firearms. He stated he used that ID because he did not think he could purchase the firearms without it. He also acknowledged that if the firearms dealers had understood that he was not a police officer with arrest powers, they would not have sold him the firearms. Watson further stated that he knew that his girlfriend, a civilian, could not purchase a Glock Model 26 herself and that he purchased the firearm for her.
Straw purchases interfere with firearm regulation and recordkeeping, and federal law makes it a crime to knowingly make false statements to a firearms dealer in connection with the lawfulness of the sale.
U.S. Attorney Rollins and ATF SAC Ferguson made the announcement today. The Cape Cod Community College Campus Police, Barnstable Police Department and Mashpee Police Department provided assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eugenia M. Carris, Deputy Chief of Rollins’ Public Corruption Unit, and Philip C. Cheng of Rollins’ Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Boston Area Drug Trafficker Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Cocaine Trafficking and Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston area drug trafficker was sentenced on July 28, 2022 in federal court in Boston for his role in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy.
Hassan Monroe, 38, of Quincy, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to six years in prison and four years of supervised release. On Feb. 17, 2022, Monroe pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Monroe purchased and distributed wholesale quantities of cocaine and is estimated to have distributed over one kilogram of cocaine and 200 grams of cocaine base
In June 2020, Monroe was charged along with 23 others as part of Operation Snowfall. According to the charging documents, beginning in November 2018, law enforcement conducted an investigation into drug trafficking activities by 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 defendants, through their drug trafficking activities, assumed control over multiple apartments, where they stored, cooked, packaged, and sold drugs. As a result, their activities caused a blight of the development and reduced the quality of life of the other residents.
The investigation also targeted large-scale drug suppliers and their associates. It is alleged that the targets continued to distribute cocaine and cocaine base throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and shutdown. Monroe is the ninth defendant to plead guilty in the large-scale conspiracy case.
Monroe was a significant drug supplier and distributor within the drug conspiracy.. Law enforcement intercepted numerous calls in which Monroe negotiated drug deals, coordinated drug meetups, and finalized drug pricing using brief, guarded and drug-coded language. Following the calls, Monroe was subsequently observed meeting with co-conspirators at agreed upon locations in a manner consistent with drug-trafficking activity. Additionally, intercepted communications between Monroe and co-conspirators also showed him plotting violence or discussing the importance of having firearms for protection.
During the investigation, a search of a “stash house” associated with Monroe recovered over 400 grams of cocaine, six firearms and multiple rounds of ammunition. Additionally, 250 grams of cocaine and a loaded firearm were recovered from Monroe’s car and a subsequent search of Monroe’s residence resulted in the recovery of cocaine and two loaded firearms.
First Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Douglas Bartlett, Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long 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.
Arlington Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Arlington man was sentenced on July 28, 2022 in federal court in Boston for possession of child pornography.
Mason Lister, 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release. On Dec. 16, 2021, Lister pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.
“My office has a responsibility to ensure the safety of our communities, especially that of our most vulnerable – children. Mr. Lister is a recidivist offender, a three-time convicted felon, who will now thankfully remain out of our communities and away from our children for the next decade,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “With the full support of our state, local and tribal law enforcement partners, we remain committed to protecting our children and prosecuting those who seek to exploit them.”
“Lister is a repeat offender, having already been convicted twice for child pornography related offenses. This ten year sentence will deny Lister the opportunity to further victimize innocent children through his online conduct and demonstrates our resolve to hold repeat offenders responsible to the full extent of the law,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England.
This case arose from a notice to law enforcement that a social media account belonging to Lister had been used to distribute child pornography. On July 23, 2020, a search of Lister’s residence resulted in the seizure of a tablet device containing at least 85 files of child pornography. The mix of files were both images and videos and depicted victims as young as toddler age. Lister was subsequently arrested on Aug. 14, 2020, and has remained in federal custody since. Lister has two previous state convictions for child pornography offenses.
U.S. Attorney Rollins and HSI SAC Millhollin made the announcement today. Assistance in the investigation was provided by the Arlington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
The case was 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/.
Lowell Woman Arrested for Trafficking FirearmsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lowell woman was arrested on July 29, 2022 for allegedly trafficking firearms without a license.
Leticia Alcantara, 25, was charged with one count of dealing in firearms without a license. Following an initial appearance on July 29, 2022 before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal, Alcantara was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for Aug. 3, 2022.
“Illegal firearms trafficking stokes violent crime trends and poses a very real threat to the safety our communities,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “We believe Ms. Alcantara contributed to this violent threat through regular sales offers for numerous firearms, including an AR-15 rifle. She held no license and was ready to sell firearms that could have gone to prohibited individuals. This is dangerous and could have resulted in significant violence and harm. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those engaged in illegal firearms trafficking.”
According to the charging document, law enforcement opened an investigation in October 2021 into firearms trafficking in Massachusetts and identified Alcantara as an alleged firearms dealer. On Feb. 15, 2022, Alcantara allegedly offered to sell a 9mm handgun to two individuals who, unbeknownst to her, were cooperating with law enforcement. It is alleged that, on March 15, 2022, Alcantara met with the cooperating witnesses at a prearranged meeting location in a parking lot in Falmouth to conduct the transaction. There, Alcantara was observed entering the vehicle occupied by the cooperating witnesses and allegedly produced a black trash bag from her purse that contained the firearm.
It is further alleged that, on multiple occasions in July 2022, Alcantara communicated with one of the cooperating witnesses regarding additional firearms she was offering for sale, including sending photos of: a 9mm handgun on July 2, 2022; a small holster-grip revolver and one large black pistol on July 7, 2022; and two handguns on July 9, 2022. At the direction of law enforcement, the cooperating witness agreed to purchase the last two handguns Alcantara offered for sale. On July 12, 2022, Alcantara met with the cooperating witnesses during a controlled purchase in Plymouth. There, Alcantara was observed entering the vehicle and allegedly produced one .45 caliber pistol and one 9mm pistol from a dark colored bag.
On July 12, 2022, Alcantara sent additional photos of two firearms for sale which, at the direction of law enforcement, the cooperating witness agreed to purchase. On July 19, 2022, Alcantara arrived at the same prearranged meeting location in Plymouth where she allegedly entered the cooperating witnesses’ vehicle and provided two 9mm pistols. Following the transaction, Alcantara allegedly continued communicating with the cooperating witness about additional firearms for sale, including a handgun and an AR-15 rifle.
The charge of dealing in firearms without a license 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 Rollins and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Plymouth and Falmouth Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Dell’Anno of Rollins’ Major Crime 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.
U.S. Postal Service Employee Indicted on Theft of Postal Money Orders and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employee has been indicted in connection with allegedly embezzling over $96,000 and for fraudulently obtaining unemployment benefits.
Jamesa Rankins, 26, of Brockton, was indicted on one count of theft of government money and three counts of wire fraud. Rankins will appear in federal court in Boston at 3 p.m. today.
According to the indictment, Rankins began working for USPS around 2016, most recently as a Sales & Service Distribution Associate at the Montello Post Office in Brockton. In this role, Rankins had the ability to generate postal money orders, including replacement money orders. During the relevant period, customers could obtain replacement money orders without paying any additional fees if the original money orders were lost, damaged or erroneous. It is alleged that Rankins issued over $96,000 worth of replacement money orders to another individual where the original money orders were not erroneous and had not been lost or stolen, which caused the USPS to incur losses of $96,000. On at least one occasion, it is alleged that Rankins personally negotiated one of the replacement money orders at a check cashing business.
It is also alleged that Rankins applied for and obtained unemployment assistance from the Massachusetts Division of Unemployment Assistance despite being employed by USPS and thus being ineligible to receive unemployment assistance.
The charge of theft of government money provides a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Office; and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Region of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, Office of Criminal Investigations – Labor Racketeering and Fraud made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia M. Carris, Deputy Chief of Rollins’ Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich of Rollins’ Criminal Division 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.
Eight Indicted in Money Laundering RingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Eight individuals have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for their alleged roles in elaborate money laundering and money transmitting conspiracies that laundered tens of millions of dollars’ worth of drug trafficking proceeds, as well as a trade-based scheme that used stolen and/or fraudulent gift cards to purchase and ship thousands of Apple products internationally.
The following defendants were indicted on conspiracy to commit money laundering and unlicensed money transmitting:
- Shi Rong Zhang, 48, of Windham, N.H.;
- Qiu Mei Zeng, 47, of Quincy;
- Vincent Feng, 32, of Quincy;
- Da Zeng, 30, of Massachusetts;
- Wei Qing Zeng, 58, of Quincy;
- Xian Rong Zeng, 45, of Hanover; and
- Qiu Fang Zeng, 59, of Windham, N.H.
Chengzou Liu, 36, of Braintree, was also indicted on conspiracy to commit money laundering as well as possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
“These defendants are alleged to have moved tens of millions of dollars in illicit proceeds as part of sophisticated money laundering and transmitting schemes operating out of seemingly lawful businesses that serve Massachusetts residents,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Without money, there is no drug trade. Laundering drug profits is fundamental to drug trafficking activity. By eliminating the means by which drug suppliers clean their illicit proceeds, we cut off the life blood of their operations: money. In doing so, we help significantly limit the flow of drugs trafficked in our communities. We need to do everything possible to make the Commonwealth safer and combat the drug crisis. This indictment should serve as a serious warning to both drug traffickers and business operators who engage in illicit money laundering: your conduct is criminal, and you will be prosecuted under federal law.”
“This group is alleged to have laundered tens of millions of dollars in illicit drug trafficking proceeds which in turn, fuels the drug crisis we are currently facing,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Everyday, drug traffickers are motivated by the power and the wealth they gain from the sale of narcotics. The DEA will not allow this type of illegal activity to happen and we will continue to pursue anyone who puts their own financial gains before the safety and well being of the people of Massachusetts. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative local, state and federal law-enforcement efforts in Massachusetts and our strong partnership with the US attorney‘s office.”
"Drug trafficking and money laundering go hand in hand, and this crew is accused of using their family-owned restaurant in Chinatown as a front for an elaborate, international money laundering scheme and money transmitting business in which they conducted tens of millions of dollars in off the books transactions to circumvent our country’s laws, and hide the source of their income," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Operation Good Fortune is just one example of how the FBI and our law enforcement partners work together to dismantle large-scale criminal enterprises."
According to the charging documents, Qiu Mei Zeng and her former husband, Zhang, co-own China Gourmet, a restaurant in Boston’s Chinatown neighborhood. Zhang is also a registered owner of Wonderful Electronics, an electronics and restaurant supply business based in Hanover. It is alleged that the defendants used these businesses to run a large-scale money laundering and money transmitting operation that involved the laundering of drug proceeds and proceeds from stolen and/or fraudulent gift cards.
During a months-long wiretap investigation, Liu was identified as a marijuana trafficker who laundered his drug proceeds through Qiu Mei Zeng and Zhang’s businesses. It is alleged that Liu regularly delivered large amounts of bulk drug proceeds, typically in amounts greater than $30,000, to China Gourmet, and to Qiu Mei Zeng, who then laundered the money via electronic transfers. Additionally, in March 2022, investigators allegedly seized over $250,000 of suspected marijuana proceeds being transported by Wei Qing Zeng from New York to China Gourmet in Boston. The cash was found inside Wei Qing Zeng’s vehicle, hidden under packaged frozen meat products as it was en route to be delivered to China Gourmet.
To conduct the scheme, Qiu Mei Zeng and Zhang allegedly worked with their co-conspirators – including family members Wei Qing Zeng, Xian Rong Zeng and Qiu Fang Zeng – to launder hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of drug proceeds in exchange for Chinese Renminbi. Specifically, it is alleged that the defendants would accept drug proceeds in Boston and New York for a fee, transfer the equivalent value of Chinese Renminbi to drug traffickers’ bank accounts and “sell” the drug proceeds to individuals in the United States at a discounted exchange rate. Through these off-the-books transactions, the defendants conspired to avoid United States reporting requirements, as well as China’s capital flight limits, and to hide the nature and source of the illicit funds being transferred.
It is further alleged that Zhang, Qiu Mei Zeng, Da Zeng, Feng and other defendants worked together on a sophisticated trade-based money laundering scheme in which they used stolen and/or fraudulent gift cards to purchase thousands of Apple products, which they then shipped internationally to locations, including Dubai, in exchange for tens of millions of dollars in wire transfers.
The charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the value of the property involved, whichever is greater. The charge of unlicensed money transmitting provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession with intent to distribute marijuana provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. Attorney Rollins; DEA SAC Boyle; FBI SAC Bonavolonta; Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long; Braintree Police Chief Mark W. Dubois; and Quincy Police Chief Paul Keenan made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren A. Graber of Rollins’ Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
This investigation, dubbed Operation Good Fortune, is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Wenham Man Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Relief Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Wenham man pleaded guilty today in connection with a scheme to obtain Paycheck Protection Program funds made available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act by submitting false applications.
James Joseph Cohen, 59, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for Oct. 26, 2022. Cohen was charged on June 29, 2022.
Between April 2020 and September 2021, Cohen submitted six false applications to financial institutions and to the Small Business Administration to obtain pandemic-related relief funds on behalf of companies that he controlled. In the applications, Cohen falsely misstated the revenues of the companies, the persons employed, or amounts paid to those employees in the 12-month period preceding the application. In total, Cohen fraudulently obtained approximately $1.2 million in pandemic relief funds based upon these false submissions.
The charge of bank fraud provides a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie A. Queenin of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins Announces New Office LeadershipRead the Press Release
BOSTON – United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins today announced the appointments of Nadine Pellegrini to serve as Chief of the National Security Unit and Rilwan Adeduntan to serve as Chief of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit.
“AUSA Pellegrini and AUSA Adeduntan have beyond proven their individual leadership ability and commitment to public service,” said U.S. Attorney Rollins. “With their legal acumen and extensive prosecutorial experience handling complex and impactful criminal investigations, AUSAs Pellegrini and Adeduntan will serve to be invaluable resources for my Office and the law enforcement community, strengthening our efforts to serve and protect Massachusetts residents on all fronts. I am supremely confident in each of their abilities to lead their respective units and execute the priorities of the Department of Justice.”
Ms. Pellegrini has more than 24 years of experience serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts. Notably, Ms. Pellegrini served as one of the lead prosecutors in the high-profile six-month Boston Marathon bombing trial, U.S. v. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, with thousands of exhibits and dozens of witnesses. Her extraordinary work and dedication in the investigation and subsequent prosecution, secured a conviction and sentencing that brought accountability and justice to hundreds of victims, survivors and the City of Boston.
Over the course of her esteemed career, Ms. Pellegrini has tried hundreds of criminal cases in both the state and federal judicial system. She previously served as Chief of the Major Crimes Unit in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, where she oversaw a wide range of federal criminal violations and managed nearly a dozen criminal prosecutors. More recently, in the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit, Ms. Pellegrini prosecuted and tried numerous complex narcotics trafficking and money laundering cases as well as cases involving the trafficking of endangered and threatened species and international wildlife.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Pellegrini was an Assistant Attorney General for the Office of the Attorney General where she served as Chief of Special Prosecutions Division, prosecuting public corruption, environmental and general crimes. She has also served as the Director of Advocacy for the Animal Rescue League of Boston. Ms. Pellegrini began her legal career as an Assistant District Attorney for the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office in New York. There, she served as Chief of the Violent Felony Offense Bureau and supervised the investigation and prosecution of violent crimes and oversaw approximately a dozen attorneys and investigators. Ms. Pellegrini is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Albany Law School and Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine Center for Animals and Public Policy.
Tested trial veteran Mr. Adeduntan joins the office from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, where he served as Deputy Chief of the distinguished International Narcotics & Money Laundering Section. As Deputy Chief, he led prosecutors assigned to the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force in the investigation and prosecution of international drug kingpins and high-level narcotics traffickers. Just before joining the District of Massachusetts, Mr. Adeduntan prosecuted and secured the successful conviction of two leaders and an associate of a violent drug trafficking and money laundering organization operating in Miami’s Little Havana in a two-month jury trial with over 40 witnesses and more than 1,000 exhibits.
During his time in Southern District of Florida, Mr. Adeduntan also served as Deputy Chief of the Major Crimes Section. In this role, he led prosecutors assigned to a wide range of crimes such as sex trafficking, Hobbs Act Robbery, obstruction of justice and violent gang activity. Mr. Adeduntan also served as a member of the Special Prosecutions and Major Crimes Section for four years. During this period, he tried 13 jury trials, conducted numerous long-term investigations, and led teams to combat Southern Florida street gangs engaging in criminal conduct. Notably, Mr. Adeduntan received the Florida Gang Investigator’s Association Prosecutor of the Year award in 2020. He also secured a guilty verdict against an individual on the FBI’s Most Wanted List. Mr. Adeduntan began his tenure in Southern District of Florida in the Appellate Division.
Mr. Adeduntan is not new to Massachusetts, having served with distinction as Special Counsel and Special Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Governor Baker in 2015. During that time, he oversaw the Governor’s Drug Lab Task Force. Previously, he served as a highly regarded and well respected Assistant District Attorney for Suffolk County for over seven years and tried more than 50 jury trials. Mr. Adeduntan is a graduate of the University of Georgia and New England Law Boston.
Boston Man Sentenced for Fentanyl PossessionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for possessing nearly 500 grams of fentanyl intended for distribution.
Juan Gabriel Bautista Vargas, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to one year and one day prison and three years of supervised release. The government recommended a sentence of 37 months in prison. On March 31, 2022, Bautista pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
In February 2021, investigators coordinated a controlled purchase of a half-kilogram of fentanyl from a supplier, to be delivered to a hotel in Boston. Bautista arrived at the meeting location to deliver the drugs, and was found in possession of approximately 498.4 grams of fentanyl packaged in a heat-sealed bag.
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 critical assistance in the investigation of this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren A. Graber of Rollins’ Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins Hosts Panel for Whistleblower LawyersRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Earlier this month, United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins hosted a panel discussion on qui tam lawsuits, also known as whistleblower cases. The event highlighted U.S. Attorney Rollins’ commitment to holding those who defraud the government and its taxpayers accountable through civil enforcement actions under the False Claims Act and criminal prosecutions.
The panel, which was comprised of Office leadership including the Chief and Deputy Chief of Rollins’ Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit and the Chief of Rollins’ Criminal Health Care Fraud Unit, presented to an audience of several dozen lawyers who represent whistleblowers. The event was moderated by a representative from Taxpayers Against Fraud, a public interest non-profit organization dedicated to advancing whistleblower litigation.
“Protecting our tax dollars and the public from fraud is vital to our health care, financial, and defense contracting systems, but moreover to the well-being of our democracy. Left unchecked, fraud and corruption are corrosive to the public’s trust in our government,” said U.S. Attorney Rollins. “Every enforcement action my office brings demonstrates our commitment to obtaining justice and to deterring future malfeasance. By meeting with stakeholders, we learn about trends and can hear any concerns they may have regarding the office. Being accessible and transparent will result in more relators coming to our office and exposing fraud and corruption.”
The District of Massachusetts has long been a national leader in prosecuting health care fraud and annually collects recoveries in the tens to hundreds of millions. Thus far in 2022, civil False Claims Act recoveries for cases in the District of Massachusetts exceeds $250 million for violations that include unlawful kickbacks, underpayment of Medicaid rebates, failing to property license and supervise mental health staff, billing for medically unnecessary diagnostic testing and improper physician self-referrals (also known as Stark Law violations). Civil False Claims Act work in the District of Massachusetts also includes government defense contracting fraud, grant fraud, customs fraud and fraud related to financial institutions.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office brings criminal prosecutions involving false claims, unlawful kickbacks, health care program fraud, privacy breaches and wire fraud. In recent years, the Office has prosecuted both companies and individuals who conspired to defrauded federal health insurance programs, evaded federal drug safety regulations, marketed flawed and medically unnecessary medical devices and exploited vulnerable individuals by prioritizing profits over patient care.
Under the False Claims Act, private citizens may file suits on behalf of the government against companies and individuals who defraud the federal government. If recoveries are paid by the defendants in these qui tam lawsuits, the private citizen (or “relator”) receives a portion of those funds. Many fraud investigations and lawsuits originate with qui tam filings.
Quincy Man Arrested for Defrauding Victims Using Various Online SchemesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Quincy man was arrested yesterday in connection with his role in expansive online fraud schemes targeting individuals in the United States.
Kelechi Collins Umeh, 39, was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Umeh was released on conditions following an initial appearance yesterday before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal.
According to the charging document, Umeh participated in a series of online scams – including romance, advance fee and business email compromise (BEC) schemes – designed to defraud victims into sending money to accounts controlled by him and his co-conspirators. Romance scams occur when a criminal adopts a fake online identity to gain a victim’s affection and trust. The scammer then uses the illusion of a romantic or close relationship to manipulate and/or steal from the victim. Advance fee scams occur when a criminal asks a victim to pay a fee up front—usually described as a fee, tax, or commission—in order to obtain a bigger payout later, but that payout never occurs. BEC schemes occur when a criminal sends email messages that appear to come from a known source (e.g., “spoofing” a legitimate business email account) to cause victims to transfer funds to accounts controlled by the scammers.
It is alleged that Umeh used fake passports in the names of numerous aliases to open bank accounts in and round Boston to collect and launder the proceeds of the online scams. Umeh and co-conspirators then rapidly executed large cash withdrawals from those accounts, often within days of the deposit and generally structured in amounts less than $10,000, allegedly in an effort to evade detection and currency transaction reporting requirements.
The charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Kearney of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
New Hampshire Man Sentenced for Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Hampshire man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for drug and firearm offenses.
Brandon Ortiz, 25, of Manchester, N.H., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to five years in prison and three years of supervised release. On March 8, 2022, Ortiz pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm after being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
On June 6, 2019, police in the City of Lawrence responded to a 911 call about a motor vehicle incident involving a firearm. During the investigation, officers seized fentanyl, cocaine, a loaded semi-automatic pistol and ammunition from Ortiz. Ortiz is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition due to a prior 2018 domestic violence conviction.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Essex County District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett; and Lawrence Police Chief Roy P. Vasque made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of Rollins’ Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
New Bedford Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Bedford man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to possessing fentanyl intended for distribution.
Marquise Thompson, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Nov. 2, 2022. Thompson was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2021 and later charged in a superseding Information on July 25, 2022.
In October 2020, Thompson was arrested prior to his attempt to sell fentanyl. Following his arrest, state and federal authorities recovered more than 20 grams of fentanyl and packaging materials from an apartment that Thompson was using in New Bedford to store narcotics.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl provides for a mandatory sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to a lifetime 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; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Gotlob of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Methuen Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Methuen man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to armed bank robbery.
Caio Costa, 26, 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. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Oct. 31, 2022. Costa was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2021.
“Mr. Costa terrorized the employees and patrons of a local community bank, all in pursuit of greed. His dangerous actions put lives at serious risk, from brandishing a firearm during the robbery to his reckless efforts to evade police,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Thanks to the brave and dogged work of dedicated law enforcement officers, Mr. Costa is now in custody and facing significant prison time.”
“Caio Costa terrorized innocent bank tellers and bystanders just trying to go about their daily lives. In committing this armed robbery, and in leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase afterwards, this serial bank robber has repeatedly demonstrated why he is a significant threat to public safety,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “FBI Boston’s Violent Crimes Task Force is committed to taking violent criminals like him off the street, to keep them from victimizing anyone else.”
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.
The charge of armed bank robbery provides for a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of brandishing a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence provides for a mandatory sentence of seven years in prison to be served consecutive to any sentence imposed on the armed robbery charges. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. Attorney Rollins; FBI SAC Bonavolonta; 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 is prosecuting the case.