District of Massachusetts
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Plainville Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Plainville man was sentenced yesterday on child exploitation charges arising from his transfer of obscene photos of himself to someone he believed to be a 13-year-old girl and possession of child pornography.
David Cerasuolo, 49, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to eight years in prison and five years of supervised release. On March 4, 2022, Cerasuolo pleaded guilty to one count of attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor and one count of possession of child pornography.
Starting in June 2020, Cerasuolo used chat applications to engage in conversations with an individual he believed to be a 13-year-old girl named “Amy,” but who was actually an undercover federal agent. Over the course of nearly six weeks, Cerasuolo sent over 1,000 text messages to “Amy,” including one that contained a photograph displaying his genitalia. He also attempted to persuade “Amy” to take and send photos and/or videos of herself to him and attempted to entice her to meet in person for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity. Additionally, during a search of his residence, Cerasuolo was found in possession of child pornography on his cell phone, including images depicting children between the ages of six and 10 engaged in sexual conduct.
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. The Plainville, Arlington, Boston and Newton Police Departments and Massachusetts Department of Correction provided assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Deitch of Rollins’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Malden Woman Sentenced for Embezzling Nearly $800,000 from EmployerRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Malden woman was sentenced today in federal court in Boston on fraud and identity theft charges in connection with her embezzlement of more than $795,000 from her employer.
Kayla Figelski, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to three years in prison and two years of supervised release. Figelski was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $796,747. In May 2021, Figelski pleaded guilty to seven counts of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
From in or about April 2017 through June 2019, Figelski stole at least $796,747 from her employer, an elder law attorney, in Malden. Figelski perpetrated the scheme by forging checks to herself from her employer’s checking accounts, including conservatorship, trust and estate administration accounts her employer maintained for the firm’s elderly clients and their estates. Figelski deposited the checks into her own bank account, from which she withdrew the funds, or directly cashed the checks. Figelski concealed the scheme by altering bank statements to make it appear that the checks were written to legitimate vendors. As a result of Figelski’s theft, her employer was forced to sell the building where her law practice was located, which had been in the victim’s family since 1976.
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. Valuable assistance was provided by the Malden Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Kearney of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Holbrook Man Sentenced for Cocaine Trafficking; Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Holbrook man was sentenced and a Boston man pleaded guilty yesterday in connection with their respective roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy.
Andre Echevarria, 41, of Holbrook, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 41 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In September 2021, Echevarria pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
Tarik Muhammad, 27, of Boston, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Judge Stearns scheduled sentencing for June 21, 2022.
The defendants were charged in June 2020 along with 23 others as part of “Operation Snowfall” – a multi-year investigation into drug trafficking activities by a drug trafficking organization (DTO) comprised of Boston-based street gang members and associates. According to the charging documents, beginning in November 2018, law enforcement investigated 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.
The investigation identified Echevarria as a drug trafficker who purchased cocaine from co-defendants and wholesale drug suppliers Winston McGhee and, allegedly, Derek Hart. According to the charging documents, McGhee and Hart were the two highest-level drug suppliers within the DTO. Over the course of the investigation, investigators identified Echevarria coordinating drug deals on intercepted calls with others, including McGhee and allegedly Hart, and also surveilled him participating in drug trafficking activity. On a call in April 2020, Echevarria received a “cooking class” from McGhee in which McGhee instructed him on how to convert cocaine into crack with the powder he had previously sold to him. When those efforts failed, Echevarria returned cocaine to McGhee in exchange for a replacement batch.
During a search of Echevarria’s vehicle at the time of his arrest, law enforcement recovered a Smith & Wesson .380 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number. A search of his residence resulted in the seizure of a Smith & Wesson magazine and 10 rounds of ammunition.
The investigation also identified Muhammad as a drug distributor. Law enforcement intercepted calls between Muhammad and Kenji Drayton, one of the main suppliers and distributors within the DTO, in which they coordinated a meetup. Law enforcement subsequently surveilled Drayton’s meeting with Muhammad at an agreed-upon location discussed in the calls. Soon thereafter, Drayton entered a location known to have been used by Drayton during the investigation for drug trafficking purposes. After emerging minutes later, Drayton joined Muhammad in a vehicle and drove away. Law enforcement stopped the car soon after and ordered the occupants Muhammad out of the car. While searching Muhammad for possible weapons or drugs, law enforcement felt an object at the crease of Muhammad’s buttocks. Law enforcement restrained Muhammad, placed him in the back of an empty, clean police wagon, and transported him to the police station.
During the transport, law enforcement saw Muhammad throw himself to the ground and thrash about. Officers radioed those observations onto the station. When the wagon arrived at the station, Muhammad was observed to be covered with white powder. The back of the wagon also was dusted with white powder. Officers subsequently recovered a ripped plastic bag containing a white residue from the outer area of Muhammad’s buttocks.
Of the defendants charge in this case, Muhammad is the 12th defendant to plead guilty and Echevarria is the seventh defendant to be sentenced. Four defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Four defendants have pleaded not guilty and are awaiting trial. One defendant, Derek Hart, remains at large.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possession 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.
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.
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 in 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’ Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaitlin R. O’Donnell and Timothy E. Moran of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted 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.
Brockton Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Dark Web Drug Trafficking OperationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to his role in a highly sophisticated drug trafficking operation that manufactured and distributed a multitude of controlled substances using the Dark Web.
Allante Pires, 25, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, Ketamine and Alprazolam (Xanax). U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for Sept. 8, 2022.
Pires was indicted in June 2019 along with co-conspirators Binh Thanh Le and Steven McCall. Le, who was the ringleader of the drug-trafficking operation, created and operated a vendor site called “EastSideHigh” in markets on the Dark Network, more commonly known as the Dark Web. The Dark Web is any portion of the internet that can only be accessed with specific software, configurations or authorization that anonymize internet traffic. Le used these Dark Web markets to advertise various drugs for sale, including cocaine, MDMA, Ketamine and Xanax. Le ordered and received wholesale quantities of the drugs he and the others were distributing in the mail, principally from foreign sources in Canada and Europe. Le, Pires and, allegedly, McCall then processed and manufactured those controlled substances at an office space Le rented in Stoughton. After receiving the orders and payment via Bitcoin, the men mailed the drugs to customers throughout the United States.
Over 19 kilograms of MDMA, almost seven kilograms of Ketamine, nearly one kilogram of cocaine and more than 10,000 counterfeit Xanax pills were seized by authorities during the investigation. Investigators also recovered a computer with the “EastSideHigh” vendor page open, numerous packages containing MDMA and Ketamine, various shipping and packaging materials and a pill press from the office space in Stoughton.
On March 10, 2022, Le was sentenced to eight years in prison and three years of supervised release. Le was also ordered to forfeit more than 59 Bitcoin (currently worth in excess of $1.7 million), $114,680 in cash, $42,390 representing the proceeds from the sale of a 2018 BMW M3, along with other items including a pill press and currency counter. A plea hearing for McCall, the last remaining defendant, is scheduled for June 28, 2022.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for the Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Norfolk County District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey; and Jennifer De La O, Director of Field Operations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Boston Field Office, made the announcement. Special assistance with the investigation was provided by the Homeland Security Investigations in Colorado; Postal Inspectors from around the country; and the Stoughton, Norwood and Brockton Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney James E. Arnold of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Boston Man Indicted for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in connection with the robbery of a TD Bank branch in Cambridge.
Jamall Copeland, 49, was indicted on one count of bank robbery. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date. Copeland was previously charged by criminal complaint on May 5, 2022.
According to the charging documents, on April 27, 2022, an unknown male – later identified as Copeland – entered the TD Bank located at 1270 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge at approximately 1:45 p.m. and allegedly handed the teller a demand note that stated, “Give up all Hundreds! AN 50's Robbery!” Copeland obtained $1,455 in cash and fled the scene. Following the robbery, law enforcement lifted a fingerprint from the demand note that allegedly matched the known fingerprint of Copeland.
According to the charging documents, Copeland was released from state prison in December 2021 and has a criminal history including charges related to murder, kidnapping, drug and firearms offenses, armed robbery and assault with intent to murder.
The charge of bank robbery provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. 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 Cambridge Police Chief Christine Elow made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin 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.
TSA Labor Union President Pleads Guilty to Fraud Scheme to Misappropriate Union FundsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The president of a local union representing Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to engaging in a fraud scheme to defraud the union by misappropriating $3,000 in union funds.
Marie LeClair, 59, of Lynn, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Aug. 16, 2022. LeClair was charged by an Information on April 26, 2022.
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.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney 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 is prosecuting the case.
Lawrence Man Pleads Guilty in Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to his role in a Lawrence-based fentanyl trafficking conspiracy.
Elvin Mendoza, 25, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Oct. 12, 2022.
In June 2021, Mendoza was indicted along with 13 others following an over two-year investigation into a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating out of the Lawrence area. As a result of the investigation, Mendoza was identified as a drug trafficker who distributed fentanyl throughout Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. In December 2020, approximately $74,000 cash and approximately four kilograms of fentanyl, among other evidence, were seized from members of the DTO in various locations in Billerica, Methuen, Lawrence and Ayden, N.C.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to life in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division, made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations in Boston and the Andover, Billerica, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Methuen, North Andover, Tewksbury, Wilmington and Salem (N.H.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of Rollins’ Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Connecticut Contractor Sentenced for Bribery Conspiracy to Procure Consultation Contracts at Colleges and UniversitiesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The principal of a Connecticut environmental consulting firm was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Springfield for paying bribes to procure consulting contracts at higher educational institutions in Massachusetts and New York.
Stephen Dinapoli, 42, of Wilton, Conn., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to two years of probation. Dinapoli was also ordered to pay forfeiture of $66,718. The government recommended a sentence of two years in prison. On Dec. 21, 2021, Dinapoli pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and two counts of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds.
Dinapoli is the principal of Big East Environmental, an environmental project management and consulting firm based in Connecticut. From 2015 to 2019, Dinapoli paid cash bribes to co-conspirator Floyd Young, who held positions involving facility maintenance at three collegiate institutions including American International College (AIC) in Springfield, Mass. Specifically, Dinapoli paid Young in cash during face-to-face meetings in order to obtain contracts for environmental consulting work at AIC, Cornell Tech and Cooper Union. These bribes were typically 15% of the value for each contract with the collegiate institutions. In total, Dinapoli paid Young $66,718 in bribes to procure contracts with a total value of approximately $444,786.
Young was charged in a separate case and, in August 2020, pleaded guilty to steering contracts for construction, repair, maintenance and other work for the collegiate institutions to favored contractors, including Dinapoli, in exchange for bribe payments typically in the amount of 15% of the contract. A sentencing hearing for Young has not yet been scheduled by the Court.
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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Breslow of Rollins’ Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Two Convicted Felons Arrested for Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two previously convicted felons have been arrested in connection with illegally selling firearms, including ghost guns, and illegally possessing ammunition. A ghost gun is a firearm that has been manufactured by an individual and not by a firearms manufacturing company.
Zachary Zella, 29, of Dudley, and Mickie Simmons, 31, of Brookfield, were arrested on May 25, 2022, on one count each of being a felon in possession of ammunition and dealing firearms without a license. The defendants were detained following initial appearances in federal court in Worcester on May 26, 2022. A detention hearing for Zella is scheduled for June 8, 2022, before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge David H. Hennessey.
“In recent weeks, we have all seen the critical threat posed by gun violence in the United States and the devastating impact it has on our communities,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Preventing the illegal trafficking of firearms, and specifically ghost guns, helps protect the safety of Massachusetts residents by addressing this real and present danger at its source. These defendants, each barred from possessing firearms due to their criminal histories, are alleged to have manufactured unmarked firearms for sale in their homes, including assault-styled rifles. My office and our law enforcement partners remain committed to addressing the proliferation of illegal firearms and the threat they pose to our communities. Individuals who are manufacturing and dealing firearms, specifically ghost guns, will be identified and prosecuted.”
“In our fight against violent crime, every illegal gun taken off the street is a small victory, and every gun trafficker locked up is a big one, especially when they are convicted felons who are selling untraceable firearms,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “The disturbing level of gun violence in Massachusetts is undeniably exacerbated by the abundance of illegal firearms on the street. Our North Shore Gang Task Force is working to battle that tide, whether it’s through takedowns of violent gun-toting gangs, or one by one, arresting felons like Zachary Zella and Mickie Simmons whose alleged, unabashed criminal behavior, has put the safety of our communities in jeopardy.”
“The Massachusetts Department of Correction is extremely proud of its partnerships with public safety agencies,” said the Department of Correction’s Commissioner Carol Mici. “These relationships play an important part of the Department’s mission to public safety and are crucial in protecting our communities.”
According to the charging documents, on three separate occasions between March and May 2022, the defendants sold a confidential source four 9mm ghost gun pistols – one of which contained a Gamo laser sight – six magazines and 55 rounds of 9mm ammunition. During a later search of Simmons’ residence, authorities seized at least five ghost guns, including an AR-15 short-barrel rifle, and 15 ghost gun kits, numerous rounds of ammunition, components of assault-style rifles, several other firearms and more than $25,000 in cash. Additional ammunition was seized from Zella’s residence.
In 2016 and 2017, Zella was convicted in Dudley and Worcester District Courts on drug charges for which he was sentenced to two years in prison. In 2014, Simmons was convicted in Dudley District Court of breaking and entering, larceny and conspiracy for which he was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
The charge of being a felon in possession of ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to a $250,000. The charge of dealing firearms without a license provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to a $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. Attorney Rollins, FBI Boston SAC Bonavolonta and Massachusetts DOC Commissioner Mici made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danial Bennett and Brendan O’Shea of Rollins’ Worcester Branch Office are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Salem Man Found Guilty on All Counts in Decade-Long Mortgage Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former self-proclaimed Salem real estate developer has been convicted by a federal jury in Boston in connection with a 10-year mortgage fraud scheme involving at least two dozen fraudulent loan transactions totaling $6.5 million and resulting in more than $3.8 million in losses to lenders.
George Kritopoulos, 50, of Salem, was convicted on May 27, 2022, of one count of conspiracy, two counts of wire fraud, six counts of bank fraud, one count of aiding the preparation of a false income tax return and one count of obstruction of justice. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Sept. 29, 2022. Kritopoulos was charged in September 2018 along with co-defendants Joseph Bates III and David Plunkett.
“Mr. Kritopoulos held himself out to be a prominent real estate developer and believed he was above the law. This guilty verdict makes it clear that he is not,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Mr. Kritopoulos and his co-conspirators thought they could line their pockets by victimizing innocent lenders and borrowers. When the scheme began unraveling, Mr. Kritopoulos attempted to have his co-conspirators create phony documents, but they refused. In an interview, Mr. Kritopoulos lied to investigators. We are committed to holding those who engage in this type of behavior accountable.”
“This verdict proves that George Kritopoulos is a predator who repeatedly targeted young, financially vulnerable victims and exploited them to pad his own pockets while driving them deeper into debt. He lied to the banks on behalf of those victims and tried to obstruct our investigation,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Mortgage fraud cases like this one are important to deter would-be fraudsters from acting, and to ensure those who commit fraud, like Kritopoulos, face justice. After all, this type of crime artificially influences home values and threatens the investments of lawful buyers.”
“Mortgage fraud, like many financial crimes, creates untold harm to individuals, communities, businesses and the integrity of the financial system,” said Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Boston Office. “This guilty verdict is proof of IRS Criminal Investigation’s dedication to protecting the financial health of our communities when they are threatened.”
From 2006 through 2015, Kritopoulos, Bates and others engaged in a scheme to defraud banks and other financial institutions by causing false information to be submitted to those institutions on behalf of borrowers – people recruited to purchase properties – located primarily in Salem. The properties were usually multi-family buildings with two-to-four units, which the co-conspirators then converted into condominiums. Kritopoulos recruited new borrowers to purchase the individual condominium units, which were also financed by mortgage loans obtained by fraud.
The false information submitted to lenders included, among other things, representations concerning the borrowers’ employment, income, assets and intent to occupy the property. Specifically, the false employment information included representations that borrowers were employed by entities that were, in fact, shell companies “owned” by Kritopoulos and were used to advance the fraudulent scheme. The employment information also included false representations about the income that the borrowers received from the entities, when, in fact, the borrowers received little or no income from them. As a result, the income asserted on the borrowers’ loan applications that Kritopoulos submitted to lenders grossly inflated their true income. The false information also included representations that the recruited borrowers intended to live in the properties that they were purchasing, when the borrowers, in fact, did not intend to do so. Kritopoulos brought newly recruited borrowers to Plunkett, who then prepared tax returns that contained false and inflated income. Some of those tax returns were submitted to lenders in support of the fraudulent loan applications.
Because the borrowers did not have the financial ability to repay the loans, in all but two instances among 21 properties, they defaulted on their loan payments, resulting in foreclosures and losses to the lenders of more than $3.8 million.
In addition, Kritopoulos sought to obstruct the federal criminal investigation into the mortgage fraud scheme by encouraging Bates and Plunkett to make false statements and create false documents he hoped would make the companies appear to have been legitimate.
In October 2018, Bates pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, three counts of wire fraud affecting a financial institution, and two counts of bank fraud. A sentencing hearing for Bates has not yet been scheduled by the Court. In February 2019, Plunkett pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of aiding in the submission of false tax returns and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 15, 2022.
The charges of bank fraud and wire fraud each provide for sentences of up to 30 years in prison and five years of supervised release. The charge of obstruction of justice provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and five years of supervised release. The charge of conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison and three years of supervised release. The charge of aiding the preparation of false tax returns provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison and one year of supervised release. Each charge also carries a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. Attorney Rollins, FBI SAC Bonavolonta, IRS CI SAC Simpson and Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, Northeastern Regional Office, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Salem Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Victor A. Wild, of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit, and Brian M. LaMacchia, of Rollins’ Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit, are prosecuting the case.
Newton Physician Resolves Allegations of Improper Prescribing Practices Concerning Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Dr. Hooshang Poor, a Newton geriatric medicine physician, has agreed to pay $100,000 to resolve allegations that he prescribed controlled substances outside the usual course of professional practice, a violation of the Controlled Substances Act. Dr. Poor previously resolved allegations in February 2019 that he violated the False Claims Act by submitting inflated claims to Medicare and the Massachusetts Medicaid program.
Under the Controlled Substances Act, physicians and other prescribers registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration may only issue prescriptions for a legitimate medical purpose and in the usual course of professional practice. Separately, under Massachusetts state law, prescribers of controlled substances are required to access the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) via a database (MassPAT) to review a patient’s prescription history prior to issuing a prescription for a Schedule II or Schedule III drug or a benzodiazepine, and prior to the first time they issue a prescription for a Schedule IV or V drug. The PMP allows a prescriber to see what, if any, Schedule II to V controlled substances patients are receiving from any other prescriber. With this information, prescribers can assess, among other things, whether the patient is at a high risk for overdose.
Pursuant to the settlement agreement, Dr. Poor admitted that in 2019 and 2020, he issued 51 prescriptions for Schedule II, IV or V controlled substances without first reviewing the patients’ prescription histories in MassPAT.
“Proper prescribing practices prevent overdoses and deaths,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Simply put, the PMP saves lives and physicians who fail to comply with their statutory mandate to check the patient’s prescription history are putting their patients at risk. We will continue to work with our partners at the DEA to protect patients and enforce the Controlled Substances Act.”
“The DEA is committed to ensuring that all registrants are in compliance with the required regulations, which are enforceable through the Controlled Substances Act,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “Failure to do so increases the potential for diversion and jeopardizes public health and public safety. DEA pledges to work with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to ensure these rules and regulations are followed.”
“Physicians are responsible for the health and wellbeing of their patients, but this doctor irresponsibly prescribed dangerous drugs to Massachusetts residents without abiding by critical requirements. Protecting against these illegal practices is a priority for my team, and we’ll continue to work with our federal partners to hold bad actors accountable,” said Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey.
U.S. Attorney Rollins, DEA SAC Boyle and Massachusetts AG Healey made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich of Rollins’ Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled the case along with Assistant Attorneys General Kevin Lownds and Elisha Willis of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Division.
Louis Coleman III Convicted by Federal Jury of Kidnapping Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Louis D. Coleman III was found guilty today by a federal jury of kidnapping and killing Jassy Correia.
Coleman, 35, of Providence, R.I., was convicted following a jury trial of the federal charge of kidnapping resulting in death. U.S. Chief District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for Sept. 22, 2022. Coleman was arrested and charged in March 2019 and was subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2019.
“Justice was done today in this courthouse,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “The victim in this case, Jassy Correia, was a vibrant young woman, a mother, a daughter, a sister and a friend. And the defendant, Louis Coleman, was a predator. He tricked Ms. Correia into believing he would give her a ride and instead he held her against her will, sexually assaulted her, murdered her and engaged in a massive cover up. Although this conviction cannot bring Ms. Correia back, today’s guilty verdict brings some measure of justice for her and her loving family who feel this devastating void every single day. This case is the result of incredibly collaborative law enforcement effort between local, state and federal agencies across three states – Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Delaware. Thanks to their investigative work, the tireless efforts of the trial team and the bravery of Ms. Correia’s family and friends, Louis Coleman has been held accountable and will remain in prison for the rest of his life.”
“This crime was senseless and horrific, and there is no question today’s verdict is just. No excuse can justify the savagery committed by this man who will face life behind bars,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Together with the Boston and Providence Police Departments, the FBI worked tirelessly to seek justice for Jassy—a beloved mother, daughter, sister, and friend. The lasting impact and trauma this man has inflicted on her family can never be erased. Our hearts are with them today.”
In the early morning hours of Feb. 24, 2019, Ms. Correia, the victim, went out with friends to a nightclub in downtown Boston to celebrate her upcoming birthday. Just after 2 a.m., Ms. Correia became separated from her friends and tried to get a ride home from an Uber XL driver who was idling out front of the nightclub. The driver was waiting for a larger group and pushed Ms. Correia out of the car, and she stumbled onto the sidewalk. Seconds later, video surveillance captured Coleman approach the victim – who was alone, intoxicated, barefoot, and without a winter coat – and take both of her hands. Coleman offered Ms. Correia a ride back to her friend’s apartment.
After getting into the vehicle with Ms. Correia, video surveillance showed Coleman make a series of short turns before pulling over, just a few blocks from where he had originally parked, for approximately 12 minutes. Coleman then began driving south to his apartment in Providence.
Surveillance footage from Coleman’s Providence apartment building showed Coleman, at about 4:15 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019, parking and exiting the vehicle, and then returning a short time later carrying a blanket. He then walked from the car to the front of the building carrying the victim’s body slung over his shoulder. Once he entered the building, surveillance video showed Coleman dropping the victim on the floor and dragging her towards the elevator, and subsequently towards his apartment.
In the days that followed, Coleman visited two car washes and his internet search history reveled he Googled things such as “how to pull a tooth out that’s not loose;” “can a person fit inside a suitcase;” “buy dumpster;” “oil barrel;” “how to clean for embalming;” “turkey baster;” and “target sanitizing bleach.” In addition, Coleman purchased a $150 air purifier, three 12-lb bags of baking soda, duct tape, 50-gallon trash bags, personal protective equipment including full-body coveralls, an odor respirator, protective masks, safety goggles, a 600-lb rated dolly, three Tyvek suits and a large suitcase.
At 1:15 a.m., on Feb. 28, 2019, Coleman wheeled a suitcase containing the victim’s body out of his apartment and into the parking lot where his vehicle was parked. Coleman appeared to have difficulty lifting the suitcase into the trunk of his car, before driving away at 4 a.m.
On the afternoon of Feb. 28, 2019, Coleman’s vehicle was stopped by Delaware authorities on I-95 South near Wilmington, Del. Officers ordered Coleman out of the vehicle and asked him if anyone else was in the vehicle with him, to which Coleman said, “She’s in the trunk.”
Officers discovered the victim’s body in the trunk of Coleman’s vehicle, bound with duct tape and in the fetal position inside a sofa cushion cover, which was inside of a black trash bag, stuffed inside the suitcase Coleman was seen bringing into his apartment on Feb. 27, 2019. A duffle bag, a pair of new long-handled loppers, plastic garbage bags, clothing, a red plastic gas container, a green butane lighter, black gloves, charcoal air purifiers, air fresheners, tinted safety glasses, plastic Walmart bags, work towels, cloth work-gloves, a new set of DeWalt pliers, a laptop, the computer hard-drive/tower he used to conduct his Google searches and disinfectant wipes were also recovered in Coleman’s vehicle. Two large cracks in the windshield on the passenger side were found to contain both Coleman and Ms. Correia’s DNA.
The victim had significant bruising, a bloodied face, was bound with gray duct tape and was covered in baking soda. The medical examiner determined cause of death to be strangulation and found evidence consistent with a sexual assault.
The charge of kidnapping resulting in death provides for a sentence of death or life in prison. 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 U.S. Attorney Levy; FBI Boston SAC Bonavolonta; Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long; Douglas Bartlett, Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden; Colonel Melissa A. Zebley, Delaware State Police; and Colonel Hugh T. Clements Jr., Chief of Police, Providence Police Department made the announcement today. The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the cooperation and assistance of the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware and the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth G. Shine, Robert Richardson and Elianna Nuzum of the Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
Former Malden Firefighter Charged with Possession and Distribution of Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Malden firefighter has been charged and has agreed to plead guilty in connection with conspiring to distribute controlled substances including oxycodone, suboxone, Klonopin and Adderall.
Joshua Eisnor, 43, of North Reading, was charged by an Information with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Eisnor is scheduled to plead guilty on June 23, 2022.
According to the charging document, while working as a firefighter at the Malden Fire Department, Eisnor distributed controlled substances to other members of the Malden Fire Department.
Sentences in a criminal case are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to a $500,000.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Brian McClune, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office; and Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office, made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Merrimack Valley Transnational Organized Crime Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eugenia M. Carris, Deputy Chief of Rollins’ Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit, and Howard Locker, of Rollins’ Health Care Fraud Unit, are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
California Man Arrested for Abusive Sexual Contact on a Flight from Los Angeles to BostonRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A California man has been arrested for allegedly engaging in abusive sexual contact with two women aboard a redeye flight from Los Angeles to Boston yesterday.
Jairaj Singh Dhillon, 42, of Modesto, Cal., was charged with two counts of abusive sexual contact while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. Dhillon was arrested yesterday morning at Boston Logan International Airport. Following an initial appearance yesterday before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Judith G. Dein, Dhillon was held in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for June 2, 2022.
According to the charging document, during an overnight flight from Los Angeles to Boston on May 31, 2022, Dhillon engaged in unwanted sexual contact with two female passengers sitting next to him. The first victim reported that Dhillon, seated in the aisle seat next to her, allegedly touched her thigh and groin area while she was taking care of her infant child who was in a car seat in the window seat next to her. The first victim allegedly called for help and stated out loud, “this man just groped me.” The second victim, who was seated in the aisle seat opposite Dhillon, reported that Dhillon allegedly reached out with both hands and simultaneously grabbed her groin and buttocks when she was standing in the aisle. Flight crew then intervened and moved Dhillon to another part of the plane for the duration of the flight. When the flight arrived in Boston, law enforcement escorted Dhillon off the plane and placed him under arrest.
The charge of abusive sexual contact while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Dell’Anno of Rollins’ Major Crimes 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.
Boxford Plumbing Company Owner Sentenced to Prison for Tax and Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boxford plumbing contractor was sentenced to more than a year in prison yesterday after engaging in a multi-year scheme to defraud customers by overcharging them and by billing them for services he did not perform and by evading his income taxes – defrauding the government of more than $1.45 million.
Jared Derrico, a/k/a “Jay,” 35, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to one year and one day in prison and three years of supervised release. Derrico was also ordered to forfeit $315,000 in criminal proceeds and to pay $1.45 million in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service. The Court deferred to impose a fine, pending further proceedings to determine restitution to the victims of Derrico’s fraud scheme. On Feb. 1, 2022, Derrico pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion and two counts of mail fraud.
For tax years 2015 through 2019, Derrico operated a plumbing business known, variously, as Derrico Services and The Pipe Surgeon. During that time, Derrico routinely overcharged his customers for plumbing, maintenance, and construction work he performed and billed his customers for work he did not perform at all. Derrico then cashed payments from his customers or deposited them into his personal accounts and misled his tax preparer about the gross receipts from his business to evade reporting this income on this tax returns. Derrico also fraudulently obtained payments for installing air conditioning units at a property in Boston, but in fact, did not install the units. In total, Derrico defrauded at least 11 customers by overcharging for his services or charging for services he did not perform.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement. The United State Postal Inspection Service and the Ipswich Police Department also provided valuable support in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Boston Man Sentenced in Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston on conspiracy and distribution charges involving fentanyl.
Valentin Pujols, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to time served (14 days in prison) and two years of supervised release, with the first year to be served in home detention. Pujols was also ordered to complete 100 hours of community service. On Jan. 28, 2022, Pujols pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
Pujols conspired with co-defendants Katherine Olivares-Soto and, allegedly, Maria Yovanny Soto-Diaz-Deperez to distribute fentanyl. On multiple occasions between December 2018 and February 2019, Soto-Diaz-Deperez allegedly agreed to sell quantities of fentanyl to an undercover agent. Pujols accompanied Soto-Diaz-Deperez on two occasions and distributed approximately 61 grams of fentanyl that Soto-Diaz-Deperez allegedly sold to the undercover agent.
Olivares-Soto previously pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 15, 2022. Soto-Diaz-Deperez remains a fugitive.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; Arlington Police Chief Juliann Flaherty; and Somerville Acting Police Chief Charles Femino made the announcement today. Assistance in the investigation was provided by the Boston Housing Authority Police Division and the Arlington Public Housing Authority. Assistant U.S. Attorney James E. Arnold of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
West Roxbury Woman Sentenced for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A West Roxbury woman was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with a return fraud scheme.
Tamara Khatuntseva, 64, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to 90 days in prison and three years of supervised release. Khatuntseva was also ordered to pay restitution of $85,499 and forfeiture of $83,806. On Aug. 5, 2021, Khatuntseva pleaded guilty to wire fraud.
In December 2018, law enforcement initiated an investigation into multiple individuals who were suspected of engaging in activities to defraud runway stores across Massachusetts. From December 2018 through August 2020, Khatuntseva engaged in a scheme to defraud a store through refunds of inferior merchandise including high-end and expensive jewelry, clothing, purses, handbags, luggage and shoes. Specifically, Khatuntseva purchased high-end retail goods from the store and fraudulently returned lower value items in their place for a full refund. Khatuntseva then sold the legitimate merchandise on eBay for hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegal profits. For example, Khatuntseva was captured on video surveillance purchasing a pink Gucci scarf for $399, which was then listed for sale on an eBay site associated with Khatuntseva. Several days later, video surveillance showed Khatuntseva returning a different scarf – with the same bar code – and receiving a full refund. To further her scheme, Khatuntseva used two different eBay accounts, opened credit cards in her daughter’s name and purchased the same red security tags used by the store in order to disguise fraudulent returns as legitimate merchandise. On Aug. 27, 2020, a search of Khatuntseva’s home uncovered 42 items she planned to sell on eBay or fraudulently return. It is estimated that the victim company lost between $40,000 and $150,000 as a result of the scheme.
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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura J. Kaplan of Rollins’ Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Pittsfield Nurse Pleads Guilty to Stealing Fentanyl from Critical Care PatientRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Pittsfield woman pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield to stealing fentanyl being administered to a patient in the critical care unit.
Jessica Lotto, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of acquiring a controlled substance by fraud, deceit or subterfuge. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Jan. 25, 2023. Lotto was charged in November 2021.
In February 2019, while working as a nurse at Berkshire Medical Center, Lotto entered a patient’s room in the critical care unit where she used a syringe to steal fentanyl being administered to the patient through an IV line. Lotto later admitted to taking the drug from the patient.
The charge of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, deceit or subterfuge provides for a sentence of up to four years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Brian McClune, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office; and Margret R. Cooke, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Deepika Bains Shukla, Chief of Rollins’ Springfield Branch Office, is prosecuting the case.
Lawrence Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to fentanyl trafficking.
Saury Rodriguez-Ruiz, 33, pleaded guilty on May 26, 2022 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Denis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for Sept. 9, 2022. Rodriguez-Ruiz was indicted along with his co-conspirator, Danybelkis Vasquez-Rodrigue, in January 2021. Vasquez-Rodrigue has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.
In November 2020, law enforcement began an investigation into Rodriguez-Ruiz, who had been identified as a Lawrence-based drug supplier. On Nov. 24, 2020, Rodriguez-Ruiz distributed nearly one kilogram of fentanyl to a cooperating witness. In exchange for the fentanyl, the cooperating witness made two payments to Rodriguez-Ruiz’s associates in December 2020. The first payment of $10,000 was to an associate of Rodriguez-Ruiz and the second payment of $32,000 was allegedly to Rodriguez-Ruiz’salleged co-conspirator, Vasquez-Rodrigue.
The charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl each carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, made the announcement. The case was investigated by the FBI’s Strike Force including the Norfolk County Sherriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea Porter of Rollin’s Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lexington Man Convicted of Possessing Stolen Trade SecretRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lexington man was convicted on Thursday, May 26, 2022 of possessing a stolen trade secret, the first-ever conviction following a criminal trial of this kind in the District of Massachusetts.
Haoyang Yu, 43, was convicted following a month-long jury trial of possessing the prototype design of a microchip, known as the HMC1022A, which was owned and developed by Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), a semiconductor company headquartered in Wilmington. The chip is used in aerospace and defense applications. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Sept. 15, 2022.
From 2014 to 2017, Yu worked at ADI, where he designed microchips used by the communications, defense and aerospace industries. As a result of his work, Yu had access to ADI’s present and future microchip designs, including their schematic files, design layout files and manufacturing files.
While he was an ADI employee, Yu started his own microchip design firm, Tricon MMIC, LLC, and used the stolen HMC1022A design to manufacture a knock-off version of ADI’s chip. Yu began selling his version of HMC1022A prior to ADI’s release of its chip. ADI cooperated fully in the government’s investigation.
The jury acquitted Yu of other counts of possessing stolen trade secrets, wire fraud, immigration fraud, and the illegal export of controlled technology.
The charge of possessing stolen trade secrets provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael Rollins; James Brigham, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement, Boston Field Office; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Michael Wiest, Special Agent in Charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office made the announcement. U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Coast Guard Investigative Service, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Massachusetts State Police, Lexington Police Department and Hingham Police Department provided assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Beck, Jason A. Casey, John A. Capin of Rollins’ National Security Unit are prosecuting the case.
Springfield Man Indicted for Sex Trafficking a MinorRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for a sex trafficking offense involving a minor.
Carlos Casillas, 48, was indicted on one count of sex trafficking of a minor. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Springfield on May 23, 2022 before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Katherine A. Robertson, Casillas was released on conditions pending a further hearing which is scheduled for June 23, 2022.
According to the indictment, on or about Sept. 3, 2021 in West Springfield, Casillas caused a child under the age of 18 to engage in a commercial sex act.
On Feb. 10, 2022, Casillas was arrested on charges in Springfield District Court of aggravated rape of a child and enticing a child.
Members of the public who believe they, or someone they know, may be a victim of this crime should contact [email protected].
If you or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, please visit https://polarisproject.org/ for information and resources.
The charge of sex trafficking of a minor provides for a sentence of at least 10 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Hampden County District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni; Hampden County Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi; and West Springfield Police Chief Ronald Campurciani made the announcement today. 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 indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Retired Massachusetts State Trooper Sentenced in Overtime Abuse InvestigationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A retired Massachusetts State Police Trooper was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with overtime abuse at the Massachusetts State Police (MSP).
Daren DeJong, 60, of Uxbridge, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Senior Judge Mark L. Wolf to two years of probation, with the first six months to be served in home confinement. DeJong was also ordered to pay a fine of $5,500 and restitution in the amount of $14,062. In January 2019, DeJong pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds.
DeJong, who is retired, was a Trooper assigned to Troop E, which is responsible for enforcing criminal law and traffic regulations along the Massachusetts Turnpike, Interstate I-90. DeJong received overtime pay for hours that he either did not actually work at all, or shifts in which he departed one to seven hours early.
The conduct involves overtime pay for selective enforcement initiatives, including the Accident and Injury Reduction Effort program (AIRE) and the “X-Team” initiative. Both initiatives are intended to reduce accidents, crashes, and injuries on I-90 through an enhanced presence of MSP Troopers and targeting vehicles traveling at excessive speeds. DeJong was required to work the entire duration of the shifts – either four or eight hours – and truthfully report the date, time and sector of deployment on the citations issued during the shift. DeJong concealed the fraud by submitting citations that were issued outside the overtime shift, altered the citations to create the appearance that citations were issued during the overtime shift, and/or submitted citations that were never issued and never took place.
Trooper DeJong earned $200,416 in 2016, which included approximately $68,394 in overtime, of which more than $14,000 was attributable to AIRE and X-Team shifts that DeJong either left early or did not show up for.
In 2015 and 2016, MSP received annual benefits from the U.S. Department of Transportation in excess of $10,000, which were funded pursuant to numerous federal grants.
DeJong is the eighth and final defendant to be sentenced in the case involving MSP Troop E overtime abuse.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Christopher A. Scharf, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dustin Chao and Mark Grady of Rollins’ Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Lawrence Woman Sentenced in Cocaine Distribution Conspiracy that Used U.S. Mail ParcelsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence woman was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for her role in a cocaine distribution conspiracy.
Michel Saredi-Munoz Moronta, a/k/a “Michel Saredi-Munoz Morta,” 22, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to time served (approximately 21 months in prison) and four years of supervised release. On Dec. 15, 2021, Munoz Moronta pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
In or about August 2020, law enforcement identified several Priority Mail packages sent to addresses in Lawrence as suspected to contain illegal narcotics. Officers surveilling the addresses saw a woman, later identified as Munoz Moronta, get out of a car and collect the packages shortly after delivery. Munoz Moronta was subsequently arrested. The packages were found to contain approximately four kilograms of cocaine.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement. The Lawrence Police Department provided valuable assistance in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Feldman of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Canton Man Indicted for Sex Trafficking a MinorRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Canton has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston in connection with sex trafficking a minor.
Keion Rowell, 23, was indicted on one count of sex trafficking of a child. Rowell was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint on April 14, 2022.
“Mr. Rowell is alleged to have targeted a 15-year-old girl and groomed her to engage in commercial sex for his personal profit,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “This type of behavior by adults, overwhelmingly men, is far too common. I am starting a Human Trafficking Unit within the United States Attorney’s Office so we can investigate and charge these predators that profit off of people’s trauma and pain. The scale and scope of the Human Trafficking problem has reached epic proportions. We will spare no resource to protect our communities, our children, and our Commonwealth from this growing threat.”
“Too many of our children are falling victims to sex trafficking and are suffering from untold physical and emotional harm at the hands of accused predators like Keion Rowell,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “That’s why every day, FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation – Human Trafficking Task Force is fiercely focused on working with our law enforcement partners to free victims from this abusive life while locking up those who exploit them.”
According to the charging documents, on Jan. 28, 2021, agents recovered a 15-year-old girl who had been reported missing approximately 10 to 14 days previously after she left her home in a suburb of Boston. It is alleged that the victim’s phone contained nude and revealing photos of the victim, online advertisements for commercial sex that included pictures of the victim, as well as Venmo and Cash App accounts registered to Rowell. Rowell allegedly opened an online “Meet Me” account for the victim that advertised commercial sex with the victim and instructed the victim on how much she should charge. It is further alleged that the Rowell required the victim to engage in commercial sex acts multiple times and took the proceeds.
Members of the public who believe they may be a victim of this alleged crime should contact [email protected].
The charge of sex trafficking of a child provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. Attorney Rollins and FBI SAC Bonavolonta made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Boston and Randolph Police Departments and the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Gotlob of Rollins’ Civil Rights Enforcement Team and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyssa Tochka are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Trinitarios Gang Member Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Trafficking Multiple Guns, Ammunition, Cocaine and FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A member of the Trinitarios street gang was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with trafficking firearms, ammunition, cocaine and fentanyl in the Greater Lawrence area.
Arismendy Gil-Padilla, a/k/a “Flow”, 32, of Methuen, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 11 years in prison and six years of supervised release. On Feb. 2, 2022, Gil-Padilla pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, two counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine.
Gil-Padilla was indicted in November 2019 as part of a federal sweep targeting federal and state offenders, including members and associates of the Trinitarios street gang, in the Greater Lawrence area.
The Trinitarios is a street gang originating in the New York area with increased presence in Lawrence and the surrounding communities. According to court documents, many Trinitarios members are involved in a broad range of illegal activities including, but not limited to, firearms and drug trafficking as well as violent crimes undertaken to protect the interests of the gang and its members.
During the investigation, Gil-Padilla was identified as a member of the Trinitarios. On eight separate occasions between April and August 2018, Gil-Padilla sold 16 guns (four of which were reported stolen), ammunition, cocaine and fentanyl to a cooperating witness. Specifically, Gil-Padilla sold a cooperating witness two handguns and ammunition for $1,800 and approximately 55.7 grams of cocaine hydrochloride for another $1,800; 28.1 grams of cocaine hydrochloride for $900 and seven guns, including one that was stolen and one with a large capacity magazine, for $5,340; and 48.7 grams of fentanyl for $1,100 and 55.9 grams of cocaine hydrochloride for $1,800. Gil-Padilla sold a cooperating witness seven additional firearms (three of which were stolen) and ammunition, a laser sight and 97.8 grams of fentanyl and 28 grams of cocaine over five separate occasions between April and May 2018. Gil-Padilla is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to a 2014 conviction for distributing controlled substances that was punishable by more than one year in prison.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Essex County District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Corrections; and Lawrence Police Chief Roy P. Vasque made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol Head, Chief of Rollins’ Asset Recovery 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.
Individual Indicted for Market Manipulation ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Chinese national and part-time Weymouth resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for his alleged participation in a sophisticated, multi-year market manipulation conspiracy involving securities traded on the United States’ national securities exchanges.
Jiali Wang, 43, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit market manipulation. Wang was previously charged by criminal complaint.
According to the charging documents, from approximately 2013 through at least 2018, Wang participated in and oversaw the manipulative trading activity of a group of securities traders located in China and, at times, in Massachusetts. Specifically, it is alleged that 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 and inflate the prices of thinly traded securities. They allegedly 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. It is alleged that 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 allegedly cancelled their outstanding manipulative orders.
The charge of conspiracy to commit securities fraud provides for a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, five 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 conspiracy to commit market manipulation provides for a sentence of up to five 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.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Boston Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Heroin, Fentanyl and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced yesterday in connection with heroin and fentanyl distribution and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
Anthony Howard, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to eight years in prison and three years of supervised release. On Feb. 2, 2022, Howard pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
This case arose from a series of controlled purchases of heroin and fentanyl from Howard by a cooperating witness. On July 20, 2021, Howard sold a cooperating witness over 32 grams of heroin. A search of Howard’s apartment on Aug. 5, 2021, resulted in the seizure of approximately 24.52 grams of fentanyl, drug distribution paraphernalia and several firearms, including a Glock 9mm handgun loaded with a drum magazine capable of 50 round capacity and containing 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Federal law prohibits Howard from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to prior felony convictions. Additionally, at the time of the offenses, Howard was on state pre-trial release for a 2014 indictment for murder, armed assault to murder and illegal firearm possession, amongst other charges, in connection with a shooting of multiple victims. On Nov. 15, 2021, Howard was convicted on several charges in this matter and sentenced to 18 to 20 years in state prison.
First United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Dawley of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit 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.
Recidivist Defendant Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Salem man was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield for possessing child pornography.
Nicholas Conkey, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 12 years in prison and five years of supervised release. On Nov. 9, 2021, Conkey pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.
On Jan. 18, 2019, Conkey possessed 42 images and one video of child pornography on his phone. These images and video depicted prepubescent children engaged in sex acts or the lascivious display of their genitalia. Conkey also possessed child pornography images in his online email account.
Conkey has a previous military conviction for possession and distribution of child pornography.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine G. Curley of Rollins’ Springfield Branch Office 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.
Springfield Man Arrested for Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield man was arrested today on a drug offense involving fentanyl distribution.
Christian Camacho, 25, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Camacho was released on conditions following an initial appearance this afternoon in federal court in Springfield before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Katherine A. Robertson.
According to the indictment, in Hampden County on or about March 30, 2022, Camacho knowingly possessed 40 grams or more of fentanyl intended for distribution.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of up to 40 years in prison, four years of supervised release and a fine of $2 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; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England; and Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of 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.
20 Individuals Indicted in Colombian-Based Drug Money Laundering OrganizationRead the Press Release
UPDATE: This press release was revised on May 25, 2022, to reflect that a 20th individual (REDACTED) was included in the indictment and that the third defendant was taken into custody in Jamaica.
BOSTON – Over a dozen individuals located in Colombia, Jamaica and Florida have been indicted in Boston, Mass. in connection with their alleged involvement in a sophisticated international money laundering organization that laundered more than $6 million in drug trafficking proceeds from Colombian cartels through the United States, Caribbean and European banking systems.
$1 million was seized from corporate bank accounts and other investigative activity. Nearly 3,000 kilograms of cocaine – with a street value of over $90 million – has allegedly been traced back to the money laundering organization. This includes approximately 1,193 kilograms of cocaine seized at sea, 60 miles south of Jamaica, in July 2019, as well as 1,555 kilograms of cocaine seized in nine scrap metal shipping containers at the Port of Buenaventura, Colombia, in March 2019.
This morning, three defendants were arrested in Florida and will make an initial appearance in federal court in the Southern District of Florida at a later date. Three defendants were also arrested today in Jamaica at the request of the United States. On April 26, 2022, 12 defendants were arrested in Colombia by local authorities at the request of the United States and one defendant was arrested in Orlando, Fla. The United States will seek the extradition of the Colombian and Jamaican defendants to the District of Massachusetts.
According to the charging documents, in or about October 2016, law enforcement began an investigation into a sophisticated money laundering organization located primarily in Barranquilla, Colombia. During an extensive five-year investigation, the organization allegedly laundered over $6 million in drug proceeds through intermediary banks in the United States, including banks in Massachusetts, as well as additional proceeds through banks in the Caribbean and Europe by use of the Colombian Black Market Peso Exchange (BMPE). It is alleged that, by using the BMPE, the defendants conspired to conceal drug trafficking activity and proceeds from law enforcement as well as evade currency exchange requirements in the United States and Colombia through the illegal currency exchange process. As part of the conspiracy, the defendants allegedly held roles and responsibilities within the money laundering organization relative to the needs and opportunities of the scheme, such as drug suppliers, peso brokers, money couriers and business owners/dollar purchasers.
According to the charging documents, through the BMPE, Colombian drug trafficking organizations with drug proceeds generated in the United States use third parties – generally referred to as “peso brokers” that are also based in Colombia – who agree to exchange Colombian pesos they control for the drug supplier’s dollar proceeds. Peso brokers then use money couriers in the United States and elsewhere to physically secure the drug proceeds, often in suitcases or bags on the street, and transfer the proceeds into the United States banking system. To avoid detection, peso brokers deposit the drug proceeds into bank accounts in company or individual names intended to appear as legitimate business activity, or through multiple small deposits into different bank accounts which are then consolidated into larger accounts. As a result, Colombian peso brokers control a pool of drug-derived proceeds in United States bank accounts. These dollar proceeds are then purchased by individuals or companies in Colombia seeking to exchange pesos for United States dollars at a favorable exchange rate and in a manner that avoids currency exchange and income reporting requirements. The dollar drug proceeds are transferred at the direction of the purchaser, and often end up in bank accounts of individuals or companies who appear to have no direct involvement in drug trafficking crimes.
The charges of money laundering conspiracy and laundering of monetary instruments each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $500,000, or twice the amount involved, 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; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; Luz Angela Bahamon Flórez, Delegate for Criminal Finance for the Colombian Attorney General’s Office; Ricardo Augusto Alarcon Campos, Major General of the Colombian National Police, Anti-Narcotics Directorate; Jervis Moore, Chief of the Narcotics Division for the Jamaica Constabulary Force; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS) Judicial Attachés in Bogotá, Colombia provided significant assistance in securing the arrests in Colombia and Jamaica. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared C. Dolan and Alathea E. Porter of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering 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 defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
Addendum
The following defendants have been indicted:
Defendant
Alleged Role
1
Argiro De Jesus Velasquez-Velasquez, a/k/a “El Viejo”
Drug supplier (Colombia)
2
Jose Fernando Sanchez-Villanueva, a/k/a “Picapiedra”
Drug supplier (Colombia)
3
Oscar Ivan Rodriguez-Camargo, a/k/a “El Mono”
Peso broker (Colombia)
4
Willian Faustino Acosta-Calderin
Business owner (Colombia)
5
Manuel Calderin-Calderin
Business owner (Colombia)
6
German Millan-Padilla
Peso broker (Colombia)
7
Abdul Mauricio Harb-Gomez
Peso broker (Colombia)
8
Andres Rached Farah, a/k/a/ “Don Andres,” a/k/a “El Turco”
Peso broker (Colombia)
9
Fernando Carlos Pertuz-Herrera
Money courier (Colombia)
10
Yimmy Rafael Sanchez-Jimenez, a/k/a “El Chiqui”
Peso broker (Colombia)
11
Jaime Humberto Mejia-Bencardino
Peso broker (Colombia)
12
Jose Aliro Abril-Sequera
Business owner (Colombia)
13
Harold Antonio Ayala-Pinedo
Business owner (Colombia)
14
St. Devon Anthony Cover
Money courier (Jamaica)
15
Dennis Raymond Rowe
Money courier (Jamaica)
16
Seivright Donald Afflick
Money courier (Jamaica)
17
Robert Hueton Colespring
Money courier (Florida)
18
Kimali St. George Myers
Money courier (Florida)
19
Dawnett Rochelle Mcgee
Money courier (Florida)
20 REDACTED REDACTEDTaunton Man Sentenced for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Taunton man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for drug trafficking activities involving fentanyl.
Carlos Rivera, 47, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to five years in prison and four years of supervised release. On Jan. 24, 2022, Rivera pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and three counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Between September 2020 and January 2021, Rivera and a co-conspirator engaged in four separate sales of fentanyl to a cooperating witness in Taunton. Rivera used his residence and his barbershop, Knockout Barbershop, to sell drugs and store drug proceeds. On the morning of Jan. 29, 2021, agents arrested Rivera outside his apartment. An on-site search found that Rivera was carrying approximately 40 grams of fentanyl at the time of his arrest. In total, Rivera and his co-conspirator sold or possessed with intent to sell approximately 152 grams of fentanyl.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Taunton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of Rollins’ Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Salem Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing a Firearm in Relation to Fentanyl Pill Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Salem man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition in a case resulting from his role in a prolific drug trafficking organization that supplied counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl to suppliers on the North Shore of Massachusetts.
Ernest Johnson, 34, a/k/a “Yo Pesci,” a/k/a “Mr. Live Mr. Drive,” pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Sept. 13, 2022.
Johnson was arrested and charged in June 2021 along with co-conspirators Vincent Caruso, Laurie Caruso and Nicole Benton. On Oct. 1, 2021, Benton pleaded guilty to her role in the conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing which is set for Sept. 8, 2022. Additional charges were brought against Vincent Caruso by a federal grand jury on Jan. 19, 2022.
According to the charging documents, Johnson was a member of a large drug trafficking organization (DTO) operated by Vincent Caruso, a self-admitted Crip gang member, that included Benton and Vincent Caruso’s mother, Laurie Caruso, among others. The DTO allegedly sold counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl – produced using multiple large pill presses – to street gangs for further distribution on the North Shore of Massachusetts. It is alleged that one pill press weighed 1,000 pounds and was capable of producing 15,000 pills per hour. According to the charging documents, a single counterfeit fentanyl pill retails between $10-$20, thereby generating millions of dollars in retails sales.
Johnson possessed and used firearms in furtherance of the drug trafficking activities. Additionally, Johnson used social media to post and message photos and videos that depicted firearms (including an AR15), fentanyl pills, cash and high-end jewelry. In a number of videos, Johnson described his involvement in shootings, beatings and drug trafficking and identified people he believed to be a “rat” or a “snitch.” Based on prior felony convictions, Johnson was prohibited from lawfully possessing firearms.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 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.
First Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy: Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Division; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts States Police made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the Essex, Middlesex and Suffolk County District Attorneys’ Offices; Essex, Middlesex, Suffolk and Hancock (Maine) County Sheriffs’ Departments; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine; Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; and the Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Danvers, Everett, Lynn, Malden, Salem, Saugus, Somerville, Revere, Bolton (Maine), Bangor (Maine), Portland (Maine) and Westbrook (Maine) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lawrence Man Arrested for Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man was arrested yesterday on fentanyl distribution charges.
Rafael Sierra-Baez, 42, was charged with five counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Following an initial appearance yesterday before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Marianne B. Bowler, Sierra-Baez was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for May 25, 2022.
According to the charging documents, on five separate occasions between Feb. 22, 2022 and May 4, 2022, Sierra-Baez sold suspected fentanyl to a law enforcement cooperating witness in Methuen.
The charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years and 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 other statutory factors.
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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Dell’Anno 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.
Revere Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Attempted Purchase of 20 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Revere man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with attempting to purchase 20 kilograms of cocaine from undercover agents.
Jesus Arley Munera-Gomez, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release. On Nov. 15, 2021, Munera-Gomez was convicted following a week-long trial of one count of attempt to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
In February 2020, Munera-Gomez arranged to purchase 20 kilograms of cocaine from undercover agents in exchange for $200,000. At the meeting location, Munera-Gomez took a duffle bag from the undercover agents containing 20 kilograms of sham cocaine. He was arrested immediately following the transaction. A subsequent search of Munera-Gomez’s residence resulted in the seizure of approximately $200,000 which was to be used as the down payment for the cocaine.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared C. Dolan and Lauren A. Graber of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Reading Man Sentenced for Wire Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Reading man has been sentenced in connection with a scheme to defraud an elderly relative of her interest in a three-family home and a separate scheme to defraud the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance.
Giorgio “George” Fiorenza, 51, was sentenced on May 17, 2022 by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to three years in prison and three years of supervised release. Fiorenza was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $20,508. On Dec. 14, 2021, Fiorenza pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Between August and September 2017, Fiorenza defrauded an elderly relative into signing a deed conveying her interest in a property she owned with Fiorenza’s spouse and forged the victim’s name on another document necessary to convey title to the property, both of which were recorded in the Middlesex Registry of Deeds. Fiorenza then took out a $750,000 loan in his spouse’s name and secured by the property, and subsequently caused the lender to foreclose on the property. As a result of Fiorenza’s conduct, the victim was forced to move from the only home she had ever known, where she had lived for more than seven decades and where her family had had roots for generations.
Between April and June 2020, Fiorenza filed claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) in the names of third parties and fraudulently diverted some of the funds for his own use. PUA was a temporary federal unemployment insurance program created when Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) in March 2020 in response to the global coronavirus pandemic. The PUA program, which in Massachusetts was administered by the Department of Unemployment Assistance, provided unemployment insurance benefits for individuals who were not eligible for other types of unemployment benefits. Among other things, Fiorenza filed a PUA claim using a victim’s identity, directed the proceeds of the claim to an account in his spouse’s name, and did not disclose to the victim or her husband that she had qualified for assistance.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Labor Racketeering & Fraud Investigations, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Kearney of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Lowell Man Sentenced in Trafficking Conspiracy Involving Counterfeit Pills Containing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lowell man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy involving methamphetamine disguised as counterfeit Adderall pills.
Vimoon Sortsoy, 29, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to five years in prison and four years of supervised release. On Dec. 15, 2021, Sortsoy pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.
Sortsoy conspired to distribute counterfeit prescription pills pressed to resemble Adderall that in fact contained methamphetamine in the Lowell area. In a series of controlled purchases conducted by law enforcement between approximately September 2019 and August 2020, Sortsoy sold hundreds of counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine, totaling over 400 grams.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Lowell Police Chief Raymond Kelly Richardson made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Hoefle of Rollins’ Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Leicester Woman Pleads Guilty to Role in COVID-19 Pandemic Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Leicester woman has pleaded guilty to her involvement in a pandemic unemployment fraud scheme.
Destinee Snay, 20, pleaded guilty on May 16, 2022 in federal court in Worcester to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for Oct. 12, 2022. Snay was indicted in July 2021 along with co-defendant William Cordor.
From about June 2020 to about October 2020, Snay and Cordor conspired to file false and fraudulent claims for unemployment assistance in multiple states using stolen identities obtained from a variety of places including Facebook and from former fellow inmates at Worcester County House of Correction. To facilitate the scheme, Snay created phony email accounts on Gmail, AOL and Yahoo which she used to file the fraudulent claims. In total, Snay personally filed approximately 20 false and fraudulent unemployment claims for Massachusetts and other states. Snay and Cordor then transferred the funds into prepaid debit card accounts they obtained and used the proceeds to pay for hotels, rental cars, a trip to Miami and a shopping spree at Saks Fifth Avenue.
On Nov. 16, 2021, Cordor, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, four counts of wire fraud and four counts of aggravated identity theft. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 16, 2022.
The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. 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; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations; and Mark Comorosky, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office, made the announcement. Valuable assistance in the case was provided by the Leicester and Marlboro Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danial E. Bennet and John T. Mulcahy of Rollins’ Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Lawrence Man Sentenced for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy involving fentanyl.
Hector Minaya Melo, a/k/a “El Jefe,” 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 54 months in prison. In May 2021, Minaya Melo pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and two counts of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
From 2019 through 2020, Minaya Melo engaged in a drug conspiracy with his brother and co-defendant Junior Turbis to sell and deliver fentanyl and fentanyl analogue to a cooperating witness and an undercover agent in Lawrence. As part of the conspiracy, Minaya Melo was involved in seven controlled purchases in which he delivered fentanyl and fentanyl analogue and collected payments for the drugs. In total, Minaya Melo was responsible for 342 grams of fentanyl and 151 grams of fentanyl analogue.
Turbis pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and was sentenced on March 23, 2022 to 42 months in prison and two years of supervised release.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. The investigation was conducted by the DEA’s Cross Border Initiative. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Kistner and Jared Dolan of Rollins’ Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Former Member of New Bedford Latin Kings Chapter Sentenced for Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) was sentenced on May 17, 2022 on racketeering charges.
Taliyah Barboza, a/k/a “Queen Taliyah,” 27, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to time served (approximately six days in prison) and three years of supervised release. The government recommended a sentence of 15 months in prison. In November 2020, Barboza pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy.
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. Barboza drove gang members to a robbery and shooting in September 2019 and participated in the drug distribution activities of the gang.
In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Barboza is the 51st defendant to be sentenced in the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro 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 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.
Former Lincoln Police Department Dispatcher Sentenced for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former dispatcher for the Lincoln Police Department was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston on charges of child pornography.
Spencer Hughes, 33, of Randolph, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to five years in prison and five years of supervised release. On Jan. 6, 2022, Hughes pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor or a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.
A search of Hughes’ residence in October 2020 resulted in the recovery of multiple electronic devices and external hard drives. An on-site preliminary forensic examination revealed multiple folders saved to the Hughes’ external hard drive under what appeared to be female names. One folder contained approximately 19 digital files depicting child pornography, including images and videos. This folder included a prepubescent minor female who appeared to be younger than the age of 12 engaged in sexual conduct, among other things. Further analysis of the Hughes’ electronic devices revealed more than 2,200 images and approximately 68 videos of child pornography. Prior to the search, Hughes was employed by the Town of Lincoln Police Department as a dispatcher.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Mackenzie Duane of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Former Key Worldwide Employee Sentenced in College Admissions CaseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former employee of William “Rick” Singer’s “The Key” for-profit business was sentenced today for her involvement in a scheme to use bribery and fraud to facilitate the admission of applicants to colleges nationwide.
Mikaela Sanford, 35, of Folsom, Calif., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to time served and one year of supervised release and was ordered to pay forfeiture in the amount of $67,062. In October 2020, Sanford pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit racketeering.
Sanford, who was employed by “The Key,” took online classes for students so that the students could submit the grades Sanford earned in their names as part of their application packages to colleges and universities. In other instances, Sanford helped fabricate athletic “profiles” and other documents to bolster students’ college applications by making the students appear to be highly successful high school athletes when, in fact, they were not.
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, Kristen A. Kearney, Ian J. Stearns and Leslie Wright of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Former Brockton Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Brockton man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston on sex trafficking charges.
Matthew Engram, a/k/a “Magic,” 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 12 years in prison and five years of supervised release. On Feb. 17, 2022, Engram pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, two counts of transportation of an individual for purposes of prostitution and one count of conspiracy to commit interstate travel in aid of a racketeering enterprise.
“Mr. Engram took advantage of numerous young women through psychological manipulation, violence and fear. For over six years, he profited off of their pain and exploitation,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Although we can never take away the trauma and violence endured by these survivors, today’s sentencing makes clear that the federal government is committed to eliminating human trafficking and holding traffickers accountable. My office and our law enforcement partners remain relentless in this pursuit.”
“Sex trafficking is an atrocious crime that dehumanizes victims by depriving them of their freedom and dignity,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke. “This sentence demonstrates that there are severe consequences for those who seek to exploit vulnerable young women for financial profit. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously prosecute human traffickers and secure justice for survivors of trafficking.”
“Engram used violence and threats to control his victims, seeing them not as individuals, but as means for profit. His callous exploitation violated their basic human dignity as he trafficked them around the country to engage in commercial sex,” said Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for the Homeland Security Investigations’ New England Field Office. “We hope that today’s sentence offers a modicum of justice to those victimized by him who continue to live with the impacts of his actions.”
“Victims of human trafficking suffer physical abuse and immeasurable emotional abuse from their captors. We are pleased to see justice served today and proud of the hard work and collaboration that led to today's sentencing,” said Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez.
From January 2009 until August 2015, Engram, aided by co-conspirator Natashia Bowman, recruited and trafficked three identified victims, as well as others, from a residence in Brockton and elsewhere to engage in commercial sex acts and took all or part of the proceeds.
Engram recruited the victims and others by falsely promising good earnings. Engram then advertised the victims on websites, exchanged text messages with Bowman to share advertisements, organized prostitution dates and reserved hotel rooms. To maintain control, Engram used physical assault, intimidation and isolation to create a climate of fear that compelled the victims and others to continue engaging in commercial sex acts for his profit. When the victims did not comply with Engram’s demands or did not make enough money, he physically assaulted them or directed Bowman to physically assault them. Engram also transported, or caused to transport, the victims to other states, including Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia, Florida and Maine, to perform commercial sex acts.
In September 2020, Bowman pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit interstate travel in aid of a racketeering enterprise and is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 9, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Rollins, AAG Clarke, HSI SAC Millhollin, Chief Perez and Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations in Philadelphia. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit and Trial Attorneys Shan Patel and Vasantha Rao of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.
Cambridge Man Charged with Crack Cocaine and Fentanyl Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Cambridge man has been charged with drug distribution offenses involving cocaine base (crack cocaine) and fentanyl.
Ahsan Arty, a/k/a/ “Hass,” 23, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Arty is currently in state custody and was ordered detained following an initial appearance yesterday before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell. A detention hearing has not yet been scheduled by the Court.
According to the charging documents, in February 2021, Arty conspired to sell crack cocaine to an undercover officer and was captured on recording brokering the drug deal. Intercepted communications allegedly revealed that Arty also conspired with others to distribute counterfeit Percocet pills containing fentanyl. At the time of the alleged offense, Arty was on pretrial release for multiple pending state firearm offenses.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and 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; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin R. Hayden; Middlesex County District Attorney Marian T. Ryan; Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long; and Cambridge Police Commissioner Christine Elow, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of Rollins’ Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Pandemic Fraud, Identity Theft, Firearm and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today to fraud, identity theft, firearm and drug offenses.
Jammy Alphonse, 28, pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy, false representation of a Social Security number, aggravated identity theft, possession of a firearm and ammunition and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Sept. 15, 2022. Alphonse was charged by an Information on May 11, 2022.
Beginning in or around May 2020, Alphonse conspired to obtain Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits, which were made available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. Specifically, Alphonse conspired to submit false PUA claims in other persons’ names and using other persons’ personally identifiable information. Alphonse and his co-conspirators created email accounts for the purpose of submitting fraudulent PUA claims from Alphonse’s Everett residence and other locations. The fraudulently obtained funds were then directed into accounts held in Alphonse’s name or in the name of a co-conspirator.
Additionally, in February 2021, Alphonse submitted an application to rent a property in East Boston using the name, Social Security number and date of birth of another person. As a result, Alphonse resided in that apartment from approximately February 2021 through Aug. 6, 2021, when he was arrested on a federal firearms offense. A search of the apartment recovered a loaded Glock model 43X, 9-millimeter firearm, 47 rounds of ammunition, and approximately 75 grams or more of fentanyl, among other things.
Alphonse was previously arrested and charged in August 2021 with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon following a shooting in Cambridge, Mass., in July 2021. Alphonse has remained in custody since that date.
The charge of wire fraud conspiracy 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. The charge of false representation of a Social Security number 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 aggravated identity theft provides for mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, up to four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Mark Comorosky, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long; and Cambridge Police Commissioner Christine Elow made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Mackenzie Duane of Rollins’ Major Crimes 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.
Sutton Man Sentenced for Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Sutton man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Worcester for conspiring to distribute cocaine.
Bruce Marando, 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 57 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On Aug. 20, 2021, Marando was convicted by a federal jury of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
In 2017, agents identified Marando as a member of a Worcester-based drug trafficking organization led by co-conspirator Vito Nuzzolilo. From March to May 2017, Marando conspired to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (crack cocaine). A wiretap revealed numerous communications in which Marando and Nuzzolilo discussed purchasing and selling cocaine, cooking crack cocaine and distributing cocaine to satisfy a $12,000 debt that Marando owed Nuzzolilo. Intercepted conversations also revealed that Marando and Nuzzolilo regularly discussed using physical violence to assault customers unable to pay their debts. As a result of the investigation, law enforcement seized drugs from various locations, including 250 grams of cocaine from Nuzzolilo’s band room.
In April 2020, Nuzzolilo was sentenced to 134 months in prison and eight years of supervised release.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Division; and Webster Police Chief Michael D. Shaw made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lucy Sun, Elysa Q. Wan, David J. Derusha and William F. Abely of Rollins’ Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Lowell Postal Carrier Arrested on Bribery and Cocaine ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lowell postal worker has been arrested for allegedly attempting to bribe and sell cocaine to a postal supervisor.
John Noviello, of Nashua, N.H., 61, was charged with one count of bribery of a public official and one count of distribution of cocaine. Noviello was released on conditions following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston on May 12, 2022.
According to the charging documents, Noviello was a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Lowell. It is alleged that, on Feb. 15, 2022, Noviello approached a U.S. Postal supervisor seeking their assistance in a scheme to divert postal packages suspected of containing cocaine. Noviello allegedly offered to pay the supervisor $1,750 per kilogram of cocaine successfully obtained from any diverted packages. On Feb. 17, 2022, Noviello allegedly left $850 in cash, concealed in a Dunkin’ bag, inside the supervisor’s vehicle in an attempt to encourage the supervisor to agree to the scheme. It is alleged that Noviello, referring to the $850, later commented to the supervisor, “that was a nice envelope for starters.” After contacting authorities, the supervisor conducted a controlled purchase from Noviello during which the defendant allegedly distributed approximately four grams of cocaine for $200.
The charge of bribery of a public official provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of distribution of cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
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 Ketty Larco Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of Rollins’ Criminal Division 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 Member of Springfield Latin Kings Chapter Pleads Guilty to Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former member of the Springfield Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) has pleaded guilty to drug charges.
Jonathan Casiano, a/k/a “King Legend,” 36, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, to two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for Aug. 17, 2022.
Casiano was identified as a member of the Latin Kings and a drug trafficker operating out of an apartment in Springfield. In July 2019, Casiano was arrested following a traffic stop in Springfield, during which he was found in possession of a privately made 9mm ghost gun with 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition, $9,880 in cash, 486 oxytocin pills and 810 plastic bags containing a total of 87 grams of fentanyl and 66 grams of cocaine.
Casiano was released from custody in December 2019 after posting cash bail.
In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Casiano was later arrested in February 2020. A subsequent search of Casiano’s person and residence recovered over 2,400 plastic bags bearing the “blue magic” and “chuckie” labels that contained a total of 68 grams of fentanyl, 140 grams of cocaine and other controlled substances. Casiano is the 58th defendant to plead guilty in the case.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl 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. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro 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 the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Boston Man Sentenced for Passport FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today for passport fraud.
Gustavo Vallejo, 47, a Dominican national living in Boston, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to one year of probation with two months of home confinement. On Feb. 2, 2022, Vallejo pleaded guilty to making false statements in a United States passport application.
In July 2011, Vallejo allegedly submitted an application for a U.S. Passport using the personal identifying information of a United States citizen.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Jonathan Davidson, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Secret Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Dell’Anno of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Woman Pleads Guilty to Role in Fentanyl, Heroin, Crack and Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A woman pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester to her role in a wide-ranging fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking conspiracy.
Jessica Hughes, of Orange, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and cocaine base (crack cocaine). U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for Oct. 6, 2022. Hughes was charged along with 17 others in July 2020.
According to court documents, following a fatal fentanyl overdose in September 2018, law enforcement began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization (DTO) in the Fitchburg area led by co-conspirators Pedro Baez and Anthony Baez. Beginning in July 2019, intercepted electronic communications revealed that Pedro and Anthony Baez worked together and with others to distribute a fentanyl and heroin mixture and crack cocaine on a regular basis to individuals in the Fitchburg area who then redistributed that mixture to others. Hughes was a regular drug customer of the DTO and routinely purchased both a fentanyl/heroin mixture and crack cocaine from Pedro Baez.
Over the course of the investigation, agents seized over 1.8 kilograms of a heroin and fentanyl mixture, over 3.6 kilograms of cocaine and over 50 grams of crack cocaine, as well as a stolen, loaded handgun, drug manufacturing equipment and over $376,000.
Hughes is the 13th defendant to plead guilty in the case. In December 2020, Anthony Baez was sentenced by Judge Hillman to 13 years in prison. Co-defendants Pedro Baez, Amanda Ford, Monica Troche, Branny Taveras, Shastaalena Blair, Valerie Lucier, Pablo Vidarte Hernandez, Kevin Martinez, Ricky Figueroa, Hector Matos and Rafael Hidalgo Rodriguez have also pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 280 grams or more of cocaine base, and 500 grams or more of cocaine provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, a term of supervised release of up to life and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement today. The Fitchburg and Lunenburg Police Departments, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Massachusetts State Police provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea Porter of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
The operation was conducted is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lawrence Man Pleads Guilty to Identity Theft and Social Security OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to misusing a Social Security number to fraudulently obtain a Massachusetts ID and driver’s license as well as MassHealth benefits.
Manuel Alejandro Pujols Diaz, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of false representation of a Social Security number and one count of aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Sept. 21, 2022. Pujols was indicted in September 2021.
Pujols used the name and Social Security number of another individual to submit fraudulent applications to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles in July 2016, August 2016 and September 2016. As a result, Pujols obtained a Massachusetts ID and driver’s license under the victim’s identity as well as MassHealth benefits.
The charge of false representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison, which must run consecutive to any other sentence of incarceration imposed, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for the Homeland Security Investigations’ New England Field Office; and Joe Harris, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, made the announcement today. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security’s Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), a specialized field investigative group comprised of personnel from various local, state, and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring, and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity, and benefit fraud schemes. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia M. Carris, Deputy Chief of Rollins’ Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit, is prosecuting the case.