District of Massachusetts
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Massachusetts Contractor Pleads Guilty to $1.8 Million Payroll Tax SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Ipswich man who owned and operated numerous Massachusetts businesses pleaded guilty today in connection with charges that he manipulated his payroll to avoid paying taxes.
George Vasiliades, 58, pleaded guilty to 17 counts of failure to collect, account for and pay over federal employment taxes; 17 counts of aiding and assisting the filing of false tax returns; and one count of making a false statement to the Social Security Administration. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for March 24, 2022. Vasiliades was indicted in September 2018.
Vasiliades operated several businesses, including Alpine Property Services, Boston Central Management, Delta Labor Company, Olympic Painting & Roofing and Turnpike General Contracting. Between 2008 and 2013, Vasiliades concealed the true size of his companies’ payroll from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Among other methods, Vasiliades directed certain employees to create shell corporations and then paid employees through these corporations as if they were independent contractors. Vasiliades also paid some employees, including those who were not U.S. citizens and not authorized to work in the United States, from bank accounts that were not connected to his corporate payroll reporting software and, as a result, would not be reported as wages to the IRS. For one non-citizen employee, Vasiliades paid wages using the name and Social Security number of a U.S. citizen employee. In total, Vasiliades’ scheme resulted in more than $1.8 million in tax losses.
The charges of failure to collect, account for and pay over federal employment taxes and making a false statement to the Social Security Administration each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charges of aiding and assisting the filing of false tax returns each provide for a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; Anthony DiPaolo, Chief of Investigations of the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts; and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Region of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, Office of Criminal Investigations – Labor Racketeering and Fraud, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Markham of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Former College Track and Field Coach Indicted on Wire Fraud, Cyberstalking, Conspiracy and Computer Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A federal grand jury has indicted a former track and field coach in connection with a scheme to trick women across the country into sending him nude or semi-nude photos using more than a dozen sham social media and email accounts. The defendant allegedly cyberstalked one female student-athlete and orchestrated a scheme to gain unauthorized access to a victim’s Snapchat account.
Steve Waithe, 28, of Chicago, Ill., was charged in a 15-count indictment with 12 counts of wire fraud, one count of cyberstalking, one count of conspiracy to commit computer fraud and one count of computer fraud, aiding and abetting. Waithe will appear in federal court in Boston on Dec. 9, 2021 at 9:45 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell. On April 7, 2021, Waithe was charged by criminal complaint with wire fraud and cyberstalking and was arrested in Chicago. He was released by the Court on conditions on May 19, 2021.
According to charging documents, Waithe previously worked as a track and field coach at several academic institutions, including Northeastern University, Penn State University, Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Tennessee and Concordia University Chicago.
It is alleged that, starting at least as early as February 2020, Waithe began perpetrating an evolving scheme to dupe women into sending him nude or semi-nude photos of themselves. Specifically, Waithe allegedly used anonymized social media accounts with usernames like “anon.4887” and variations of the phrase “Privacy Protector” to contact prospective victims, claiming that he had found compromising photos of them online and offering to “help” get the photos removed from the internet. Waithe also allegedly requested additional nude or semi-nude photos from victims that he could purportedly use for “reverse image searches.”
It is further alleged that Waithe fabricated at least two female personas, “Katie Janovich” and “Kathryn Svoboda,” in an effort to obtain nude and/or semi-nude photos of women. Under the purported premise of an “athlete research” or “body development” study, Waithe allegedly emailed prospective victims pretending to be “Katie” or “Kathryn” with email accounts in their names. The emails described a phony study for athletes and requested information relating to height, weight, body fat and diet habits. The emails also included a request for the victims to send photos of themselves in order to “track their progress” and recommended that the photos show the women in a “uniform or bathing suit to show as much skin as possible.” The emails often included attachments of sample nude and semi-nude images to illustrate the types of photos that victims should send.
According to court documents, investigators identified over a dozen sham social media accounts allegedly used by Waithe and over 350 photos sent by more than 49 victims who thought they were emailing someone conducting a legitimate research study.
Waithe is also charged with cyberstalking one victim, from at least June 21, 2020 to Oct. 3, 2020, through text messages and direct messages sent via social media, as well as by hacking into her Snapchat account. It is alleged that he texted and sent nude photos of the victim to the victim’s boyfriend, stating, “I wanted to make you aware that someone hacked your girlfriend’s snapchat account and will leak it soon. I need your help to assure this does not happen.”
In October 2020, Waithe allegedly conspired with another individual to hack into Snapchat accounts, ultimately gaining access to at least one account and its private “My Eyes Only” folder that contained nude and/or semi-nude photos. In addition, Waithe allegedly provided his co-conspirator with the usernames and phone numbers for the Snapchat accounts of at least 15 women. Waithe and his co-conspirator then used this information to craft and send text messages purporting to be from the “Snapchat Support Team” and requesting security information, through which they gained access to at least one account.
The investigation revealed that Waithe’s internet browsing history allegedly included visits to webpages with titles like, “Can anyone trace my fake Instagram account back to me?” and “How to Hack Someones Snapchat the Easy Way.” It is alleged that Waithe’s search history also included searches for, among other things, “how to hack snapchat with a username and phone number.”
If you believe that you may be a victim of the allegations in this case, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/victim-and-witness-assistance-program/us-v-steven-waithe
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison for each count, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of cyberstalking provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charges of conspiracy to commit computer fraud and computer fraud, aiding and abetting, each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. The Northeastern University Police Department provided substantial assistance with the investigation; the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the Chicago Police Department also provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Deitch of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Trinitarios Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Multiple Guns, Ammunition, Cocaine and Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A member of the Trinitarios street gang pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with trafficking firearms, ammunition, cocaine and crack cocaine in the Greater Lawrence area.
Jose Omar Hernandez-Aragones, 24, a Dominican national residing in Lawrence, pleaded guilty to four counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm; one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine; and one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base, commonly known as crack cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for March 22, 2022.
Hernandez-Aragones was indicted and arrested 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.
Beginning in 2017, law enforcement conducted an investigation into the members, associates and suppliers of the Trinitarios operating 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, Hernandez-Aragones was identified as a member of the Trinitarios. On four separate occasions between May and July 2018, Hernandez-Aragones sold least nine guns, ammunition, cocaine and crack cocaine to a cooperating witness. Specifically, Hernandez-Aragones sold the cooperating witness two handguns and ammunition for $1,900 on May 16, 2018; a bulletproof vest, a loaded 9 mm handgun, a SKS rifle and a magazine containing ammunition for the rifle on June 4, 2018; two handguns and approximately 55.4 grams of a substance containing cocaine July 3, 2018; as well as three guns, one of which was stolen, and approximately 8.7 grams of a substance containing crack cocaine on July 13, 2018. Hernandez-Aragones is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to a 2016 conviction of assault that was punishable by more than one year in prison.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine or cocaine base 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 judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; 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. Mollhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, Boston Field Division; 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 John Mulcahy of Mendell’s Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
New Bedford Man Arrested on Child Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Bedford man was arrested yesterday in connection with receiving and possessing child pornography.
Robert David Austin, 41, was charged with receipt and possession of child pornography. Following an initial appearance before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal, Austin was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for today at 3 p.m.
According to the charging documents, Austin engaged in a number of groups on a messenger application through which child pornography is disseminated. On Nov. 3, 2021, a search of Austin’s residence revealed child pornography on his cell phone. Further analysis of Austin’s phone identified the messaging application through which Austin engaged in the dissemination of child pornography.
The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Mackenzie Duane of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
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 Parents Agree to Plead Guilty in College Admissions CaseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two Silicon Valley parents have agreed to plead guilty in connection with their involvement in the college admissions case.
Gregory Colburn, M.D., 64, and Amy Colburn, 52, of Palo Alto, Calif., have agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and honest services mail and wire fraud. Plea hearings for the defendants have not yet been scheduled by the Court. The Colburns were previously scheduled for trial on Jan. 13, 2022.
The Colburns will plead guilty to their roles in a scheme to defraud The College Board by paying William “Rick” Singer $25,000 to bribe Igor Dvorskiy, a corrupt test administrator, to allow Mark Riddell, a corrupt test “proctor,” to secretly correct the Colburns’ son’s SAT exam answers to obtain a fraudulently inflated score.
Singer, Dvorskiy and Riddell have pleaded guilty for their respective roles in the scheme.
Under the terms of the plea agreements, each of the defendants has agreed to sentences, subject to the Court’s approval, of eight weeks in prison, one year of supervised release with 100 hours of community service and a fine of $12,500.
Gregory Colburn and Amy Colburn will be the 36th and 37th parents in the college admissions case to either plead guilty or be convicted by a jury following trial, respectively.
Case information, including the status of each defendant, charging documents and plea agreements are available here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/investigations-college-admissions-and-testing-bribery-scheme.
The charge of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and honest services mail and wire fraud provides for a sentence of up 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; 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 Mark Deckett, Resident Agent in Charge of the Department of Education, Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristen A. Kearney, Ian J. Stearns and Leslie Wright of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Malden Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug and Firearms ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Malden woman pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with a drug and firearms conspiracy that included multiple shootings in Chelsea, Somerville and Cambridge.
Christina Bernbaum, a/k/a “Tina,” 23, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base and one count of conspiracy to possess, use and carry firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for April 6, 2022. Bernbaum was originally charged along with co-conspirator Jaiir Coleman on April 7, 2021.
Bernbaum participated in a long-running conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess controlled substances, including in large quantities in Massachusetts and in Maine, including on Coleman’s behalf during his incarceration. The conspiracy involved the procurement and possession of firearms, some of which were used in several shootings from November 2019 through July 2020. In addition, at least one of the firearms used in these shootings was equipped with an auto-sear attachment rendering it an automatic weapon, commonly known as a machine gun.
The charge of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 28 grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to life of supervised release, a fine of up to $5 million and forfeiture. The charge of conspiring to possess, use and carry firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense provides for a sentence of up to life in prison because a machine gun was involved, up to five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Roy E. McKinney, Director of the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; Somerville Acting Police Chief Charles Femino; Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes; Lynn Police Chief Christopher Reddy; Cambridge Police Commissioner Christine Elow; Salem Police Chief Lucas Miller; Everett Police Chief Steven A. Mazzie; Malden Police Chief Kevin Molis; and Revere Police Chief David J. Callahan made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine; the Middlesex County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices; the Suffolk County and Essex County Sheriff’s Departments; and the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Sarah Hoefle of Mendell’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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.
Fitchburg Man and Woman Plead Guilty in Wide-Ranging Fentanyl, Heroin, Crack and Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Fitchburg man and woman pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester to their roles in a wide-ranging fentanyl, heroin, crack and cocaine trafficking conspiracy.
Ricky Figueroa, 31, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent 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. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for March 17, 2022.
Monica Troche, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 280 grams or more of cocaine base (crack) and 500 grams or more of cocaine. Troche also pleaded guilty to five counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl, heroin and cocaine. Judge Hillman scheduled sentencing for March 15, 2022.
Troche and Figueroa were charged in an eight-count superseding indictment along with 16 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. Intercepted phone communications by the DTO and its suppliers revealed that Troche worked with Anthony Baez to distribute a fentanyl and heroin mixture and cocaine. Communications also revealed that Figueroa supplied Pedro and Anthony Baez, as well as others in the Fitchburg area, with cocaine and crack cocaine on a regular basis.
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. Figueroa was responsible for distributing 280 grams or more of crack cocaine and 500 grams or more of cocaine. Troche is responsible for distributing 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of heroin and 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Figueroa and Troche are the seventh and eighth defendants to plead guilty in this case. In December 2020, Anthony Baez was sentenced by Judge Hillman to 13 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Pedro Baez pleaded guilty on Feb. 2, 2021 and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 17, 2022.
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, at least five years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The other drug trafficking charges provide for a sentencing range of five years to a lifetime in prison, at least four years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of between $5 million to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; 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 Mendell’s Narcotics and 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 court documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Charlestown Man Sentenced for Trafficking Firearms and Being Felon in Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Charlestown man was sentenced today for trafficking more than three dozen firearms obtained from a straw purchaser in New Hampshire and for illegally possessing multiple firearms.
Charles Baker, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 37 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On June 16, 2021, Baker pleaded guilty to one count of dealing in firearms without a license and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
From August 2018 to May 2019, Baker acquired over 36 firearms from a straw purchaser in New Hampshire and then resold the firearms to individuals in Massachusetts, taking pictures and negotiating the prices with numerous potential buyers over text message. Many of these firearms were recovered in Massachusetts from gang members and prohibited persons. Based on photographs that proved Baker possessed certain firearms in Massachusetts, he was convicted of specifically possessing multiple firearms that were later trafficked.
Due to a prior conviction, Baker is prohibited from possessing firearms and does not possess a federal license to sell firearms.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New England Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of Mendell’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Chicopee Businessman Pleads Guilty to Role in Large Scale Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Chicopee businessman and the former owner and operator of TWC Auto Body in Holyoke pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Springfield in connection with a cocaine and heroin conspiracy.
Jamil Roman, 44, of Chicopee, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for March 23, 2022. Roman was indicted in March 2016 along with co-defendant Javier Gonzalez after their initial charge and arrest on March 26, 2014.
From January 2014 through March 2014, Roman and Gonzalez conspired to distribute four kilograms of cocaine in Western Massachusetts. Roman, who owns TWC Auto Body in Holyoke, admitted to meeting Gonzalez and conspiring to collect a debt owed for four kilograms of cocaine, which was part of a larger load that Gonzalez obtained from a Mexican supply source. On March 25, 2014, law enforcement seized approximately $1.17 million in cash from a hidden compartment inside a tractor trailer being driven by Gonzalez to Texas as payment for kilograms of heroin and cocaine.
On Oct. 4, 2021, Gonzalez was sentenced by Judge Mastroianni to 30 months in prison and two years of supervised release. Gonzalez was also ordered to pay a fine of $20,000.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, a fine of $20 million and restitution. Sentences are imposed based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mandell and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office 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.
Worcester Landlord and Employee Agree to Resolve Sexual Harassment AllegationsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester property landlord, Mohan Prashad, and employee, David Besaw, have agreed to resolve allegations that they violated the Fair Housing Act by sexually harassing female tenants. The settlement also resolves claims against Lanaton LLC and Savton LLC, which, along with Prashad, owned the properties where the harassment occurred.
The lawsuit, filed in 2019, alleged that since at least 2009, Prashad subjected female tenants to harassment including unwelcome sexual advances and comments, making unscheduled and frequent visits to certain tenant units without legitimate property management reasons for the visits, and taking adverse actions against tenants who resisted his sexual overtures. The complaint further alleged that Besaw sexually harassed and assaulted tenants and that Prashad, after receiving notice of Besaw’s harassment, retaliated against one tenant by filing an eviction action against her and failing to take action to prevent Besaw from engaging in additional sexual harassment.
“The sexual harassment of tenants is an appalling abuse of economic and social power that warrants serious consequences,” said Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell. “Everyone has a right to feel safe and secure in their home, and the Fair Housing Act gives us the tools to enforce that for tenants. My office will continue to enforce these important civil rights laws to protect vulnerable individuals, hold violators accountable and secure justice for victims.”
“Sexually harassing tenants in their homes and retaliating against those who have complained about experiencing harassment are egregious forms of sex discrimination and violate the Fair Housing Act,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to ensuring that no individual is subjected to housing discrimination or retaliatory eviction because of their sex.”
Under the consent decree, which must be approved by the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, the defendants must pay the individuals harmed by the harassment $65,000 in compensation, a $10,000 civil penalty to the United States and vacate a judgment that the defendants had obtained against a former tenant in housing court.
The consent decree bars future discrimination and retaliation and requires that property management responsibilities be turned over to an independent manager. It also mandates the implementation of a sexual harassment policy, complaint procedure and Fair Housing Act training and requires detailed reporting on property management activities and compliance with the terms of the consent decree. In addition, Prashad and Besaw are barred from participating in property management responsibilities at residential rental properties.
Acting U.S. Attorney Mendell and Associate Attorney General Clarke made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Torey B. Cummings and Michelle Leung, of Mendell’s Civil Rights Unit, and Trial Attorney Kinara A. Flagg, of the Housing and Civil Enforcement Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, handled the matter.
The Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office was established in 2015 with the mission of enhancing federal civil rights enforcement. For more information on the Office’s civil rights efforts, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-ma/civil-rights.
Stoughton Man Indicted on Bank and Wire Fraud Scheme Related to COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Stoughton man was indicted yesterday in connection with his alleged involvement in a fraudulent scheme to obtain COVID-19-related small business loans from several financial institutions.
Patrick Joseph, 39, was indicted on one count each of wire fraud, bank fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. Joseph will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) created a temporary loan program directed at small businesses called the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Independent contractors were eligible to apply for PPP loans, which were processed by private financial institutions and fully guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. If an independent contractor used the loan funds for approved purposes, such as payroll, the loan could be forgiven by the financial institution and paid for by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
According to the indictment, Joseph participated in a scheme that obtained over $220,000 in proceeds through fraudulent PPP loan applications submitted between April 2020 and April 2021. Joseph and a co-conspirator allegedly submitted 12 fraudulent PPP loan applications, both in their own names and in the names of others, at several financial institutions. It is also alleged that Joseph and his co-conspirator received kickback payments from individuals on whose behalf they submitted fraudulent PPP loan applications.
The charge of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud provide for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $1 million or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, and forfeiture. The charge of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Frederick J. Regan, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the U.S. Postal Service, Massachusetts State Police and the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Markham, of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng, of Mendell’s Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit, are prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Norwell Youth Football Coach Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting ChildrenRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Norwell youth football coach was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for sexually exploiting children.
Derek Sheehan, 51, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 45 years in prison and five years of supervised release. On July 20, 2021, Sheehan pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual exploitation of children.
“Mr. Sheehan abused his status as a youth football coach to prey on vulnerable children. He manipulated and sexually exploited them for months, and for that he will spend the rest of his life behind bars,” said Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell. “There are few crimes deserving of a life sentence, and this is one of them. We do all we can to protect our children and ensure their safety, as this case shows.”
“Adults who use their access to children for their own sexual gratification, like former football coach Derek Sheehan did, are both a danger and a disgrace. What Derek Sheehan did is absolutely horrific, and the impact on his victims is immeasurable. While today’s sentencing cannot erase that harm, it ensures he will remain behind bars for a very long time, unable to victimize anyone else, ever again,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will never stop working to put predators like him behind bars. These are incredibly disturbing cases, and each time we're able to step in and protect a child from further sexual abuse, it's a good day.”
In June 2018, one of the minor victims reported sexual abuse by Sheehan to local law enforcement. On Aug. 17, 2018, a search of Sheehan’s Norwell residence resulted in the seizure of electronic devices that contained child pornography. Subsequent analysis of those devices uncovered video evidence of Sheehan, a Norwell youth football coach at the time, sexually abusing three minors while they slept at his home on various dates between March 2017 and July 2018. The victims depicted in the footage, all of whom were known to Sheehan, were 11 and 12 years old when he sexually abused them.
Acting United States Attorney Mendell and FBI SAC Bonavolonta made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Plymouth County and Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Offices; the Massachusetts State Police; and the Norwell Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti, Chief of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit and the Project Safe Childhood coordinator, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Dell’Anno, of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit, prosecuted the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by 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/.
Dominican National Convicted of Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was convicted yesterday by a federal jury of distributing fentanyl.
Bernardito Carvajal, 30, who most recently resided in Haverhill, was convicted following a five-day jury trial of two counts of distribution of fentanyl. U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. scheduled sentencing for March 22, 2022. Carvajal was indicted in January 2020 and has been in custody since his arrest in July 2019.
On or about June 12, 2019, Carvajal sold fentanyl in Lawrence to a 26-year-old victim, who died of an overdose the following day. Carvajal continued to sell fentanyl after the fatal overdose, including another sale on July 31, 2019 to an undercover officer, after which he was arrested. At trial, the jury convicted Carvajal of the underlying fentanyl distribution counts, but acquitted the defendant for the overdose death of the victim.
“Drug dealers make a living selling death on the installment plan – I think people lose sight of that. Drug dealers and traffickers made money off each of the 100,000 people who overdosed last year,” said Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell. “The jury in this case found that Carvajal distributed lethal drugs and Carvajal will pay a steep price for his crimes. My office will continue to pursue and prosecute those who prey on addicts by distributing deadly drugs.”
“Fentanyl is causing deaths in record numbers and DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “Today’s conviction not only holds Mr. Carvajal accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are fueling the opioid epidemic.”
The charge of distribution of 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 other statutory factors.
The case arose from “Operation Devil’s Highway,” a 10-week coordinated enforcement operation in the Merrimack Valley. The enforcement operation was a coordinated effort by federal, state and local partners to focus on drug distribution activity in the City of Lawrence and between Lawrence and New Hampshire.
Acting U.S. Attorney Mendell, DEA SAC Boyle and Andover Police Chief Patrick Keefe made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elysa Wan and Stephen Hassink of Mendell’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Chelsea Landlord and Property Manager Agree to $80,000 Settlement for False Claims Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Chelsea landlord, 44 Gerrish, LLC, and its property manager, HallKeen Management, Inc., have agreed to pay an $80,000 settlement for submitting false claims to the federal government after receiving illegal water utility payments from three low-income tenants while participating in a federal housing subsidy program.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides federal funding through the Federal Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly referred to as “Section 8,” to assist low-income individuals in securing safe housing. HUD provides funding through vouchers that are administered by local public housing agencies. HUD pays the housing subsidy, which may cover all or a portion of a tenant’s monthly rent, including certain utilities, directly to the landlord or an agent of the landlord. As a condition for receiving the housing subsidy, the landlord, or an agent of the landlord, contractually agrees not to charge Section 8 tenants rent, including utilities, in excess of the amount set by the public housing agency.
Despite this restriction, from June 2014 to October 2020, the landlord and its property manager demanded and received monthly water utility payments from three Section 8 tenants on various occasions. One of the tenants brought a lawsuit against the defendants under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. As part of today’s settlement, the defendants admit to demanding and receiving payments for the water utility from three Section 8 tenants in violation of housing assistance payment contracts.
“The purpose of the Section 8 program is to help low-income families afford safe housing and keep a roof over their heads, not to afford an illicit windfall to landlords and their agents,” said Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell. “We will continue to hold accountable those who fail to exercise integrity in HUD programs and take advantage of their tenants.”
“This settlement is the latest example of our continued commitment to hold landlords accountable for actions that seek to enrich themselves at the expense of our poorest neighbors,” said Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region.
The False Claims Act allows private citizens with knowledge of fraud to bring civil actions on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery. The settlement agreement requires the defendants to pay $80,000 to the United States.
Acting U.S. Attorney Mendell and HUD OIG SAC Scaringi made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven Sharobem and Alexandra Brazier of Mendell’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled the matter.
Government Contractor Agrees to Pay Nearly $3.5 Million to Resolve Allegations it Overcharged U.S. NavyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. (Draper), a Cambridge-based non-profit research company and defense contractor, has agreed to pay nearly $3.5 million to resolve allegations that it improperly overcharged U.S. Navy contracts. Draper, among other things, helps develop weapons systems for the U.S. Navy.
The settlement resolves allegations that Draper improperly overcharged the government under federal acquisition regulations for certain overhead costs. According to the settlement agreement, an audit of Draper’s 2016 fiscal year costs charged to the government found, among other things, that Draper improperly billed the government for costs associated with internal projects that Draper called “Opportunity Investments.” Many Opportunity Investment projects were not of interest to the government, or Draper lacked sufficient documentation to justify the costs. The audit also found that Draper lacked sufficient internal accounting controls concerning Opportunity Investments. When the Department of Defense requested additional information about the costs flagged by the audit, Draper, for months, did not reveal that it lacked documentation to support charging some of the Opportunity Investments to the government.
“Contractors responsible for supplying and supporting our armed forces are required to follow many rules designed to protect both our military and the taxpayers,” said Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell. “Our office monitors government contractors and – where appropriate – we will hold accountable those who fail to operate within the rules. This is our way of making sure taxpayers can trust that their money is going toward legitimate government-supported purposes and not overcharges.”
“Draper Lab’s overcharging on Navy contracts wasted valuable taxpayer money and undermined the integrity of the Department of the Navy’s procurement process,” said Michael Wiest, Special Agent in Charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), Northeast Field Office. “NCIS and our law enforcement partners remain committed to investigating contracting irregularities that diminish the operational readiness and warfighter superiority of the Navy and Marine Corps.”
“Protecting the integrity of the procurement process is a top priority for the Department of Defense (DOD) Office of Inspector General Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” said Patrick J. Hegarty, Special Agent in Charge of DCIS, Northeast Field Office. “The settlement agreement announced today is the result of a joint investigative effort and demonstrates the DCIS’ ongoing commitment to work with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to investigate allegations of cost mischarging on DOD contracts.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Mendell, NCIS SAC Wiest and DCIS SAC Hegarty made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian M. LaMacchia and Evan Panich of Mendell’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled the matter.
Former Springfield Man Sentenced for Charges Related to Sham MarriageRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Springfield man was sentenced today in connection with entering into a sham marriage in order to obtain immigration benefits for another individual.
Phu Thanh Huynh, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to one year of probation. Huynh was also ordered to pay forfeiture of $20,000. On Aug. 4, 2021, Huynh pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy, immigration fraud and making false statements.
On or about Sept. 28, 2013, Huynh married a Vietnamese national, referred to as Jane Doe, solely for the purpose of obtaining immigration benefits for Doe. Huynh and Doe never lived together after getting married. In or about late 2013 or early 2014, a co-conspirator paid Huynh $20,000 in cash for engaging in the sham marriage. On approximately Nov. 7, 2013, Huynh filed a false petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to classify Doe as his spouse for immigration purposes. On approximately May 3, 2017, Huynh made various false statements to a USCIS officer concerning his marriage to Doe, including that they spoke to each other almost every day.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Jonathan Davidson, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven H. Breslow and Julian Canzoneri of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Convicted Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Greenfield man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield to receipt of child pornography.
Charles Fox, 46, pleaded guilty to two counts of receipt of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for March 22, 2022. Fox was indicted in July 2019 and has remained in federal custody since his arrest in June 2019.
Fox induced a minor in the Philippines to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing images of that conduct. Specifically, Fox used Facebook messenger to communicate with the minor and to receive the pornographic images. In exchange for the images, Fox sent Western Union payments to the Philippines. In 2010, Fox was convicted of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 years of age.
Due to the defendant’s prior sex offense conviction, the charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least 15 years and up to 40 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Worcester Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Purchasing MBTA Passes Using Others' IdentitiesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced today in connection with using stolen identities to fraudulently purchase over $150,000 in MBTA passes.
Kokou Kuakumensah, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to five years in prison and three years of supervised release. Kuakumensah was also ordered to pay $157,143 in restitution. On July 21, 2021, Kuakumensah pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and four counts of aggravated identity theft.
Between approximately January 2019 and March 2020, Kuakumensah used other individuals’ credit card accounts to fraudulently purchase Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) commuter rail passes. Kuakumensah purchased the passes using stolen credit card numbers at MBTA fare kiosks. Kuakumensah then re-sold these fraudulently-obtained passes for less than their face value in a variety of ways, including advertising them on Craigslist. Kuakumensah sold the passes at MBTA stations, including the station in Grafton. The combined value of the passes Kuakumensah fraudulently obtained was approximately $157,000.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Chief Kenneth Green of the MBTA Transit Police made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of Mendell’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Worcester Man Sentenced for Multi-Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced yesterday in connection with a fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking conspiracy.
Robert Young, 50, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to five years in prison and three years of supervised release. In October 2018, Young pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine, cocaine base and fentanyl.
In April 2017, law enforcement began investigating drug sales made by Young and co-conspirator Daniel Donald on Groton Street in Worcester. On Nov. 30, 2017, a search of a “hide” between the exterior and interior walls of a building on the Groton Street property resulted in the seizure of one kilogram of cocaine, 345 grams of heroin, over 80 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 200 pills containing fentanyl and a loaded 9 mm firearm. Donald and Young were arrested and have been in custody since that time.
On Oct. 29, 2021, Donald was convicted by a federal jury of one count of possession with intent to distribute over 100 grams of heroin, over 500 grams of cocaine, over 28 grams of cocaine base (a/k/a crack cocaine), and fentanyl and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Judge Hillman scheduled sentencing for March 1, 2022.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; and Worcester Police Chief Stephen Sargent made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office and the Westborough, Wellesley, Douglas and Southbridge Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg A. Friedholm, Chief of Mendell’s Worcester Branch Office, and John Mulcahy, of Mendell’s Criminal Division, prosecuted 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.
Pittsfield Man Sentenced for Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Pittsfield man was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield for heroin distribution charges.
Eulises Rosado, 51, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 33 months in prison and five years of supervised release. On July 22, 2021, Rosado pleaded guilty to six counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute heroin.
On six occasions between March 2017 and August 2017, Rosado distributed heroin to a cooperating witness. On five of those occasions, Rosado sold the heroin from his home.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Office; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Pittsfield, Springfield, West Springfield, Holyoke and Easthampton Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The Department of Justice has awarded $139 million in grants to provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the District of Massachusetts, three communities were awarded funding totaling $750,000.
“Community policing is proven to protect the community by building trust and preventing crime,” said Acting United States Attorney, Nathaniel R. Mendell. “This funding will allow police departments to increase community policing, which his good news for the people of Massachusetts.”
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
The following communities in the District of Massachusetts received awards:
- City of Fitchburg – $250,000
- Town of Granby – $125,000
- Town of Plainville – $375,000
The Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP) is a competitive award program aimed at reducing crime and advancing public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2021AwardDocs/chp/Award_List.pdf
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
Hanover Paving Company Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The owner of a commercial and residential paving business in Hanover pleaded guilty yesterday in connection with an income diversion scheme.
William E. Dyer, 56, pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for March 8, 2022. Dyer was charged on Oct. 26, 2021.
Dyer owned and operated Pilgrim Paving. From 2014 through 2018, Dyer diverted payments from Pilgrim Paving customers by directing customers to write checks to him and then cashing those checks. Dyer failed to report over $1.7 million in diverted receipts and additional business deposits on the tax returns that he filed or that he directed a tax preparer to file on his behalf. As a result of this conduct, Dyer underreported his personal income tax obligations, causing a loss to the Internal Revenue Service of nearly $600,000.
The charge of tax evasion provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Holcomb of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Dominican National Sentenced for Social Security Misuse and Making a False StatementRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national previously residing in Taunton was sentenced today for false representation of a Social Security number and making a false statement relating to health care matters.
Reynold Pereyra Diaz, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to one year in prison and one year of supervised release. Pereyra Diaz will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. On July 29, 2021, Pereyra Diaz pleaded guilty to one count of false representation of a Social Security number and one count of making a false statement relating to a federal health care program.
For at least 18 years, Pereyra Diaz used the name and identifiers of a U.S. citizen, including to obtain a Massachusetts driver’s license and to apply for MassHealth benefits. In December 2018, a search of Pereyra Diaz’s residence recovered a marriage license under his true name as well as a driver’s license, birth certificate, Social Security card and bank cards under the victim’s stolen identity.
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.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations; U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and the Lynn, Lawrence and Taunton Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin A. Saltzman of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Dalton Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dalton man was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield for sexual exploitation offenses.
James LaFrance, 65, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 16 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release. On July 9, 2021, LaFrance pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual exploitation of children.
On two separate occasions in 2018 and 2019, LaFrance encouraged a 16-year-old girl from Massachusetts, whom he had befriended on the internet, to engage in sexually explicit conduct during video chat sessions. LaFrance recorded the girl’s actions on his computer and provided specific directions as to what she was to do on camera. LaFrance engaged in virtually identical behavior toward a 16-year-old girl from Pennsylvania on two occasions in July 2019.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Dalton Police Chief Deanna Strout; Marblehead Police Chief Dennis King; and Newbury Police Chief John R. Lucey, Jr. made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Mendell’s 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 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.
Boston Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition. The defendant led police on a car chase before he was apprehended in Chelsea.
Raughn Williams, 23, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to four years in prison and three years of supervised release. On June 21, 2021, Williams pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
On Aug. 10, 2020, a state trooper attempted to pull over a vehicle driven by Williams on Storrow Drive in Boston for a tinted windows violation. Williams refused to pull over, and instead led police on a chase down Storrow Drive and onto the Tobin Bridge. Williams exited the Tobin Bridge into Chelsea, where he crashed the vehicle into two other cars and then fled on foot. Williams was apprehended and a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition was recovered. Federal law prohibits Williams from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a prior felony conviction. Williams also possessed 10.1 grams of cocaine on his person at the time of his arrest.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes made the announcement today.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Agawam Man Sentenced for Federal Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Agawam man was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield for stealing two firearms and trading them for drugs.
David Poirier, 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to three months in prison and three years of supervised release, with the first two months to be served in home confinement. In December 2020, Poirier pleaded guilty to one count of theft of a firearm from a licensed firearms dealer and one count of possession, sale or disposal of a stolen firearm.
Between June 18 and 23, 2020, Poirier stole a STI Edge 40 caliber pistol, a Glock 34 9 mm pistol, a Stag Arms Stag 15 lower frame and cash from a family member’s locked safe, and then traded them for drugs. The family member holds a Federal Firearms License (FFL) and owns a firearms business.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Office; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Agawam Police Chief Eric Gillis made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle L. Dineen Jerrett of Mendell’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Former New Bedford Man Sentenced for Unemployment Fraud Related to COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former New Bedford man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston on federal wire fraud charges arising from claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) funds.
Arthur Pacheco, 47, previously of New Bedford, Mass., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to one year in prison and three years of supervised release. On July 22, 2021, Pacheco pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud. He was indicted in January 2021 along with his wife, Tiffany Pacheco, who pleaded guilty on Aug. 30, 2021 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 12, 2022.
In April 2020, Tiffany Pacheco was hired by the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) shortly after her release from federal prison following a conviction for aggravated identity theft. While employed by DUA, Tiffany Pacheco misused her position to submit fraudulent PUA claim information on behalf of herself and Arthur Pacheco, who was incarcerated in Texas until Sept. 4, 2020, and thus ineligible for PUA funds.
Specifically, in June 2020, PUA claims submitted for Tiffany Pacheco and her husband reflected 2019 income of $0 and no dependents. In July 2020, via her employment with DUA, Tiffany Pacheco obtained access to the PUA computer system, and later changed claim information for herself and Arthur Pacheco in order to increase the amount of PUA funds they would receive. For example, Tiffany Pacheco increased the amount of 2019 income for her and Arthur Pacheco to more than $240,000 and increased the number of their dependents to seven. Tiffany Pacheco further used her access to the PUA system to verify the increased 2019 income on both claims without the required income verification documents.
In November 2020, Arthur Pacheco called DUA and falsely denied that he had been incarcerated during the timeframe leading up to September 2020, and that he was only incarcerated for approximately one month. Tiffany Pacheco also spoke with DUA and misrepresented the period of time in which Arthur Pacheco had been incarcerated.
A search of the New Bedford apartment where Tiffany and Arthur Pacheco resided uncovered various tools of identity fraud, including an ID laminator, 100 blank ID cards, 68 hologram overlays, 150 card lamination sheets and 649 sheets of blank checks. Law enforcement also seized approximately $17,000 cash and a notebook that appeared to contain the personal identifying information of various individuals. In addition, a driver’s license recovered during the search matched the name of a victim Tiffany Pacheco used to submit another fraudulent PUA claim. On Sept. 23, 2020, DUA terminated Tiffany Pacheco’s employment.
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.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigation made the announcement. The New Bedford Police Department, Massachusetts Parole Board and Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance, Program Integrity Unit provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Abely, Chief of Mendell’s Criminal Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Chao, Chief of Mendell’s Public Corruption and Special Prosecutions 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.
Dominican National Sentenced for Identity Theft ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with using the identity of a U.S. citizen at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Hector Antonio Cruz Ciprian, 33, a Dominican national previously residing in Lowell, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Cruz Ciprian will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. On June 21, 2021, Cruz Ciprian pleaded guilty to one count of false representation of a Social Security number and one count of aggravated identity theft.
On June 14, 2016, Cruz Ciprian used the identification of a U.S. citizen to apply for an out-of-state driver’s license conversion at the Registry of Motor Vehicles in Haverhill. In the application, Cruz Ciprian provided, among other things, a Social Security card, birth certificate and utility bill in the victim’s name.
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.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and John Cremonini, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations; U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and the Lynn Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Deitch of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Wareham Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Wareham man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for possessing child pornography.
David St. Jacques, 57, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release. On April 15, 2021, St. Jacques pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.
In September 2020, a search of St. Jacques’s residence resulted in the seizure of a computer, three phones and one thumb drive that contained child pornography. St. Jacques destroyed at least two other drives and attempted to destroy one of his phones when agents arrived to execute the search warrant. St. Jacques also admitted to exchanging child pornography with other individuals on various chatting applications.
St. Jacques was convicted in March 2009 in Plymouth County Superior Court of several counts of dissemination and possession of child pornography.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti, Chief of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit, prosecuted the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Stoughton Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud Scheme Related to COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Stoughton man pleaded guilty yesterday in connection with a fraudulent scheme to obtain COVID-19-related small business loans from several financial institutions.
Yves Montima, 53, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for March 9, 2022. Montima was charged on Nov. 4, 2021.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) created a temporary loan program directed at small businesses called the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Independent contractors were eligible to apply for PPP loans, which were processed by private financial institutions and fully guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. If an independent contractor used the loan funds for approved purposes, such as payroll, the loan could be forgiven by the financial institution and paid for by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Montima participated in a scheme that obtained over $220,000 in proceeds through fraudulent PPP loan applications submitted between April 2020 and April 2021. According to the charging documents, Montima and a co-conspirator submitted 12 fraudulent PPP loan applications, both in their own names and in the names of others, at several financial institutions. It is also alleged that Montima and his co-conspirator received kickback payments from individuals on whose behalf they submitted fraudulent PPP loan applications.
The charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $1 million or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Frederick J. Regan, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the U.S. Postal Service, Massachusetts State Police and the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Markham, of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng, of Mendell’s Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit, are prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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.
Rhode Island Woman Sentenced for Phishing SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Rhode Island woman was sentenced yesterday for sending phishing emails to candidates for political office and others.
Diana Lebeau, 21, of Cranston, R.I., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal to two years’ probation and was ordered to forfeit computer equipment that she used to facilitate her offense. On July 27, 2021, Lebeau pleaded guilty to one count of attempted unauthorized access to a protected computer.
In or about January 2020, Lebeau sent phishing emails to approximately 22 members of the campaign staff of a candidate for political office. The emails, which purported to be from either the campaign’s managers or one of the campaign’s co-chairs, directed the recipients to put their account credentials into an attached spreadsheet, or to click a link that connected them to a Google Form that solicited the same credentials. Lebeau also sent several phishing emails to the candidate’s spouse and to others at the spouse’s workplace. The emails, which purported to be either from Microsoft’s “Security Team” or from an employee of the workplace’s technology helpdesk, requested that recipients provide account credentials or other information about their computers by adding it to attached spreadsheets or on a website that mimicked the appearance of the employer’s legitimate website.
In or about March 2020, Lebeau drafted and sent phishing emails targeting another candidate for political office. The emails, which purported to be from the candidate’s cable and internet provider, contained a false “login link” that the recipient could use to address an issue with his or her account by providing account credentials. Lebeau also impersonated this candidate in online chats with the cable and internet provider, in an attempt to reset and obtain the candidate’s account password.
Lebeau did not act with financial or political motive or to benefit any foreign government, instrumentality or agent.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth B. Kosto, Deputy Chief of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit, prosecuted the case.
New York Man Charged with Multi-Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New York man was charged yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with a drug distribution conspiracy involving heroin, fentanyl and cocaine.
Wilkin Cedano, 37, of Brooklyn, N.Y., was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine.
According to charging documents, from approximately November 2019 through Dec. 2, 2019, Cedano conspired with others to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine in Lynn.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine provides a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. The Lynn Police Department provided valuable assistance in the investigation of this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel R. Feldman and Leah B. Foley of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Leicester Man Pleads Guilty to Unemployment and Loan Fraud Related to COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Leicester man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Worcester in connection with his involvement in loan and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) fraud schemes.
William, Cordor, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, four counts of wire fraud and four counts of aggravated identity theft. Cordor was initially indicted on April 1, 2021 and was subsequently charged in a superseding indictment with co-conspirator Destinee Snay on July 12, 2021.
Between May and October 2020, Cordor engaged in a fraudulent unemployment scheme by attempting to file numerous claims for unemployment with the State of Nevada by taking advantage of PUA funds made available due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cordor filed the claims using the names, Social Security numbers and other personal identifying information of third parties for whom he had no legal authority to file such claims. The State of Nevada ultimately detected that the claims were fraudulent and did not approve the PUA funds.
Cordor also engaged in a second wire fraud scheme using stolen identities to fraudulently apply for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster loans made available by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Cordor used a third party’s personal identifying information to obtain a loan from the SBA under false pretenses, and then used the fraudulent funds for his own enrichment, including to pay for plane tickets, hotel accommodations, restaurants, entertainment and shopping during a Florida vacation.
In May 2020, Cordor agreed to surrender to federal authorities the balance of $79,000 in his bank account that were proceeds of a separate unemployment fraud scheme in Massachusetts. This occurred before Cordor filed the fraudulent unemployment claim with Nevada in July 2020.
The charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutively to another other sentenced imposed, 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 other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations; and Frederick J. Regan, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the case was provided by the Leicester and Marlboro Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Mulcahy of Mendell’s Criminal Division and Danial Bennett of the Worcester Branch Office 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.
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.
Dominican National Charged with Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national recently residing in Lawrence was charged yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with a cocaine distribution conspiracy.
Michel Saredi-Munoz Morta, 21, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
According to charging documents, in or about August 2020, Morta conspired with others to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine in Lawrence.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; 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 today. The Lawrence Police Department provided valuable assistance in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel R. Feldman and Leah B. Foley of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Pittsfield Man Pleads Guilty to Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Pittsfield man pleaded guilty on Friday, Nov. 12, 2021 in federal court in Springfield to failing to register as a sex offender.
Jarrett Woodruff, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of failure to register as a sex offender before U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni who scheduled sentencing for March 14, 2022. Woodruff was charged in November 2020.
In August 2018, Woodruff was convicted in Pittsfield District Court of three counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 years of age and was sentenced to 251 days in prison. Because Woodruff had already served 251 days during pre-trial detention, he was placed on probation with conditions and was required to register as a Level 3 sex offender. While on probation, Woodruff fled from Massachusetts to Ohio without notifying authorities of his whereabouts and did not register as a sex offender in Ohio.
In February 2019, a Massachusetts state court issued an arrest warrant for Woodruff on a new child sexual abuse charge. Woodruff subsequently fled from Ohio to Georgia, where he again did not register as a sex offender. In October 2020, he was located and approached by federal agents at an apartment in Dunwoody, Ga. Woodruff attempted to evade arrest by climbing into the adjoining neighbors’ apartment balconies before jumping to the ground where he was apprehended.
The charge of failure to register as a sex offender provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Douglas Bartlett, Acting United States Marshal for the District of Massachusetts made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Mendell’s 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.
Boston Man Charged with Child Exploitation OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man, who is on probation following a state conviction for child exploitation offenses, including trafficking, was charged yesterday with allegedly soliciting a minor on TikTok.
Hector Acevedo, 31, of Jamaica Plain, was charged with one count of sexual exploitation of children. On Oct. 20, 2021, Acevedo was arrested on related state charges and has been in custody since. Acevedo will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the charging documents, Acevedo is a Level 3 registered sex offender. Acevedo was previously convicted in Suffolk County Superior Court on multiple child and sexual exploitation offenses including trafficking of a person for sexual servitude, extortion by threat of injury, posing or exhibiting a child in state of nudity or sexual conduct, dissemination of matter harmful to minors, dissemination of child pornography and purchase or possession of child pornography. On Feb. 13, 2018, Acevedo was sentenced to five-to-seven years in state prison and three years of probation. While on state probation, Acevedo allegedly solicited a minor via TikTok and coerced the victim to engage in sexual conduct over video chat.
The charges of sexual exploitation of children provides for a sentence of at least 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 and restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; 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 today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Arlington and Revere Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna Nuzum of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Baystate Medical Center Agrees to Settle Allegations of Americans with Disabilities Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Baystate Medical Center (Baystate) has agreed to resolve allegations that it violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to provide effective communication during scheduled labors and deliveries of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The agreement resolves a complaint by an individual who is deaf and uses American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate. The complaint alleges that Baystate failed to provide the aggrieved party with effective ASL communication during her scheduled labor and delivery, in violation of the ADA. While investigating this complaint, another aggrieved party who was not provided with an ASL accommodation during two scheduled labors and deliveries was identified.
Under the terms of the agreement, Baystate will ensure effective communication by providing appropriate auxiliary aids and services, including ASL interpreters, and implementing personnel training. Additionally, Baystate will pay a total of $135,000 to the aggrieved parties.
“Effective communication between moms and healthcare providers is important – never more so than at childbirth,” said Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell. “This settlement is another example of the ADA at work – in this case ensuring that moms who are deaf or hard of hearing will receive services that provide necessary, effective communication with health care providers at Baystate Medical Center.”
“At no time should any person have to undergo a health care procedure or receive services without the basic ability to communicate with their health care providers. This agreement underscores that the availability of auxiliary aids and services are essential to meaningful access to quality health care,” said Lisa J. Pino, Director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. “Providers must understand their obligations under law and ensure patients can understand and communicate effectively so that no one’s health is jeopardized simply because a person is deaf or hard of hearing.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Mendell and HHS OCR Director Pino made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Dorchak of Mendell’s Civil Rights Unit and Erin Walker of HHS’s Office for Civil Rights handled the matter.
Colombian National Convicted After Attempting to Buy 20 Kilograms of Cocaine from Undercover AgentsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Colombian national, recently residing in Revere, was convicted by a federal jury today in connection with attempting to purchase 20 kilograms of cocaine from undercover agents.
Jesus Arley Munera-Gomez, 35, was convicted following a week-long trial of one count of attempt to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for March 16, 2022. Munera-Gomez was indicted in March 2020.
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.
The charge of attempt to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to a lifetime in prison, at least five 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 on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared C. Dolan and Lauren A. Graber of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.
Springfield Man Sentenced for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield man was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield for child pornography offenses.
Ross Lopata, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to five years in prison and five years of supervised release. On June 21, 2021, Lopata pleaded guilty to four counts of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
Lopata received and possessed child pornography on various dates between Dec. 17, 2018 and June 11, 2020 by downloading image and video files from the internet that depicted prepubescent children engaged in sex acts.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Mendell’s 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 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.
Spencer Man Arrested on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Spencer man was arrested and charged on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021, in federal court in Worcester for possession of child pornography.
Joseph Michael Smith, 59, was charged with one count of possession of child pornography. A detention hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge David H. Hennessey.
According to the charging documents, a search of Smith’s residence revealed 35 videos depicting child pornography on Smith’s laptop. Smith also admitted ownership of three email addresses associated with usernames that uploaded child pornography to Kik Messenger groups between Oct. 7, 2020 and May 29, 2021.
The charge of possession of child pornography carries provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Spencer Police Chief David Darrin made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle L. Dineen Jerrett of Mendell’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty to Unemployment Fraud Related to COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Jersey man pleaded guilty today in connection with his involvement in a scheme to fraudulently obtain COVID-19-related unemployment assistance.
Omar Thompson, 39, of Paterson, N.J., pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud conspiracy. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for March 22, 2022. Thompson was charged by criminal complaint on Aug. 19, 2021.
In March 2020, in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The CARES Act created a temporary federal unemployment insurance program called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which in Massachusetts is administered by the Department of Unemployment Assistance. This program provides unemployment insurance benefits for individuals who are not eligible for other types of unemployment benefits.
According to the charging documents, Thompson and his co-conspirator submitted more than 100 fraudulent PUA claims resulting in more than $1.2 million in payments. It is alleged that approximately half of the PUA claims were made on behalf of individuals residing outside of Massachusetts. In some instances, Thompson recruited individuals from other states to apply for PUA in Massachusetts, submitted claims on their behalf, and received kickback payments for doing so.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Frederick J. Regan, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office; and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations made the announcement. The Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Secret Service, Newark Field Office; and New Jersey State Police provided assistance in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Markham of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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.
Twin Brothers Plead Guilty to Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Twin brothers from Hyannis pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston today to gun and drug offenses.
Di’lon Smith, a/k/a Dilon Smith, and Denzel Smith, 29, each pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance analogue called cyclopropyl fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and a controlled substance analogue and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. U.S. Chief District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for March 9, 2022. The Smiths were initially indicted in April 2018 on the firearm and ammunition charge and subsequently charged in a superseding indictment in October 2018 on the controlled substances charges.
Between Oct. 3, 2017 and Nov. 29, 2017, the brothers conspired with others to sell drugs, including fentanyl and cyclopropyl fentanyl. The brothers used a Hyannis apartment rented by Di’lon Smith to store drugs for street-level resale. A search of the apartment on Nov. 29, 2017 found the brothers in possession of fentanyl and more than 100 grams of cyclopropyl fentanyl intended for sale, a Smith & Wesson .22 caliber revolver loaded with six rounds of ammunition, a Heckler & Koch 9mm caliber pistol and magazines loaded with 18 rounds of 9mm caliber ammunition.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and a controlled substance analogue 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. The charges of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance analogue and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl each provide 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. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Barnstable Police Chief Matthew Sonnabend made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine Wichers and Robert E. Richardson of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
Thirteen Gangster Disciples Members, Associates and Drug Suppliers Charged in Multistate Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Thirteen individuals were charged today in connection with a Lawrence-based drug trafficking conspiracy involving fentanyl, cocaine, suboxone and counterfeit prescription pills containing methamphetamine.
According to court documents, the investigation, which began in August 2020, intercepted communications on numerous cellphones between leaders, members and drug suppliers of the Gangster Disciples street gang operating in the greater Lawrence area. The investigation revealed a large multi-object drug conspiracy centering around the Gangster Disciples in Lawrence, Haverhill and Methuen. According to the charging documents, the defendants actively distributed fentanyl, cocaine and suboxone with drug trafficking activities extending from Massachusetts into Maine and southern New Hampshire as well as into the Essex County Jail. It is also alleged that Justin Suriel and Steven Rios conspired to kidnap, hold captive and traumatize a victim in retaliation for the suspected theft of Rios’ dog.
The investigation also identified defendants as alleged suppliers of methamphetamine disguised as counterfeit Adderall and oxycodone pills. Today, investigators seized four gallon-sized bags of counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, weighing approximately 9.67 pounds. An additional gallon-sized bag of counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl was also seized.
“These defendants allegedly trafficked drugs of all kinds, making money at the expense of addicts and dragging down our community,” said Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell. “Today’s arrests stop a poly-drug pipeline that supplied street-level dealing across New England. Local, state and federal law enforcement worked together to make this happen, and we are not stopping. To the drug traffickers, we say: you will be prosecuted and you will be brought to justice.”
“Today’s arrests targeted many of the key leaders, members, and associates of the Gangster Disciples in the Merrimack Valley who we believe have flooded our neighborhoods with their destructive poison and fueled the violence on city streets under the guise of defending their so-called turf,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Our North Shore Gang Task Force has seized their profits and shut down their distribution networks, and we will not hesitate to use every tool we have to stop others like them from threatening the safety our communities.”
The following individuals were indicted on conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 500 grams or more of cocaine and suboxone:
- Justin Suriel, a/k/a “Chachi,” 25, of Methuen;
- Nathaniel Infante, a/k/a “Natti,” 27, of Methuen;
- Jonathan Cruz, a/k/a “Trippy,” 35, of Lawrence;
- Felix Rodriguez, 24, of Methuen;
- Steven Rios, a/k/a “Doofy,” 24, of North Andover;
- Cirio Junior Dolores-Acevedo, a/k/a “Domi,” 38, of Miami, Fla.;
- Celino Guzman Cabreja, 31, of Lawrence;
- Anthony Martinez, 23, of Haverhill;
- Christopher Riley, 38, of Brockton;
- Elijah Declet, a/k/a “Evil,” 24, of Haverhill; and
- Emmanuel Lys, 32, of Watertown.
Suriel and Rios were also charged with one count each of kidnapping conspiracy. Declet was also charged with distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Two additional defendants were charged by criminal complaint for their involvement in the Gangster Disciples’ trafficking operations. Yoel Mercedes, a/k/a “Capo,” 38, of Lawrence, was charged with distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Vando Gvozdarevic, 29, of Chelmsford, was charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 500 grams or more of cocaine and suboxone provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. The charge of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $10 million. The charge of kidnapping conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to a lifetime in prison, up to 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 other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Mendell, FBI SAC Bonavolonta and Colonel Christopher S. Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement today. The investigation was led by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Massachusetts State Police. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; the Essex County Sheriff's Office; and the Methuen, Andover, Haverhill, Lawrence, Chelmsford and Brockton Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng, of Mendell’s Organized Crime & Gang Unit, is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Tewksbury Woman Indicted on Bank and Wire Fraud and Identity Theft ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Tewksbury woman has been charged in connection with a scheme to embezzle more than $1.8 million from her employer.
Joanne Dinoto, a/k/a “Joanne Mara,” 47, of Tewksbury, was indicted on one count of bank fraud, two counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Dinoto was released on conditions following an initial appearance today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal.
According to the indictment, between December 2013 and April 2020, Dinoto stole more than $1.8 million from her employer, a flooring company based in Acton. It is alleged that Dinoto inflated her compensation by increasing her hourly rate, falsifying the number of hours she worked and adding phony “reimbursements” to her paycheck, all without authorization. The indictment also alleges that Dinoto used her employer’s corporate credit card for personal expenses, even after her employer directed her to cancel the card, and forged at least two checks to herself from her employer’s checking account. To conceal the scheme, Dinoto allegedly modified her employer’s accounting records.
The charge of bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is great. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides a 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 $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and the Acton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Kearney of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Quincy Man Sentenced for Fentanyl and Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Quincy man was sentenced yesterday for his involvement in a drug conspiracy involving fentanyl and cocaine.
Tre Fernandes, a/k/a “OZ” or “OC,” 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to three months in prison, nine months of home confinement and three years of supervised release. On May 13, 2021, Fernandes pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine.
In October 2017, Fernandes delivered 6.91 grams of a substance containing fentanyl to an undercover officer. Fernandes was charged as part of an investigation into a drug trafficking organization distributing large quantities of fentanyl, cocaine and other controlled substances in the greater Boston area.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Mulcahy and Sarah Hoefle of Mendell’s Criminal Division 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.
Providence Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Providence man pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Roland S. Morgan, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. Senior Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for March 3, 2022. Morgan was indicted on March 30, 2021.
On Oct. 28, 2020 at approximately 1:00 a.m., a police officer observed a silver Mercedes exiting Interstate 95 in Seekonk. The officer noted that the vehicle’s rear license plate was not luminated, a violation of Massachusetts Law. After observing the vehicle make a number of random U-turns, the officer conducted a motor vehicle stop. Morgan was driving the vehicle and was unable to produce a driver’s license. The officer determined that Morgan had two outstanding arrest warrants issued by Attleboro District Court. Morgan was then removed from his vehicle and booked on the outstanding warrants.
A subsequent search of Morgan’s vehicle recovered, among other things, a loaded .38 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver from under the seat where Morgan had been sitting, 38 rounds of .38 caliber ammunition, 10 metal tipped arrows, a hunting bow, narcotics, a Crossman pellet gun and a body armor vest.
Morgan is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to prior felony convictions.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn; Seekonk Police Chief Dean Isabella; and Mahanoy Township (Pa.) Police Chief Brandon Alexander made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Member of Boston Latin Kings Chapter Sentenced for Racketeering and Drug ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former member of the Boston-based Devon Street Kings Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) was sentenced yesterday on racketeering and drug charges.
Steven Familia-Valdez, a/k/a “King Haze,” 27, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to one year in prison and three years of supervised release. The government recommended a sentence of two years in prison. On June 23, 2021, Familia-Valdez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base and to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy.
Named for its origin on Devon Street in Boston, the Devon Street Kings or D5K Chapter of the Latin Kings, included approximately a dozen members. The Devon Street Kings reported to the Massachusetts State Leadership of the Latin Kings, providing information, structure, funds and other resources to further the Latin Kings’ goals and directives in the state. Familia-Valdez admitted to conspiring with other gang members to further the operations of the Latin Kings, attending meetings of the Latin Kings and discussing crimes of violence and witness retaliation with his fellow gang members.
The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.
In 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. Familia-Valdez is the 39th defendant to be sentenced in the case.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; 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. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard of Mendell’s Organized Crime and 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.
California Parent Sentenced in College Admissions CaseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A California parent was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for a tax offense in connection with his involvement in the college admissions case.
Homayoun Zadeh, 60, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to six weeks in prison, one year of supervised release with 250 hours of community service, restitution of $8,414 and a fine of $20,000. On July 9, 2021, Zadeh pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return.
Zadeh agreed with William “Rick” Singer to pay $100,000 to facilitate the admission of Zadeh’s daughter to the University of Southern California (USC). Zadeh made installment payments toward that total to Singer’s purported charitable foundation, the Key Worldwide Foundation, and deducted the payments from his taxes as a purported gift to charity, despite knowing that they were not legitimate charitable contributions, but were made in exchange for facilitating his daughter’s admission to USC.
Singer has previously pleaded guilty to his role in the college admissions scheme.
Zadeh is the 28th parent to be sentenced in the case.
Case information, including the status of each defendant, is available here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/investigations-college-admissions-and-testing-bribery-scheme.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; 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 Mark Deckett, Resident Agent in Charge of the Department of Education, Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristen A. Kearney, Justin D. O’Connell, Leslie A. Wright and Stephen E. Frank of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
New Salem Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Salem man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield to a child pornography offense.
Nicholas Conkey, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for March 7, 2022. Conkey was charged in June 2019.
Conkey admitted that on Jan. 18, 2019, he 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 admitted that he possessed child pornography images in his online email account.
The charge of possession of child pornography, due to the defendant’s prior military conviction for a child pornography offense, provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Mendell’s 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 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and CEOS, 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.
Kaléo, Inc. Agrees to Pay $12.7 Million to Resolve Allegations of False Claims for Anti-Overdose DrugRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Virginia-based pharmaceutical manufacturer, kaléo, Inc., has agreed to resolve allegations that it caused the submission of false claims for the drug Evzio and provided kickbacks to prescribers.
kaléo manufactured and sold Evzio, a naloxone hydrochloride product used for the rapid reversal of an opioid overdose. Evzio was the highest-priced version of naloxone on the market, and insurers frequently required the submission of prior authorization requests before they would approve coverage for Evzio.
The United States contends that, between March 14, 2017 and April 30, 2020, kaléo directed doctors prescribing Evzio to send prescriptions to certain preferred pharmacies that in turn submitted false claims for Evzio to Medicare, the TRICARE program and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. In particular, the pharmacies allegedly submitted false and misleading prior authorization requests for Evzio and dispensed Evzio without collecting or attempting to collect co-pays from government beneficiaries. The United States contends that kaléo knew of, or deliberately ignored, this pharmacy misconduct but nevertheless kept directing business to these pharmacies.
The settlement also resolves allegations that kaléo provided illegal remuneration in the form of kickbacks to prescribing physicians and their office staff to induce and reward their prescribing of Evzio. Specifically, the government alleges that Evzio sales representatives provided doctors’ offices with frequent deliveries of food and beverages, as well as occasional holiday gifts, even when there was no connection to any educational or other business event.
“When a pharmaceutical manufacturer knowingly engages with bad actors, they hurt the federal healthcare system — and they can expect us to see it,” said Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell. “Today’s settlement is our latest signal to pharmaceutical manufacturers that my office does not tolerate health care fraud and will continue to pursue enforcement.”
“Truthful and accurate documentation is essential to the integrity of federal healthcare programs,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s settlement demonstrates that the department will hold to account those who undermine these programs by causing false claims to be submitted to the government.”
“The American people, as both taxpayers and consumers, expect pharmaceutical companies like kaléo to abide by relevant laws and regulations,” said Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. “When a pharmaceutical company participates in fraud in order to boost profits, it erodes public confidence in the health care system, can compromise the patient-physician relationship and wastes valuable government health care program funds. We will continue to investigate allegations of fraud in close cooperation with our law enforcement partners.”
“Today’s settlement resolves allegations that kaléo used gifts to incentivize and reward providers for prescribing the company’s pricey anti-overdose drug, while turning a blind eye to pharmacies' fraudulent practices that fleeced taxpayer-funded health care programs — programs that all of us pay for and depend on,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “These unsavory tactics only fuel the FBI’s and our law enforcement partners’ commitment to aggressively root out those who seek to boost their bottom line at the expense of hard-working taxpayers.”
“False claims undermine the integrity of the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program,” said Norbert E. Vint, Deputy Inspector General Performing the Duties of the Inspector General of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Office of the Inspector General (OPM OIG). “The OPM OIG is committed to protecting the Federal health care programs from deceptive schemes that increase the cost of medical care and waste taxpayer dollars.”
“Protecting TRICARE, the health care system for military members and their dependents, is a top priority for the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” said Patrick J. Hegarty, Special Agent in Charge of DCIS, Northeast Field Office. “When companies submit false authorizations for high-priced medical goods and services, they undermine the integrity of TRICARE and place an unnecessary financial burden on the program. The settlement agreement announced today is the result of a joint effort and demonstrates the DCIS’ ongoing commitment to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate health care fraud.”
Under the terms of the settlement agreement, kaléo will pay the government $12.743 million. The settlement resolves allegations originally brought in a lawsuit filed by a whistleblower under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, which allow private parties, known as relators, to bring suit on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery.
Acting U.S. Attorney Mendell, Acting AAG Boynton, HHS OIG SAC Coyne, FBI SAC Bonavolonta, OPM OIG Deputy Inspector General Vint, DCIS SAC Hegarty, and Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Derusha and Abraham R. George of Mendell’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit and Trial Attorney Sarah Arni of the Justice Department’s Civil Division handled the matter.