District of Massachusetts
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Former New Bedford Man Pleads Guilty to False Pandemic Unemployment ClaimsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former New Bedford man pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston yesterday to federal wire fraud charges arising from claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) funds.
Arthur Pacheco, 47, previously of New Bedford, Mass., pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Nov. 18, 2021. Arthur Pacheco was arrested and charged in December 2020 with his wife Tiffany Pacheco, who is scheduled to plead guilty on Aug. 30, 2021.
According to court documents, Tiffany was hired by the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) in April 2020, shortly after her release from federal prison following a conviction for aggravated identity theft. While employed by DUA, Tiffany allegedly misused her position to submit fraudulent PUA claim information on behalf of herself and her husband, Arthur, who was incarcerated in Texas until Sept. 4, 2020, and thus ineligible for PUA funds.
After Arthur was released from custody, he placed three calls to DUA regarding an appeal of his claim for PUA benefits. Arthur conveyed false information about the timing of his incarceration, including stating during one call that he had only been incarcerated for about one month. In addition, Arthur referenced an employment letter that he could provide to substantiate his unemployment claim. DUA then received a supposed letter from a Massachusetts retailer, indicating that the retailer withdrew a January 2020 job offer due to COVID-19. In fact, the letter was a forgery, and this retailer did not extend any job offer to Arthur in January 2020, at which time he was incarcerated in Texas.
The charges of wire fraud provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
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 Nikitas Splagounias, Acting 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. Attorneys Bill Abely and Dustin Chao of Mendell’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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.
Former Member of Latin Kings Massachusetts State Leadership Sentenced for Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former Second-in-Command, or Cacique, of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) was sentenced yesterday on racketeering charges.
Angel Roldan, a/k/a “King Big A,” 35, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to seven years in prison and three years of supervised release. In February 2020, Roldan pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy.
From at least 2018 through 2019, Roldan served as the Cacique, or second-in-command, of the Latin Kings in Massachusetts. As part of this leadership role, Roldan sought out “paperwork” concerning Latin Kings members who provided information to law enforcement. Once the informant and status as an informant was confirmed, Roldan organized violence against them, both inside the prison system and on the street. During the investigation, Roldan was also captured on a recording selling a cooperating witness approximately 100 grams of fentanyl and a firearm.
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. Roldan is the 37th defendant to be sentenced in the case.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendel; 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 today. 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 and Lauren Graber of Mendell’s Criminal Division are 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.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Worcester Man Pleads Guilty to Purchasing MBTA Passes Using Others' IdentitiesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man pleaded guilty yesterday to charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with using stolen identities to fraudulently purchase MBTA passes.
Kokou Kuakumensah, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and four counts of aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for Nov. 10, 2021. Kuakumensah was arrested and charged on Jan. 13, 2021.
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.
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. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutively to any other sentenced imposed. 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; 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 Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Stoneham Man Indicted for Identity Theft and Fraud Related to COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment AssistanceRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Stoneham man was indicted today in connection with his alleged involvement in a fraudulent scheme to obtain COVID-19-related unemployment assistance.
Daniel Maleus, 33, was indicted on one count of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Maleus was charged by criminal complaint and arrested on April 8, 2021.
In March 2020, in response to the global coronavirus pandemic, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which among other things, created a temporary federal unemployment insurance program called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). The PUA, which in Massachusetts is administered by the Department of Unemployment Assistance, provides unemployment insurance benefits for individuals who are not eligible for other types of unemployment benefits.
According to the charging documents, Maleus filed and conspired with others to file fraudulent PUA claims in the names of other people. It is alleged that Maleus and his co-conspirators obtained more than $250,000 in payments on fraudulent unemployment claims submitted between April 2020 and April 2021.
The charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud each provide for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater and forfeiture. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolanta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Nikitas Splagounias, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations made the announcement. Special assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance. 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 defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Provincetown Man Sentenced for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Provincetown man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston on child pornography charges.
Kerry Adams, 61, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to 14 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release. On April 20, 2021, Adams pleaded guilty to one count each of distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography.
Over the course of several months in 2019, investigators engaged in a covert investigation of individuals using peer-to-peer networks for the trafficking of child pornography. In the course of that investigation, agents downloaded child pornography files on four occasions from the same computer, which was traced to Adams’s residence. On Oct. 17, 2019, investigators seized multiple devices, including laptops, thumb drives and SD cards from Adams’s residence. During the on-scene forensic review of a laptop, investigators located files containing child pornography in folders associated with peer-to-peer software installed on the computer, including the files that the undercover investigator had downloaded directly from Adams’s computer. Subsequent forensic analysis revealed hundreds of child pornography files on Adams’s devices, including images of two children known to him.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Frederick J. Regan, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Secret Service in Boston; and Barnstable Police Chief Matthew Sonnabend made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Provincetown Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey E. Weinstein, of Mendell’s Criminal Division, and Anne Paruti, Mendell’s Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Deputy Chief of the 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/.
Pittsfield Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Pittsfield man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield to heroin distribution charges.
Eulises Rosado, 51, pleaded guilty to six counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute heroin. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Nov. 19, 2021. Rosado was indicted in January 2019.
Rosado admitted that on six occasions between March 2017 and August 2017, he distributed heroin to a cooperating witness. On five of those occasions, Rosado sold the heroin from his home.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed 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 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 is prosecuting the case.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Social Security Misuse and Making False StatementRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to false representation of a Social Security number and making a false statement relating to health care matters.
Ronald Lara Pena, 35, a Dominican national previously residing in Lawrence, pleaded guilty to one count of false representation of a Social Security number and one count of making a false statement relating to health care matters. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled by the court. Pena was indicted in September 2020.
Lara Pena admitted to using the identity of a Puerto Rican citizen to obtain Massachusetts driver’s licenses and identification cards. Lara Pena also used the victim’s identity to apply for and fraudulently receive over $12,600 in federally funded MassHealth benefits between September 2015 and September 2020.
The charge of false representation of a Social Security number 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. The charge of false statement relating to health care matters 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; Jack Jermaine, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Boston Field Office; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Regional Office; and Suzanne M. Bump, State Auditor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to his role in a money laundering conspiracy.
Jose Ernesto Pujols, 47, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to launder money and one count of money laundering. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Nov. 12, 2021.
In May 2011, Pujols was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston. Pujols was subsequently located in Spain and arrested by Spanish authorities in September 2019. Pujols was held in Spanish custody and extradited to the United States in March 2021.
In March 2011, investigators identified foreign banks accounts involved in a larger drug and money laundering investigation of targets in the United States and Colombia. Undercover agents communicated with Pujols and arranged a meeting at a restaurant in Woburn to pick up drug proceeds for wiring to these foreign bank accounts. On March 2, 2011, Pujols arrived at the meeting location and provided the undercover agents with approximately $100,000 in drug proceeds.
The charges of conspiracy to launder money and money laundering provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $500,000. 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 Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division, made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Bedford Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neil J. Gallagher and Stephen W. Hassink of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national who previously resided in Clifton, N.J., pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to fentanyl distribution.
Carlos Nunez, 49, pleaded guilty one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Dec. 8, 2021. Nunez was indicted in September 2019 along with co-defendant Yamel Cuevas Gonzalez.
Over the course of approximately six months in 2019, Nunez and Gonzalez conspired to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl to an individual in Massachusetts. Specifically, on two occasions in July and August of 2019, Nunez distributed more than 400 grams of fentanyl to the buyer. Nunez and Gonzalez were arrested after driving from New York to Walpole to distribute fentanyl in August 2019.
On May 3, 2021, Gonzalez was sentenced by Judge Talwani to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Upon completion of his sentence, Gonzalez will face deportation to the Dominican Republic.
The charges provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $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 Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Walpole and Dedham Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nadine Pellegrini of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Turkish National Indicted for Wire Fraud and Illegally Exporting Defense Articles to TurkeyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Turkish national was indicted today in Boston in connection with his scheme to illegally export defense technical data to foreign nationals in Turkey for the fraudulent manufacturing of various United States military parts, in violation of the Arms Export Control Act. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) later determined that some of the parts were substandard and unsuitable for use by the military.
Arif Ugur, 52, formerly of Cambridge, Mass., was indicted on two counts of wire fraud, two counts of violating the Arms Export Control Act and one count of conspiring to violate the Arms Export Control Act. Ugur will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston tomorrow before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal.
The indictment alleges that in 2015, Ugur founded and was the sole managing partner of the Anatolia Group Limited Partnership (Anatolia), a domestic limited partnership registered in Massachusetts. Beginning in approximately July 2015, Ugur bid on and acquired numerous contracts to supply the DOD with a variety of machine parts and hardware items intended for use by the United States military. Many of these contracts required that the parts be manufactured in the United States. In his initial bids and in subsequent email communications with DOD representatives, it is alleged that Ugur falsely claimed that Anatolia was manufacturing the parts in the United States. In fact, Anatolia and Ugur had no manufacturing facilities in the United States or elsewhere. Instead, Ugur contracted with a Turkish manufacturer to make the parts and then passed them off to DOD as if they had been manufactured by Anatolia in the United States.
It is further alleged that Ugur shared technical specifications and drawings of various DOD parts and components with employees of the Turkish manufacturer so that they could produce the parts for Anatolia. Ugur also allegedly provided employees of the Turkish manufacturer and other Turkish nationals with access to DOD’s online library of technical specifications and drawings. Many of the parts that Ugur contracted to provide, and did provide to DOD, were designated as defense articles under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the United States Munitions List (USML). Thus, an export license was required to export the parts and related technical data (drawings, specifications, etc.) from the United States to Turkey. The charging documents allege that Ugur knew of these restrictions, but nonetheless exported technical data controlled under the ITAR and USML to employees of the Turkish manufacturer without an export license.
The charge of violating the Arms Export Control Act provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The charge of conspiring to violate the Arms Export Control Act provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Patrick J. Hegarty, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office; Matthew B. Millholin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and William Higgins, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement, Boston Field Office, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason A. Casey and Timothy H. Kistner of Mendell’s National Security Unit are prosecuting the case.
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.
Norwell Man Enters Guilty Plea in Child Sexual Exploitation CaseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Norwell man entered a guilty plea yesterday in federal court in Boston to sexually exploiting children.
Derek Sheehan, 51, agreed to plead guilty to three counts of sexual exploitation of children. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns deferred acceptance of the plea until sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled by the court. In October 2018, Sheehan was charged by criminal complaint and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury.
On Aug. 17, 2018, during a search of Sheehan’s home, investigators seized several electronic devices that revealed evidence of child pornography. Video evidence later recovered from the devices showed that Sheehan, a Norwell youth football coach at the time, had videotaped himself sexually abusing three minors while they were 11 and 12 years old while they slept in his home between March 2017 and July 2018.
The charge of sexual exploitation of children provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime 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; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz; Cape and Islands District Attorney Michael D. O’Keefe; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Norwell Police Chief Edward Lee made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti, Deputy Chief of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit and the Project Safe Childhood coordinator, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Dell’Anno are 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/.
Former Supervisory Pharmacist of Defunct New England Compounding Center Resentenced in Connection with 2012 Fungal Meningitis OutbreakRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former supervisory pharmacist of the now-defunct New England Compounding Center (NECC) was resentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with the 2012 nationwide fungal meningitis outbreak. The defendant was resentenced after the First Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed his criminal convictions but vacated his sentence and forfeiture order.
Glenn Chin, 53, previously of Canton, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 126 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Chin was also ordered to pay forfeiture of approximately $473,584 and restitution of $82 million.
Chin was sentenced in January 2018 to eight years in prison, two years of supervised release and ordered to pay forfeiture of $175,000 and restitution in an amount to be determined. In October 2017, Chin was convicted by a federal jury of all 77 counts, including racketeering, racketeering conspiracy, mail fraud and introduction of misbranded drugs into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud and mislead.
On July 7, 2021, co-defendant Barry Cadden, a former owner of NECC, was resentenced by Judge Stearns to 174 months in prison and ordered to pay forfeiture of $1.4 million and restitution of $82 million. Cadden was previously sentenced in June 2017 by Judge Stearns to nine years in prison and three years of supervised release after being convicted by a federal jury in March 2017 of racketeering, racketeering conspiracy, mail fraud and introduction of misbranded drugs into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud and mislead.
In 2017, the government appealed the defendants’ sentences. In July 2020, the First Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the defendants’ sentences, finding that the Court failed to impose applicable sentencing enhancements and erred in its forfeiture rulings. Significantly, the First Circuit held that the patients who were injected with NECC’s contaminated preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) may be considered victims of the fraud. According to court documents, more than 100 patients died and approximately 800 patients were sickened as a result of contaminated MPA injections. As a result of the First Circuit’s decision, the defendants’ convictions were affirmed, and their sentences and forfeiture orders were vacated and remanded to the District Court for re-sentencing.
In 2012, 753 patients in 20 states were diagnosed with a fungal infection after receiving injections of MPA manufactured by NECC, and more than 100 patients died as a result. The outbreak was the largest public health crisis ever caused by a contaminated pharmaceutical drug.
Chin manufactured and oversaw the manufacturing of contaminated MPA. In doing so, Chin ignored pharmacy regulations and NECC’s own drug formulation worksheets and standard operating procedures. Specifically, he improperly sterilized the MPA, failed to verify the sterilization process and improperly tested it to ensure sterility. Despite knowing these deficiencies, Chin directed the MPA to be filled into tens of thousands of vials and shipped to NECC customers nationwide. During the fungal meningitis outbreak, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control identified 18 different types of fungi from MPA vials and patient samples.
Chin directed the shipping of drugs prior to receiving test results confirming their sterility, and he directed NECC staff to mislabel drugs to conceal this practice. He also directed the compounding of drugs with expired ingredients, including chemotherapy drugs that had expired several years prior. Chin prioritized drug production over cleaning, directed the forging of cleaning logs and routinely ignored mold and bacteria found inside the clean rooms.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D.; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Patrick Hegarty, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office; Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office; and Joshua McCallister, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda P.M. Strachan, Chief of Mendell’s Health Care Fraud Unit, Christopher R. Looney, David G. Lazarus, Chief of Mendell’s Asset Recovery Unit, and Alexandra W. Amrhein prosecuted the case.
Former Leader of Lowell Latin Kings Chapter Sentenced for Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Inca, of leader, of the Lowell Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) was sentenced today on racketeering charges.
Alfred Nieves, a/k/a “King Alfy,” 33, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to two years in prison and three years of supervised release. On April 8, 2021, Nieves pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conducting enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy.
The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. 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.
As detailed in court filings, Nieves served as the Inca, or leader, of the Lowell Chapter of the Latin Kings. In June 2019, Nieves requested permission from the state and regional leadership of the gang to assault a relative of a Latin Kings member. In 2017, Nieves sent a coded message to a Latin King member in the Massachusetts prison system directing violence to be taken against a certain individual who was also incarcerated. The coded message was intercepted and deciphered by investigators.
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. Nieves is the 36th 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 today. 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 and Lauren Graber of Mendell’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Dorchester Man Charged with Social Security Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Dorchester man was arrested yesterday in connection with using the identifying information of another person to apply for a driver’s license and United States passport.
Wilfrido Baez Villar, 46, was charged with one count of false representation of a Social Security number, one count of making a false statement in an application for a passport and one count of aggravated identity theft. Following an initial appearance yesterday before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell, Baez Villar was detained pending a detention hearing set for July 22, 2021.
According to the charging document, in January 2019, Baez Villar falsely represented another individual’s Social Security number as his own on a renewal application for a Massachusetts driver’s license. In addition, in December 2019, Baez Villar allegedly used the victim’s name, date of birth and Social Security number on an application for a U.S. passport.
The charge of false representation of a Social Security number 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. The charge of making a false statement in an application for a passport provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory two-year sentence to run consecutively to any other sentence 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; Jake Jermaine, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Boston Field Office; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Regional Office, made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki 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.
Boston Man Indicted on Bank Robbery ChargeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was indicted yesterday in connection with the armed robbery of a TD Bank branch in Boston.
Coleman Nee, 40, was indicted on one count of bank robbery. Nee will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston on Friday, July 23, 2021, before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal.
According to the indictment, on April 26, 2021, Nee committed the armed robbery of a TD Bank in Boston and allegedly stole approximately $990.
The charge of bank robbery 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 on the United States 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 Investigations, Boston Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long; and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Police Chief Kenneth Green made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Associate of Former Fall River Mayor Sentenced for Extorting Marijuana Vendors and Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An associate and co-conspirator of the recently convicted former Mayor of Fall River, Jasiel F. Correia II, was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for extortion and lying to federal agents about his role in assisting Correia to obtain money and property from local marijuana vendors.
Hildegar Camara, 60, of Fall River, who testified during Correia’s trial, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to three years of probation, including 18 months of home confinement, and 150 hours of community service per year. In September 2019, Camara pleaded guilty to two counts of extortion conspiracy, two counts of extortion and two counts of false statements.
Camara conspired with Correia and others to obtain cash bribes and other payments from local marijuana vendors in exchange for non-opposition letters and community host agreements. Correia, as Mayor, was solely responsible for approving all non-opposition letters in Fall River. Camara facilitated the bribe payments between two marijuana vendors and Correia in return for non-opposition letters.
On May 14, 2021, Correia was convicted by a federal jury of nine counts of wire fraud, four counts of filing false tax returns, four counts of extortion conspiracy and four counts of extortion. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 20, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Regional Office; and Glenn A. Cunha, Massachusetts Inspector General made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary Hafer and David Tobin of Mendell’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Worcester Psychiatrist Indicted for Unlawful Distribution of Controlled Substances and Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester psychiatrist was arrested yesterday on charges that he illegally prescribed controlled substances to patients and submitted false reimbursement claims to defraud the Medicare program.
Mohamad Och, 65, was indicted on eight counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance and two counts of health care fraud. Och was released on conditions following an initial appearance yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge David H. Hennessy in federal court in Worcester.
Och was a licensed psychiatrist who owned and operated Island Counseling Center (ICC), in Worcester, Mass., and has practiced psychiatry elsewhere in Massachusetts including Nantucket. Among other services, Och was authorized to prescribe Schedule II-IV controlled substances to patients.
According to the charging documents, Och repeatedly prescribed a combination of benzodiazepines and stimulants to patients without a legitimate medical purpose. Specifically, it is alleged that on at least numerous occasions between August 2016 and March 2017, Och knowingly issued prescriptions for Adderall (a Schedule II controlled substance) in combination with Xanax or Klonopin (both of which are Schedule IV controlled substances) to patients outside the usual course of professional practice.
It is also alleged that between approximately January 2016 and July 2017, Och engaged in a scheme to defraud Medicare by submitting or causing to be submitted false and fraudulent claims in connection with office visits in order to obtain greater reimbursements than he was entitled to receive based on the services actually provided.
The charge of illegal prescription of a Schedule II controlled substance provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. The charge of illegal prescription of a Schedule IV controlled substance provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of health care fraud conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Regional Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Mulcahy of Mendell’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
New Bedford Man Sentenced 10 Years in Federal Prison for Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Bedford man was sentenced yesterday for his role in a cocaine distribution conspiracy.
Victor Alejandro-Carrillo, 26, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release. On March 15, 2021, Alejandro-Carrillo pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
In December 2019, Alejandro-Carrillo was charged along with 12 co-defendants with various drug trafficking offenses.
From at least June 2017 through December 2019, it is alleged that Alejandro-Carrillo was involved in a cocaine distribution conspiracy in which he agreed with others to receive parcels containing cocaine that had been shipped from Puerto Rico to Massachusetts. Upon receipt of the parcels, Alejandro-Carrillo arranged to deliver the cocaine to co-conspirators. Investigators intercepted a number of communications between the defendant and co-conspirators in furtherance of that conspiracy and seized multiple parcels containing kilograms of cocaine. In total, Alejandro-Carrillo possessed and conspired to distribute at least 17.9 kilograms of cocaine.
In addition, from at least February 2019 through December 2019, Alejandro-Carrillo was allegedly involved in another cocaine distribution conspiracy. As a part of that conspiracy, Alejandro-Carrillo communicated with co-conspirators to purchase varying quantities of cocaine on multiple occasions for re-distribution. In addition, from approximately February 2019 through April 2019, Alejandro-Carrillo was involved in a conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Investigators intercepted communications with respect to both of those conspiracies.
Alejandro-Carrillo is the second defendant to be sentenced. One additional defendant has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. The remaining 10 defendants have pleaded not guilty.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Joshua McCallister, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Estes of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lawrence Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Distribution ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to cocaine distribution charges.
Anthony Rafael Corcino, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Oct. 19, 2021. Corcino was charged in October 2020.
On or about May 19, 2020, Corcino sought to obtain a parcel shipped to a business in Wilmington, which was subsequently found to contain 23 kilograms of cocaine. After initially failing to obtain the drugs, Corcino had multiple communications with an undercover agent in which he attempted to obtain the parcel. According to court documents, the value of 23 kilograms of cocaine is well over $500,000.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of attempted possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Wilmington Police Chief Joseph Desmond made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Estes of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Guatemalan National Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Guatemalan national was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for illegal reentry after deportation.
Franklin Vasquez Ramirez, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to five months in prison and three years of supervised release. Ramirez will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. Earlier in the hearing, Ramirez pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Ramirez was indicted on June 9, 2021.
In December 2020, law enforcement encountered Ramirez in Ashland and determined him to be illegally present in the United States. Ramirez was previously deported in November 2010.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Todd M. Lyons, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin A. Saltzman of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Former New Bedford Police Union Treasurer Agrees to Plead Guilty to Stealing Union FundsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former New Bedford Police Department (NBPD) officer and NBPD Union Treasurer has agreed to plead guilty to stealing nearly $50,000 in union funds.
Joshua Fernandes, 42, of New Bedford, was charged with one count of wire fraud. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled.
According to the charging documents, Fernandes abused the trust placed in him by fellow union members by using nearly $50,000 in union funds to pay for personal expenses including vacations, family outings, and a monthly wireless family phone plan, among other things. Fernandes carried out his scheme by reimbursing his personal credit card accounts with union funds and by using the union’s credit cards to pay directly for non-union expenses.
The charging statute provides a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and 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 Jonathan Russo, District Director of U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia M. Carris, Deputy Chief of Mendell’s Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit, is prosecuting the case.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Social Security Misuse and Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with misusing another individual’s Social Security number to receive housing and unemployment benefits.
Ramon Hiciano, 59, formerly of Roxbury, pleaded guilty to false representation of a Social Security number and theft of government money. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Oct. 7, 2021. Hiciano was charged in October 2020.
Between January 2016 and August 2020, Hiciano used the identity of a Puerto Rican citizen to apply for and receive MassHealth benefits and Section 8 housing assistance. Specifically, Hiciano fraudulently received over $58,000 in federally-funded MassHealth benefits and approximately $20,780 in Section 8 housing assistance benefits over the four-year period. He also used the stolen identity to receive $5,736 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits.
The charge of false representation of a Social Security number 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. The charge of theft of government money provides for a sentence of up to 10 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; Jermaine Jack, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Boston Field Office; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Regional Office; and Suzanne M. Bump, State Auditor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national previously residing in Lawrence pleaded guilty yesterday to fentanyl distribution charges.
Luis Aybar-Guerrero, 24, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Nov. 18, 2021. In August 2020, Aybar-Guerrero was indicted along with co-conspirator Guillermo Aybar-Guerrero.
According to charging documents, investigators conducted controlled purchases of fentanyl from Guillermo on June 10 and 17, 2020. On June 25, 2020, investigators set up a third controlled purchase, at which time Guillermo was arrested in possession of approximately 30 grams of suspected fentanyl. It is alleged that Guillermo retrieved these 30 grams of fentanyl from his brother, Luis. A search of Luis’ residence resulted in the seizure of an additional 263 grams of fentanyl as well as a scale, baggies and other drug-distribution paraphernalia.
A plea hearing for Guillermo scheduled for July 27, 2021.
The charges of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute of 40 grams or more of fentanyl provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and 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. Attorney Lauren Graber of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lawrence Woman Pleads Guilty to Identity Theft and Unemployment Fraud Related to COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence woman pleaded guilty today in connection with her involvement in a scheme to fraudulently obtain COVID-19-related unemployment assistance.
Raquel Pena, 40, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Nov. 4, 2021. Pena was charged by criminal complaint on April 1, 2021.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) created a temporary federal unemployment insurance program called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). PUA, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance, provides unemployment insurance benefits for individuals who are not eligible for other types of unemployment benefits (e.g., the self-employed, independent contractors or gig economy workers). Pena and others conspired to file fraudulent claims for PUA using others’ personally identifiable information. Pena recruited acquaintances to receive the proceeds of the fraudulent claims into their bank accounts, withdraw all or a portion of those funds and give the cash to Pena. The investigation connected Pena and her co-conspirators to more than $360,000 in unemployment claims between May 2020 and March 2021.
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 any 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; Joseph R. Bonavolanta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Michael Mikulka, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations made the announcement today. The Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance 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.
Jury Convicts Pittsfield Man of Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Pittsfield man was found guilty by a federal jury in Springfield yesterday in connection with firearm and drug trafficking offenses.
Elvins Sylvestre, 43, was convicted following a three-day trial of possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of cocaine, being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking felony. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Nov. 19, 2021.
Evidence at trial established that in November 2019, Sylvestre was found in possession of heroin and cocaine along with a handgun and over 40 rounds of ammunition. Federal law prohibits Sylvestre from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a prior felony conviction.
The charges provide for a sentence of up to life in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Pittsfield Police Chief Michael Wynn made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Fall River Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Fall River man was sentenced today in connection with a cocaine distribution conspiracy.
Alexander Santiago Medina, a/k/a “Flaco,” 33, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas L. Woodlock to five years in prison and four years of supervised release. On March 9, 2021, Santiago Medina pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
From at least February 2019 through December 2019, Santiago Medina was involved in a cocaine distribution conspiracy. Investigators intercepted a number of communications between Santiago Medina and co-conspirators in furtherance of the conspiracy, including communications on June 17, 2019, in which Santiago Medina and various co-conspirators agreed to distribute two kilograms of cocaine or more. Later that day, investigators seized approximately two kilograms of cocaine from one of Santiago Medina’s co-conspirators. After Santiago Medina was arrested on Dec. 5, 2019, investigators searched a storage unit used by Santiago Medina and found a firearm and approximately 40 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Joshua McCallister, Acting Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspector Service, Boston Division; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Estes of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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.
Upton Man Arrested on Possession of Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Upton man was arrested and charged today in federal court in Worcester for possessing child pornography.
Matthew Stefanelli, 31, was charged with one count of possession of child pornography. Following an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge David H. Hennessey this afternoon, Stefanelli was detained pending a detention hearing set for July 19, 2021.
According to the charging documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, agents seized several electronic devices from Stefanelli’s residence. A forensic review of the devices revealed images of child pornography saved in an encrypted application designed to appear as a calculator.
The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the United States 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 Upton Police Chief Michael J. Bradley Jr. made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto 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 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 criminal complaint are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dominican National Sentenced for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national previously residing in Dorchester was sentenced today for distributing fentanyl.
Snolbert Ramirez-Sandoval, 24, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to two years in prison and three years of supervised release. On March 3, 2021, Sandoval pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of fentanyl and two counts of employment or use of persons under 18 years of age in drug operations.
Sandoval sold fentanyl on July 26, 2018, by directing the buyer to go to an apartment in Roslindale. The sole occupants were two young boys (one between 10-and-14-years-old and the other between 2-and-6-years-old). The older boy led the buyer to the room in which Ramirez-Sandoval had left the fentanyl. The buyer made payment for the substance and left. On Aug. 2, 2018, the buyer returned to the Roslindale apartment to purchase additional fentanyl from Ramirez-Sandoval who told the buyer by phone that he was not yet there, but the kids were upstairs and instructed the buyer to ring the buzzer. The buyer was greeted by the same two children. Approximately 20 minutes later, Ramirez-Sandoval and another individual arrived at the apartment and sold the buyer the fentanyl.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Estes of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Brockton Man Sentenced for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man was sentenced today for his role in distributing fentanyl throughout southeastern Massachusetts.
Eric Marques, 29, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to five years in prison and four years of supervised release. On March 25, 2021, Marques pleaded guilty to one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more fentanyl.
In 2019 and 2020, law enforcement conducted an investigation into fentanyl traffickers operating in southeastern Massachusetts. A cooperating witness and undercover police officer purchased a total of 180 grams of fentanyl and 260 pressed fentanyl pills from Marques. Marques was arrested on March 16, 2020. A search of residences tied to Marques in Brockton and Bridgewater resulted in the seizure of $10,700 in cash, bags of fentanyl, a digital scale and other drug packaging materials.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Brockton Police Chief Emanuel Gomes; East Bridgewater Police Chief Paul O’Brien; John Gibbons, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; and Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Pohl of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dominican National Arrested for Misusing a Social Security NumberRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was arrested today and charged with fraudulently using someone else’s Social Security number.
Angel Manuel German Familia, 38, who previously resided in North Andover, was charged with one count of false representation of a Social Security number and one count of aggravated identity theft. Following an initial appearance before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge M. Page Kelley, German Familia was detained pending a detention hearing.
According to the charging documents, in 2016, German Familia fraudulently applied to renew a driver’s license at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles using the name, date of birth and Social Security number of a United States citizen. German Familia also allegedly applied for MassHealth benefits and opened bank accounts in the victim’s name. It is alleged that German Familia was using the stolen identity since as early as 2009 and had submitted a Social Security card and birth certificate in the victim’s name in a previous RMV application.
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.
The charge of false representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of at least 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 R. Mendell; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Joshua McCallister, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; and the North Andover Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak III, of Mendell’s Criminal Division, is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Brockton Man Sentenced for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy.
Carlos Antunes, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 65 months in prison and four years of supervised release. On March 11, 2021, Antunes pleaded guilty to two counts of a multi-count indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base, oxycodone, and marijuana, and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents, in the fall of 2018, law enforcement agents began investigating a Brockton drug crew headed by Djuna Goncalves. The investigation revealed that Goncalves worked with Antunes and others to distribute large quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base, heroin and marijuana throughout southeastern Massachusetts. Agents intercepted telephone calls and observed meetings between Goncalves and Antunes where Antunes ordered fentanyl from Goncalves. On Oct. 12, 2018, agents seized fentanyl from a customer of Antunes shortly after Goncalves and Antunes delivered the fentanyl to him.
Antunes and Goncalves were indicted along with 15 others in a wide-ranging drug conspiracy that included members of Goncalves’s Brockton crew and several Boston-based drug traffickers who supplied Goncalves with controlled substances. Of the 17 defendants named in the indictment, 11, including Antunes, have pleaded guilty. Antunes is the ninth defendant to be sentenced in 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.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl and Alathea Porter of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Brockton Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man pleaded guilty today to his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl throughout southeastern Massachusetts.
Filomeno Monteiro, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of distribution of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Oct. 28, 2021.
According to court records, in 2019 and 2020, law enforcement conducted an investigation into fentanyl traffickers operating in southeastern Massachusetts. In December 2019, Monteiro worked with co-defendant Christian Collins to distribute 20 grams of fentanyl to a cooperating witness and undercover police officer at a location in Plympton. At the time of the offense, Monteiro was on probation for a prior Plymouth Superior Court conviction for kidnapping and aggravated assault and battery. Monteiro was previously convicted twice in state court of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
Collins pleaded guilty on June 23, 2021 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 28, 2021.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of up to 40 years in prison, a minimum of four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. The charge of distribution of fentanyl provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, up to six years of supervised release and a fine of up to $2 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; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Brockton Police Chief Emanuel Gomes; East Bridgewater Police Chief Paul O’Brien; John Gibbons, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; and Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Pohl of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Leicester Woman and Man Charged in Superseding Indictment in COVID-19 Pandemic SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Leicester woman and man were charged in a superseding indictment by a federal grand jury in Worcester in connection with their alleged involvement in a pandemic unemployment fraud scheme.
The superseding indictment added one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud against Destinee Snay, 19, who was arrested today. In April 2021 co-defendant William Cordor, 26, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, four counts of wire fraud and four counts of aggravated identity theft. Cordor was previously arrested by criminal complaint.
According to the indictment, from about June 2020 to about October 2020, Cordor and Snay conspired with others to file false and fraudulent claims for unemployment assistance in multiple states, including Nevada, using stolen identities and transfer the payments into prepaid debit card accounts they obtained. It is alleged that on Aug. 18, 2020, Cordor was encountered by police in connection with a domestic violence incident and found in possession of approximately 21 prepaid debit cards in approximately 13 different names. In addition, evidence related to this scheme was allegedly found on Cordor’s computer and cell phone.
Cordor also allegedly engaged with others in a second wire fraud scheme that involved using stolen identities to fraudulently apply for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster loans from the SBA and similarly deposited the loans into prepaid debit card accounts.
Charging documents allege that in May 2020 Cordor admitted to federal agents that he had fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. That same day, Cordor agreed to surrender to federal authorities the balance of $79,000 in his bank account that were proceeds of his unemployment fraud scheme in Massachusetts. This occurred before Cordor is alleged to have filed the fraudulent unemployment claim with Nevada in July 2020.
The charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud 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 in addition to any other sentenced 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 R. Mendell; Michael Mikulka, 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. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of Mendell’s Worcester Branch Office 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 indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Attleboro Man Sentenced for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Attleboro man was sentenced today for receipt and possession of child pornography.
Garry Bienvenue, 59, of Attleboro, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor to 10 years and one month in prison and five years of supervised release. On March 10, 2021, Bienvenue pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor and a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.
Law enforcement learned that an internet user at Bienvenue’s Attleboro home had solicited and received child pornography from children over the internet using the Snapchat messaging application, including through the video chat feature. A search of the home resulted in the seizure of Bienvenue’s smartphone, which was found to contain child pornography videos that had been received through Snapchat, including one depicting the rape of a child as young as 3-5 years old. The investigation also revealed that Bienvenue had used a phone application to solicit and pay individuals in the Philippines to force children to participate in naked video chats with him and watch him engage in sexual conduct.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Attleboro Police Chief Kyle P. Heagney made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna Nuzum of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Revere Man Sentenced for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Revere man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for distributing 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
Jassiel Ramirez, 25, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to five years in prison and four years of supervised release. In February 2020, Ramirez pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
Between September and October 2018, Ramirez engaged in four separate drug sales of fentanyl to a cooperating witness. Those sales totaled approximately 110 grams of fentanyl.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division, made the announcement. Assistance was provided by the Salem Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea E. Porter of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Former Leader of Latin Kings Department of Correction Chapter Sentenced for Racketeering Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Leader of the Massachusetts Department of Correction Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) was sentenced yesterday on racketeering charges.
Frutuoso Barros, a/k/a “King Fruity,” 40, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to 126 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On Feb. 17, 2021, Barros pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy.
In February 2020, Barros and other gang members conspired to murder two members of the Latin Kings active in the area of Lynn, Mass., who were believed to be “renegade” and not following directives issued by the gang’s national leadership in Chicago. In 2015, Barros was convicted in Essex County Superior Court for these crimes and sentenced to state prison. While he was substantively convicted in state court for those offenses, Barros committed these crimes in furtherance of the Latin Kings racketeering enterprise.
As detailed in court filings, the Latin Kings bring disputes and related gang violence into jails and prisons where members are incarcerated. Once in state prison, Barros’s membership in the Latin Kings continued and he took the position as Inca, or Leader, of the Latin Kings within the Massachusetts Department of Correction (MA DOC) system. In this role, Barros coordinated the operations of the Latin Kings inside MA DOC, including issuing directives of violence against individuals serving sentences and coordinating the violence that the gang committed inside of the MA DOC facilities. As part of his leadership role, Barros received information concerning the identities of those targeted for violence in the jails and prisons, locations of the targets and of incarcerated Latin Kings members, the standing of certain individuals with the gang and the status of disputes and alliances with other gangs both inside and outside of the prison system.
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. Barros is the 35th 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 today. 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 and Lauren Graber of Mendell’s Criminal Division 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.
Eight Individuals Charged in Nationwide Methamphetamine Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Eight individuals were charged and arrested yesterday in connection with a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking ring operating between California and New England. Investigators seized approximately 152 pounds of methamphetamine throughout the investigation from controlled purchases, motor vehicle stops and package seizures.
The following individuals were indicted on charges of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine:
- Reshat Alkayisi, 60, a Turkish national residing in Coventry, R.I.;
- Brian Keleman, 52, of Woonsocket, R.I.;
- Robyn Costa, 35, of Whitman, Mass.;
- Eric Daneault, 45, of Manchester, N.H.:
- Andre Watson, 45, of Nashua, N.H.;
- Emil Dzabiev, 40, of Scarborough, Maine; and
- Edison Klotz 40, of Stoughton, Mass.
Klotz is also charged with distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine - aiding and abetting, and Costa is also charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in relation to drug trafficking.
Patrick O’Hearn, 61, of Braintree, Mass., was charged separately by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and other controlled substances, and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
“Traffickers are bringing massive shipments of methamphetamine to New England, and that creates a new and especially dangerous threat,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell. “Meth is exceptionally destructive, and the people selling it here should see this prosecution as a warning: we are on to you, we are going to prosecute you, and you will go to federal prison. My office and our law enforcement partners cracked this case, but this is only the beginning.”
“Today we arrested members of a large-scale, multi-state drug trafficking organization who lined their pockets by poisoning our communities, capitalizing on the misery of others. We have taken at least 152 pounds of methamphetamine off the street, which is a record amount for this region, and seized numerous firearms,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “This investigation is just one example of the Boston OCDETF Strike Force’s coordinated efforts to disrupt those who traffic in violence, addiction, and death. We simply will not stand idly by and watch our neighborhoods degrade due to daily drug dealing and the violence it brings.”
“As methamphetamine seizures are on the rise, DEA stands committed to keeping this highly addictive drug out of New England,” said Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Office. “DEA and its local, state and federal partners are dedicated to bringing to justice those that commit these crimes.”
As alleged in the charging documents, in approximately October 2020, investigators received information about drug trafficking activities of a large-scale methamphetamine supplier in the Boston area. In late 2020, investigators identified Alkayisi as a methamphetamine trafficker, who distributes multi-pound quantities to customers throughout the New England area. Between February and April 2021, the investigators conducted three controlled purchases of suspected methamphetamine—two directly from Alkayisi and one that was negotiated with Alkayisi and delivered by Keleman. Intercepted electronic communications identified regular methamphetamine customers of Alkayisi, including Costa, Daneault, Watson, Dzabiev and O’Hearn. It is alleged that O’Hearn assists Alkayisi in storing methamphetamine and drug proceeds.
On June 1, 2021, investigators seized four packages containing a total of approximately 100 pounds of suspected methamphetamine from Keleman that he allegedly picked up on behalf of Alkayisi from a UPS store in Rhode Island. According to court filings, investigators seized approximately 152 pounds of methamphetamine throughout the investigation from controlled purchases, motor vehicle stops and package seizures.
During a search of Alkayisi’s residence in Rhode Island yesterday, investigators seized an AK-47 assault rifle, a handgun and ammunition, over $23,000 case and multiple controlled substances, including suspected methamphetamine.
The charges of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine provides for a minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute, and conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute, 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine each provide for a minimum mandatory sentence of five years and up to 40 in prison, four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $ 5 million. The charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking provides for a mandatory sentence of five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Mendell, FBI Boston SAC Bonavolonta and DEA Boston SAC Boyle made the announcement. The case was investigated by the FBI’s Strike Force including the Massachusetts Department of Correction; Norfolk County Sherriff’s Office; and Concord, Hudson, Peabody, Reading, Watertown and Waltham Police Departments. Assistance was also provided by the Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alathea Porter and James Arnold of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering 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 indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dalton Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dalton man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield to child sexual exploitation offenses.
James LaFrance, 65, pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual exploitation of children. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Nov. 19, 2021.
LaFrance admitted that on two separate occasions in 2018 and 2019, he 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.
The charges of sexual exploitation of children each provide for a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 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; William S. Walker, Acting 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 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
California Parent Pleads Guilty in College Admissions CaseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A California parent pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to a tax offense in connection with his involvement in the college admissions case.
Homayoun Zadeh, 60, an associate professor of dentistry at the University of Southern California (USC), pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Nov. 10, 2021. Zadeh was charged in March 2019.
Zadeh agreed with William “Rick” Singer to pay $100,000 to facilitate the admission of Zadeh’s daughter to 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 for his role in the college admissions scheme.
Zadeh is the 31st parent to plead guilty in the case. Under the terms of Zadeh’s plea agreement, the parties have agreed to a sentence, subject to the Court’s approval, of six weeks in prison, one year of supervised release with 250 hours of community service and a fine of $20,000.
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 filing a false tax return provides for a sentence of up 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; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Ramsey E. Covington, Acting 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 Justin D. O’Connell, Leslie A. Wright, Kristen A. Kearney, Ian J. Stearns, Karin M. Bell and Stephen E. Frank of Mendell’s Criminal Division 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.
Boston Man Sentenced for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for fentanyl trafficking.
Andres Arias, 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 51 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On Jan. 21, 2021, Arias pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and five counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
Arias and co-defendant Cristian Lara Diaz conspired to distribute fentanyl and engaged in five separate controlled sales of fentanyl to a cooperating witness in Boston between April 2017 and January 2018.
On Jan. 12, 2021, Lara Diaz was sentenced to 63 months in prison and four years of supervised release.
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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit 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.
Lexington Doctor and Wife Charged in Superseding Indictment in International Money Laundering and Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lexington doctor and his wife, who works as his office manager, were charged today in a superseding indictment in connection with an international money laundering scheme involving importing illegal, misbranded drugs.
Rahim Shafa, 64, was indicted on health care fraud conspiracy, international money laundering conspiracy, money laundering, conspiracy to defraud the United States, illegally importing merchandise contrary to law and receiving and delivering misbranded drugs with an intent to defraud and mislead. Nahid “Nina” Tormosi Shafa, 63, was indicted on one count of health care fraud conspiracy and one count of international money laundering conspiracy. The defendants were previously indicted in August 2020.
According to the charging documents, Shafa was a psychiatrist who owned and operated Novel Psychopharmacology, for which Tormosi Shafa served as office manager. From April 2016 through January 2019, the defendants allegedly filed false and fraudulent Medicare reimbursement claims that they deposited into bank accounts they controlled.
It is further alleged that from approximately January 2008 through January 2018, Shafa and Tormosi Shafa engaged in an international money laundering scheme to purchase naltrexone pellet implants as well as disulfiram pellet implants and injections from Hong Kong. Naltrexone and disulfiram are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in certain forms for the treatment of alcohol dependence and alcohol and opioid dependence, respectively. However, the forms that Shafa and Tormosi Shafa allegedly purchased are not approved by the FDA. Shafa allegedly falsified shipping documents to conceal that the packages containing the drugs were shipped from Hong Kong to Shafa in Massachusetts. For example, packages containing naltrexone pellet implants were falsely declared as ‘plastic beads in plastic tubes’ in shipping documents. Shafa and Tormosi Shafa offered to sell these drugs to patients of Novel.
The charge of health care fraud conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charges of money laundering and money laundering conspiracy provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of importing merchandise contrary to law provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of exporting merchandise contrary to law provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of receiving and delivering a misbranded drug with intent to defraud and mislead provides for a sentence of up to three 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; Jeffrey Ebersole, Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office; Philip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Regional Office; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of Mendell’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Jury Convicts Boston Man of Being Felon in Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was found guilty by a federal jury in Boston yesterday of illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition.
Rahshjeem Benson, a/k/a “Six Nine,” 38, was convicted following a six-day trial of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Sept. 29, 2021.
Evidence at trial established that, on April 5, 2019, Benson was arrested inside a bar in the Copley area of Boston for cocaine distribution. A Charter Arms Bulldog Pug .44 SPL caliber revolver loaded with five Smith & Wesson .44 caliber SPL cartridges was found in Benson’s sweatshirt pocket following his arrest. Due to a prior felony conviction, Benson is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. 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; Kelly D. Brady, 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 today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elianna J. Nuzum and Fred M. Wyshak, III of Mendell’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Ghanaian National Sentenced for Lying on Naturalization Application and Fleeing Country After ArraignmentRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Ghanaian national was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for making a false statement on an application for naturalization and fleeing the United States after being released on conditions from pretrial custody.
Richard Kyeremeh, 46, previously of Worcester, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 18 months in prison and three years years of supervised release. Earlier in the hearing, Kyeremeh pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement relating to naturalization and one count of committing contempt.
In February 2019, a federal grand jury indicted Kyeremeh on one count of making a false statement relating to naturalization and one count of aggravated identity theft. After his arraignment, Kyeremeh was released from pretrial custody on certain conditions, including that he not travel outside New England without permission from Pretrial Services.
In August 2019, Pretrial Services was unable to locate Kyeremeh. His roommate discovered a letter and sent it to Pretrial Services. The letter was an attempt to mislead authorities about Kyeremeh’s whereabouts. It said, “I am going back to Ghana because I can’t bear what is going on. I have not been myself after my arrest and I have decided to go back to Ghana to start at fresh.” In fact, Kyeremeh had fled on foot into Quebec from Champlain, N.Y.
In January 2020, Kyeremeh was located living and working in Ontario by Canadian authorities and was later extradited to the United States. In January 2021, the grand jury returned a superseding indictment adding a charge of contempt based on Kyeremeh’s flight to Canada.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Denis C. Riordan, District Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, District 1, made the announcement today. Assistance with the investigation was also provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Wichers of Mendell’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Former Owner of Defunct New England Compounding Center Resentenced to 14 Years in Prison in Connection with 2012 Fungal Meningitis OutbreakRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former owner of the now-defunct New England Compounding Center (NECC) was resentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with the 2012 nationwide fungal meningitis outbreak. The defendant was resentenced after the First Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed his criminal convictions but vacated his sentence and forfeiture order.
Barry Cadden, 54, previously of Wrentham, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 174 months in prison. Cadden was also ordered to pay forfeiture of $1.4 million and restitution of $82 million.
Cadden was originally sentenced in June 2017 by Judge Stearns to nine years in prison, three years of supervised release and forfeiture in the amount of $7.5 million after being convicted by a federal jury in March 2017 of racketeering, racketeering conspiracy, mail fraud and introduction of misbranded drugs into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud and mislead.
Co-defendant Glenn Chin, NECC’s former supervisory pharmacist, is scheduled to be resentenced tomorrow by Judge Stearns. Chin was sentenced in January 2018 to eight years in prison, two years of supervised release and ordered to pay forfeiture of $175,000 and restitution in an amount to be determined. In October 2017, Chin was convicted by a federal jury of all 77 counts, including racketeering, racketeering conspiracy, mail fraud and introduction of misbranded drugs into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud and mislead.
In 2017, the government appealed the defendants’ sentences. In July 2020, the First Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the defendants’ sentences, finding that the Court failed to impose applicable sentencing enhancements and erred in its forfeiture rulings. Significantly, the First Circuit held that the patients who were injected with NECC’s contaminated preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) may be considered victims of the fraud. According to court documents, more than 100 patients died and approximately 800 patients were sickened as a result of contaminated MPA injections. As a result of the First Circuit’s decision, the defendants’ convictions were affirmed, and their sentences and forfeiture orders were vacated and remanded to the District Court for resentencing.
In 2012, 753 patients in 20 states were diagnosed with a fungal infection after receiving injections of MPA manufactured by NECC, and more than 100 patients died as a result. The outbreak was the largest public health crisis ever caused by a contaminated pharmaceutical drug.
Cadden was responsible for directing and authorizing shipments of contaminated MPA to NECC customers nationwide. In addition, he authorized the shipping of drugs before test results confirming their sterility were returned, never notified customers of nonsterile results and compounded drugs with expired ingredients. Furthermore, certain batches of drugs were manufactured, in part, by an unlicensed pharmacy technician at NECC. Cadden also repeatedly took steps to shield NECC’s operations from regulatory oversight by the FDA by claiming to be a pharmacy dispensing drugs pursuant to valid, patient-specific prescriptions. In fact, NECC routinely dispensed drugs in bulk without valid prescriptions. NECC even used fictional and celebrity names on fake prescriptions to dispense drugs, such as “Michael Jackson,” “Freddie Mae” and “Diana Ross.”
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D.; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Patrick Hegarty, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office; Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office; and Joshua McCallister, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda P.M. Strachan, Chief of Mendell’s Health Care Fraud Unit, Christopher R. Looney, David G. Lazarus, Chief of Mendell’s Asset Recovery Unit, and Alexandra W. Amrhein prosecuted the case.
Former "Chairman" of Massachusetts Latin Kings Crown Council Sentenced for Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former Chairman of the Crown Council for the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) in Massachusetts was sentenced today on racketeering charges.
Gregory Peguero-Colon, a/k/a “King Trece,” 48, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to three years in prison and three years of supervised release. On March 9, 2021, Peguero-Colon pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy.
Peguero-Colon served as the Chairman of the Crown Council, acting as an independent advisor to the State Leadership team and presiding over “trials” for gang members that violated the Latin Kings code of conduct. Peguero-Colon also kept and maintained a spreadsheet identifying individuals who were in bad standing with the gang for various reasons, including whether individuals had provided information to law enforcement or committed “treason” against the gang. Peguero-Colon disseminated this spreadsheet to the Latin Kings members, and multiple people on the spreadsheet had in fact been targeted for violence by the Latin Kings.
The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.
In 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. Peguero-Colon is the 34th 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 today. 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 and Lauren Graber of Mendell’s Criminal Division 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.
Cambridge Woman Indicted for Social Security and Welfare FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Cambridge woman was arrested today in connection with fraudulently receiving Social Security disability benefits, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and Section 8 housing assistance.
Malisha Pitt, 49, was indicted on three counts of theft of public funds. She will make an initial appearance before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Dein this afternoon.
According to the indictment, over a period of approximately 13 years, Pitt allegedly stole Social Security benefits and Section 8 housing assistance benefits. In addition, Pitt allegedly stole SNAP benefits (previously known as Food Stamps) over a period of more than three years.
The charge of theft of public funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 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; Jermaine Jack, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Regional Office; and Suzanne M. Bump, State Auditor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Marijuana and Tax OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Springfield to marijuana and tax offenses.
Zachary Sweener, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute marijuana, one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, one count of filing a false tax return and two counts of failing to file tax returns. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Oct. 28, 2021.
Sweener admitted that from 2014 to 2017, he conspired with others to distribute marijuana. On Jan. 10, 2017, a search of Sweener’s residence recovered 1,000 marijuana vape oil pens and over $90,000 in cash, two gold bars and other luxury items. Sweener also admitted that he filed a false income tax return for 2013 by substantially under-reporting his income and failed to file tax returns for tax years 2014 and 2015, despite earning over $250,000 in each of those years. For tax years 2013 through 2015, Sweener failed to report over $625,000 in income and therefore failed to pay over $150,000 in federal income taxes.
The charges of conspiracy to distribute marijuana and possession with intent to distribute marijuana each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 and forfeiture. The charge of filing a false tax return provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of failing to file a tax return provides for up to one year in prison, one year of supervised release and a $100,000 fine. 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; Acting Assistant Attorney General David A. Hubbert of the Department of Justice’s Tax Division; Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorney Christopher O’Donnell of the Justice Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
Melrose Man Pleads Guilty to Unemployment Insurance ScamRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Melrose man pleaded guilty on Thursday, July 1, 2021 in connection with his role in an unemployment insurance fraud scheme.
Alan Neal Scott, 68, pleaded guilty to four counts of mail fraud, one count of wire fraud and five counts of aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Oct. 12, 2021. Scott was indicted in August 2020.
Over the course of six years, Scott submitted numerous fraudulent unemployment insurance claims with the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA). Scott submitted these claims using his own identity as well as the identities of various individuals, including some who were not eligible for unemployment benefits as they were incarcerated at the time and could not have been employed as reported. Moreover, the fraudulent claims all reported prior employment at a non-operational Massachusetts-based business also associated with Scott. As a result of these fraudulent claims, the DUA sent unemployment benefits funds to several addresses connected to Scott and deposited funds into accounts he controlled. Scott also submitted fraudulent pandemic unemployment insurance claims in the names of others.
The charges of mail and wire fraud provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The aggravated identity theft charges provide for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutive 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 R. Mendell; Nikitas Splagounias, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigation; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Joshua McCallister, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Tonya Perkins, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Unemployment Assistance, Program Integrity Unit also provided assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Brockton Business Owner Sentenced for Tax Fraud and Workers' Compensation Insurance FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The owner of a Brockton construction company and related businesses was sentenced yesterday on charges that he paid employees under-the-table payroll wages that defrauded the government, workers compensation insurance carriers and the state unemployment benefits program of more than $1.6 million.
Richard McLaughlin, 61, of Quincy, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay restitution of approximately $747,781 to the IRS, $207,572 to workers’ compensation insurance carriers and $731,188 to the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance. McLaughlin was also ordered to forfeit $207,572 to the federal government. In December 2020, McLaughlin pleaded guilty to five counts of filing false tax returns and three counts of mail fraud.
During tax years 2005 through 2010, McLaughlin paid wages in cash to employees under-the-table totaling more than $2.9 million, for which McLaughlin did not collect, account for or pay over to the IRS income and FICA taxes as required by law. The cash payments to employees were funded through off-the-books accounts McLaughlin created and used solely to pay the under-table wages. By failing to pay the required taxes on the $2.9 million, McLaughlin evaded nearly $750,000 in federal taxes.
McLaughlin was also required by state law to carry workers’ compensation insurance. The insurance premiums were based on an audit of his payroll records to determine actual wages paid. By failing to disclose the wages paid under-the-table, McLaughlin underreported the wages for which he owed more than $200,000 in insurance premiums.
In addition, McLaughlin instructed employees to apply for unemployment benefits while they were working for him. When McLaughlin falsely verified that employees had been laid off and concealed the fact that he was paying them wages, those employees received more than $725,000 in fraudulent unemployment benefits.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; and Anthony DiPaolo, Chief of Investigations of the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A. Wild of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Westford Man Sentenced for Embezzlement and Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former CEO and co-founder of a Boston-based cell phone music streaming service was sentenced Tuesday, June 29 in connection with embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from his employer and filing false tax returns.
David John, who recently changed his name from David Fondots, 56, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release. John was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $187,603 to the Internal Revenue Service, as well as restitution to the victims in an amount to be determined at a later date. In February 2020, John pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of filing false tax returns.
John misappropriated company funds which he used for his personal benefit. From 2014 to 2016, John caused his company to pay significant sums of money directly to himself, to a family member and to companies controlled by a family member. John used the embezzled funds to pay personal expenses for himself and his family, including car payments, legal fees and travel, among other things.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Office; and Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara Miron Bloom of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit and Jordi de Llano, Deputy Chief of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit, prosecuted the case.