District of Massachusetts
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Dominican National Arrested for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was arrested yesterday on charges of fentanyl trafficking.
Junior Baez Sanchez, 28, was indicted on two counts of distributing more than 40 grams of fentanyl. He was detained following an initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal pending a detention hearing scheduled for April 26, 2021.
According to the indictment, Baez Sanchez distributed more than 40 grams of fentanyl in Chelsea on June 2, 2020 and in Malden on July 15, 2020.
The charge of distributing more than 40 grams of fentanyl provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, a minimum of four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office and Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Dell’Anno 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.
Brockton Tax Preparer Sentenced for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The owner of a tax preparation business in Brockton was sentenced today for preparing false tax returns for others as well as filing a false tax return for himself.
Jose Miguel Spinola, 51, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to two years of probation, with the first six months in home detention and ordered to pay restitution of $284,917. In December 2020, Spinola pleaded guilty to two counts of preparing false tax returns and one count of filing a false tax return.
On numerous occasions between 2014 and 2017, Spinola prepared and filed income tax returns for clients that contained false, inflated and incorrect information. Spinola added inflated and ineligible expenses to his clients’ Schedule A deductions for medical and dental expenses and unreimbursed employee business expenses, including claimed meals and entertainment, business miles and work apparel. By inflating Schedule A deductions, Spinola decreased his clients’ taxable income and effectively increased the clients’ tax refunds. Spinola informed his clients of the total tax refund they would receive from the IRS without telling the clients about the false, inflated or ineligible expenses Spinola deducted.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell 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. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Files Fair Housing Lawsuit Against Chicopee Housing Authority and Its Executive DirectorRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts filed a lawsuit today alleging that the Chicopee Housing Authority and its Executive Director, Monica Blazic, violated the Fair Housing Act based on disability.
According to the complaint, the defendants violated the Fair Housing Act by failing to allow a tenant to transfer to a first floor or elevator accessible unit to accommodate her disability. The tenant has end stage renal disease and without the transfer to another unit, has been unable to receive daily in-home dialysis. The complaint alleges that the tenant applied for a transfer based on her disability in 2017, and since that time the Chicopee Housing Authority offered 10 vacant apartments – any one of which could have accommodated the tenant – to other individuals.
The matter was originally investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which, in March 2021, issued a charge against the Chicopee Housing Authority and Blazic after finding that there was probable cause of discrimination. The tenant elected to have the charge decided in federal court, authorizing the U.S. Attorney’s Office to file suit.
“Common decency and — thankfully — the Fair Housing Act both require reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. The allegations here deserve attention, and we are happy to provide it,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell.
“I deeply appreciate our partnership with the Department of Justice to fully enforce the Fair Housing Act and address the longstanding inequities that have denied persons with disabilities the dignity of accessible housing,” said Jeanine Worden, HUD’s Acting Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.
The lawsuit seeks entry of an order requiring the defendants to accommodate the tenant’s disability, pay the defendant monetary damages, and cease discrimination against any tenant based upon disability.
Individuals who have information about discrimination and the Chicopee Housing Authority can contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Unit by calling 617-748-3100 and asking for the Civil Rights Intake Specialist, or emailing [email protected].
Acting U.S. Attorney Mendell and HUD Acting Assistant Secretary Worden made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory Dorchak and Michelle Leung of Mendell’s Civil Rights Unit are handling the matter.
The Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office was established in 2015 with the mission of enhancing federal civil rights enforcement. For more information on the Office’s civil rights efforts, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-ma/civil-rights.
Turner Falls Man Charged with Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Turners Falls man was indicted last week by a federal grand jury in Springfield on child pornography charges.
Brian Cooper, 63, was charged on April 15, 2021 with four counts of distribution of child pornography, six counts of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Cooper will be arraigned in federal court at a later date.
According to the indictment, between April 2018 and October 2019, Cooper distributed, received and possessed child pornography files depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. In October 2019, Cooper was arrested on state court charges and has been detained since that time.
For defendants with certain qualifying prior convictions, the charges of distribution and receipt of child pornography provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 40 years in prison. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to 20 years in prison. Each charge also provides for a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life 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; David E. Sullivan, Northwestern District Attorney; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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.
Texas Woman Arrested for Unemployment Fraud Related to COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Texas woman was arrested last week and charged in federal court in Boston in connection with her alleged involvement in a scheme to fraudulently claim COVID-19-related unemployment assistance.
Donna Wasson, 36, of San Antonio, Texas, was charged in a criminal complaint with one count of wire fraud. Wasson will make an initial appearance in federal court in the Southern District of Texas today.
According to the charging documents, 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).
According to the charging documents, Wasson applied for Massachusetts unemployment benefits despite residing in Texas and receiving unemployment benefits via the Texas Workplace Commission.
In addition, the complaint alleges that Wasson carried out instructions concerning other fraudulent unemployment claims from a former Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) employee, who allegedly submitted unemployment claims under multiple stolen identities and conspired with her husband to fraudulently obtain unemployment benefits to which they were not entitled.
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 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 is being 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; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Michael Mikulka, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance, Program Integrity Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bill Abely and Dustin Chao of Mendell’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Pittsfield Man Charged with Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A federal grand jury in Springfield last week indicted a Pittsfield man on child pornography charges.
Benjamin Shacar, 34, was indicted on April 15, 2021 on 10 counts of receipt of child pornography and one count possession of child pornography. Shacar was charged by criminal complaint in March 2021.
According to charging documents, between August 2020 and March 2021, Shacar allegedly received and possessed child pornography. Law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Shacar’s residence and uncovered a thumb drive containing multiple files depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. During an on-scene interview, Shacar allegedly admitted that he viewed and downloaded child pornography from the internet.
The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Each charge also provides for a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life 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; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Hampden County Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Pittsfield Police Chief Michael J. Wynn made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-Entry After DeportationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national pleaded guilty on Friday, April 16 in federal court in Boston to illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
Danny Rivera Zorilla, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after deportation. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Aug. 25, 2021. Rivera Zorilla was indicted in February 2020.
Rivera Zorilla was arrested in 2010 and later convicted in Woburn District Court for distribution of cocaine. On March 19, 2013 he was deported to the Dominican Republic. Rivera Zorilla later reentered the United States illegally and was arrested in 2019 in Malden but released from custody. In September 2020, immigration agents located and arrested Rivera Zorilla on the charge in this case.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Rivera Zorilla will face deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. 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 Todd Lyons, Field Office Director of Enforcement and Removal Operations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Connecticut Man Agrees to Plead Guilty to Stolen Firearms Offenses and Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Connecticut man agreed to plead guilty last week to a variety of charges in connection with stealing 17 firearms from a West Springfield gun shop and making false statements to federal agents.
Fernando Rivera, 24, of New Britain, Conn., was charged on Friday, April 16, 2021 with one count each of theft of firearm from a Federal Firearms Licensee; being a felon in possession of a firearm; interstate transportation of a stolen firearm; receipt, possession, concealment, storage, barter, sale, or disposition of a stolen firearm in interstate commerce; and making false statements to a federal official. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the court.
In September 2020, Rivera was charged by criminal complaint, along with a co-defendant.
According to the charging documents, Rivera was a felon on state probation for a prior narcotics charge in Connecticut. Shortly after midnight on or about Aug. 29, 2020, Rivera and allegedly, his co-defendant engaged in a crime spree in Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts that included seven ATM thefts and culminated in the theft of 17 firearms from a Federal Firearms Licensee in West Springfield, Mass.
On Sept. 18, 2020, federal agents arrested the two men at their homes in Connecticut.
The firearms charges each provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of making false statements provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Special assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Springfield, Hadley, West Springfield, New Britain (Conn.) and Middletown (Conn.) Police Departments; Connecticut State Police; Connecticut Department of Correction; and Connecticut Judicial Branch Adult Probation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Canton Woman Sentenced for Role in BEC SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Canton woman was sentenced on Friday, April 16, 2021 in federal court in Boston in connection with a business email compromise (BEC) scheme.
Bintu Toure, 26, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf to one year and one day in prison, three years of supervised release, restitution and forfeiture. In January 2021, Toure pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy.
Toure conspired with others to open numerous bank accounts in Massachusetts in the name of sham companies, as part of a BEC scheme—a sophisticated scam often targeting businesses involved in wire transfer payments. The fraud is carried out by compromising and/or “spoofing” legitimate business email accounts through social engineering or computer intrusion techniques, to cause employees of the victim company (or other individuals involved in legitimate business transactions) to transfer funds to accounts controlled by the scammers.
Through the use of fraudulent invoices and spoofed email accounts, Toure conspired to trick the victims of the scheme into wiring hundreds of thousands of dollars to bank accounts under her control. Toure and her co-conspirators then transferred funds from the accounts on to others located overseas. Over the course of the scheme, victims wired over $600,000 to fraudulent bank accounts controlled by Toure and her co-conspirators.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys William B. Brady, of Mendell’s Criminal Division, and Jordi de Llano, Deputy Chief of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Wareham Woman Indicted for Stealing Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Wareham woman was arrested on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 for stealing Social Security benefits.
Erika Cyr-Camara, 46, was indicted on one count of theft of public funds. She was released on conditions after making an initial appearance in federal court in Boston.
As alleged in the indictment, Cyr-Camara stole approximately $49, 275 in Social Security benefits from March 2016 through July 2019.
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 and Tonya Perkins, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Wareham Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Wareham man pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston yesterday to possessing child pornography.
David St. Jacques, 56, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Sept. 24, 2021. St. Jacques was charged by criminal complaint and has been in custody since his arrest in September 2020. St. Jacques was subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2020.
A search of St. Jacques’s residence on Sept. 29, 2020 resulted in the seizure of a computer, three phones and one thumb drive. St Jacques destroyed at least two other drives and attempted to destroy one of his phones when agents arrived to execute the warrant. St. Jacques admitted to exchanging child pornography with other individuals on various chatting applications, and child pornography was discovered during the forensic review of devices that were still intact.
In March 2009, St. Jacques was convicted in Plymouth County Superior Court of several counts of dissemination and possession of child pornography.
Due to the prior felony conviction, St. Jacques faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, five years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti, Mendell’s Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Deputy Chief of the Major Crimes Unit, is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Former Member of "Head Shot Mafia" Drug Crew Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former member of the “Head Shot Mafia” (HSM) Brockton drug crew pleaded guilty on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 to conspiracy charges involving fentanyl.
Djoy Defrancesco, 24, of Brockton, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of distribution of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for June 8, 2021. Defrancesco and three fellow HSM members were indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2019.
As alleged in court documents, law enforcement began investigating a violent Brockton-area drug crew that distributed large quantities of fentanyl throughout southeastern Massachusetts. The drug crew, which referred to itself as “Head Shot Mafia” (HSM) ran a fentanyl delivery service that encompassed all of Brockton as well as neighboring cities. Specifically, it is alleged that drug users/customers placed orders for fentanyl by contacting a cellphone maintained and shared by HSM crew members, which included Defrancesco. HSM members worked together to deliver the fentanyl order. Beginning in September 2019, agents introduced an undercover law enforcement officer to HSM, who made six purchases of fentanyl from members of the crew.
Defrancesco sold fentanyl to the undercover officer while on pre-trial release from a Plymouth Superior Court indictment charging him with trafficking in fentanyl and possession of a high capacity feeding device, among other offenses.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for up to 40 years in prison, at least 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 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on 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; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Brockton Police Chief Emanuel Gomes; John Gibbons, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; and Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz made the announcement. Assistance was provided by the East Bridgewater, West Bridgewater, Whitman and Bridgewater State University Police Departments as well as the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Pohl of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Company Owners Plead Guilty to Falsifying Pension Contribution ReportsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Co-owners of a New Hampshire asbestos abatement company have been charged and agreed to plead guilty to making false statements to employee pension plans.
Richard Quinn, 58, of Sterling, Mass., and Gary McCaffrey, 65, of Salem, N.H., were charged and agreed to plead guilty to one count of making false statements to a pension plan covered by the Employee Retirement Security Act (ERISA).
According to the charging documents, Quinn and McCaffrey owned and operated Absolute Environmental Inc., an asbestos abatement company. Between November 2014 and May 2017, Quinn and McCaffrey continued to employ several undocumented individuals after being notified of their status. During this time period, McCaffrey and Quinn knowingly falsified reports to the relevant pension plans about the work performed by the undocumented individuals, failing to make required pension contributions of over $337,000.
Pursuant to the plea agreement, the government will recommend a sentence of two years of supervised release, six months of home confinement and a fine of $10,000 to $25,000 for each defendant.
The charging statute 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 U.S. Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Michael C. Mikulka, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations Labor Racketeering and Fraud, New York Region; and Carol Hamilton, Boston Regional Director of the Employee Benefits Security Administration made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Grady of Mendell’s Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit 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.
Brockton Man Charged with Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man who has been living under a false identity was arrested on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 on charges of aggravated identity theft and misuse of a Social Security number.
An individual referred to as “John Doe” was charged with one count of misusing a Social Security number and one count of aggravated identity theft. Following an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marianne B. Bowler, Doe was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for April 19, 2021.
According to charging documents, Doe used the name and Social Security number of a U.S. citizen to apply for and obtain a Massachusetts REAL ID driver’s license. Doe also used this person’s identifiers to apply for and receive Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).
The charge of misuse of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), a specialized investigative group comprising personnel from various state, local, and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring, and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity, and benefit fraud schemes.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Massachusetts State Police; and the Brockton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin A. Saltzman of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
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.
Maine Man Charged with Hate Crime Offenses for Arson of Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Presbyterian Church in SpringfieldRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Maine man was charged today in federal court in Springfield in connection with setting the Dec. 28, 2020 fire that destroyed a predominately Black church in Springfield, Mass.
Dushko Vulchev, 44, of Houlton, Maine, was charged by criminal complaint with four counts of damage to religious property involving fire and one count of use of fire to commit a federal felony. Vulchev is currently in state custody and will make an initial appearance in federal court in Springfield at a later date.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Mass. has a primarily Black congregation, and the church is named in honor of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. According to court documents, an intentionally set fire caused extensive damage to the church in the early morning hours of Dec. 28, 2020. In court documents, the government alleges that Vulchev set the Dec. 28 fire. The government also alleges that Vulchev is also responsible for several other fires set on church property and for a series of tires slashings on church property and in the surrounding area. The additional fires alleged include a fire at the backdoor of the church on Dec. 13, 2020 and two additional fires near the rear door of the church on Dec. 15, 2020. Investigation, including the review of security video and location data from Vulchev’s mobile telephone, showed Vulchev at or near the scene of many of the alleged crimes, including the Dec. 28, 2020 fire that severely damaged the church
In addition, according to charging documents, a subsequent search of Vulchev’s vehicle and electronic devices revealed messages from Vulchev demonstrating Vulchev’s hatred of Black people, including recent messages from Vulchev in December 2020 calling to “eliminate all N****s.” In addition, the devices contained images demonstrating Vulchev’s racial animus toward Black people.
The charge of damage to religious property involving fire provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of use of fire to commit a federal felony provides for a sentence of at least 10 years in prison, in addition to any sentence received for the other charged crimes. 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; Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pamela S. Karlan of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by Hampden District Attorney’s Office; Berkshire District Attorney’s Office; Massachusetts State Police; Springfield Police Department; Springfield Fire Department; Pittsfield Police Department; American International College Police Department; Houlton (Maine) Police Department; and Newington (Conn.) Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deepika Bains Shukla, Chief of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office, and Trial Attorneys Timothy Visser and Kyle Boynton of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
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.
Former Corporate Executive Charged in Connection with $30 Million Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former Chief Financial Officer of Alden Shoe Co. was charged today and has agreed to plead guilty in connection with embezzling approximately $30 million from the company as part of a long-running scheme.
Richard Hajjar, 64, of Duxbury, has agreed to plead guilty to wire fraud, unlawful monetary transactions and filing a false tax return. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the court.
According to the charging document, from at least 2011 through October 2019, when he was terminated by Alden Shoe Co., Hajjar embezzled money by writing checks to himself from company bank accounts and transferring funds from company accounts to his personal accounts and to another individual. In total, Hajjar embezzled approximately $30 million which he used to enrich himself and to buy gifts and luxury travel for others close to him, including private flights to the Caribbean and diamond jewelry.
In addition, between approximately 2014 and 2019, Hajjar failed to report the proceeds of his embezzlement as income on his tax returns, thereby failing to pay approximately $5,112,822 in taxes to the Internal Revenue Service.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain/loss, whichever is greater. The charge of unlawful monetary transaction 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 value of the criminally derived property. The charge of filing a false tax return provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mackenzie A. Queenin of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit and Carol E. Head of Mendell’s Asset Forfeiture Unit are prosecuting the case.
Springfield Man Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Offenses Relating to ProstitutionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Springfield to racketeering offenses relating to the promotion of commercial sex.
Kevin Smoot, 59, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to use a facility of interstate commerce to promote prostitution offenses and seven counts of use of a facility of interstate commerce to promote prostitution offenses. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Aug. 19, 2021. On June 26, 2020, Smoot was arrested and charged by complaint. He was indicted in July 2020.
Between February 2019 and June 2020, Smoot conspired with others to promote commercial sex involving several women. Smoot promoted prostitution by transporting women to and from commercial sex appointments, recruiting and encouraging women to engage in commercial sex acts for money, and helping to procure illegal drugs for use by drug-addicted women engaged in commercial sex. Smoot promoted prostitution by providing a residential location for commercial sex acts between female victims of sex trafficking and male customers, taking actions to collect money from male customers, and benefiting from the proceeds of commercial sex acts performed by female victims of sex trafficking.
The charging statutes provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Hampden County Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Pennsylvania Man Pleads Guilty to Obstruction of Justice Relating to Attempts to Acquire RicinRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Pennsylvania man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to obstructing an investigation into his efforts to acquire the deadly toxin, ricin.
Dr. Ishtiaq Ali Saaem, 37, of Allentown, Penn., pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice. U.S District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Aug. 18, 2021.
According to court records, Saaem held a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, resided in Massachusetts and worked as the director of advanced research at a biotechnology firm based in Massachusetts. Saaem became interested in acquiring ricin from castor beans as well as convallatoxin, a poison found in lily of the valley plants, after watching “Breaking Bad,” a popular television show. Saaem ordered online 100 packets of castor beans, each containing eight seeds. Saaem falsely told law enforcement agents that he purchased castor beans for planting at his apartment for decoration and that he had accidentally purchased 100 packets instead of one. After he spoke to agents, Saaem researched tasteless poisons that could be made at home.
During subsequent meetings with law enforcement personnel, Saeem stated that his interest in buying castor beans related to an interest in gardening. He also made misleading statements about his knowledge of ricin.
The charge of obstruction of justice provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Northborough Man Sentenced for Aiding Romance and Lottery Schemes Targeting ElderlyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Northborough man was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for assisting in fraud schemes targeting elderly victims and agreeing to launder the proceeds of such schemes and other criminal activity, which totaled more than $600,000.
Austin Nedved, 29, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 97 months and 17 days in prison (12 months of which is to run consecutively to a sentence Nedved is serving for a separate fraud conviction in the Eastern District of Kentucky), three years of supervised release and restitution of $569,750. In December 2020, Nedved pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting wire fraud and one count of money laundering conspiracy.
Nedved ran a business in which he bought and sold digital currencies, including Bitcoin, for cash. Nedved advertised his services under the screen name “USMC1991” over LocalBitcoins.com and Paxful.com, two online businesses that matched Bitcoin buyers and sellers and facilitated their transactions.
From at least 2017 through 2019, Nedved aided and abetted romance and lottery schemes targeting elderly victims. In romance schemes, fraudsters convince victims to send money abroad to purported love interests, while in lottery schemes fraudsters convince victims that they can obtain lottery winnings or sizeable government grants by forwarding cash for administrative fees or expenses. Despite knowing or being willfully blind to the fact that his customers were fraud victims, Nedved sold Bitcoin to them so that they could send money overseas to the fraudsters.
For instance, in late 2017, an individual posing as “Jonathan G.” over social media led a 78-year old victim to believe that he was a Weston, Mass. businessman who owned an oil company. Without ever meeting “Jonathan G.” in person, the victim fell in love and agreed to marry him. “Jonathan G.” then falsely told the victim that his oil company had experienced an accident abroad in which people had died, and that he needed money to settle financial obligations arising from the accident with a foreign government. “Jonathan G.” claimed that until he did so, he would not be able to return to the United States to marry the victim. “Jonathan G.” told the victim to pay him via Bitcoin. The victim, who had never before purchased digital currency, agreed to send him money and contacted Nedved by phone and text message in Massachusetts to arrange a cash-for-Bitcoin transaction.
On June 25, 2018, in a parking lot in Kittery, Maine, the victim gave Nedved a cashier’s check to purchase approximately $100,000 in bitcoin. Nedved then released approximately $100,000 in Bitcoin, less his commission, to a Bitcoin wallet controlled by “Jonathan G.” When Nedved accepted $100,000 from the victim, Nedved knew or was willfully blind to the fact that the payor was the victim of a scam. On June 29, 2018, in Leominster, Nedved and a co-conspirator took another $40,000 from the victim for the same purpose.
In total, Nedved and his co-conspirators converted more than $630,000 of fraud and other criminal proceeds to Bitcoin. They then either returned the Bitcoin to the victims of the fraud or forwarded it to unidentified third parties.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations; and Joshua McCallister, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth B. Kosto, Deputy Chief of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit, prosecuted the case.
Former Lunenburg Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Lunenburg woman pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Worcester to stealing Social Security benefits.
Sue E. Delaney, 68, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and one count of theft of public funds. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for Aug. 10, 2021.
In 1999, Delaney’s mother-in-law, who was receiving monthly benefits from Social Security, passed away. Delaney failed to inform the Social Security Administration (SSA) of the death, and SSA continued to deposit monthly benefits into a bank account held by Delaney’s mother-in-law. From November 1999 through March 2017, Delaney stole approximately $221,656 in Social Security benefits from her late mother-in-law’s account.
The charge of conspiracy 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 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 and Tonya Perkins, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Fall River Man Arrested on Child Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Fall River man was charged in federal court in Boston yesterday in connection with travelling to New Hampshire to attempt to have sex with a teenage girl.
Charles Eugene Schnitzlein III, 34, was charged by criminal complaint with traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a person under 18 years of age.
According to the charging documents, Schnitzlein used a messaging application to communicate with an undercover officer posing as a 13-year-old girl and devised a plan to meet the purported child to have sex. On April 9, 2021, Schnitzlein allegedly drove from Fall River to a mall in Nashua, N.H., to meet with the undercover officer posing as a teenage girl. On his way to the meetup location, Schnitzlein allegedly stopped to purchase condoms, flowers, soda and candy for encounter. Officers arrested Schnitzlein when he arrived.
As described in court documents, Schnitzlein admitted during an interview with law enforcement that he had traveled from Fall River to meet the purported 13-year-old girl. He further admitted that he had booked a hotel room in Nashua, N.H. to have sex with the 13-year-old girl.
The charge of traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district 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 Field Division; and Nashua Police Commissioner James Tollner made the announcement. Assistance was provided by Massachusetts State Police and the Arlington, Revere and Boston Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Mackenzie Duane of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting 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/.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two Stoneham Residents Arrested on Charges of Identity Theft and Unemployment Fraud Related to COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two Stoneham residents were arrested today in connection with their alleged involvement in a scheme to fraudulently obtain COVID-19-related unemployment assistance.
Daniel Maleus, 33, and Lilly Nguyen, 24, were charged in a criminal complaint with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Nguyen was also charged with bank fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud and lying to a federal agent. Maleus and Nguyen were released on conditions after an initial appearance in federal court in Boston this afternoon.
According to the charging documents, 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).
As alleged in the complaint, Maleus and Nguyen conspired to file fraudulent claims for PUA using others’ personally identifiable information. The investigation connected Maleus and Nguyen to more than $400,000 in unemployment claims between April 2020 and March 2021. Nguyen also allegedly lied to a federal agent when questioned about pandemic-related deposits into her bank accounts in others’ names.
The charges of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. The charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit 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. The charge of lying to a federal agent provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolanta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Michael Mikulka, 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.
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.
Romanian National Extradited to U.S. for Multi-State ATM Skimming SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Romanian national was extradited from Germany to the District of Massachusetts to face racketeering conspiracy charges relating to an ATM skimming operation throughout Massachusetts and other states including Connecticut, New York and South Carolina.
Dragush Nelo Hornea, 26, was charged in a May 2017 indictment on one count of conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity (more commonly known as RICO conspiracy) and one count of conspiracy to use counterfeit access devices. Dragush Hornea was detained in federal custody following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston this afternoon.
According to the charging documents, Dragush Hornea was a member of the Hornea Crew (Crew), led by co-conspirators Constantin Denis Hornea and Ludemis Hornea, and engaged in ATM skimming – obtaining debit card numbers and PINs from unsuspecting bank customers, creating counterfeit cards, and making unauthorized withdrawals from the victims’ bank accounts. In total, the skimming activities resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses.
Specifically, it is alleged that over a period of 18 months, Dragush Hornea and his co-conspirators engaged in a scheme to steal debit card numbers and PINs from unsuspecting ATM customers in Massachusetts, Connecticut, South Carolina, Georgia and other locations within the United States. In particular, members of the Crew installed skimming devices in the following locations: Amherst, Bellingham, Billerica, Braintree, Chicopee, Quincy, Southwick, Waltham, Weymouth, and Whately, Mass.; Enfield, Conn.; Columbia, Greenville, Greenwood, Mauldin, and Saluda, S.C.; Savannah, Ga.; and Yadkinville, N.C. The stolen information was then used by Hornea and other coconspirators to clone the victim customers’ debit cards and make unauthorized withdrawals from those victim customers’ bank accounts at ATMs throughout the United States.
Dragush Hornea was charged with 13 co-defendants in a May 2017 indictment. Thus far, all co-defendants have been convicted and those sentenced have received sentences ranging from one year and one day to 65 months in prison.
The charge of conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and fine of $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to use counterfeit access devices provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and 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 Field Division; John Gibbon, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Assistance with the investigation was also provided by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; U.S. Secret Service; U.S. Postal Service; Massachusetts Department of Correction; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the Amherst, Billerica, Braintree, Boston, Quincy, Southwick, Waltham, Whately, and Westwood Police Departments; Connecticut State Police; Greenwich Police Department; the New York City Police Department; Houston Police Department; South Carolina Law Enforcement Division; Richland County (South Carolina) Sheriff’s Department; Florence and Saluda (South Carolina) Police Departments; and the Solicitor’s Offices of Greenville and Saluda Counties. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy E. Moran of Mendell’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictments are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Rhode Island Man Sentenced for Five Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Rhode Island man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for five bank robberies, including one that resulted in a high-speed chase.
Dong Lee, 50, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 110 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In October 2020, Lee pleaded guilty to five counts of bank robbery. Lee was charged with co-defendant Charles Lamont Wheeler who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 84 months in prison.
Between Sept. 8, 2018 and Sept. 14, 2018, five banks in the Greater Boston area were robbed. Based on the similarity of the robberies, and the descriptions of the robbers provided by bank tellers, it was determined that the same two individuals were responsible for these robberies. On Sept. 14, 2018, Lee and Wheeler robbed a branch of the Abington Bank in Avon. Later in the day, the defendants robbed a branch of the Crescent Credit Union in Brockton and were both arrested following a high-speed car chase in Attleboro.
Following an investigation, it was determined that Lee and Wheeler were responsible for the robberies of the Santander Bank in Andover on Sept. 8, 2018; Berkshire Bank in Boston on Sept. 8, 2018; Rockland Trust in Braintree on Sept. 12, 2018; Abington Savings Bank in Avon on Sept. 14, 2018; and Crescent Credit Union in Brockton on Sept.14, 2018.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police Department; Avon Police Chief Jeffrey J. Bukunt; Brockton Police Chief Emmanuel Gomes; Attleboro Police Chief Kyle P. Heagney; and North Attleboro Police Chief John J. Reilly made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Local Landscaping Company Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The owner of a local landscaping company pleaded guilty today to tax evasion in connection with a scheme to underreport income on his business and personal tax returns.
Kevin Newman, 70, of Auburndale, the owner of Kevin Newman Landscape and Tree Inc., pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Aug. 4, 2021.
For tax years 2015 through 2019, Newman underreported income and inflated expenses on his personal tax returns, and those his company filed, resulting in a tax loss of more than $384,000.
The charge of tax evasion provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and 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. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Holyoke Man Arrested for Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Holyoke man believed to be associated with the CJNG (“Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion”) drug cartel was arrested yesterday on charges of trafficking in fentanyl.
Josue Rivera Rodriguez, a/k/a “Bori,” 44, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; two counts of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl; and one count of distribution of 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
According to court records, agents recorded a meeting where Rodriguez delivered $35,000 to a cooperating witness using a code designed to ensure that the money was delivered to the CJNG cartel. Thereafter, on three occasions in 2020 and 2021, Rodriquez was recorded distributing over 750 grams of fentanyl to the cooperating witness.
At the time of his arrest on April 8, 2021, approximately 300 grams of suspected fentanyl; an AR-15 assault rifle; five semi-automatic pistols, including handguns capable of carrying large-caliber ammunition and fitted with a laser sight; a bullet-proof vest; a police hat with insignia; packaging materials; cellphones; a money counter; and $1,900 cash was seized from his residence.
The charges of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and distribution of 400 grams or more of fentanyl provide 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. The charge of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Holyoke Police Chief Manny Febbo made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Pohl of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Dracut Nurse Sentenced for Tampering with Liquid MorphineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former nurse was sentenced in federal court in Boston today for diverting liquid morphine intended for hospice patients at a Lowell nursing home.
Michael Langlois, 50, of Dracut, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf to 42 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In May 2019, Langlois pleaded guilty to one count of tampering with a consumer product and one count of acquiring a controlled substance by deception and subterfuge.
“The idea of taking desperately needed medication from a patient facing the last days and hours of life is horrifying and obviously violates legal and ethical duties,” said Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell. “The defendant abandoned his profession and abused his position of trust to exploit patients in their final moments. The public can trust that my office will prosecute people who do this.”
“Health care professionals who steal needed medications from patients put patients at increased risk of harm and disrupt the legal drug supply chain,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey J. Ebersole, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office. “We will continue to protect the public health and bring to justice health care professionals who take advantage of their unique position and compromise their patients’ health and comfort by tampering with needed drugs.”
“As a registered nurse, Langlois was entrusted with the care of sick and fragile patients. He brazenly and dangerously violated that trust at the expense of his patients by stealing morphine intended to comfort them during their most vulnerable moments,” said Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Today’s sentencing should serve as a strong reminder that we will spare no resources to bring to justice those who put patients in danger by tampering with drugs.”
On Nov. 16, 2016, Langlois, then a registered nurse, tampered with bottles of liquid morphine that doctors had prescribed for two elderly hospice patients under his care at a Lowell nursing home. In each instance, Langlois took the liquid morphine, a schedule II narcotic used to treat pain, for his own use and then replaced it with saline or Benadryl in an attempt to cover up his crime. As a result of his conduct, the patients in Langlois’s care received a less potent dose of the painkiller than they had been prescribed.
On or about April 3, 2017, Mr. Langlois diverted for his own use liquid morphine from a bottle prescribed to an elderly hospice patient under his care at a Melrose nursing home. To conceal his wrongful conduct, Mr. Langlois falsely represented in the medical file of one of his patients, and in the nursing home’s Medication Administration Record, that the liquid morphine for that patient was pure, when that was not in fact the case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Mendell, FDA-OIC SAC Ebersole, HHS-OIG SAC Coyne and Monica Bharel, M.D., M.P.H., Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Callahan of Mendell’s Healthcare Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Boston-Area Real Estate Developer Charged with Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Tewksbury real estate developer was charged yesterday with defrauding the government of more than $480,000 by engaging in a multi-year tax evasion scheme.
Arnold Martel, 61, was charged and has agreed to plead guilty to one count of tax evasion. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled.
According to the charging documents, for tax years 2014 through 2017, Martel personally received more than $1.2 million in payments for upgrades to condominiums his company sold. Martel deposited the payments into his personal accounts or cashed them, but did not report this income on this tax returns.
The charge of tax evasion provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Martel is also required to pay restitution to the IRS. 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 Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Methuen Man Sentenced for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Methuen man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for distributing fentanyl.
Alexsander Padro, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to eight years in prison and four years of supervised release. In September 2020, Padro pleaded guilty to distributing more than 40 grams of fentanyl.
Padro sold more than 40 grams of fentanyl to a cooperating source at a restaurant in Methuen on July 10, 2019. Padro also sold more than 40 grams of fentanyl to an undercover officer in March 2019 and $1,000 worth of fentanyl to an undercover officer in April 2019.
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 Bill Abely, Chief of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit, prosecuted the case.
Former Member of New Bedford Latin Kings Chapter Sentenced for Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) was sentenced yesterday on racketeering charges.
Raekwon Paris, a/k/a “King Debo,” 25, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to 22 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In December 2020, Paris pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy.
Paris admitted to his role in a February 2019 shooting of rival gang members and his participation in the Latin Kings drug distribution conspiracy based in the City of New Bedford. In New Bedford, the Latin Kings ran a vast cocaine base distribution network that used multi-unit apartment buildings known as “trap houses” to distribute narcotics. Members of the Latin Kings dealt drugs in the trap houses, obtaining their supply of cocaine base from co-defendant, and leader of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings, Jorge Rodriguez, a/k/a “King G.” Evidence developed during the course of the investigation included multiple recordings of Latin Kings members cooking cocaine base, directing violence against rival gang members, meting out discipline, and handling firearms used to protect the Latin Kings’ drug distribution network.
In February 2019, Paris fired multiple gunshots at rival gang members who were observed leaving a Latin Kings trap house. Shortly after the shooting, Paris was captured on a recording made by a cooperating witness admitting to shooting at the rival gang members and firing eight shots but not striking anyone.
In November 2020, Rodriguez was sentenced to 18 years in prison after pleading guilty to RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base.
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. Rivera is the 23rd defendant 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 Field 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.
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.
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.
Former Leader of Lowell Latin Kings Chapter Pleads Guilty to 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”) pleaded guilty today to racketeering charges.
Alfred Nieves, a/k/a “King Alfy,” 33, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conducting enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for July 21, 2021.
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 stated during the plea hearing, Nieves served as the Inca, or leader, of the Lowell Chapter of the Latin Kings. During the course of the conspiracy in June 2019, Nieves requested permission from the state and regional leadership of the gang to assault a relative of a Latin Kings member. Separately, in 2017, Nieves admitted to sending 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 44th defendant to plead guilty in the case.
The RICO conspiracy charge provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren Graber of Mendell’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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.
Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The owner of several Boston-based investment companies pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to operating a Ponzi-like fraud scheme.
Tanmaya Kabra, 27, pleaded guilty to four counts of wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Aug. 30, 2021.
Kabra conducted business through a company called LaunchByte.io LLC and several affiliated entities. He held himself out to investors as a successful serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist and angel investor in start-up companies. Offering lucrative and low or no-risk returns on investments, Kabra lured investors with representations that their funds would be used to foster the growth and development of start-up companies, in order to prepare those companies for sale or for other legitimate business opportunities. In reality, Kabra used the money that he received from investors to pay off existing debts to prior investors in his scheme and to fund his lavish personal expenses, including using more than $200,000 of fraudulently obtained funds to purchase a power boat.
As part of his plea agreement, Mr. Kabra admitted to victimizing more than 10 individuals who suffered more than $1.5 million in losses as a result of the scheme.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. The Securities & Exchange Commission provided valuable assistance in this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Looney and James B. Herbert of Mendell’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Minnesota Man Indicted in Connection with Sending Threatening Messages to Boston-Area College StudentRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Minnesota man was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury in Boston in connection with sending threatening emails to a Boston-area college student.
Eric Bolduan, 46, of Rochester, Minn., was indicted on one count of transmitting in interstate commerce a threat to injure another person. Bolduan is currently incarcerated at FCI Englewood and will make an initial appearance in Boston at a later date.
As alleged in the indictment, Bolduan downloaded images of a female student attending Boston College from her social media pages and from other publicly available sites. Bolduan then located a pornographic image of a different female with a similar appearance and posted the images of the victim alongside the pornographic image to various pornographic websites in order to make it appear that the victim was involved in pornography. Thereafter, Bolduan allegedly sent threatening and harassing emails to the victim. For example, on May 5, 2016, Bolduan sent an email to the victim that included the following language:
I noticed the attached photo of you online and wanted to follow up with you. I’m going to find you this summer. Once I’ve got you I will have my way with your body for several days, until I finally tire of you. You will experience things that will give you nightmares for the rest of your life. I want to look into your eyes as you experience pain at levels you never imagined were possible. By the time I’m done with you your body will be shattered and broken. I promise that you’ll never be the same again.
To avoid detection, Bolduan allegedly sent the threatening emails to the victim using an email account that was not in his true name.
Members of the public who have victim assistance questions or information regarding this case should email [email protected].
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement. 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.
Malden Man and Woman Arrested for Drug and Firearms Conspiracy Involving Five Shootings and Multiple Machine GunsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Malden man and woman have been arrested and charged in connection with a drug and firearms conspiracy that included multiple shootings in Chelsea, Somerville and Cambridge.
Jaiir Coleman, a/k/a “JC,” a/k/a “Chino,” 22, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance; one count of conspiring to possess, use and carry firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy; one count of possessing a machine gun; and one count of possessing a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy. Coleman is currently in state custody and will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at a later date.
Christina Bernbaum, a/k/a “Tina,” 23, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and one count of conspiring to possess, use and carry firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy. Bernbaum was arrested today and will make an initial appearance in federal court this afternoon.
As alleged in the charging documents, Coleman and Bernbaum participated in a long-running conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess controlled substances, including in large quantities locally in the Bangor, Maine area. It is alleged that Bernbaum’s participation included conspiring to distribute controlled substances on Coleman’s behalf during his incarceration. The charging documents describe numerous recorded conversations in which the sale and distribution of controlled substances was discussed, including explicit instructions by Coleman about the manner in which to adulterate fentanyl and the prices to charge. The charging documents further describe numerous videos and images that allegedly depict Coleman and Bernbaum brandishing and holding firearms, including a suspected machine gun.
During the course of the conspiracy, Coleman allegedly committed five shootings. Four shootings took place on Nov. 11, 2019, in Chelsea and Somerville, during which homes and vehicles were allegedly riddled with gunfire. A fifth shooting took place in Cambridge in July 2020, during which it is alleged that Coleman used a machine gun to shoot into a crowd.
On Jan. 6, 2021, Coleman was arrested for operating with a suspended license, during which time a machine gun was recovered from the vehicle. Coleman is currently in state custody. It is alleged that a music video publicly posted online earlier that week depicts Coleman brandishing what appears to be the same machine gun recovered from the vehicle on Jan. 6, 2021.
The charge of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of conspiring to possess, use and carry firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to life in prison because a machine gun was involved in the offense, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possessing a machine gun 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 possessing a machine gun during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years and up to life to be served consecutively to the penalty for the underlying drug trafficking crime, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Roy E. McKinney, Director of the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; Somerville Acting Police Chief Charles Femino; Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes; Lynn Police Chief Michael A. Mageary; Cambridge Police Commissioner Branville G. Bard, Jr.; Salem Acting Police Chief Dennis King; Everett Police Chief Steven A. Mazzie; Malden Police Chief Kevin Molis; and Revere Police Chief David J. Callahan made the announcement today made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine, Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, Essex County Sheriff’s Department and the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Sarah Hoefle of Mendell’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.
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 defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lynn Man Sentenced for Convenience Store RobberiesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynn man was sentenced in federal court in Boston yesterday for robbing multiple convenience stores in Lynn.
Paul Pacheco, 47, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 27 months in prison, two years supervised release and ordered to pay $380 in restitution. Pacheco pleaded guilty to one count of robbery in November 2020.
Between September 2019 and January 2020, Pacheco committed five robberies at two convenience stores in Lynn. During each robbery, Pacheco displayed what appeared to be a firearm and demanded money. When Pacheco was arrested committing the fifth robbery on Jan. 16, 2020, law enforcement recovered the firearm Pacheco displayed, later determined to be an air pistol, and marked money stolen from the convenient store.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Lynn Police Chief Michael Mageary made the announcement. Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Former College Track and Field Coach Charged in Cyberstalking, Extortion and Fraud InvestigationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former track and field coach at various universities was arrested and charged today in connection with a scheme to trick female student-athletes, through sham social media accounts, into sending him nude or semi-nude photos. The defendant also allegedly cyberstalked at least one female student-athlete.
Steve Waithe, 28, of Chicago, Ill., was charged by criminal complaint with one count of cyberstalking and one count of wire fraud. Waithe was arrested today in Chicago and will make an initial appearance in federal court in the Northern District of Illinois this afternoon. He will appear in Boston at a later date.
According to charging documents, Waithe was employed as a track and field coach at Northeastern University in Boston from October 2018 to February 2019. It is alleged that during that time, Waithe frequently requested to use female athletes’ cellphones under the pretense of filming their form at practice and at meets. At times, he was observed “scrolling through” the phones.
Beginning in at least February 2020, Waithe allegedly perpetrated a scheme to dupe female Northeastern University track and field athletes into sending him nude or semi-nude photos of themselves. Specifically, Waithe contacted the alleged victims through social media accounts, stated that he had found compromising photos of them online and offered to “help” get the photos removed from the internet. Under this pretense, it is alleged that Waithe requested additional nude or semi-nude photos that he could purportedly use for “reverse image searches.” He used various pseudonyms on social media including variations of the phrase “Privacy Protector,” “Katie Janovich,” and “Anon” followed by various numbers.
As detailed in court documents, from at least June 21, 2020 to Oct. 3, 2020, Waithe cyberstalked at least one female Northeastern student-athlete through messages sent via social media, an anonymized phone number and intrusion into her Snapchat account. The investigation revealed that internet search and browsing history tied to Waithe allegedly included searches for information on how to hack Snapchat accounts and visits to webpages with titles like, “Can anyone trace my fake Instagram account back to me?”
Under the purported premise of an “athlete research” or “body development” study, it is alleged that Waithe emailed prospective victims using the personas of “Katie Janovich” and/or “Kathryn Svoboda.” The emails described a phony study for athletes and requested information relating to height, weight and diet habits. The emails also included a request for the victims to send photos of themselves in a “uniform or bathing suit to show as much skin as possible” and suggested that the photos would not be shared or saved. The emails often included attachments of sample nude and semi-nude images of “Katie” to illustrate the types of photos that victims should send. According to court documents, investigators have identified more than 10 victims of the “body development study” scheme and over 300 related nude and semi-nude images of victims of the scheme in Waithe’s email accounts.
According to charging documents, Waithe previously worked as a track and field coach at several academic institutions, including Penn State University, Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Tennessee and Concordia University Chicago.
If you believe that you may be a victim of the allegations in this case, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/victim-and-witness-assistance-program/us-v-steven-waithe
The charge of cyberstalking 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 wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. The Northeastern University Police Department provided substantial assistance with the investigation; the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the Chicago Police Department also provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Deitch of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dominican National Sentenced for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national who previously resided in Lawrence was sentenced today in connection with drug trafficking activities involving fentanyl.
Robinson Guzman, 40, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf to 54 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Guzman will face deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence.
In July 2020, Guzman pleaded guilty to three counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of distribution of and possession 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.
Between November 2018 and March 2019, prior to his arrest, Guzman engaged in 10 separate drug sales of fentanyl powder and pills to an undercover law enforcement agent.
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. Valuable assistance was provided by the Methuen, Lawrence and Melrose Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national previously residing in Lawrence pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to fentanyl conspiracy charges.
Enmanuel Brioso Fabal, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more fentanyl, one count of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of distribution of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Aug. 4, 2021. Brioso Fabal and two co-defendants were charged by criminal complaint and arrested in November 2019. They were subsequently indicted in January 2020, along with a fourth co-defendant.
According to court documents, investigators conducted two controlled purchases of fentanyl from Brioso Fabal, who was working with a co-defendant: approximately 500 fentanyl pills on Aug. 5, 2019, and approximately 56 grams of suspected fentanyl powder on Sept. 26, 2019. On Nov. 2, 2019, a search was executed at a stash house in Lawrence associated with the drug organization where various drug distribution paraphernalia, including a mixing bowl containing suspected fentanyl, sifters and blenders were recovered.
The charges of distribution and conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. The charge of distribution of fentanyl provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Graber of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dominican National Charged with Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Boston in connection with trafficking fentanyl.
Eric Encarnacion Medina, 33, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Medina was previously charged by criminal complaint and has been in federal custody since his arrest on Feb. 12, 2021.
According to court documents, a drug supplier based in the Dominican Republic arranged to sell one kilogram of fentanyl to a cooperating witness in Massachusetts. The supplier arranged to have Encarnacion Medina transport the drugs from New York to Massachusetts. On Jan. 28, 2021, Encarnacion Medina allegedly drove to Massachusetts and sold the drugs to the cooperating witness in a parking lot in Watertown.
The charges of conspiracy and distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Springfield Man Pleads Guilty to ExtortionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield in connection with on an extension of credit by extortionate means.
Anthony J. Scibelli, 52, pleaded guilty to one count of collecting on an extension of credit by extortionate means. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Sept. 3, 2021. Scibelli was indicted in July 2019.
In 2017, Scibelli provided a $5,000 loan to the victim, who made monthly payments of $1,300 until June 2019. Beginning in May 2019, Scibelli used threats as he attempted to collect on that line of credit. Specifically, on June 19, 2019, Scibelli threatened and beat the victim’s head and body for failing to make the monthly $1,300 payment. During the beating, the defendant threatened that the victim must have all the money “on the first,” referring to the 1st of the month.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Desroches of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorney Marianne Shelvey of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section are prosecuting the case.
Northborough Nurse Charged with Tampering with Liquid MorphineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A registered nurse was arrested yesterday in connection with tampering with morphine prescribed to a nursing home resident in her care.
Gwen Rider, 41, of Northborough, was indicted on one count of tampering with a consumer product and one count of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and deception. Rider was released on conditions after making an initial appearance in federal court in Worcester yesterday afternoon.
According to the indictment, Rider was a registered nurse employed by a Worcester county nursing home. From approximately 11:00 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2020 until 7:00 a.m. the following morning, Rider was on duty in a unit specializing in care for residents suffering from dementia. During her shift and while entrusted with the care of a resident suffering from dementia, Rider allegedly tampered with a bottle of morphine sulfate prescribed to the patient by removing some of the morphine and tampering with the remaining supply. Morphine sulfate is a Schedule II controlled substance under federal law.
The charge of tampering with a consumer product provides for a sentence up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and deception provides for a sentence of up to four years in prison, 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; Jeffrey Ebersole, Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations; Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; and Monica Bharel MD, MPH, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the Northborough Police Department.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Latin Kings East Coast Leader Pleads Guilty to Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former East Coast leader of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) pleaded guilty today to racketeering and drug charges.
Michael Cecchetelli, a/k/a “King Merlin, 41, of Springfield, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for July 8, 2021.
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.
As stated during the plea hearing, Cecchetelli led the Latin Kings’ criminal activity in the Eastern Region and held the title of Supreme Regional Overseer for the East Coast. Cecchetelli is the conduit between each of the Eastern Region states and the Latin Kings national leadership in Chicago. In this position, thousands of Latin Kings members fell under his authority. Cecchetelli developed a leadership approach to the gang which became a model for other Latin Kings regions across the country. Cecchetelli also organized conspiracies to murder two members of the Latin Kings who accused him of cooperating with law enforcement.
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. Cecchetelli is the 43rd defendant to plead guilty in the case.
The RICO conspiracy charge provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; 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 A. Graber of Mendell’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dominican National Sentenced for Passport FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national previously residing in Malden was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for passport fraud.
Jairo Antonio Feliz, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to six months in prison and three years of supervised release. Feliz will face deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. In December 2020, Feliz pleaded guilty to two counts of making a false statement in a passport application.
In November 2011, Feliz applied for a U.S. passport at a post office in Lynn using the name and Social Security number of a U.S. citizen. In October 2012, Feliz again applied for a U.S. passport at a post office in Lynn using the name and Social Security number of a different U.S. citizen.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Jonathan Davidson, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely, Chief of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Dell’Anno prosecuted the case.
Salvadoran National Pleads Guilty to Distribution of FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Salvadoran national pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester to distributing fentanyl.
Nelson Garcia Martinez, a Salvadoran national previously residing in Stockton, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of 400 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for July 22, 2021. Garcia Martinez was charged and arrested in November 2018.
Garcia Martinez was arrested on Nov. 13, 2018, after federal agents conducting surveillance at a rest stop in Sturbridge observed Garcia Martinez meet with two unidentified individuals outside of Garcia Martinez’s tractor trailer. When the two unidentified individuals left the area, law enforcement attempted to stop their vehicle, but they fled. When they did finally pull to the side of the road, the passenger exited the car and discarded a vacuum sealed garment bag and then fled into the surrounding woods, while the driver of the car fled the scene at high speed. The garment bag burst open on the ground, and agents recovered 15 kilograms of a substance that tested positive for fentanyl. Garcia Martinez consented to a search of his tractor trailer, where vacuum sealed bags matching the one discarded on the side of the road were recovered.
Law enforcement were led to Garcia Martinez after discovering a phone number, later determined to be associated with the defendant, that was believed to be used by a drug transporter related to an October 2018 seizure of 32 kilos of fentanyl in Methuen.
The charge of distribution of 400 grams or more of fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. 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 Division, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Somerville, Medford, Boston, Ipswich, and Arlington Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nadine Pellegrini and Katherine Ferguson of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.
Fitchburg Woman Sentenced for Social Security, MassHealth and Food Stamp FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Fitchburg woman was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for fraudulently receiving Social Security disability benefits, MassHealth and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Rhonda Bernal, 62, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to one month of home confinement and two years of probation. Bernal also was ordered to make restitution to the Social Security Administration, MassHealth, and the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. In December 2020, Bernal pleaded to three counts of theft of public funds and two counts of making false statements.
Over a period of approximately eight years, Bernal stole $71,462 in Social Security benefits, $6,444 in MassHealth benefits and $13,505 in SNAP benefits (previously known as Food Stamps). In February 2015, Bernal falsely informed the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance that she was the only person in her household when, in fact, she was living with her husband. In addition, Bernal falsely told Social Security in April 2016 that she and a relative, who was not her husband, were the only members of her household.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Tonya Perkins, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s 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 prosecuted the case.
Cambridge Woman Charged with Stealing Social Security Benefits and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Cambridge woman was arrested today and charged with stealing Social Security benefits and committing wire fraud to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”) benefits, formerly known as Food Stamps.
Shirley Buchanan, 66, was indicted on one count of theft of public funds and three counts of wire fraud. She is scheduled to make an initial appearance today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Jennifer Boal this afternoon.
According to the indictment, Buchanan maintained and used two Social Security numbers under two different names, both of which she applied for and received Social Security benefits under. Buchanan also allegedly applied for and received SNAP benefits she was not entitled to using the two names and numbers. As a result, Buchanan stole approximately $184,410 in Social Security benefits from March 1993 through November 2018, as well as approximately $12,916.89 in SNAP benefits from February 2012 through April 2020.
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. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 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; Tonya Perkins, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; 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.
Springfield Man Sentenced for Possession of Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield man was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield for possessing three stolen firearms, including a rifle and two revolvers.
Luis Velez, 42, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release. On Jan. 12, 2021, Velez pleaded guilty to one count of possession of stolen firearms.
On July 5, 2019, Velez was in possession of three stolen firearms: a Savage Arms, Model 25 Walking Varminter, .22 caliber rifle, a Hermann Weihrauch, Model ARM 44, .44 caliber revolver and a Smith & Wesson, Model 625, .45 caliber revolver, knowing or having cause to believe these firearms were stolen.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Catherine G. Curley and Neil L. Desroches of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Romanian National Pleads Guilty in Connection with ATM Skimming SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Romanian national pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston in connection with an ATM skimming scheme operating throughout Massachusetts and other states including Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York and South Carolina.
Nemanja Milosavljevic, 23, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity (more commonly known as RICO conspiracy), conspiracy to use counterfeit access devices and aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for July 28, 2021.
Milosavljevic was a member of the Hornea Crew (“Crew”), led by co-conspirators Constantin Denis Hornea and Ludemis Hornea, and engaged in ATM skimming – obtaining debit card numbers and PINs from unsuspecting bank customers, creating counterfeit cards and making unauthorized withdrawals from the victims’ bank accounts. Over a period of 18 months, the Crew installed skimming devices to steal debit card numbers and PINs from unsuspecting ATM customers in Massachusetts, Connecticut, South Carolina, Georgia and other locations within the United States. The stolen information was then used by Milosavljevic and others to clone the victim customers’ debit cards and make unauthorized withdrawals from those victim customers’ bank accounts at ATMs throughout the United States. Members of the Crew transferred money throughout the United States and to Romania and the People’s Republic of China. Some of those transfers were for the purchase of skimming devices and related components from abroad.
In May 2018, Judge Young sentenced Constantin Denis Hornea to 65 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay $242,141 in restitution and a money judgment of $54,260. Judge Young sentenced Ludemis Hornea to 42 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay $57,422 in restitution and a money judgment of $11,124.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement today. Assistance with the investigation was also provided by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; U.S. Secret Service; U.S. Postal Service; Massachusetts Department of Correction; Connecticut State Police; the Amherst, Billerica, Braintree, Boston, Florence (S.C.); Greenwich (Conn.), Houston (Texas) New York City (N.Y.), Quincy, Saluda (S.C.), Southwick, Waltham, Whately, and Westwood Police Departments; South Carolina Law Enforcement Division; Richland County (S.C.) Sheriff’s Department; and the Solicitor’s Offices of Greenville and Saluda Counties. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy E. Moran, Deputy Chief of Mendell’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit, is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
North Andover Woman Pleads Guilty to Performing Illegal Silicone InjectionsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A North Andover woman pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to performing illegal silicone injections in exchange for money.
Gladys Araceli Ceron, 72, pleaded guilty to five counts of delivery for pay of an adulterated or misbranded medical device received in interstate commerce with the intent to defraud or mislead. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Aug. 5, 2021. Ceron was charged by criminal complaint and arrested in May 2019. A federal grand jury subsequently returned an indictment.
From approximately 2004 to 2019, Ceron, who operated her business in Lawrence, performed illegal bodily injections using “gluteal material” that she obtained from a source in Florida. Lab tests of the material subsequently confirmed that it contained silicone oil – a substance that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns can travel through blood vessels and cause a stroke, death or permanent disfigurement.
In 2018, Ceron agreed to perform buttock enhancing and facial injections for an individual. During a recorded meeting on May 24, 2018, Ceron told the individual that she charged $500 for buttock injections and $60 for each wrinkle-filling injection. A search of Ceron’s business in Lawrence the following month resulted in the seizure of several bottles and syringes of a substance that tests revealed to be silicone oil. Numerous uncapped, used syringes were also recovered from the business.
Ceron performed illegal injections to augment the buttock or fill wrinkles of four other women in exchange for money and misled her victims about her qualifications and the identity and safety of the material she was injecting.
The charging statute provides for a sentence on each count 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 J. Ebersole, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office; and Justin C. Fielder, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, Miami Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Y. Hemani of Mendell’s Health Care Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Lawrence Woman Arrested for Identity Theft and Unemployment Fraud Related to COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence woman was arrested today in connection with her alleged involvement in a scheme to fraudulently obtain COVID-19-related unemployment assistance.
Raquel Pena, 40, was charged in a criminal complaint with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Pena was released on conditions after an initial appearance in federal court in Boston.
According to the charging documents, 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). As alleged in the complaint, 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 allegedly connected Pena and her co-conspirators to more than $300,000 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 FBI’s Boston Field Office; 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.
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.