District of Massachusetts
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Lynn Man Pleads Guilty in Connection with Missing Warhol PaintingsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynn man pleaded guilty today in connection with taking and attempting to sell two Warhol paintings on eBay.
Brian R. Walshe, 46, pleaded guilty to one count each of wire fraud, interstate transportation for a scheme to defraud, possession of converted goods and unlawful monetary transaction. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock scheduled sentencing for Aug. 2, 2021. In May 2018, Walshe was arrested and charged.
In early November 2016, a buyer found two Andy Warhol paintings for sale on eBay. The paintings were two of Warhol’s “Shadows,” a series of untitled, abstract canvas paintings from 1978. The original listing price for the paintings was $100,000. In the advertisement, the eBay seller included a picture of an invoice for the two Warhol Shadow paintings with Warhol Foundation numbers and a purchase price of $240,000.
The buyer believed the paintings were authentic and between Nov. 3 and 5, 2016, arranged with Walshe – the seller – to purchase the artwork outside of eBay for $80,000. Walshe and the buyer signed a contract which specified that the buyer had three days to terminate the contract and get a full refund if the buyer did not accept the artwork. On Nov. 7, 2016, the buyer’s assistant flew to Boston and met Walshe to retrieve the paintings, providing him with a cashier’s check for $80,000. According to bank records, the cashier’s check was deposited that day into an account that Walshe controlled, and $33,400 was subsequently withdrawn in the following 14 days. On Nov. 8, 2016, the buyer removed the paintings’ frames and found no Warhol Foundation authentication stamps and noticed that the canvasses and staples looked new. When he compared the paintings to the photographs from the eBay listing, they did not look identical. The buyer concluded that the paintings he purchased from Walshe were not authentic. The buyer then repeatedly attempted to contact Walshe, who initially did not respond, and then made excuses for the delay in refunding the buyer’s money.
Walshe initially gained access to the paintings through a friend (the victim). Walshe was present when the victim first purchased a Warhol painting. Sometime after this purchase, the victim purchased the two Shadow paintings. Thereafter, while visiting the victim in South Korea, Walshe told the victim that he could sell some of the art for a good price. The victim agreed and let Walshe take the two Shadow paintings and other fine art pieces.
After Walshe took the items, the victim did not hear from Walshe and was unable to contact him. Eventually, the victim contacted a mutual friend, who met with Walshe and retrieved some of the art. On May 3, 2011, Walshe attempted to consign the Warhol paintings to a gallery in New York City, at which time he also had other art belonging to the victim. The gallery declined to accept the paintings because Walshe did not have a bill of sale.
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. The charge of interstate transportation for a scheme to defraud 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 possession of converted goods 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 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. 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 Lynn Police Department provided assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy E. Moran and Kunal Pasricha of Mendell’s Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lazarus, Chief of Mendell’s Asset Recovery Unit, are prosecuting the case.
Leicester Man Indicted in Unemployment and SBA Loan Fraud Related to Covid-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Leicester man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Worcester in connection with his involvement in schemes to fraudulently obtain unemployment assistance and obtain loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in an effort to allegedly take advantage of increased federal government assistance programs created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
William Cordor, 26, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, four counts of wire fraud and four counts of aggravated identity theft. Cordor was previously charged by criminal complaint and arrested on March 5, 2021.
According to the charging documents, from about June to October 2020, Cordor conspired with others to use stolen identities to file false and fraudulent claims for unemployment assistance in various states including Nevada and wire the payments into prepaid debit card accounts they obtained. It is alleged that on Aug. 18, 2020, Cordor was encountered by police in connection with a domestic violence incident and found in possession of approximately 21 prepaid debit cards in approximately 13 different names. In addition, evidence related to this scheme was found on Cordor’s computer and cell phone.
Cordor also allegedly engaged with others in a second wire fraud scheme that involved using stolen identities to fraudulently apply for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster loans from the SBA and similarly deposit the loans into prepaid debit card accounts.
Charging documents allege that in May 2020 Cordor admitted to federal agents that he had fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. That same day, Cordor agreed to surrender to federal authorities the balance of $79,000 in his bank account that were proceeds of his unemployment fraud scheme in Massachusetts. This occurred before Cordor is alleged to have filed the fraudulent unemployment claim with Nevada in July 2020.
The charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutively to another other sentenced imposed, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Michael Mikulka, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations; Frederick J. Regan, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office; Leicester Police Chief Kenneth Antanavica; and Marlboro Police Chief David Giorgi made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of Mendell’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Member of Fitchburg Latin Kings Chapter Sentenced for Drug Distribution ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former member of the Fitchburg Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) was sentenced today on drug distribution charges.
Dairon Rivera, a/k/a “King Mafia,” 27, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to two years in prison and three years of supervised release. In December 2020, Rivera pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Rivera admitted to selling over 40 grams of fentanyl to a cooperating witness in a series of audio/video recorded sales that took place between April and December of 2017.
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.
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 22nd 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; 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 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.
Outlaws Motorcycle Club Regional President Sentenced for Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The regional president of the Brockton/East Bridgewater Chapters of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club was sentenced today for the possession of an unregistered firearm.
Bruce Sartwell, a/k/a “Monster,” 48, of East Bridgewater, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 27 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. In July 2020, Sartwell pleaded guilty to one count of possession of an unregistered firearm and 153 rounds of 5.56 caliber ammunition.
On Oct. 19, 2019, agents intercepted a package originating in China and addressed to Sartwell that was declared as a “Fuel Filter” but actually contained a firearm silencer. A review of importation records revealed that Sartwell had received approximately 65 shipments from Asia (including over 55 from China), many of which were labeled as innocuous items that could have been more easily and cheaply purchased in the United States. During the investigation, law enforcement determined that Sartwell was the Regional President of the Brockton/East Bridgewater Chapter of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club.
During an Oct. 30, 2019 search of Sartwell’s residence, agents observed over a dozen airsoft guns in Sartwell’s garage that, despite their realistic appearance, were determined not to be firearms. Hidden in the garage was a homemade AR-15 styled “ghost gun” (a firearm without any manufacturing or serial numbers), and two empty 30 round magazines. Also within the garage were guides showing how to build an AR-15 rifle along with tools and additional parts to assemble the same. The AR-15 was later successfully test fired. An additional hidden compartment was located in Sartwell’s garage containing a firearm silencer and silencer parts.
In addition, a hide in Sartwell’s bedroom nightside table concealed 153 rounds of 5.56 caliber ammunition compatible with the AR-15 styled rifle, 20 knives, a black powder handgun and a flare gun. In the basement of the house, a floor-length mirror concealed the entrance to a hidden storage area that was found to contain a safe with silencer parts and a firearm assembly instruction book.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Customs and Boarder Protection; Massachusetts State Police; East Bridgewater Police Department; Bristol County Sheriff’s Office; and the Massachusetts Environmental Protection Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey E. Weinstein and Kenneth G. Shine of Mendell’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Hull Man Indicted on Fraud Charge Arising from Fraudulent CARES Act Small Business LoansRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Hull man was indicted by a federal grand jury yesterday in connection with submitting fraudulent documentation in order to receive CARES Act small business loans.
Shane Spierdowis, 30, was indicted on one count of wire fraud. Spierdowis was charged by criminal complaint and arrested on March 5, 2021.
According to charging documents, Spierdowis used false Social Security numbers and fraudulent documentation to apply for federally funded Small Business Administration (SBA) loans issued in connection with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Spierdowis obtained an SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan of $101,517 in the name of a Limited Liability Company (LLC), the funds for which were wired to a bank in Massachusetts. In connection with this loan, Spierdowis provided a fraudulent corporate bank statement reflecting a balance exceeding $220,000; in fact, this statement was dated before the pertinent bank account was ever opened.
It is alleged that Spierdowis also obtained an SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan (EIDL) of $89,900 in connection with a separate LLC. In connection with both loans, Spierdowis allegedly used Social Security numbers that differ from his actual Social Security number. Spierdowis also submitted fraudulent federal tax forms for both of these LLCs. These tax forms reflect the signature of Spierdowis, as president of each LLC, and reflect the payment of hundreds of thousands of dollars in wages to LLC employees during each quarter in 2019. In fact, for part of Q1 2019 and all of Q2 – Q4 2019, Spierdowis was in federal custody after violating his probation arising from a conviction for conspiracy to commit securities fraud. Federal court records reveal that Spierdowis informed the Court of his efforts to obtain work in early 2019 without mentioning anything about his supposed presidency of either LLC.
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 and Frederick J. Regan, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement. The Hull Police Department provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely, Chief 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.
Former Member of North Shore Latin Kings Chapter Sentenced for Drug Distribution ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former member of the North Shore Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) was sentenced today on drug distribution charges.
Jesus Diaz, a/k/a “King Kiko,” 37, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to 72 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In December 2020, Diaz pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, also known as “crack” cocaine.
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.
Diaz admitted to selling a cooperating witness over 70 grams of cocaine base, or “crack” cocaine, in a series of audio/video recorded sales that took place between January and March of 2015.
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. Diaz is the 21st 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; 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 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 Member of New Bedford Latin Kings Chapter Pleads Guilty to 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”) pleaded guilty yesterday to racketeering and drug charges.
Michael Marrero, a/k/a “King Clumsy,” 40, 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 1, 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.
According to court documents, Marrero served as the Inca, or leader, of the Springfield Chapter of the Latin Kings until 2019, when he was appointed as Enforcer for the State of Massachusetts. In these leadership roles, Marrero attended meetings of the gang and state leadership where the business of the gang was discussed and decisions concerning members and operation of the gang were decided. In August 2019, Marrero was captured on a recording in the basement of a Latin Kings controlled trap house in New Bedford bagging and preparing 62 grams of cocaine base for distribution.
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. Marrero is the 42nd 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.
Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Robbery of Brockton Cell Phone StoreRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with the March 2019 robbery of a T-Mobile store in Brockton and shooting at police officers as he and his co-defendants fled the scene.
Darius Carter, 28, pleaded guilty to interference with commerce by robbery; conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery; discharging, brandishing, using and carrying a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence; and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for July 20, 2021.
Darius Carter and co-defendants Diovanni Carter and Stephan Rosser-Stewart were charged in March 2019. Diovanni Carter was convicted by a federal jury and sentenced to 270 months in prison in September 2020. Rosser-Stewart has pleaded not guilty and is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
According to the charging documents, on the evening of Jan. 2019, Darius Carter and Rosser-Stewart entered a T-Mobile store in Brockton. It is alleged the men were carrying a semi-automatic firearm, which they pointed at the store manager as they demanded cash and electronics. Carter struck the store manager in the head with a firearm as he demanded that the manager open the door to a rear room with a large safe containing cell phones and cash. The men allegedly stole approximately $25,000 in cash and electronics, left the store, and fled in a getaway vehicle driven by Diovanni Carter.
Police responded and located the getaway vehicle. A high-speed chase ensued that reached over 70 mph in residential neighborhoods. During the chase, Darius Carter and, allegedly, Rosser-Stewart fired eight rounds at the pursuing police cruisers.
Law enforcement apprehended Darius Carter and Rosser-Stewart and recovered the stolen phones, cash and the three firearms used in robbery. Diovanni Carter was apprehended in March 2019.
Carter and his co-defendants were prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to prior criminal convictions.
The charge of interference with commerce by robbery provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of being a felon in possession of ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of use of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, and a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment ranging from five years for the possession of a firearm, seven years for the brandishing of a firearm to 10 years for the discharge of a firearm. 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; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; John Gibbons, U.S. Marshal of the District of Massachusetts; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz; Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph D. McDonald Jr.; and Brockton Police Chief Emanual Gomes made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenn MacKinlay, Chief of Mendell’s Organized Crime & Gang Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard, a member of the unit, are prosecuting 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.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Auto Body Shop Owner Sentenced for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The owner of Everett and Worcester auto body shops was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester in connection with a payroll tax scheme resulting in a tax loss to the IRS of more than $290,000.
Adam Haddad, 43, of Shrewsbury, was sentenced by U.S District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to eight months in prison, one year of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $292,231. In September 2020, Haddad pleaded guilty to three counts of aiding the preparation of false tax returns.
For tax quarters ending in March 2015 through June 2017, Haddad paid a significant portion of the wages to employees of his company, Accurate Collision, Inc. “under the table.” In doing so, Haddad caused Accurate Collision, Inc. to file false returns with the IRS which underreported the actual wages he had paid his employees as well as the employment taxes due to the IRS. In total, Haddad caused a loss to the IRS of at least $292,231.
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 prosecuted the case.
Providence Man Indicted on Charge of Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Providence man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Boston in connection with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Roland S. Morgan, 37, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. On March 11, 2021, Morgan was charged by criminal complaint and arrested in Pennsylvania on March 19, 2021. He will make his initial appearance in Boston at a later date.
According to court documents, on Oct. 28, 2020 at approximately 1:00 a.m., a police officer observed a silver Mercedes exiting Interstate 95. The officer noted that the vehicle’s rear license plate was not luminated, a violation of Massachusetts Law. After observing the vehicle make a number of random u-turns, the officer conducted a motor vehicle stop. Morgan was driving the vehicle and was unable to produce a driver’s license. The officer queried Morgan’s identifiers and determined that Morgan had two outstanding arrest warrants issued by Attleboro District Court. Morgan was then removed from his vehicle and booked on the outstanding warrants.
As alleged in court documents, during a search of Morgan’s vehicle, a loaded .38 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver, 43 rounds of .38 caliber ammunition, 10 steel tipped arrows, an orange hunting bow, narcotics, a BB gun and a tan body armor vest were recovered.
Morgan is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to prior felony convictions.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Seekonk Police Chief Dean Isabella; and Thomas M. Quinn, Bristol County District Attorney made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine 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.
Former Boston Police Captain Arrested for Overtime Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Boston Police Captain was arrested today and charged in connection with an ongoing investigation of overtime fraud at the Boston Police Department’s (BPD) evidence warehouse.
Richard Evans, 62, of Hanover, was charged in an indictment unsealed today with one count of conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, one count of embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and three counts of wire fraud. Evans will make an initial appearance via videoconference in federal court in Boston later today.
“The public counts on police supervisors to lead by example and serve as models of honor, integrity and professionalism,” said Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell. “When they break the law for personal financial gain with the officers they supervise, they not only violate the trust of the public, but they dishonor their fellow officers. I want to thank the Boston Police Department for its continued cooperation with our investigation.”
“Captain Richard Evans is accused of betraying the public’s trust, and the reputation of his fellow police officers, by conspiring with officers he supervised at BPD’s Evidence Control Unit to steal tens of thousands of dollars in taxpayer money for work they did not do, over the course of five years,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “It is deeply troubling when officers who have sworn to uphold the law violate their oath and use their badge as a license to commit a crime. We would like to thank the Boston Police Department for its cooperation and commitment to ending this practice.”
“Former Captain Evans allegedly conspired to commit theft and defraud taxpayers. The alleged conduct is antithetical to the job we trust law enforcement officers to do – uphold the law and act with honesty and integrity,” said Russell W. Cunningham, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Washington Field Office.
According to the indictment, Evans oversaw the BPD’s Evidence Control Unit (ECU), which was responsible for, among other things, storing, cataloging and retrieving evidence at the warehouse. ECU officers were eligible to earn overtime pay of 1.5 times their regular hourly pay rate for overtime assignments. It is alleged that beginning in at least March 2015, Evans and other officers routinely departed overtime shifts two or more hours early but submitted false and fraudulent overtime slips claiming to have worked the entirety of each shift.
The indictment alleges that the fraud occurred during one overtime shift, called “purge” overtime, that was focused on reducing the inventory of the evidence warehouse. The shift was supposed to be performed from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays. On days which Evans claimed to have worked until 8:00 p.m., the warehouse was closed, locked and alarmed well before 8:00 p.m., and often by 6:00 p.m. or earlier. Despite this, it is alleged that Evans routinely submitted false and fraudulent overtime slips claiming to have worked from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Evans also endorsed the fraudulent overtime slips of his subordinates.
From March 2015 to February 2019, Evans and his co-conspirators allegedly collected tens of thousands of dollars in fraudulent overtime. Specifically, Evans allegedly received over $12,395 for overtime hours he did not work and endorsed dozens of fraudulent overtime slips submitted by subordinates.
From 2015 through 2018, BPD received annual benefits from the U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Department of Justice in excess of $10,000, which were funded pursuant to numerous federal grants.
The charge of embezzlement from an agency receiving federal 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. 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. The charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud provide 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 U.S. Attorney Mendell, FBI Boston SAC Bonavolonta and DOJ-OIG SAC Cunningham made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Grady of Mendell’s Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Drug Charges and Misuse of a Social Security NumberRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to conspiracy to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl and misusing a Social Security number.
Bladimir Sanchez Soto, 29, formerly of Methuen, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of false representation of a Social Security number. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for July 27, 2021. Sanchez Soto was indicted in May 2020.
As stated during court proceedings, Sanchez Soto helped arrange four sales of approximately 65 grams of fentanyl in November 2019 and January 2020. In February 2020, Sanchez Soto and a co-defendant were arrested and additional fentanyl was seized. Sanchez Soto was previously indicted in the Western District of Michigan in connection with using a false name and Social Security number to obtain a Michigan driver’s license in Nov. 2016. The matter was transferred to the District of Massachusetts for plea and sentencing.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a $5 million fine. The charge of false representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodore B. Heinrich of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Connecticut Nurse Pleads Guilty to Tampering with Liquid MorphineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Connecticut nurse pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield to tampering with liquid morphine prescribed to a patient.
Danielle Works, 42, of Stafford Springs, Conn., pleaded guilty to one count of tampering with a consumer product before U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni, who scheduled sentencing for June 2, 2021. Works was charged in Oct. 2020.
On Jan. 27, 2018, Works tampered with a bottle of morphine prescribed to a patient at Governor’s Center, a nursing facility in Westfield, by removing the morphine from the bottle and diluting the remaining morphine with another substance. The morphine was prescribed to a hospice patient, who subsequently received diluted doses of the medication shortly before her death. After ingesting the morphine, Works was observed to be significantly impaired while providing care to patients at the nursing facility.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Jeffrey Ebersole, Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations; and Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH, of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Looney of Mendell’s Health Care Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Attorney and Real Estate Developer Sentenced for Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Nantucket man who is a real estate developer and attorney was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester in connection with a $2.3 million fraud scheme relating to the redevelopment of a multi-family property in Worcester.
James E. Levin, 62, formerly of Natick and now living on Nantucket, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 37 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture to be determined at a later date. In Sept. 2020, Levin pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and false claims.
From July 2010 to September 2011, Levin, as the manager of 5 May Street Apartments, LLC, applied for and obtained federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), through the City of Worcester, to rehabilitate a multi-unit apartment building at 5 May Street in Worcester. Since the City of Worcester distributes grant funds on behalf of HUD and the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, Levin submitted seven payment requests to the City for work he fraudulently claimed he completed on the building and associated costs. Despite not completing the work he claimed in the payment requests, Levin obtained over $2.3 million in funds for the 5 May Street project, which the City of Worcester was required to pay back to the government.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General, Northeast Regional Office; 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 Michelle L. Dineen Jerrett of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Danial E. Bennett of Mendell’s Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Brockton Man Sentenced for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Anibal Pires, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In February 2020, Pires pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
On Nov. 29, 2018, Pires was found in Brockton in possession of a Taurus PT111, 9mm pistol and 10 rounds of 9 mm ammunition. Due to a prior felony conviction punishable by more than one year in prison, Pires is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Brockton Police Department and the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney William B. Brady of Mendell’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Three Charged in Connection with Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Three individuals were charged today in connection with a drug trafficking conspiracy involving cocaine, cocaine base, fentanyl and methamphetamine supplied by sources in Massachusetts and spanning into Maine.
Armani Minier-Tejada, a/k/a “Shotz” a/k/a “Gustavo,” 22, of Salem; Miguel Minier, 55, of Lynn; and Shelby Kleffman, 31, of Trenton, Maine, were charged by criminal complaint with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances including cocaine, cocaine base, fentanyl and methamphetamine. Minier-Tejada and Kleffman were additionally charged with one count of conspiracy to possess, use and carry firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy. Minier-Tejada and Kleffman were arrested this morning in Maine and will make an initial appearance in federal court in Maine today. At a later date, Minier-Tejada and Kleffman will appear in federal court in Boston before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell. Minier remains wanted on the outstanding federal warrant.
As alleged in the charging documents, Minier-Tejada and Minier conspired to obtain large quantities of controlled substances, including cocaine, cocaine base, fentanyl and methamphetamine from Massachusetts suppliers and distribute them to contacts in Maine, who then distributed the controlled substances on a retail level. Members of the conspiracy also allegedly possessed numerous firearms, including at least one fully-automatic firearm with a “selector switch” that converts a semi-automatic firearm into a machinegun, in order to protect the drug trafficking operation and target rival drug trafficking operators.
As described in the charging documents, Minier-Tejada and Minier brought large quantities of controlled substances, including distinctive purple fentanyl, to sell to dealers in Maine who would in-turn resell the controlled substances for higher profits in Maine. Kleffman was one such Maine-based dealer who received large quantities of controlled substances from Minier-Tejada and Minier. Minier-Tejada and Minier also allegedly obtained rental vehicles and rental homes in Maine that served as distribution hubs for the conspiracy.
The charge of conspiracy to possess 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 maximum sentence of life in prison because a machinegun was involved in the offense, five years of supervised release and fine of up to $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; and Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine; Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; Essex County Sheriff’s Department; Lynn Police Department; Malden Police Department; Salem Police Department; Bangor (ME) Police Department; Hancock (ME) County Sheriff’s Department; Portland (ME) Police Department; and Westbrook (ME) 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.
Florida Man Sentenced for Wire Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Florida man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with the fraudulent abuse of the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) Informed Delivery electronic notification system.
Fred Alcius, 34, of Lauderhill, Fla., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to 25 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay over $177,000 in restitution joint and severally with other defendants. In December 2020, Alcius pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft.
In June 2019, Alcius was indicted along with co-defendant Lucson Appolon, who previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years in prison. Co-conspirators Peter Belony and Kevens Louis were previously sentenced to 24 and 27 months in prison, respectively.
Informed Delivery is a free electronic notification service provided by the USPS that gives residential and P.O. Box customers the ability to digitally preview their incoming mail and manage their packages.
The defendants accessed victims’ personal identifying information, including names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and addresses on the “dark web” and then used the information to open credit cards in the victims’ names. The defendants then subscribed to Informed Delivery using the victims’ personal identifying information and a fraudulent email address created to track the delivery of credit cards to the victims’ residential mailboxes. The defendants subsequently intercepted the credit cards at the victims’ mailboxes before the victims could receive them and used those credit cards at ATMs and to purchase gift cards and other items for resale at Apple and Walmart, among other retail establishments. The defendants traveled to states along the East Coast in furtherance of the fraud, including Maine and Massachusetts.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie A. Queenin of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit and Raquelle Kaye of Mendell’s Asset Recovery Unit prosecuted the case.
Dominican National Sentenced for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national previously residing in Lawrence was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with drug trafficking activities involving fentanyl.
Jesus Maria Aybar Franco, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Sterns to 48 months in prison and will face deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. In September 2020, Aybar Franco pleaded guilty to one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of fentanyl.
Aybar Franco was arrested on Sept. 12, 2019 after he sold more than 100 grams of a substance containing fentanyl to an undercover law enforcement officer. He has been in custody since the time of his arrest.
Aybar Franco was charged as part of a coordinated enforcement operation in the Merrimack Valley dubbed “Devil’s Highway.” The operation targeted the distribution of opioids, including fentanyl and heroin, and resulted in charges against a total of 40 people for federal drug offenses, with at least a dozen more individuals facing state charges.
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 Massachusetts State Police and the Lawrence Police Department assisted in this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason A. Casey of Mendell’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Six Individuals Charged with Using Various Online Scams to Defraud Victims of More Than $4 MillionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Six people were charged in three criminal complaints in connection with their roles in expansive online fraud schemes targeting individuals in the United States, including romance scams and pandemic unemployment assistance fraud.
Osakpamwan Henry Omoruyi, 36, a Nigerian national residing in Canton, Mass.; Osaretin Godspower Omoruyi, 34, a Nigerian national residing in Canton, Mass; and Macpherson Osemwegie, 32, of Hyde Park, Mass. were charged by criminal complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
Mark Arome Okuo, 41, a Nigerian national residing in Canton, Mass., and Florence Mwende Musau, 36, a Kenyan national residing in Canton, Mass., were charged in a separate complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud.
Mike Oziegbe Amiegbe, 42, a Nigerian national residing in Dorchester, Mass., was charged in a third complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud.
According to the charging documents, the defendants allegedly participated in a series of romance and other online scams designed to defraud victims into sending money to accounts and debit cards controlled by them. Romance scams occur when a criminal adopts a fake online identity to gain a victim’s affection and trust. The scammer then uses the illusion of a romantic or close relationship to manipulate and/or steal from the victim. To carry out the schemes here, the defendants allegedly used fake passports in the names of numerous aliases to open bank accounts in and around Boston to collect and launder the proceeds of the romance scams. The defendants then allegedly executed large cash withdrawals from those accounts, often multiple times on a single day and generally structured in amounts less than $10,000, in an effort to evade detection and currency transaction reporting requirements. The accounts allegedly were also used to collect fraudulent pandemic unemployment benefits in the names of Massachusetts beneficiaries who did not apply for such benefits. Across the romance and unemployment schemes, more than $4 million in fraud proceeds was deposited into accounts allegedly controlled by defendants.
The charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud provide for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $1 million or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, and forfeiture. The charge of conspiracy to commit mail fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and Jessica Moore, Chief of the Criminal Investigations Division of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service made the announcement today. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration also assisted in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara Miron Bloom, Ian Stearns and Kristen Kearney of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit are prosecuting the cases.
The details contained in the complaints are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Salvadoran National Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Salvadoran national, currently on supervised release for a 2018 illegal reentry conviction, was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegal reentry.
Salvador Portillo Diaz, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Portillo Diaz was also found in violation of his supervised release for a 2018 illegal reentry conviction and sentenced to an additional four months in prison, to be served consecutively to his new term of imprisonment. Upon completion of his sentence, Portillo Diaz will be placed into removal proceedings and deported to El Salvador.
Portillo Diaz had been removed from the United States on three occasions between 2006 and 2018. In 2018, Portillo Diaz was encountered by law enforcement in Boston and charged with domestic assault and battery. At that time, it was determined that Portillo Diaz had illegally reentered the United States. He was charged and convicted in federal court in Boston and deported to El Salvador after completion of his sentence.
Sometime after the 2018 removal, Portillo Diaz illegally reentered the United States. In May 2020, Portillo Diaz was arrested in Everett and charged with assault and battery on a family member and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Portillo Diaz was ordered detained by the state and sentenced to time-served in September 2020. Upon completion of that sentence, Portillo Diaz was transferred into federal custody to face charges in this case.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Todd M. Lyons, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Lawrence Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin and Oxycodone OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to distributing heroin and possessing oxycodone in 2019.
William Cabrera, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute heroin and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and oxycodone. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for July 23, 2021.
On June 27, 2019, Cabrera was arrested after selling 10 grams of heroin. During a search of his residence, law enforcement recovered additional heroin, oxycodone, drug paraphernalia, a firearm and over $16,000 in cash.
In Sept. 2019, Cabrera was indicted as part of a coordinated enforcement operation in the Merrimack Valley dubbed “Devil’s Highway.” The operation targeted the distribution of opioids, including fentanyl and heroin, and resulted in charges against a total of 40 people for federal drug offenses, with at least a dozen more individuals facing state charges.
The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession with intent to distribute heroin and oxycodone each carry 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 upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathanial R. Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Massachusetts State Police, the Lawrence Police Department and the North Andover Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Eve A. Piemonte of Mendell’s office 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.
Brockton Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man pleaded guilty today to distributing fentanyl throughout southeastern Massachusetts.
Eric Marques, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for July 14, 2021.
In 2019 and 2020, law enforcement conducted an investigation into fentanyl traffickers operating in southeastern Massachusetts. A cooperating witness and undercover police officer purchased a total of 180 grams of fentanyl and 260 pressed fentanyl pills from Marques. Marques was arrested on March 16, 2020. A search of residences tied to Marques in Brockton and Bridgewater resulted in the seizure of $10,700 in cash, bags of fentanyl, a digital scale and other drug packaging materials.
The charging statute provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to life 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; 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; East Bridgewater Police Chief Paul O’Brien; John Gibbons, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; and Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Pohl of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lawrence Man Pleads Guilty to Defense Contracting FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man pleaded guilty today to a scheme to defraud the U.S. Navy relating to glove liners purchased for use on nuclear submarines.
Adrian Urena, 40, pleaded guilty to one count of possessing false papers to defraud the United States and one count of making false statements. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for July 28, 2021.
Urena was an employee of a Lawrence company that contracts with the U.S. Navy through the Defense Contract Management Agency. The contractor entered into a contract to provide the Navy with white glove liners for use on nuclear submarines meeting certain specifications, including that the contractor would test the glove liners for heat sensitivity and obtain an associated certificate of testing. To avoid the testing requirement, Urena manufactured counterfeit certificates of testing and compliance, and presented these counterfeit certificates to a Department of Defense contracting officer. When investigators questioned Urena about the counterfeit certificates, Urena falsely claimed that the certificates were not intended to be genuine.
The charges of possession of false documents to defraud the United States and false statements each provide 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 upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Michael T. Wiest, Special Agent in Charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office; Patrick Hegarty, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich of Mendell’s office is prosecuting the case.
Haitian National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Haitian national previously residing in Boston was arrested and charged in federal court in Boston with illegal reentry.
Friendly Grandoit, 42, was arrested on March 19, 2021 and charged with one count of illegal re-entry into the United States after deportation. Grandoit was detained following an initial appearance before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Marianne B. Bowler.
According to charging documents, in 2005, Grandoit was encountered in pre-trial detention by immigration officials while pending trial on drug distribution charges in Middlesex County. Grandoit was convicted in Sept. 2006 of trafficking in a controlled substance and sentenced to three years in prison. Upon completion of his sentence, Grandoit was placed into removal proceedings and deported to Haiti in July 2008.
Sometime after his removal, Grandoit illegally reentered the United States. In Sept. 2019, Grandoit was arrested and charged in Woburn District Court with distribution of cocaine, identity fraud and operating with a suspended license and was detained. In April 2020, Grandoit posted bail and was released from custody. ICE, who had filed a detainer with the jail, was not notified. On March 19, 2021, Grandoit was arrested in this case.
The charge of illegal reentry provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Todd M. Lyons, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine 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.
Eight Charged with Conspiring to Distribute Fentanyl and Cocaine and Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Eight people were charged in federal court in Boston in connection with an investigation into a Boston-based fentanyl and cocaine trafficking and money laundering organization.
According to charging documents, a year-long wiretap investigation revealed that the defendants, who were directly connected to a poly-drug trafficking organization operating in Mexico, were actively distributing fentanyl and cocaine and laundering drug proceeds on behalf of a Mexican organization.
“All eyes have been on the COVID pandemic, but the opioid epidemic continues to kill thousands of people in Massachusetts each year,” said Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell. “Prosecuting drug traffickers who profit off of addiction and desperation is essential to save lives, protect the vulnerable and make communities safer. On behalf of all our federal partners, I would like to acknowledge the exceptional work of the Massachusetts State Police in this case. Their investigative skills and commitment to teamwork made this result possible.”
“DEA is committed to investigating and dismantling large-scale poly drug trafficking organizations like this one operating throughout the Northeast,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “This organization was allegedly responsible for the distribution of multi kilogram shipments of fentanyl and cocaine on behalf of their Mexican sources of supply. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative local, state and federal law enforcement efforts in Massachusetts and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to seek and bring to justice anyone who engages in these crimes.”
“This case disrupted a Boston-based drug trafficking organization with direct ties to a Mexican cartel that allegedly distributed dangerous drugs like fentanyl and cocaine in our communities and conspired to launder their proceeds in an effort to conceal what they were doing,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Investigations like this prove the essential value of strong partnerships among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and the importance of working together to dismantle criminal enterprises that profit from flooding our streets with illicit drugs.”
“As alleged, these arrests represent the dismantlement of a transnational criminal organization that profited from flooding the streets with dangerous narcotics,” said William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, Boston. “The apprehensions in this investigation could only have occurred through the tireless efforts and close cooperation of many local, state and federal law enforcement partners throughout the region. HSI Boston is grateful to all of these partners and to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts for their dedication to bringing these defendants, whose alleged crimes have damaged countless lives in New England, to justice.”
“Much of the illegal narcotics trade in Massachusetts is sourced by drugs coming from other countries, and a comprehensive narcotics interdiction strategy must target not just the local street-level dealers at the end of the chain, but also those with ties to the international source,” said Colonel Christopher S. Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police. “As shown by these charges, this operation was successful in doing just that and deals a blow to this particular pipeline of fentanyl and cocaine from Mexico into the Boston area. I commend the federal, state and local officers whose hard work produced these excellent results.”
The following individuals were charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine and conspiracy to launder money:
1. Cesar Alejandro Castro Pujols, a Dominican national residing in Milton, Mass.;
2. Andre Heraux Martinez, a Dominican national residing in Hyde Park, Mass.;
3. Fermin Castillo, residing in Mexico;
4. Saturnino Guerrero, a Dominican national residing in Roxbury, Mass.;
5. Kevin Carmona Victorino, of Dorchester, Mass.; and
6. Kevin Hayes, of Centerville, Mass.
Castro, Heraux, Castillo, Guerrero and Carmona were also charged with conspiracy to launder money, along with:
7. Songfeng Chen, a Chinese national residing in Quincy, Mass.; and
8. Chi Ying, a Chinese national residing in Malden, Mass.
According to the criminal complaint, investigators intercepted phone communications by various members of a Massachusetts-based drug cell that was being supplied with large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine by a Mexican drug trafficking organization. It is alleged that Castro, the leader of a Massachusetts-based drug cell, coordinated directly with Mexico-based drug suppliers to obtain and distribute drugs and to launder drug proceeds. Heraux and Carmona assisted Castro in distributing drugs and laundering drug proceeds. Castro allegedly supplied fentanyl and cocaine to Guerrero, who distributed those drugs to his own customer base. It is further alleged that Chin and Ying worked for money laundering organizations that laundered drug proceeds on behalf of the Mexican organization.
On March 23, 2021, investigators seized approximately 17 kilograms of fentanyl, approximately $220,000 in U.S. currency and three vehicles, including a Porsche while executing search warrants in Boston, Malden, Quincy, Milton and Centerville.
In August 2020, 18 additional defendants involved in this operation were charged with drug trafficking offenses.
To date, this investigation has resulted in charges against 26 defendants and the seizure of 55.5 kilograms of fentanyl, 24 kilograms of cocaine, 500 fentanyl pills and approximately $1,470,000 in cash and real assets.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of conspiracy to launder money 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 U.S. Attorney Mendell, DEA SAC Boyle, FBI Boston SAC Bonavolonta, HSI Boston Acting SAC Walker and Massachusetts State Police Colonel Mason made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Boston Field Division; the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; Boston Police Department; Barnstable Police Department; and the Suffolk and Plymouth County Sheriff Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation and was investigated by the Boston OCDETF Strike Force. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Chairman of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Charged in Superseding IndictmentRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A federal grand jury in Boston returned a superseding indictment yesterday charging the former Chairman of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe with filing false tax returns. The former Chairman and the owner of an architecture-and-design firm were previously charged in connection with a bribery scheme involving the Tribe’s plans to build a resort and casino in Taunton.
Cedric Cromwell, 55, of Attleboro, the former Chairman of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, was charged in a superseding indictment with four counts of filing a false tax return.
In November 2020, Cromwell and David DeQuattro, 54, of Warwick, R.I., were each indicted on two counts of accepting or paying bribes as an agent (or to an agent) of an Indian tribal government and one count of conspiring to commit bribery. Cromwell was also indicted on four counts of extortion under color of official right and one count of conspiring to commit extortion.
According to the superseding indictment, when Cromwell filed his personal income tax returns for tax years 2014 through 2017, he failed to report bribes that he allegedly received from DeQuattro’s company, through DeQuattro, in connection with that company’s contract to serve as the Tribe’s “owner’s representative” for the casino project. Cromwell also failed to report payments for consulting services that he performed for a company that developed and supplied forest carbon offsets, including by partnering with forest-owning Native American tribes. Cromwell was allegedly paid the consulting income through an intermediary identified as “P-Co.,” which was formed by a business associate of Cromwell. The business associate was the only authorized signatory on a bank account identified as the “P-Co. Shell Company Account.” Cromwell also allegedly failed to report income to his company One Nation Development, paid through the P.-Co. Shell Company Account and the bank account of a Florida limited partnership, which originated with an investment holding company in Las Vegas. The only authorized signatory on the investment holding company’s bank account was the CEO of a Las Vegas-based architecture firm hired to be the architect for the Tribe’s casino project. The superseding indictment alleges that Cromwell failed to report $39,000 in 2014; $57,374 in 2015; $26,884 in 2016; and $54,134 in 2017, for a total of $177,393.
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 $100,000. 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 Investigations, Boston Field Division; and Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement. U.S. Attorney Christine Wichers 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.
Towing Company Owner Sentenced for Tax Fraud and Evading Cash Transaction ReportingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The owner of a Revere towing company was sentenced yesterday on charges of engaging in an under-the-table payroll fraud scheme that defrauded the government of more than $3.3 million.
Gennaro Angiulo, 49, of Nahant and Saugus, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to 42 months of probation with 18 months of home confinement and ordered to pay restitution of $1,769,486 and forfeiture of $430,000. Judge Woodlock also ordered that Angiulo complete 40 hours of community service per week during his term of home confinement and not be involved in running his business, GJ Towing, during this time period. The government recommended a sentence of 27 months in prison.
In November 2020, Angiulo pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to collect and pay over taxes and one count of evading cash transaction reporting requirements.
For tax years 2014 through at least 2017, Angiulo paid a portion of the wages to employees of GJ Towing, in cash “under the table.” In doing so, Angiulo did not collect, account for or pay over to the IRS required withholding and FICA taxes. The cash payments to employees were funded, at least in part, by cashing checks from clients of GJ Towing and other third parties in groups totaling not more than $10,000 in a single day.
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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Pittsfield Man Pleads Guilty to Marijuana and Tax OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Pittsfield man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield to marijuana and tax offenses.
Jacob Sweener, 30, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute marijuana, one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and two counts of filing a false tax return. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for June 21, 2021.
Sweener admitted that from 2013 to January 2017 he conspired with others to distribute marijuana. On Jan. 10, 2017, 41 pounds of marijuana and over $69,000 in cash were seized during a search of his home. Sweener also filed false income tax returns for 2014 and 2015 by substantially under-reporting his income by more than $300,000 and failing to pay more than $90,000 that he owed in federal income taxes.
The charges of conspiracy to distribute marijuana and possession with intent to distribute marijuana each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 and forfeiture. The charge of filing a false tax return provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Acting Assistant Attorney General David A. Hubbert of the Department of Justice’s Tax Division; Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorney Christopher O’Donnell of the Justice Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
Former UCLA Soccer Coach Sentenced in College Admissions CaseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former men’s soccer coach at the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA), was sentenced today in connection with his involvement in a scheme to use bribery and fraud to facilitate the admission of applicants to UCLA.
Jorge Salcedo, 48, of Dana Point, Calif., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to eight months in prison, one year of supervised release and forfeiture in the amount of $200,000. In January 2021, Salcedo agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery.
In 2016, Salcedo agreed with William “Rick” Singer, Ali Khosroshahin – a former head coach of women’s soccer at the University of Southern California – and others to facilitate the admission of a student to UCLA as a purported women’s soccer recruit. Salcedo emailed the UCLA women’s soccer coaches the student’s transcript, test scores, and a fake soccer profile that he had received from Singer and Khosroshahin. When UCLA compliance officers questioned how the applicant had been discovered and whether she actually played soccer, Salcedo created a fake backstory, resulting in her subsequent admission as a recruited walk-on for the women’s soccer team. Salcedo was paid a bribe of $100,000 for his actions.
In 2018, Salcedo agreed with Singer and Khosroshahin to “recruit” the son of another client of Singer’s to the UCLA men’s soccer team despite the fact that the student did not play soccer competitively. In the recruitment paperwork, Salcedo falsely reported that he had seen the student play in China and that he planned to offer him a 25% scholarship. The student was subsequently admitted to UCLA as a student-athlete on the men’s soccer team with a 25% scholarship. In exchange, Salcedo accepted a $100,000 bribe from Singer.
Salcedo also agreed with Singer to recruit another student in return for $100,000.
Singer and Khosroshahin previously pleaded guilty in connection with their roles in the offense. They have not yet been sentenced.
Case information, including the status of each defendant, charging documents and plea agreements are available here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/investigations-college-admissions-and-testing-bribery-scheme.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Ramsey E. Covington, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; and Mark Deckett, Resident Agent in Charge of the Department of Education, Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin D. O’Connell, Leslie A. Wright, and Kristen A. Kearney of Mendell’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
The details contained in the court documents are allegations and the remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
North Attleboro Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A North Attleboro man was sentenced today on child pornography offenses.
Nicholas Robillard, 41, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 15 years in prison and five years of supervised release. In November 2021, Robillard pleaded guilty to one count each of distribution and possession of child pornography.
Robillard distributed and possessed child pornography on various dates between Oct. 16, 2018 and Feb. 14, 2019. Robillard faced enhanced penalties because of prior convictions for sex offenses.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; 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 today. The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office provided assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti, Mendell’s Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Deputy Chief of the Major Crimes Unit, prosecuted the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by 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 New Bedford Latin Kings Chapter Sentenced for Racketeering Conspiracy ChargesRead 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 today on racketeering charges.
Issac Felix-Rivera, a/k/a “King Izzy,” 24, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to time served (approximately 4.5 months in prison) and three years of supervised release, with the first six months to be served in home confinement. In December 2020, Felix-Rivera pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy.
Felix-Rivera admitted to his role in the Latin Kings drug distribution conspiracy based in the City of New Bedford, where the gang ran a vast cocaine base distribution network that used multi-unit apartment buildings known as “trap houses” to distribute the 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.
Rodriguez previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced in November 2020 to 18 years in prison.
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. Felix-Rivera is the 20th defendant to be sentenced in the case.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston 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 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.
Westfield Woman Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Westfield woman pleaded guilty in federal court in Springfield yesterday to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.
Jaclyn Lemelin, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for June 15, 2021. Lemelin was charged by complaint in December 2018.
Co-conspirator William Coleman previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and nine counts of sex trafficking and was sentenced to 186 months in prison in September 2020.
As stated during court proceedings, Lemelin conspired with Coleman who operated a sex trafficking enterprise that used violence and the drug addictions of female victims to coerce them into engaging in commercial sex acts with paying customers. The victims were typically required to turn over all of their earnings to Coleman and were subject to his tight control over their daily lives. Most of the women were not allowed to keep any of the money they earned, and they were only to obtain the drugs they needed from Coleman. In most cases, the victims were addicted to heroin.
Victims who did not engage in prostitution for Coleman, or who did not follow his rules, were subjected to physical assaults, sexual violence and the withholding of drugs. Coleman enlisted Lemelin, among others, to carry out tasks associated with the trafficking enterprise.
Lemelin admitted that she assaulted two victims working for Coleman and was paid by Coleman for each assault. The assaults were for perceived violations of Coleman’s rules. Lemelin also admitted that she rented cars for Coleman to be used in the trafficking enterprise.
Co-conspirators Virginia Maldonado, 32, and Shannon Yelinek, 36, pleaded guilty earlier this month to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and are scheduled to be sentenced on June 3 and 4, 2021, respectively.
The charge of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Hampden County District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Hampden County Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood; 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 prosecuted the case.
This case is the result of the efforts of the Western Massachusetts Human Trafficking Working Group, which was established in August 2015 to investigate and prosecute crimes involving commercial sex trafficking.
Dominican National Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced yesterday for illegally reentering the United States after previously being deported.
Eddy Arias Tejada, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 57 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Upon completion of his sentence, he will be placed into removal proceedings. Arias Tejada previously pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.
As stated during court hearings, Arias, a Dominican national, has been deported from the United States on three occasions between 1998 and 2017. Sometime after his 1998 removal, Arias illegally returned to the United States. In 2004, Arias was charged with cocaine distribution, convicted and sentenced to three years in prison. Upon completion of that sentence, Arias was placed into removal proceedings and deported on March 25, 2009 to the Dominican Republic.
Sometime after the 2009 removal, Arias illegally returned to the United States. In 2014, Arias was arrested in Quincy and determined to be illegally present in the United States. He was charged in federal court with illegal reentry of a deported alien and sentenced to 42 months in prison. Upon completion of that sentence, Arias was placed into removal proceedings and deported on March 7, 2017 to the Dominican Republic.
Sometime after his 2017 removal, Arias illegally returned to the United States. In August 2019, Arias was arrested in Quincy and charged with trafficking cocaine. That charge is currently pending in the Norfolk Superior Court. In May 2020, Arias was charged in this case.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Todd Lyons, Field Office Director, 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 prosecuted the case.
Acton Investment Advisor Sentenced for Stealing More Than $3.7 Million of Clients’ FundsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Acton man was sentenced yesterday in connection with a long-running scheme to steal money from clients of his investment advisor business, in which he fraudulently obtained more than $3.8 million from more than 20 clients.
Gerald Allan Eaton, 51, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to 102 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Eaton is also ordered to pay $3,824,930 in restitution and an additional $1,698,701 in pre-judgment interest. In September 2020, Eaton pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, one count of mail fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Eaton was a certified financial planner, doing business under the name Heritage Financial Group, with an office in Acton. In that capacity, Eaton invested his clients’ funds in securities and various insurance products, including life insurance policies and annuities. From at least 1999 through October 2019, Eaton stole millions of dollars from clients’ accounts. He did so primarily by selling securities, insurance policies and annuities in clients’ accounts, and causing the proceeds to be sent to accounts he owned or controlled.
As part of his scheme, Eaton forged clients’ signatures on checks and documents, or caused clients to sign documents by falsely representing that the proceeds of transactions would be used for the clients’ benefit. Eaton also falsely represented to the brokerage firm with which he was affiliated, and to insurance companies, that the transactions he requested on his clients’ behalf were for the benefit of those clients. In fact, Eaton caused proceeds to be sent to his own credit card accounts to pay his personal and family expenses, and to his home equity line of credit. In order to avoid detection, Eaton defrauded clients he knew were unlikely to notice what he had done, either because they were elderly or in poor mental or physical condition.
In September 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) entered an order barring Eaton from the securities industry based on the same conduct.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service made the announcement today. Assistant U. S. Attorney Jordi de Llano, Deputy Chief of Lelling’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit, prosecuted the case.
Pennsylvania Man Charged with Obstruction of Justice Relating to Attempts to Acquire RicinRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Pennsylvania man was charged today with obstructing an investigation into his efforts to acquire the deadly toxin, ricin.
Dr. Ishtiaq Ali Saaem, 37, of Allentown, Penn., was charged with one count of obstruction of justice.
According to the charging document, 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 ordered 100 packets of castor beans, each containing eight seeds, online. Ricin is a poison that can be extracted from the seeds (i.e. beans) of the castor oil plant. It is alleged that 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 allegedly researched tasteless poisons that could be made at home.
During a subsequent meeting with law enforcement personnel, Saeem stated that he only intended to purchase castor beans to plant for decoration when, in reality, it is alleged that he purchased them to use to extract 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 today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Owner of Fake Georgia Charitable Organizations Pleads Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The owner of several bogus charitable organizations in Georgia pleaded guilty today to filing false tax returns.
Taressa Hightower, 60, of Grayson, Ga., pleaded guilty to two counts of filing false tax returns. U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for July 12, 2021.
According to court documents, Hightower ran two non-profit organizations that purported to serve underprivileged children in the Atlanta, Ga. area. From approximately 2010 to 2015, Hightower received more than $650,000 in ostensible donations from a bank in Boston – where Palestine Ace, the wife of Hightower’s family member Jonathan Ace, worked. In reality, the monies Hightower was receiving as purported donations were the proceeds of a separate embezzlement scheme carried out by Palestine and Jonathan Ace. As a condition of receiving these “donations,” Hightower agreed to return approximately 25% to Palestine and Jonathan Ace as a secret kickback.
Rather than use the funds for charitable purposes, Hightower spent the majority on personal expenses unrelated to any charity work. For tax years 2013 and 2014, Hightower filed false personal and organizational tax returns in connection with the purported donations. Each year, Hightower reported significant amounts of non-existent and/or inflated business expenses, which ultimately lowered her personal tax liability.
In 2018, Palestine and Jonathan Ace were convicted of embezzlement and were sentenced to one year and two years in prison, respectively.
The charging statute 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 are 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 Investigation in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordi de Llano, Deputy Chief of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit, is prosecuting the case.
New Bedford Man Agrees to Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Bedford man agreed to pleaded guilty yesterday to his role in a cocaine distribution conspiracy.
Victor Alejandro-Carrillo, 26, agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock deferred accepting Alejandro-Carrillo’s plea until his sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for July 19, 2021. Alejandro-Carrillo was charged in December 2019, along with 12 co-defendants.
From at least June 2017 through December 2019, it is alleged that Alejandro-Carrillo was involved in a cocaine distribution conspiracy in which he agreed with others to receive parcels containing cocaine that had been shipped from Puerto Rico to Massachusetts. Upon receipt of the parcels, Alejandro-Carrillo made arrangements to deliver the cocaine to co-conspirators. Investigators intercepted a number of communications between the defendant and co-conspirators in furtherance of that conspiracy and seized multiple parcels containing kilograms of cocaine. In total, Alejandro-Carrillo possessed and conspired to distribute at least 17.9 kilograms of cocaine.
In addition, from at least February 2019 through December 2019, Alejandro-Carrillo was allegedly involved in another cocaine distribution conspiracy. As a part of that conspiracy, Alejandro-Carrillo communicated with co-conspirators to purchase varying quantities of cocaine on multiple occasions for re-distribution. In addition, from approximately February 2019 through April 2019, Alejandro-Carrillo was involved in a conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Investigators intercepted communications with respect to both of those conspiracies as well.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine provides for a 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. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a minimum sentence of 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 the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Joseph Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Estes of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Member of New Bedford Latin Kings Chapter Pleads Guilty to 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”) pleaded guilty today to racketeering and drug charges.
Natanael Velazquez, a/k/a “King Nael,” 21, 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 June 22, 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.
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. Natanael Velazquez is the 41st 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. Attorney Philip A. Mallard and Lauren 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.
Bulgarian National Pleads Guilty to ATM SkimmingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Bulgarian national pleaded guilty today in connection with a scheme to create counterfeit ATM cards and to withdraw money from the bank accounts of unsuspecting customers.
Georgi Kanev, 33, a Bulgarian national, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for May 26, 2021.
According to court documents, Kanev and a co-conspirator installed skimmers and cameras on two Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank ATMs over a period of approximately four weeks in July and August 2013. The devices allowed the defendants to obtain magnetic strip information from ATM customers as well as obtain their PIN numbers. The information was then used to create counterfeit ATM cards to withdraw funds from the compromised accounts.
The charge of conspiracy to commit access device fraud provides for a sentence of up to 90 months in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Frederick J. Regan, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Edgartown Police Department and the Oak Bluffs Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie A. Queenin of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Local Landscaping Company Owner Charged with Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The owner of a local landscaping company was charged today with 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., has agreed to plead guilty to one count of tax evasion. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled.
As alleged in the charging document, 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.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Chelsea Man Sentenced for Being a Felon in Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Chelsea man was sentenced today for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Semaj Leary, 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to four years in prison and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty in November 2020 to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Leary was indicted in December 2019.
On Aug. 15, 2019, Leary was found in possession of a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol, seven rounds of R-P 9mm caliber ammunition, four rounds of WIN 9mm caliber ammunition, two rounds of VPT 9mm caliber ammunition, one round of WCC 9mm caliber ammunition, one round of Tulammo 9mm caliber ammunition and an extra magazine. Leary was previously convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and other crimes punishable by more than a year in jail, and therefore was prohibited from possessing firearms.
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; Suffolk County District Attorney Rachel Rollins; and Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie A. Queenin of Mendell’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
West Boylston Man Indicted on Illegal Ammunition Possession and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A West Boylston man was indicted yesterday in federal court in Worcester in connection with illegal possession of ammunition and cocaine.
Augustus “Bobo” Kormah, 30, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Kormah is currently in state custody and will make an initial appearance in federal court in Worcester at a later date.
As alleged in the indictment, on Sept. 11, 2021, police officers arrested Kormah following a suspected drug transaction. During a search of Kormah’s apartment, law enforcement seized approximately 26 grams of cocaine; 50 rounds of .40-caliber ammunition containing the headstamp “Speer 40 S&W”; 50 rounds of .45-caliber ammunition containing the headstamp “HOTSHOT .45 AUTO”; and 30 rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition. Kormah is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to prior convictions punishable by more than one year in prison.
Because the defendant was previously convicted of at least three prior serious drug offenses, he qualifies as armed career criminal and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 for the possession of ammunition charge. The charge of possession with intent to distribute provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, up to six years of supervised release and a fine of up to $2 million. Sentences imposed by a federal district court judge are based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Worcester Police Chief Steven Sargent made the announcement. The case is being prosecuted by Mendell’s Worcester Branch Office.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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.
Felon Sentenced for Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man was sentenced yesterday for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Nathaniel Toribio, 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. to 21 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In November 2020, Toribio pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Toribio was federally charged in July 2020.
On Nov. 24, 2019, state parole officers were in Lawrence in an attempt to locate Toribio, who had removed his GPS monitoring device and absconded from parole supervision. Upon locating Toribio, the officers discovered an un-holstered, loaded firearm inside Toribio’s waistband. The firearm was identified as a Ruger Security-9 9mm pistol with 10 rounds of ammunition in the magazine.
Due to previous convictions punishable by more than one year in prison, Toribio is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
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 today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Parole Board, Lawrence Police Department and the Essex County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Everett Man Charged with Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Everett man has been charged in connection with committing armed bank robbery.
Jamaine Howell, 35, was charged by criminal complaint with bank robbery and using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Howell made an initial appearance yesterday before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge M. Page Kelley. Howell has been in state custody since his arrest on state charges on Feb. 16, 2021.
According to charging documents, on Feb. 7, 2021, Howell entered a branch of TD Bank on Commonwealth Avenue in Allston and gave a demand note and a plastic bag to the teller. Howell threatened the teller and stated that he had a gun. Howell then allegedly threatened two bank customers and displayed a firearm. After taking his plastic bag – now containing about $5,900 – from the teller, Howell instructed one of the customers to come with him and led the customer out of the bank. After walking about a block with Howell, the customer managed to flee while the defendant was distracted.
It is further alleged that, later that week, police received a report that Howell brandished a firearm at a guest at a hotel in Sharon. On Feb. 16, 2021, police officers arrested Howell, and found him armed with a loaded .45 caliber Ruger handgun. Police also found a loaded semi-automatic shotgun in a vehicle that had previously been rented to Howell.
The charge of bank robbery provides for a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence provides for an additional sentence of five years to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. The Boston, Sharon and Lynn Police Departments provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bill Abely and Charles Dell’Anno of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dominican National Sentenced for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican man previously residing in Lawrence was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with drug trafficking activities involving fentanyl.
Cecilio Guzman, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to 29 months in prison. Guzman will face deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. In December 2020, Guzman pleaded guilty to one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Guzman was charged by complaint and arrested by state authorities on Nov. 20, 2019.
Guzman arranged to sell 120 grams of fentanyl to a cooperating witness for the government. On Nov. 20, 2019, Guzman met with the witness in Lawrence, sold him the fentanyl, and was subsequently arrested.
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. The investigation was conducted with the assistance of the Andover, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell and Wilmington Police Departments. Special assistance was provided by the Essex District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hassink of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
West Springfield Man Sentenced for Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A West Springfield man was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield on child pornography charges.
Luke Gagnon, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to seven years in prison and 10 years of supervised release. In September 2020, Gagnon pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Gagnon was arrested and charged in January 2020.
After an investigation into child pornography distribution, agents executed a search warrant at Gagnon’s residence in West Springfield and seized a hard-drive from a desktop computer belonging to Gagnon which contained several videos and images of child pornography. In addition, from September 2019 to January 2020, Gagnon knowingly distributed child pornography.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Frederick J. Regan, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office; West Springfield Police Chief Paul Connor; and South Hadley Police Chief Jennifer Gundersen made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle L. Dineen Jerrett of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Springfield Woman Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield woman pleaded guilty in federal court in Springfield yesterday to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.
Virginia Maldonado, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking before U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni who scheduled sentencing for June 3, 2021. Maldonado was charged in December 2018.
Co-conspirator William Coleman previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and nine counts of sex trafficking and was sentenced to 186 months in prison in September 2020.
Maldonado conspired with Coleman who operated a prostitution business that used violence and the drug addictions of female victims to coerce them into engaging in commercial sex acts with paying customers. The victims were typically required to turn over all of their earnings to Coleman and were subject to his tight control over their daily lives. Most of the women were not allowed to keep any of the money they earned, and they were only to obtain the drugs they needed from Coleman. In most cases, the victims were addicted to heroin.
Maldonado admitted that she agreed to help manage the business for a 30-day period while Coleman was serving a short jail term, and that she took instructions from Coleman while he was in jail. Maldonado also admitted that she took pictures of some of the female victims to be used in prostitution advertisements.
Co-conspirator Shannon Yelinek, 36, pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 4, 2021.
The charge of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Hampden County District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Hampden County Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood; 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 prosecuted the case.
This case is the result of the efforts of the Western Massachusetts Human Trafficking Working Group, which was established in August 2015 to investigate and prosecute crimes involving commercial sex trafficking.
Former Enforcer of New Bedford Latin Kings Chapter Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Manufacturing ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former member and leader of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) pleaded guilty yesterday to drug charges.
Jeremia Medina, a/k/a “King Sweepy,” 33, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, manufacture and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for June 17, 2021.
Medina admitted to being a former Enforcer of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings, and to conspiring with other members of the Latin Kings to distribute, manufacture and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. As Enforcer, Medina was a leader of the New Bedford Chapter charged with organizing violent acts by the gang and administering violations and other violence. Medina also admitted to conspiring with other Latin Kings members and leaders to operate a vast drug trafficking network throughout New Bedford, utilizing a number of multi-unit apartment buildings controlled by the Latin Kings, known as trap houses. The evidence described at the plea hearing today included court-authorized interceptions of Medina’s phone, and a recording where he is depicted in a trap house, in front of a stove preparing to “cook” a suspected kilogram of cocaine powder into “crack” cocaine, also known as 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. Medina is the 40th defendant to plead guilty in the case.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and 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. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren Graber of Mendell’s Criminal Division are 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.
Dorchester Man Indicted for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dorchester man was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Michael King, a/k/a “Rugga,” 29, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. King is currently detained in state court and will be arraigned in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the indictment, on Dec. 18, 2020, King possessed a Smith & Wesson, Model 442 Airweight, .38 caliber revolver, loaded with five rounds of .38 caliber ammunition. King is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a prior felony conviction.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Canton Police Chief Kenneth Berkowitz; and Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrisey made the announcement.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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.
Dominican National Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Distributing Crack Cocaine and Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national, most recently residing in Lawrence, was sentenced yesterday for distribution of cocaine base and illegal re-entry of a deported alien.
Juan Ramon Fernandez, 56, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to eight years in prison and four years of supervised release. He will be subject to deportation proceedings following completion of his sentence. In December 2020, Fernandez pleaded guilty to a distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”) and illegal re-entry of a deported alien.
Between July 2017 and October 2017, law enforcement conducted an undercover investigation of Fernandez’s drug dealing business that he operated in Lawrence. In October 2017, investigators recorded a controlled purchase of two ounces of crack cocaine from Fernandez.
Fernandez was arrested on Aug. 19, 2019. At the time of his arrest, law enforcement learned that Fernandez had been deported in 2011 after previously serving eight years in state prison for trafficking cocaine.
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 FBI’s North Shore Gang Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip Cheng of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.