District of Massachusetts
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Attleboro Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Attleboro man pleaded guilty yesterday to receipt and possession of child pornography.
Garry Bienvenue, 58, of Attleboro, pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor and a minor who had not attained 12 years of age. U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor scheduled sentencing for July 12, 2021. On March 12, 2020, Bienvenue was arrested and charged by criminal complaint, and he has been in custody since that time.
Law enforcement learned that an internet user at Bienvenue’s Attleboro home had solicited and received child pornography from children over the internet using the Snapchat messaging application. A search of the home resulted in the seizure of Bienvenue’s smartphone, which was found to contain child pornography videos that had been received through Snapchat, including one depicting the rape of a child as young as 3-5 years old.
The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Each charge also provides for a mandatory minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Attleboro Police Chief Kyle P. Heagney made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna Nuzum of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Stoughton Man Sentenced for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Stoughton man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for distributing fentanyl and crack cocaine.
Matthew Pizarro, 32, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to 10 years in prison and eight years of supervised release. In November 2019, Pizarro pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of fentanyl, one count of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine. Pizarro was indicted in October 2018 and has been in custody since his arrest in August 2018.
In July 2018, agents began an investigation into an overdose death, and learned that the victim obtained fentanyl from a friend, who had purchased the fentanyl from Pizarro. As part of the investigation, over the course of the next month, Pizarro sold approximately 100 grams of fentanyl to an undercover agent. On Aug. 7, 2018, Pizarro was arrested. A search of his residence resulted in the seizure of approximately 45 grams of crack cocaine, 20 grams of powder cocaine and a .25 caliber handgun and ammunition.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office; and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Ferguson and Alathea Porter of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit are prosecuted the case.
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.
Shannon Yelinek, 36, 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 4, 2021. Yelinek was charged in August 2019.
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, Yelinek 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.
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 Yelinek, among others, to carry out tasks associated with the business. Yelinek admitted that she posted prostitution advertisements on the internet and arranged “dates” between prostitution customers and some of Coleman’s victims. She also admitted to picking up money from the victims and delivering it to Coleman and to delivering drugs to the victims at Coleman’s direction. Additionally, Yelinek, at Coleman’s behest, attempted to recruit female inmates while Yelinek was in jail in 2017.
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.
Southbridge Man Arrested on Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Southbridge man was arrested yesterday and charged in connection with distributing methamphetamine.
Christopher Williams, 33, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of distribution of methamphetamine. Following an initial appearance before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge David H. Hennessy, Williams was detained pending a detention hearing set for March 11, 2021.
According to the complaint, on two separate occasions in January 2021, Williams sold multiple ounces of methamphetamine to an undercover officer for $4,500 in Southbridge.
The charge of distribution of methamphetamine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Boston; and Southbridge Police Chief Shane Woodson made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danial Bennett 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 Chief Operating Officer of Global Premier Soccer Pleads Guilty in Visa Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former Chief Operating Officer of Global Premier Soccer (GPS), a now defunct youth soccer organization formerly based in Waltham, Mass., pleaded guilty today in connection with a wide-ranging visa fraud conspiracy.
Justin Capell, 39, of Southborough, Mass., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit visa fraud. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for June 23, 2021.
According to court documents, from at least 2016 to October 2019, Capell conspired with other GPS executives and employees, and with GPS’s outside counsel, to defraud several federal agencies by submitting fraudulent visa petitions in order to secure work visas for hundreds of GPS employees.
Specifically, it is alleged that Capell and his co-conspirators arranged to file fraudulent visa petitions on behalf of at least seven professional soccer teams in order to secure visas for GPS’s foreign coaching staff. The petitions falsely stated that the beneficiaries would be working as scouts or assistant coaches for the professional teams when in reality they were employed only as youth soccer coaches by GPS. As part of the conspiracy, Capell and, allegedly, others, submitted phony employment contracts between professional teams and the purported beneficiaries. It is also alleged that Capell and co-conspirators created fraudulent coaching licenses for the beneficiaries, which were included as part of the visa application packages. A second facet of the conspiracy involved the filing of fraudulent visa petitions for foreign workers who were scheduled to work for GPS affiliates in one part of the country, but who were sent to work in different parts of the United States.
In some instances, it is alleged that conspirators directed visa beneficiaries to mislead U.S. immigration officials – providing them with detailed instructions on how to answer questions during their visa interviews.
In May 2020, Gavin MacPhee, a former GPS employee, pleaded guilty to destroying records in connection with this investigation.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge are based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Michael Mikulka, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigation, New York Regional Office; and Jonathan Davidson, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Fraud Detection and National Security Unit in Vermont. HSI’s Document & Benefit Fraud Task Force, a specialized investigative group comprised of various local, state and federal agencies, conducted this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie A Queenin and Jordi de Llano, Deputy Chief of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit, are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The co-conspirators are presumed innocent unless and until charged and proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Fall River Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Fall River man pleaded guilty yesterday in connection with a cocaine distribution conspiracy. A storage unit used by the defendant was found to contain a firearm and approximately 40 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl.
Alexander Santiago Medina, a/k/a “Flaco,” 33, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas L. Woodlock scheduled sentencing for July 15, 2021. Santiago Medina was charged in December 2019, along with 12 co-defendants.
From at least February 2019 through December 2019, Santiago Medina was involved in a cocaine distribution conspiracy. Investigators intercepted a number of communications between Santiago Medina and co-conspirators in furtherance of the conspiracy, including communications on June 17, 2019, in which Santiago Medina and various co-conspirators agreed to distribute two kilograms of cocaine or more. Later that day, investigators seized approximately two kilograms of cocaine from one of Santiago Medina’s co-conspirators. After Santiago Medina was arrested on Dec. 5, 2019, investigators searched a storage unit used by Santiago Medina and found a firearm and approximately 40 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine provides for a mandatory minimum sentence 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 W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspector Service, Boston Division; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Estes of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition and failing to register as a sex offender.
Shane Brown, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of failing to register as a sex offender in violation of the Sex Offender Notification and Registration Act (SORNA). U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for June 17, 2021. Brown was arrested on Sept. 11, 2020 and has been in custody since.
Brown, who was convicted of a sex offense in Virginia in 2013, moved from Virginia to Boston in or around May 2020. In May and June 2020, Brown was employed in security work around Greater Boston. Brown failed to register as a sex offender in Massachusetts prior to his arrest on state charges on July 2, 2020. At the time of his state arrest, an SCCY Industries, model CPX-2, 9mm caliber pistol loaded with seven 9mm Luger cartridges was found in Brown’s waistband. Due to a previous conviction for a crime punishable by more than one year in prison, Brown is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of failing to register as a sex offender provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a minimum of five years and up to lifetime supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; U.S. Marshal John Gibbons of the District of Massachusetts; U.S. Marshal Thomas L. Foster of the Western District of Virginia; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna Nuzum of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting 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.
Former “Chairman” of Massachusetts Latin Kings Crown Council Pleads Guilty to Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former Chairman of the Crown Council for the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) in Massachusetts pleaded guilty today to racketeering charges. As Chairman, the defendant was responsible for presiding over “trials” for gang members that violated the Latin Kings code of conduct.
Gregory Peguero-Colon, a/k/a “King Trece,” 48, 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 9, 2021.
As alleged in court documents and during the plea hearing, Peguero-Colon admitted to serving as the Chairman of the Crown Council which was a role as an independent advisor to the State Leadership team. In that role, Peguero-Colon presided over Latin Kings “trials” to adjudicate violations of the King Manifesto and Constitution, which is the governing document of the Latin Kings, setting forth the code of conduct for its members. Peguero-Colon also kept and maintained a spreadsheet identifying individuals who were in bad standing with the gang for various reasons, including the fact that the individual had provided information to law enforcement, or committed “treason” against the gang. Peguero-Colon disseminated this spreadsheet to the Latin Kings members, and multiple people on the spreadsheet had in fact been targeted for violence by the Latin Kings.
The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.
In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Peguero-Colon is the 39th 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 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.
Leicester Man Arrested for Involvement in Unemployment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Leicester man was arrested on Friday, March 5, 2021 in connection with allegedly using a stolen identity to fraudulently claim unemployment benefits from the State of Nevada.
William Cordor, 26, was charged by criminal complaint one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Worcester, Cordor was detained pending a detention hearing set for March 11, 2021.
According to the charging documents, Cordor was encountered by police on Aug. 18, 2020 in connection with a domestic violence incident. Police found Cordor in possession of approximately 21 prepaid debit cards in approximately 13 different names. Investigators then determined that on July 17, 2020, Cordor electronically filed a claim with the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (NV DETR) for unemployment benefits using one of the identities that appeared on the prepaid debit cards, including the victim’s name and Social Security number. Cordor allegedly listed the prepaid debit card as the account to receive the unemployment benefits. Nevada authorities marked the claim as fraudulent and did not issue the unemployment benefits.
It is further alleged that Cordor’s residential address was listed to the prepaid debit card intended to receive the unemployment benefits. Agents also found documents with the victim’s name on Cordor’s laptop during a search at his residence.
Charging documents detailed that on May 21, 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 $79,600 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 wire fraud charge provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison. 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.
Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking and Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today in connection with drug trafficking activities involving fentanyl and cocaine.
Jovani Santiago, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf scheduled sentencing for May 31, 2021. Santiago was charged by complaint and arrested on Aug. 27, 2020.
Santiago sold approximately 500 grams of fentanyl to a cooperating witness in a Roxbury apartment on Aug. 12, 2020. Additionally, it is alleged that Santiago conspired with others to distribute cocaine in Massachusetts and New York.
The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and conspiracy to distribute with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Special assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Field Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.
Springfield Man Sentenced for Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield man was sentenced today in federal court for failing to register as a sex offender.
Ruben Pagan, 50, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to two years in prison and 10 years of supervised release. In August 2020, Pagan pleaded guilty to one count of failing to register as a sex offender.
Pagan, who was convicted of a sex offense in 2002, moved from Springfield to Providence, R.I. in October 2017. He remained in Providence until March 2018, when he was arrested on a Massachusetts state court warrant charging him with child sexual abuse. Pagan failed to register as a sex offender in Rhode Island, including while the warrant for his arrest was outstanding.
The two-year sentence imposed today will run consecutively to a six-year state court sentence Pagan is currently serving after previously pleading guilty to rape and abuse of a child. Pagan was also convicted of failure to register as a sex offender on two prior occasions in Massachusetts state court.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and John Gibbons, United States Marshal for the District of Massachusetts made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Nigerian National Sentenced to More Than Five Years for Defrauding Victims Using Online ScamsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Nigerian national was sentenced yesterday in connection with defrauding victims using various online scams during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nosayamen Iyalekhue, 33, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to 63 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In November 2019, Iyalekhue pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. Iyalekhue was arrested in June 2020 along with a co-defendant, Esogie Osawaru, 27, who pleaded guilty in November 2020.
Iyalekhue and Osawaru participated in a series of romance, pandemic unemployment insurance, and other online scams designed to defraud victims by convincing them to send money to accounts controlled by the defendants. To carry out the scams, the defendants used false foreign passports in the names of others, but with their own photos, to open numerous bank accounts, and in turn directed the victims to send money to these accounts. Iyalekhue and Osawaru then rapidly withdrew the victims’ money from various bank branches and ATMs, often multiple times during a single day. The schemes included collecting unemployment insurance in the name of others during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Osawaru is scheduled to be sentenced on June 24, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Lynn Man Arrested for Possessing Three Pounds of Suspected Methamphetamine and Two FirearmsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynn man was arrested this week in connection with allegedly possessing over three pounds of methamphetamine and two firearms found in his residence.
David Oth, a/k/a “Baby Bouncer,” a/k/a “BB,” 32, was charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, Oth was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for March 12, 2021.
According to charging documents, Oth was previously convicted of a felony offense in Essex Superior Court, which prohibited him from possessing firearms. On Feb. 24, 2021, law enforcement conducted a search at Oth’s residence in Lynn and found approximately three pounds of suspected methamphetamine and two firearms in the basement.
The charge of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Based upon the seized weight of suspected narcotics, the statute provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, a minimum period of five years from and after the sentence for the drug trafficking crime, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm 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 judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Lynn Police Chief Michael A. Mageary made the announcement. Assistance was provided by the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Sarah Hoefle of Mendell’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.
The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Hull Man Arrested on Fraud Charge Arising from Fraudulent CARES Act Small Business LoansRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Hull man was arrested today and charged in connection with submitting fraudulent documentation in order to receive CARES Act small business loans.
Shane Spierdowis, 30, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of wire fraud. Spierdowis will make an initial appearance before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell at 2:00 p.m. today.
According to a 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 today. 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 the Latin Kings Department of Correction Chapter Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Leader of the Massachusetts Department of Correction Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) pleaded guilty yesterday to racketeering charges.
Vincent Dzierwinski, a/k/a “King Vice,” 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 9, 2021.
As detailed in court filings, the Latin Kings carry disputes and related gang violence into the jails and prisons where Latin Kings members are incarcerated. Dzierwinski admitted to participating in three violent incidents taking place in Massachusetts Department of Correction facilities from 2016 through 2019, while he was incarcerated on various state court sentences. These incidents involved participating in beatings and multiple incidents where victims were stabbed by other Latin Kings members. Following Dzierwinski’s release from his state court sentences, he has been held in federal custody.
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. Dzierwinski is the 38th 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 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.
Florida Man Arrested in Connection with Summer Camp Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Florida man was arrested today on charges that he allegedly stole tuition and deposits from families who planned to send children to sports camps in the Boston area in July and August 2019.
Mehdi Belhassan, 52, of Tampa, Fla., was charged in an indictment on two counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Belhassan will make an initial appearance in the Middle District of Florida today.
According to the charging document, beginning in the fall of 2018, Belhassan falsely claimed to have a venue for his annual MB Sports Camps, first at a Boston-area university, and then at a Boston-area college. Based on this representation, Belhassan allegedly collected tuition and deposit payments from 279 families in Massachusetts and across the United States, as well as advance payments from an online payment company and a commercial lender. As part of his scheme, Belhassan allegedly used a fraudulent contract with the college and forged a college administrator’s signature.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Crime 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.
Dominican National Sentenced to More than 15 Years in Prison for Heroin and Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced yesterday in relation to the seizure of over 10 kilograms of fentanyl and heroin in December 2018.
Carlos Soto-Villar, 34, a Dominican national formerly residing in Lawrence, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to 188 months in prison and five years of supervised release. He will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. In October 2020, Soto-Villar was convicted by a federal jury of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
According to the trial testimony, on Dec. 6, 2018, Soto-Villar supplied a kilogram of fentanyl to a co-defendant. The kilogram of fentanyl was later seized by police on Dec. 7, 2018. A search at the Methuen apartment used by Soto-Villar and a different co-defendant as a drug stash house resulted in the seizure of over nine kilograms of fentanyl and heroin and drug processing equipment. Soto-Villar fled from the apartment and was apprehended a short distance away.
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. Assistance was also provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Methuen Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Ferguson, Deputy Chief of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Linda M. Ricci, Chief of the Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit, prosecuted the case.
The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dominican National Sentenced for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced yesterday in connection with drug trafficking activities involving fentanyl.
Jonathan Mejia, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 30 months in prison and two years of supervised release. In November 2020, Mejia pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Mejia was arrested and charged in July 2020.
Mejia made three separate sales of fentanyl to an undercover law enforcement officer in June and July 2020 in Lawrence. While on his way to make a fourth sale of fentanyl, agents arrested Mejia.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Boston Field Office made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lawrence Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Dominican Man Indicted on Fentanyl ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was indicted by a federal grand jury this week on fentanyl possession charges.
Juan Gabriel Bautista Vargas, 30, was indicted on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 on one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Bautista Vargas was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint on Feb. 5, 2021.
According to charging documents, investigators coordinated a controlled purchase of a half-kilogram of fentanyl on Feb. 4, 2021 and Bautista was arrested when he arrived to deliver the drugs.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. The Boston Police Department provided critical assistance in the investigation of this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren A. Graber of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering 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.
California Man Sentenced for Illegally Exporting Cesium Atomic Clocks to Hong KongRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A California man was sentenced on Wednesday, March 3, 2020 in federal court in Boston for illegally exporting cesium atomic clocks to Hong Kong.
Alex Yun Cheong Yue, 69, of South El Monte, Calif., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to time-served (one day) and three years of supervised release, a year of which must be served in home confinement. Yue is also prohibited from engaging in import or export transactions during the period of supervised release. In August 2020, Yue pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit export violations, two counts of unlawful exports and attempted exports of U.S. goods to Hong Kong and one count of smuggling.
Yue was arrested and charged in June 2019. Wai Kay Victor Zee, 56, of Hong Kong, along with his company, Premium Tech Systems, Limited were also charged. Zee remains at large in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.
Beginning in December 2015, Yue, Zee, and Premium Tech conspired to procure U.S.-origin cesium atomic clocks and export them to Hong Kong without obtaining the required export licenses. Cesium atomic clocks are used in global positioning system solutions, network timing protocols, encryption programs and national defense and space applications. They are controlled for export by the U.S. Department of Commerce for national security reasons.
To obtain the atomic clocks, Yue purchased them using a fictitious company, “Ecycle Tech International Ltd.,” by falsely representing to the U.S. seller that the atomic clocks would be used solely in the United States for cordless phone research and development. Based on Yue’s false representations, the U.S. seller sold the cesium atomic clocks to Ecycle. On Feb. 19, 2016, the atomic clocks shipped from the manufacturing facility in Beverly, Mass., to Yue in California. Three days later, on Feb. 22, 2016, Yue reshipped the controlled cesium atomic clocks to Zee at Premium Tech in Hong Kong, with paperwork that falsely described what the clocks were and undervalued their worth. Neither Yue, Zee, nor Premium Tech ever applied for or obtained the required export licenses from the U.S. Department of Commerce. On Feb. 24, 2016, Zee allegedly confirmed receipt of the cesium atomic clocks in Hong Kong.
In December 2017, Yue attempted to purchase an additional cesium atomic clock. Prior to the sale, however, the U.S. seller required Yue to provide an end-user statement detailing where and for what the clocks would be used. In April 2018, Yue sent an end-user certificate on Ecycle letterhead stating that the atomic clocks would be used in a calibration lab in California. In response to further inquiries from the U.S. seller, Yue falsely declared that he was not intending to export the cesium atomic clocks. When the U.S. seller insisted on a site visit to the California location where the atomic clocks would be utilized, Yue abruptly canceled the order. On July 13, 2018, Yue received a refund payment from the U.S. seller. Three days later, on July 16, 2018, Yue sent a wire transfer to Premium Tech’s bank account in Hong Kong with the refunded money.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; William Higgins, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement, Boston Field Office; and William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Garland, Deputy Chief of Mendell’s National Security Unit, prosecuted the case.
Boston Man Indicted on Methamphetamine Distribution ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was indicted by a federal grand jury this week on methamphetamine distribution charges.
Daniel Lennon, 31, was indicted on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 on one count of distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine and two counts of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Lennon was initially arrested on Feb. 4, 2021 and charged by criminal complaint.
According to charging documents, investigators conducted three undercover purchases of methamphetamine from Lennon in January and February 2021.
The charge of distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. The charge of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. The Boston Police Department provided critical assistance in the investigation of this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren A. Graber of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering 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.
Member of New Bedford Latin Kings Chapter Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy and Drug Trafficking ChargesRead 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 charges.
Kevin Guadalupe, a/k/a “King K-Milly,” 19, 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 10, 2021.
Guadalupe admitted to participating in an unarmed robbery committed in November 2019 by members of the Latin Kings in New Bedford. During the robbery, which was captured on video, the victim was chased down in the middle of a busy street, thrown to the ground and kicked and beaten by six members of the Latin Kings. At the end of the beating, an item believed to be a wallet or cell phone was taken from the victim’s pants pocket.
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. Robert Vargas is the 37th 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. 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 operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Leader of Rhode Island Latin Kings Chapter Sentenced for Narcotics Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A leader of the Rhode Island Chapter of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) was sentenced yesterday on conspiracy charges.
Joel Francisco, a/k/a “King Casper,” 42, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to two years in prison and three years of supervised release. In November 2020, Francisco pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
Francisco admitted that in August 2019, he conspired with others to purchase cocaine from members of the Latin Kings in New Bedford for resale. On Sept. 4, 2019, Francisco was captured in a video recording purchasing approximately 186 grams of cocaine from members of the New Bedford Chapter in a deal facilitated by a co-conspirator.
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. Francisco is the 19th 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; 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 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.
Fitchburg Man Charged with Money Laundering and Illegal Money Transmission for Converting Cash to BitcoinRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Fitchburg man was indicted by a grand jury in connection with his alleged involvement in an unlicensed money transmission business that exchanged cash for Bitcoin for individuals represented to be involved in unlawful trafficking in counterfeit goods.
Alan Joseph, 32, was indicted today on one count of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business and four counts of money laundering. Joseph was initially charged by criminal complaint and arrested in February 2021.
According to charging documents, between August 2020 and February 2021, Joseph engaged in at least four financial transactions where he converted cash to Bitcoin in connection with what Joseph believed to be trafficking in counterfeit goods, which is illegal under federal law. Bitcoin is a form of virtual currency, or cryptocurrency, that has no physical form and is traded exclusively by electronic means.
Joseph allegedly sought to promote and conceal the nature of such illegal activity. For instance, on Aug. 12, 2020, Joseph converted approximately $12,000 in cash to Bitcoin for an undercover agent who Joseph believed to be a seller of counterfeit “Gucci” products sourced from China. The undercover agent further represented that his Chinese supplier required Bitcoin to purchase the product. Approximately two months later on Oct. 28, 2020, Joseph allegedly converted about $25,000 in cash to Bitcoin for the same undercover agent. During this meeting, the undercover agent represented to Joseph that the money Joseph was converting was from “rich housewives” who purchased “fake” items. It is further alleged that Joseph expressed an interest in purchasing counterfeit goods from the undercover agent.
Contrary to federal law and regulations, Joseph never registered his money transmission business with the Department of Treasury, nor did he ever request identification from the undercover agent during the meetings.
The charge of money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; William S. Walker, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Services-Criminal Investigation; and Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service 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.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national previously residing in Dorchester pleaded guilty yesterday to distributing fentanyl.
Snolbert Ramirez-Sandoval, 23, pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of fentanyl and two counts of employment or use of persons under 18 years of age in drug operations. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for July 9, 2021. Ramirez-Sandoval was charged in August 2018.
Sandoval sold fentanyl on July 26, 2018, by directing the buyer to go to an apartment in Roslindale. The sole occupants were two young boys (one between 10-and-14-years-old and the other between 2-and-6-years-old). The older boy led the buyer to the room in which Ramirez-Sandoval had left the fentanyl. The buyer paid the older child for the substance and left. On Aug. 2, 2018, the buyer returned to the Roslindale apartment to purchase additional fentanyl from Ramirez-Sandoval who told the buyer by phone that he was not yet there, but the kids were upstairs and instructed the buyer to ring the buzzer. The buyer was greeted by the same two children. Approximately 20 minutes later, Ramirez-Sandoval and another individual arrived at the apartment and sold the buyer the fentanyl
The charge of distribution of fentanyl carries 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 employment or use of persons under 18 years of age in drug operations carries a sentence of up to 45 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $300,000. Ramirez-Sandoval will be subject to deportation proceedings. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Estes of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Oregon Biotech Consultant Pleads Guilty to Insider Trading SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Oregon biotechnology consultant pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with his role in an insider trading scheme involving the acquisition of a Cambridge biotechnology company in 2017.
Mark Joseph Ahn, 58, of Lake Oswego, Ore., pleaded guilty to two counts of securities fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for June 7, 2021.
From April to August 2017, Ahn, a long-time senior corporate executive and board director for biotech companies, worked as a consultant for a New York firm, and advised it during its efforts to acquire Dimension Therapeutics, Inc., a biotech firm formerly headquartered in Cambridge, Mass. In the course of his work for the New York firm, Ahn learned Dimension’s intention to be acquired by another biotech firm, the details and the timing of his employer’s proposals to acquire Dimension and gained access to confidential information about Dimension’s business. Ahn thereafter bought Dimension stock while in possession of that nonpublic information. When Dimension announced that it would be acquired in August 2017, its stock increased 262% in one day.
The SEC previously filed a separate civil action against Ahn in federal court in Boston.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. The U.S. Attorney’s Office received valuable assistance from the Securities & Exchange Commission. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Former Employee of Millbury Plumbing Company Sentenced for Marijuana, Fraud and Money Laundering ConvictionsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former employee of a family-owned plumbing business in Millbury was sentenced today for drug, money laundering and fraud convictions arising from his role in a large-scale marijuana grow operation.
Thomas Laverty, 40, of Clinton, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 12 years in prison, eight years of supervised release and ordered to pay $3,100 in restitution. In January 2020, Laverty was convicted following a five-day trial of conspiring to cultivate more than 100 marijuana plants, conspiracy to launder money, cultivating marijuana and possessing marijuana with intent to distribute, and later pleaded guilty to and additional charge of theft of government funds.
Laverty and certain co-conspirators used a plumbing business, Chuck Laverty & Son Inc., as a front for a large-scale, commercial marijuana cultivation and distribution operation. Laverty and others utilized Laverty & Son vehicles, bank accounts and locations to facilitate marijuana manufacturing, storage and distribution. Every week, numerous Laverty & Son workers harvested 20 marijuana plants from the commercial warehouse, with a goal of producing 8 – 10 pounds of dried marijuana per week. The dried marijuana was sold in large quantities for approximately $2,400 per pound.
Laverty received income in connection with his work for Laverty & Son, including up to $5,000 per week in cash. During this same timeframe, Laverty received federally-funded Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, eligibility for which is need-based and generally limited to households whose incomes do not exceed the federal poverty line. Laverty misrepresented his income on pertinent paperwork provided to the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (which administers SNAP benefits in Massachusetts), and also concealed the fact that he was living with his wife, who herself was receiving SNAP benefits but was using a different address than that of her actual residence.
Co-defendant Andrea Laverty, 63, of Millbury, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to cultivate marijuana and conspiring to launder money. She is scheduled to be sentenced on March 3, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England 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. Attorneys Bill Abely and Phil Cheng of Mendell’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Malden Man Arrested on Drug and Firearms Charges Involving Multiple Machine GunsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Malden man was charged today in connection with his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy in which he allegedly possessed over 150 grams of cocaine base and other controlled substances and conspired to possess firearms.
Phillips Charles, a/k/a “PHON C,” 22, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base and one count of conspiracy to possess, use and carry firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy. Charles is currently in state custody and will make an initial appearance in federal court before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell at a later date.
As alleged in the charging documents, while Charles was on pretrial release from Malden District Court and Middlesex Superior Court, and later serving a probation sentence, he continued to conspire with others to distribute large quantities of controlled substances. Members of the conspiracy also possessed numerous firearms, including multiple firearms with “selector switches” that convert firearms into machine guns, allegedly in order to protect the drug trafficking operation and target rival gang members. In an August 2020 music video posted on YouTube, Charles can be observed holding a firearm and pointing it at the camera, and displaying a large amount of cash.
Charles was on pretrial release when he was arrested and charged in state court with possessing a firearm in December 2020.
The charge of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of conspiring to possess, use and carry firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to life in prison because a machine gun was involved in the offense, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Malden Police Chief Kevin Molis made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, the Suffolk District Attorney’s Office and the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Sarah Hoefle of Mendell’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.
The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Holyoke Businessman Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute More than One Kilogram of Heroin and CocaineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Holyoke businessmen pleaded guilty on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021 to participating in a cocaine and heroin conspiracy.
Javier Gonzalez, 52, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin and five kilograms of cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Mark. G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing June 25, 2021.
Gonzalez admitted that from 2011 to March 25, 2014, he conspired with others to obtain large quantities of heroin and cocaine from Texas, transport the drugs to Holyoke and distribute them in western Massachusetts. On March 25, 2014, law enforcement officers seized approximately $1.17 million in cash secreted in a hidden compartment inside a tractor trailer being driven by Gonzalez to Texas as payment for kilograms of heroin and cocaine. In addition, the agents seized 14 kilograms of heroin and 42 kilograms of cocaine in Texas that was destined to be distributed by Gonzalez in western Massachusetts.
Gonzalez faces a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. 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 in New England; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Holyoke Police Chief David Pratt; and Easthampton Police Chief Robert Alberti made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches in Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Additional Charges Brought Against Clinton Man and Fitchburg ManRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A federal grand jury in Worcester brought additional charges against a Clinton man and Fitchburg man in connection with their involvement in an employment tax and mail fraud scheme.
Juliano Fernandes, 39, of Clinton, and Anderson Dos Santos, 36, of Fitchburg, were charged in a superseding indictment on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021. The superseding indictment charges Fernandes with two counts of false statements and charges Dos Santos with two counts of filing a false tax return. In January 2021, Fernandes was charged with 11 counts of failure to pay over employment taxes and two counts of mail fraud and Dos Santos was charged with one count of mail fraud.
According to the superseding indictment, Fernandes made two false statements to the Department of Labor in August 2017 concerning the value of property he owned in Lunenburg, Mass. and that he never had any responsibility or control over the payroll for Force Corporation. In addition, Dos Santos was charged with two counts of filing a false and fraudulent tax return related to his 2013 and 2014 personal tax returns.
According to charging documents, Fernandes exercised management and control over Force Corporation and AB Construction, both Massachusetts-based construction companies. Between 2015 and 2017, Fernandes willfully failed to account for and pay over employment taxes for Force Corporation and AB Construction to the Internal Revenue Service. In addition, from approximately April 2013 through January 2017, Fernandes allegedly engaged in a scheme to defraud worker’s compensation insurance carriers for Force Corporation by misrepresenting the number of employees and amount of wages paid to its employees. Similarly, from approximately December 2013 through April 2016, Fernandes and Dos Santos engaged in a scheme to defraud worker’s compensation insurance carriers for AB Construction by misrepresenting the number of employees and amount of wages paid to its employees.
The charge of mail fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charges of failure to pay over employment taxes and making a false statement each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. 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.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation; Michael Mikulka, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations; and Anthony DiPaolo, Chief of Investigations of the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts 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 defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Reminds Public of CDC Eviction Moratorium OrderRead the Press Release
BOSTON – As part of the federal response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is reminding landlords of their obligations and tenants of their rights under the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) Order temporarily halting residential evictions of tenants who meet certain income eligibility requirements and who are unable to pay their full rent due to substantial loss of household income, loss of compensable hours of work or wages, a lay-off, or extraordinary out-of-pocket medical expenses. The Order prohibits landlords from evicting such tenants for non-payment of rent from Sept. 4, 2020 to March 31, 2021.
In September 2020, the CDC issued a federal Order imposing a Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions to Prevent the Further Spread of COVID-19. The Order aims to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by enabling people who get sick or who are at risk for severe illness from COVID-19 to protect themselves and others by staying in one place to quarantine.
Under the CDC Order, tenants who meet income eligibility requirements (generally, those earning less than $99,000 per year, or $198,000 if filing jointly) and who are unable to pay their full rent due to substantial loss of household income, loss of compensable hours of work or wages, a lay-off, or extraordinary out-of-pocket medical expenses can obtain protection from eviction by providing a sworn declaration regarding their situation to their landlord. Once this declaration is provided, a landlord is prohibited from evicting the tenant while the moratorium remains in effect, and is subject to substantial penalties, including fines of up to $250,000 and up to a year in jail.
The Order is not intended to prevent landlords from starting eviction proceedings, but rather to stop the actual eviction of a covered person for non-payment of rent. Moreover, the Order does not affect the obligation of tenants to pay rent, nor does it bar the collection of fees, penalties, and interest.
For questions or reports of violations of the Order please email [email protected] or call 617- 275-8756 and leave a message. More information on the CDC Order is available here.
Federal resources are available through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to assist landlords with mortgage relief here.
The Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office was established in 2015 with the mission of enhancing federal civil rights enforcement. For more information on the Office’s civil rights efforts, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-ma/civil-rights.
Puerto Rican Man Sentenced for Cocaine OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Puerto Rican man was sentenced yesterday for his role in a cocaine conspiracy.
William Torres, a/k/a Poro, 34, of Tao Baja, P.R., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Hillman to five years in prison and four years of supervised release. In September 2020, Torres pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
A federal investigation revealed that, around October 2018, Torres made arrangements for his associate, Melvin Burgos, to obtain a kilogram of cocaine from Julio Rivera. Torres provided Burgos with Rivera’s number, and on Nov. 1, 2018, Burgos and Rivera met at a storage facility in Worcester. Police subsequently stopped the men and inside the vehicle driven by Burgos they found approximately 900 grams of cocaine. Inside Rivera’s vehicle, law enforcement found a phone that had been used to contact Torres.
Burgos and Rivera were arrested on state charges that day and later charged in federal court in Worcester. Burgos pleaded guilty to conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 30, 2021. Rivera has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bill Abely and John Mulcahy of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Owners of Westfield Transport Indicted on Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two West Springfield men were charged in federal court in Springfield in connection with falsifying driving logs, instructing others to do so and making a false statement to investigators. The charges are the result of a review of Westfield Transport, Inc., following a crash involving one its vehicles that caused the deaths of seven motorcyclists in New Hampshire on June 21, 2019.
Dunyadar Gasanov, a/k/a Damien Gasanov, 36, was indicted on one count of falsification of records, one count of conspiracy to falsify records and one count of making a false statement to a federal investigator. Dartanayan Gasanov, 35, was indicted on one count of falsification of records. Dartanayan Gasanov was arrested this morning and will make an initial appearance at 12:30 p.m. before Magistrate Judge Katherine A. Robertson. Dunyadar Gasanov is wanted by law enforcement.
According to the indictment, the defendants owned Westfield Transport, Inc., a for-hire interstate motor carrier that transported vehicles primarily in the northeastern United States. It is alleged that, from May 3, 2019 to June 23, 2019, the defendants falsified driving logs in order to evade federal regulations designed to ensure the safety of roadways and drivers. It is further alleged that Dunyadar Gasanov instructed at least one Westfield Transport employee to falsify records, thereby exceeding the number of permissible driving hours, and then made a false statement to a federal inspector regarding the manipulation of recording devices that track drivers’ on and off duty hours in order to evade regulations.
The charge of falsification of records provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. The charge of conspiracy to falsify records provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of making a false statement to a federal investigator provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Daniel Helzner, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of Lelling’s Springfield Office 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.
Ghanaian National Arrested for Wire Fraud and Money Laundering Arising from $1.7 Million “Romance Scam”Read the Press Release
BOSTON – A Ghanaian national was arrested yesterday on wire fraud and money laundering charges involving funds obtained from “romance scam” victims.
Kofi Osei, a/k/a Paul Proia, a/k/a Kenneth Buck, a/k/a Jeffrey Anashe, 28, who most recently resided in Randolph, was indicted on seven counts of making a false statement to a bank, six counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering. Osei was detained following an initial appearance before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell.
According to the indictment, from approximately 2016 to at least 2020, Osei opened bank accounts in the greater Boston area using fake identity documents. Those bank accounts were used to receive fraudulently obtained funds from a number of victims of romance scams, in which perpetrators created fictitious online personas to develop online romantic relationships with individuals in the U.S., and then leveraged those relationships to obtain money and/or property. Once the fraudulently obtained funds reached the accounts, it is alleged that Osei generally withdrew the money in cash, used the funds to purchase cashier’s checks or spent the money on personal purchases. Altogether, the fraudulent accounts received $1.7 million.
The charge of making a false statement to a bank provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the scheme, whichever is greater. The charge of money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $500,000, or twice the value of the criminally derived property. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Kearney of Lelling’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Member of Boston Latin Kings Chapter Sentenced for Racketeering Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former member of the Boston-based Devon Street Kings Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) was sentenced yesterday on racketeering charges.
Angel Ortiz, a/k/a “King Ortiz,” 26, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to 27 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In November 2020, Ortiz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy.
Named for its origin on Devon Street in Boston, the Devon Street Kings or D5K Chapter of the Latin Kings, included approximately a dozen members. The Devon Street Kings, in turn, reported to the Massachusetts State Leadership of the Latin Kings, providing information, structure, funds and other resources to further the Latin Kings goals and directives in the state. Ortiz admitted to conspiring with gang members to further the operations of the Latin Kings by attending meetings and discussing crimes of violence and witness retaliation.
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. Ortiz is the 18th defendant to be sentenced 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.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; 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 Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long 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 Lelling’s Criminal Division 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 remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Acton Woman Sentenced for Defrauding the Treasury Department of over $50 Million in Tax Free Energy GrantsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Acton woman was sentenced today in connection with her role in defrauding the U.S. Treasury Department of more than $50 million in tax free energy grants as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Jessica Metivier, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to one year of probation. In September 2020, Metivier pleaded guilty to attempts to interfere with administration of internal revenue laws.
Metivier was originally charged in 2017 along with her partner, Christopher N. Condron, 49. Condron has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.
Metivier admitted that fraudulent applications submitted in her name to the Treasury Department for energy grants as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 resulted in millions of dollars in undeserved federal grants. The Recovery Act provided tax-free grants to individuals and businesses who put certain “specified energy property”—such as wind farms and gasification systems that convert trash into electricity—into service in a trade or business.
The government alleges that from May 2009 to June 2013, fraudulent grant applications were submitted in Metivier’s name to the Treasury Department on behalf of four different Massachusetts companies: Acton Bio Energy, Concord Nurseries, Kansas Green Energy, and ocean Wave Energy. According to the government, each application falsely claimed that Metivier and her entities had acquired, placed into service, or started construction of energy property, which included three different bio-fuel gasification systems, purportedly built at a cost of approximately $88 million. The applications sought reimbursement for more than $50 million based on those costs — costs the government alleges were never actually incurred. The government further alleges that the fraudulent applications in Metivier’s name resulted in federal grants totaling more than $8 million.
Metivier has admitted that she provided false information to federal agents investigating the fraudulent applications. For example, she falsely claimed that Concord Nurseries paid $26 million for the claimed bio-fuel gasification systems. She made false statements to agents regarding the manufacturer and financier of the systems, and she falsely claimed she first met Condron through the Acton Bio transaction, when in fact they had lived together for years before that transaction.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston made the announcement today. The U.S. Department of Treasury, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations provided assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neil J. Gallagher, Jr. and Elysa Wan of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This release was modified on March 9, 2021.
Malden Man Arrested on Cocaine Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Malden man was arrested today and charged in connection with operating a drug trafficking enterprise, including selling fentanyl, cocaine and cocaine base to an undercover officer on multiple occasions.
Dhamari Jordan, a/k/a/ “DMO,” a/k/a “DMO Crashout,” 20, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Jordan was detained following an initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell.
As noted during today’s court hearing, a loaded 9mm firearm was recovered in Jordan’s residence this morning during the execution of a search warrant.
It is alleged that Jordan and other members of his conspiracy were captured on recording selling fentanyl, cocaine and cocaine base to an undercover officer on three occasions in January 2021. During all of these sales, Jordan was on pretrial release for a pending firearms case in Cambridge District Court from June 2019. According to charging documents, Jordan was arrested in January 2020 by Boston Police in a vehicle where a firearm and pills containing heroin were recovered. It is further alleged Jordan posted a music video online depicting him brandishing firearms in a kitchen where cocaine was being cooked into “crack” cocaine.
The charge of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Suffolk District Attorney’s Office, Boston Police Department and Malden Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Sarah Hoefle of Lelling’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 defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Second-in-Command of Boston Latin Kings Chapter Sentenced for Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former second-in-command of the Boston-based Devon Street Kings Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) was sentenced today for racketeering charges.
Alexis Peguero, a/k/a “King Lexi,” a/k/a “King Looney,” 29, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to 21 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In August 2020, Peguero pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy.
The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.
Named for its origin on Devon Street in Boston, the Devon Street Kings or D5K Chapter of the Latin Kings, included approximately a dozen members who reported to Alexis Peguero, who served as “Cacique” or the second-in-command of the Chapter. The Devon Street Kings, in turn, reported to the Massachusetts State Leadership of the Latin Kings, providing information, structure, funds and other resources to further the Latin Kings goals and directives in the state.
As described in court documents, Alexis Peguero produced various music videos touting his allegiance to the Latin Kings, distributed controlled substances and threatened rival gang members. During the investigation, various meetings were covertly recorded where Alexis Peguero and members of the Devon Street Kings discussed the business of the racketeering enterprise. In addition, Alexis Peguero was present during meetings where members were beaten and violence against rival gangs was discussed and decided upon.
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. Alexis Peguero is the 17th defendant to be sentenced in the case.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; 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 Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long 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 Lelling’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.
Former Cape Cod Bookkeeper Sentenced for Embezzlement Charges in Two Criminal CasesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Cape Cod woman was sentenced today in two separate criminal cases for embezzling more than $1.5million from two previous employers.
Jessica L. Greenan, 42, of Centerville, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 70 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Judge Burroughs also ordered Greenan to pay restitution of $1,528,128 to the fraud victims, $412,354 to the IRS and to forfeit two vehicles.
In November 2021, Greenan pleaded guilty to a September 2019 indictment charging five counts of wire fraud and five counts of filing false federal tax returns for embezzling $1.1 million from a previous employer. She also pleaded guilty to a December 2019 indictment charging seven counts of wire fraud, two counts of bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft for embezzling more than $390,000 from a different employer. Several of the charges in the December indictment occurred after Greenan was released on conditions in the earlier prosecution.
Greenan admitted to embezzling funds from a Hyannis company for which she handled bookkeeping and payroll services. From October 2014 until she was terminated in March 2018, Greenan embezzled $1,135,460, including 536 occasions when she wired funds from the store’s operating bank account to pay her credit card bills. Greenan doctored the company bank statements and internal records to make the payments to her credit cards appear to be legitimate expenses, and also failed to report any of her illegal income to the IRS over the five year duration of the embezzlement scheme, thereby evading more than $325,000 in federal taxes.
After Greenan was fired by the first employer, she obtained employment as the bookkeeper for a Cape Cod construction company in August 2018 and immediately began stealing company funds. Until her new scheme was discovered, Greenan embezzled more than $287,000 by wiring payments from a company bank account to pay her credit cards, made more than $5,300 in unauthorized charges to a company credit card and converted more than $11,000 of company funds to pay auto loans. Greenan forged the company owner’s signature to transfer company funds, and then fraudulently obtained more than $6,300 in unauthorized payroll after her employment had been terminated.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston made the announcement today. The Chatham Police Department provided assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A. Wild of Lelling’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the cases.
Two Women Plead Guilty in Multi-Million Dollar Medicare Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two women pleaded guilty today in connection with a multi-million dollar Medicare fraud scheme.
Talia Alexandre, 30, of Palm Springs, Fla., pleaded guilty to one count of receiving kickbacks in connection with a federal health care program. Stefanie Hirsch, 51, of Los Angeles, Calif., pleaded guilty to violating the HIPAA statute. U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. scheduled the sentencing hearings for June 24, 2021.
According to charging documents, co-conspirator Nathan LaParl and Alexandre sold Medicare patients’ personal and medical data to Juan Camilo Perez Buitrago. Alexandre and LaParl worked with foreign call centers to contact Medicare patients to ask if they were interested in durable medical equipment (DME) such as arm, back, knee and shoulder braces “at little to no cost.” The call centers collected demographic and insurance information from Medicare patients, which Alexandre and LaParl sold to Perez Buitrago. Alexandre received more than $1.4 million from Perez Buitrago for the patient data. Perez Buitrago used that patient data to submit more than $109 million in false and fraudulent claims, submitting claims for DME that was not prescribed, not necessary, and, in many instances, never requested or received.
To perpetuate the scheme, Perez Buitrago and LaParl checked Medicare patients’ insurance eligibility by improperly accessing a patient eligibility tool provided by Hirsch. Hirsch owned EI Medical, Inc., a Medicare-enrolled wheelchair and scooter repair company that qualified for access to a health care clearinghouse that contains Medicare patients’ personal, medical and insurance information. Hirsch improperly gave LaParl and Perez Buitrago access to that clearinghouse and charged them about $0.25 per patient eligibility check. Using Hirsch’s credentials, LaParl accessed the personal and medical data of more than 350,000 patients and Perez Buitrago’s credentials were used for 150,000 patients.
LaParl pleaded guilty in January 2021 and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 20, 2021. In October 2020, Perez Buitrago pleaded guilty to health care fraud and paying kickbacks in connection with a federal health care program and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 5, 2021. Two other defendants, Jessica Jones and Elizabeth Putulin, pleaded guilty in January 2021 and are scheduled to be sentence on May 19, 2021.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Johnnie Sharp Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Birmingham Field Division; Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Boston Division; and Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elysa Q. Wan of Lelling’s Health Care Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Former VA Hospice Nurse Sentenced for Diverting and Tampering with Morphine Meant for Dying VeteransRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Tewksbury woman was sentenced today for diverting morphine while she was employed as a nurse in the hospice unit at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center campus in Bedford.
Kathleen Noftle, 55, was sentenced to 40 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In October 2020, Noftle pleaded guilty to one count of tampering with a consumer product and one count of obtaining a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, deception and subterfuge.
On Jan. 13, 14 and 15, 2017, Noftle used her position as a nurse to obtain doses of morphine that were meant to be given to the veterans under her care in the hospice unit. Noftle admitted that she mixed water from the sink with a portion of the liquid morphine doses, and then administered the diluted medication to patients orally. Noftle then ingested a diluted amount of the remaining drug.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney William B. Brady of Lelling’s Health Care Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Former Member of New Bedford Latin Kings Sentenced for Drug Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) was sentenced today on drug conspiracy charges.
Ines Lugo, a/k/a “Queen China,” 42, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to time served (approximately 47 days in prison) and three years of supervised release. The government recommended a sentence of 18 months incarceration. In November 2020, Lugo pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine base.
Lugo admitted that she conspired with other Latin Kings members and leaders to possess cocaine base (also known as “crack cocaine”) with the intent to distribute it. Specifically, in August 2019, she conspired with others to obtain cocaine base from members of the Latin Kings in New Bedford for resale. On Aug. 24, 2019, Lugo was captured on video delivering cocaine base to another Latin Kings member in a trap house.
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. Ines Lugo is the 16th defendant to be sentenced in the case.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; 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 Lelling’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.
Former Massachusetts State Representative Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Campaign Funds, Bank Fraud and Tax FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Former Massachusetts State Representative David M. Nangle pleaded guilty today to illegally using campaign funds to pay for his personal expenses, defrauding a bank to obtain loans to purchase his home and repay his personal debts, and collecting income that he failed to report to the IRS.
Nangle, 60, of Lowell, pleaded guilty to 10 counts of wire fraud, four counts of bank fraud, four counts of making false statements to a bank and five counts of filing false tax returns. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for June 24, 2021. Nangle was arrested and charged in February 2020.
“Elected representatives are expected to work for the benefit of their constituents, not to line their own pockets,” said United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “Mr. Nangle violated his obligations to the public by siphoning campaign dollars to cover the cost of his personal lifestyle, violating both federal law and the trust placed in him by voters. This office will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute public corruption in the Commonwealth’s government institutions.”
“David Nangle brokered his powerful position as a Massachusetts state lawmaker to put his own personal, financial, and political interests above the people he was elected to serve, depriving them of the right to honest government,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Corrupt public officials undermine the integrity of our government and inflict lasting damage. Rooting them out is among the most complex and significant work the FBI does for the American people.”
“Elected officials are chosen to serve the people, not themselves,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division. “Misusing campaign funds, underreporting income and claiming fraudulent tax deductions on income tax returns are all egregious betrayals of the public’s trust. Corruption of this nature is far too common, and I hope that today’s guilty plea sends a clear message of IRS-CI’s commitment to holding those who commit these dishonorable acts accountable.”
From 1999 to 2020, Nangle was the elected member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives for the 17th Middlesex District. Nangle, who previously served as a House Ethics Committee Chairman, used his campaign committee’s debit card to make personal purchases, including thousands of dollars in gift cards for his personal use, among other things.
During the period of the charged offenses, Nangle was heavily in debt and gambled extensively at area casinos and online, and then used thousands of dollars in campaign funds to pay for various personal expenses such as dues at a local golf club, rental cars to travel to casinos, flowers for his girlfriend, gas, hotels, and restaurants. Nangle knew that using campaign funds for personal use was prohibited and subject to oversight by an independent state agency and concealed his theft by filing false reports that disguised the personal nature of the spending.
In addition, from at least 2015 to 2018, Nangle devised a scheme to fraudulently obtain loans from a bank in order to finance the purchase of his home, fund his gambling activities and repay his personal debts. Nangle did so by making false statements on multiple loan applications, misstating his income and understating his debt.
Separately, Nangle filed false tax returns for tax years 2014 to 2018 by reporting fictitious business deductions for purported “consulting” work that he did for a Billerica company. Nangle also double dipped on deductible expenses arising from his work as a state legislator, fraudulently claiming thousands of dollars in false deductions for alleged charitable donations and misleading his tax preparer. Further, Nangle concealed the income he received through goods and services from business owners and other sources. This included $7,000 in kitchen and bathroom work done in Nangle’s home and $7,000 in check payments from a contractor; gambling income from a Connecticut casino; and thousands of dollars that he stole from his campaign account.
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 charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a bank each provide for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. The charge of filing false tax returns 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.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Chao, Chief of Lelling’s Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kunal Pasricha are prosecuting the case.
Malden Man Indicted on Murder-for-Hire ChargeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Malden man was indicted by a federal grand jury today in connection with attempting to hire a contract killer – who was actually an undercover federal agent – to murder his wife.
Massimo Marenghi, 54, was indicted on one count of murder-for-hire. Marenghi was charged by criminal complaint and arrested in January 2021. After a detention hearing on Feb. 10, 2021, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal ordered Marenghi detained pending trial.
According to charging documents, an individual reported to law enforcement that Marenghi had complained about his wife seeking a restraining order against him. Marenghi allegedly asked the individual for assistance in killing his wife. At the direction of federal agents, the individual introduced Marenghi to an undercover agent who posed as a contract killer. On Jan. 20, 2021, Marenghi met with the undercover agent and allegedly sought help to “eliminate” his problem. Marenghi provided the undercover agent with a photograph of his wife’s residence and explained how to evade detection by cameras while approaching the residence.
It is alleged that on Jan. 29, 2021, Marenghi again met with the undercover agent and discussed moving forward with the killing of his wife. Marenghi provided $1,500 cash as a deposit for the murder and explained that the sooner the “demolition job” takes place, the sooner he will be able to pay the balance owed. He also allegedly provided the undercover agent with a photograph of his wife, the hours of operation of her place of business and a schedule indicating the he would have custody of his children, which he said would be the “best time for the construction work to start.”
On the charge of murder-for-hire, Marenghi faces a sentence of up to 10 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.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. The Malden Police Department provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Deitch of Lelling’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 Physical Therapy Clinic Owner Arrested for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former owner of several physical therapy clinics in Greater Boston was arrested on health care fraud charges today as he attempted to board an international flight at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Chang Goo Yoon, 59, a South Korean national who most recently resided in Waltham, was charged with health care fraud. Yoon will make an initial appearance in federal court in the Eastern District of New York tomorrow.
According to the charging document, from 2009 to 2020, Yoon was the owner and operator of several physical therapy clinics in Allston, Waltham and Brookline. It is alleged that Yoon billed patients for non-existent physical therapy appointments. Specifically, Yoon allegedly billed patients for appointments that they canceled or never attended, including appointments while the patient was overseas. Yoon also billed claims using a former employee’s name and healthcare provider identifier even though she did not provide the claimed services. It is further alleged that Yoon billed patients for services on dates when he was not present at the clinic, but instead was at the Golden Nugget casino in Atlantic City, N.J. or the MGM Grand casino in Springfield, Mass.
The charge of health care fraud 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.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Anthony DiPaolo, Chief of Investigations of the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts; and Matthew Modafferi, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elysa Q. Wan of Lelling’s Health Care 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.
Former Member of Latin Kings Massachusetts State Leadership Pleads Guilty to Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former Second-in-Command, or Cacique, of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) pleaded guilty today to racketeering charges.
Angel Roldan, a/k/a “King Big A,” 35, 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 7, 2021.
From at least 2018 through 2019, Roldan served as the Cacique, or second-in-command, of the Latin Kings in Massachusetts. As part of this leadership role, Roldan sought out “paperwork” concerning Latin Kings members who provided information to law enforcement. Once the informant and status as an informant was confirmed, Roldan organized violence against them, both inside the prison system and on the street. During the investigation, Roldan was also captured on a recording selling a cooperating witness approximately 100 grams of fentanyl and a firearm.
The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.
In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Roldan is the 36th 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.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; 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 Lelling’s Criminal Division 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 remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lowell Man Sentenced for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lowell man was sentenced today for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
Steven Perez, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to 70 months in prison and four years of supervised release. In September 2020, Perez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Perez was arrested and charged with co-defendant Anthony Holloway, of Methuen, in December 2019.
Over the course of several months, law enforcement investigated Perez and Holloway’s fentanyl distribution operation. Perez and, allegedly, Holloway used an elderly housing complex run by the Methuen Housing Authority to conduct drug sales. Upon an execution of a search warrant at Perez’s residence, agents seized 61 grams of fentanyl.
Holloway previously pleaded not guilty and is pending trial.
United States Attorney Andrew Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Field Office; and Acting Methuen Police Chief Kristopher McCarthy made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dominican National Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national who previously resided in Middleton was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegal reentry.
Joaquin Diaz, 39, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to 36 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Diaz will also be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. In October 2019, Diaz pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of deported alien.
On May 21, 2014, Diaz was encountered in Middleton. Diaz was previously deported in in 2007. At some point after each deportation, he illegally reentered the United States. Diaz was charged in this case in November 2018.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling 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 Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Springfield Woman Charged with Aggravated Identity Theft and Stealing Government BenefitsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield woman was arrested today on charges of aggravated identity theft and theft of government money.
Jane Doe, whose identity is unknown, was indicted on two counts of theft of public money, one count of false representation of a Social Security number and one count of aggravated identity theft.
It is alleged that Doe falsely represented another individual’s Social Security number as her own on an application for Section 8 housing assistance benefits in October 2018. In addition, Doe is charged with stealing Social Security disability benefits from August 2017 to August 2018, and Section 8 benefits from April 2019 through February 2021.
Aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year sentence that must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of theft of public funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of 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.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Tonya Perkins, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Boston Field Office; and Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Lelling’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.
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. The defendant admitted to participating in a June 2019 shooting of another Latin Kings member who was in bad standing with the gang.
Shelton Johnson, a/k/a “King Shellz,” 31, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to 54 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In September 2020, Johnson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy.
The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.
Johnson admitted that he conspired with other Latin Kings members and leaders and participated in a June 2019 shooting of a member who was in bad standing with the gang. Johnson also admitted to participating in a beating of members of the Latin Kings who had violated its rules.
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. Johnson is the 15th defendant to be sentenced in the case.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; 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 Lelling’s Criminal Division 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 remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.