District of Maine
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Vinalhaven Man Faces up to 10 Years Following Guilty Plea for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Vinalhaven man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records, in June 2022, investigators arrested an individual on a federal arrest warrant at the Fairfield Inn in Bangor. When the individual asked if he could get money from his room, agents entered the room in the individual’s presence to retrieve the money with his consent. Investigators found John Dinius, 56, in the room, and observed a magazine for a gun on the bathroom counter. When investigators asked Dinius where the guns were located, he directed them to a bag containing a loaded .45 caliber pistol and a .38 caliber revolver. He admitted he had hidden the bag to get the guns out of sight. A 2004 conviction in Massachusetts precluded Dinius from possessing a firearm.
Dinius faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. He also faces up to three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.
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Florida Man Faces 15-30 Years for Production, Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material After Exploiting Child He Met on InstagramRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Florida man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to one count of sexually exploiting a child and two counts of distributing child pornography.
According to court records, in August 2020, Wesley Deal, 42, began communicating with an 11-year-old child on Instagram. He sent multiple messages requesting sexually explicit images, and the victim responded by sending multiple sexually explicit photos and videos to Deal. Deal threatened to post the images on the internet if the victim did not provide him with additional images. He sent the victim screenshots of the images that child had previously sent to prove that he had the ability to carry out his threats.
Deal faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison for the sexual exploitation count and a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years for each of the distribution of child pornography counts. He also faces a $250,000 fine and up to a lifetime of supervised release on each count. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Homeland Security Investigations, the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office, the Bangor Police Department and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in Florida investigated the case.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer re-victimization every time the images are viewed. File a report with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at https://report.cybertip.org/ or 1-800-843-5678. If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741.
Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Westbrook Woman Sentenced for Role in Money Mule Scam, Ordered to Pay FEMA $7,340 in RestitutionRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Westbrook woman was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Portland for serving as a “money mule” for someone she met online. A money mule is someone who transfers or moves illegally acquired money on behalf of someone else.
Chief U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy sentenced Cheryl White, 58, to three years of probation. She was also ordered to pay $7,340 in restitution to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). White pleaded guilty on May 19, 2022.
According to court records, White met an unknown person on the internet. At their request, White purchased prepaid debit cards and provided the card numbers to the person. She was later contacted by the person and informed that the cards had been loaded with money. In October 2017, White withdrew the money from the cards and used the funds to purchase money orders which she deposited into her bank account. She withdrew the money days later and mailed most of the money to an address provided by the person she met online.
The money loaded onto the prepaid cards came from FEMA, which had issued the money based on false and fraudulent claims for disaster relief filed with the agency. Although White did not file the false claims, she admitted that she knew the money came from some type of crime. Two banks had previously closed her accounts due to similar conduct, with one bank informing her that her deposits and withdrawals were part of a fraud scheme. White nonetheless continued the same conduct.
The Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG) investigated the case with assistance from FEMA’s Fraud Prevention and Investigations Branch and the Westbrook Police Department.
Money Mule Scams: Acting as a money mule is illegal and punishable even if you aren’t aware that you are committing a crime. If you are a money mule, you could be prosecuted and incarcerated as part of a criminal money laundering conspiracy. Some money mules know they are supporting criminal enterprises; others are unaware that they are helping criminals profit. Criminals often target students, those looking for work, or those on dating websites, but anyone can be approached to be a money mule. Learn more about money mule scams at https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/money-mules.
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U.S. Attorney Releases Recorded Statement in Celebration of Transgender Day of Visibility TodayRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: Today, March 31, is Transgender Day of Visibility, a day of recognition and celebration that will be marked by events across the country, including here in Maine. The U.S. Attorney joins in the marking of the occasion with the release of a recorded statement and wishes all of today’s celebrants a safe and joyful day.
Ensuring that all Mainers are treated fairly and with respect, and in accordance with federal law, is among the highest priorities for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine. The U.S. Attorney is committed to engaging in a meaningful dialogue with the transgender community in Maine to show support and to increase public safety, with an aim to build trust in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Department of Justice, and in law enforcement to foster an environment where the reporting of hate crimes feels safe and meaningful.
View and/or download the U.S. Attorney’s recorded statement: https://youtu.be/Fq5eEcimLCM
Text of the recorded statement: “As U.S. Attorney, I have had the privilege of meeting several transgender Mainers. I want to thank you all for sharing your stories and challenges with me. I am hopeful that I can use my position to spread awareness on transgender issues throughout Maine in order to help remove barriers and address matters that are important to you. I want to affirm my commitment to doing what I can to ensure that you feel seen, heard, and respected when you interact with law enforcement, including with my office and the Department of Justice. I hope you will continue to work with me to develop trust. Today, as we celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility, please know that I see you. I celebrate you. And I am committed to making Maine a safer place for you.”
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Cambridge Man Faces 5-40 Years, $5M Fine for Role in Penobscot County Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Cambridge man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine base, methamphetamine and cocaine.
According to court records, between January 2021 and April 2021, Jeffrey Frost, 38, conspired with others to distribute the drugs in the Penobscot County area and elsewhere. As part of the conspiracy, Frost regularly obtained drugs and supplied them to a local dealer to sell for him.
Frost faces a minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine. He also faces a minimum of four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Somerset County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
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NH Man Sentenced to 14 ½ Years for Violent Home Invasion in YorkRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A New Hampshire man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for conspiracy, robbery and firearm charges stemming from a violent home invasion in York in August 2019.
Chief U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy sentenced Jason Candelario, 34, of Manchester, New Hampshire to 175 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $180,277.06 in restitution. Candelario pleaded guilty on November 2, 2022.
According to court records, during the evening hours of August 2, 2019, Candelario and three other co-conspirators met in Hooksett, New Hampshire and planned a home invasion of a York residence to rob marijuana and marijuana sale proceeds from the home’s resident. The group traveled to the York residence where Candelario and one other co-conspirator, armed with handguns and wearing masks, waited in the woods for the resident to return home. When the resident arrived home, accompanied by two others, a violent physical altercation ensued between the resident and one of the armed co-conspirators and both ended up on the ground. The other armed co-conspirator came around the vehicle to aid in subduing the victim. During the fight, a firearm was discharged, and the bullet struck the victim in the lower abdomen. Candelario and the other armed co-conspirator then fled.
The FBI, in conjunction with the York Police Department and the York County Sheriff’s Office, investigated the case.
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Dixmont Woman Faces 10+ Years for Role in Penobscot and Aroostook County Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Dixmont woman pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and one count of conspiracy to make false statements to federal firearms dealers.
According to court records, between January 2018 and December 2021, Sarah McBreairty, 33, conspired with others to traffic methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot and Aroostook counties. As part of the conspiracy, McBreairty obtained large quantities of the drugs from a source and distributed them to area dealers. In June 2021, McBreairty conspired with others to make false statements to a federal firearms licensee in Holden to obtain firearms for her drug source. The attempted purchase was denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background check center.
McBreairty faces 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and five years of supervised release for the drug conspiracy offense. She faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the firearms charge. She will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Maine Drug Enforcement Agency investigated the case. Assistance was provided by the Old Town and Bangor police departments.
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces: This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Rhode Island Man Sentenced to 14 Months for CyberstalkingRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Rhode Island man was sentenced today in federal court for cyberstalking.
Chief U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy sentenced Larry Spencer, 62, to 14 months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. Spencer pleaded guilty on October 17, 2022. The court will also issue a three-year federal protective order prohibiting contact between Spencer and the victim.
According to court records, Spencer was divorced from his former spouse in 2016 in Maryland. Following years of harassment and stalking, the victim relocated to a different residence in Maryland before moving to Maine in 2018. Spencer continued to harass and threaten her via email and social media posts, and she obtained a State of Maine protection order in 2019. Spencer continued to harass and threaten the victim in violation of the order by sending dozens of emails and harassing posts and threats online. Permanently deleting her email account did not stop him. Spencer’s use of email messages and posts on social media platforms to contact the victim directly and indirectly, as well as his overt and veiled references to violence and to her physical location, caused the victim substantial emotional distress.
“Cyberstalking is a serious and traumatizing federal crime, the prosecution of which is a priority for my office,” said United States Attorney Darcie N. McElwee.
The FBI conducted the investigation.
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Kevin Neal Takes Oath as Acting U.S. Marshal for District of MaineRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: Kevin Neal was sworn in March 16, 2023 as the Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Maine. Chief U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy administered the oath of office.
Neal was designated Acting U.S. Marshal (USM) for the District of Maine by order of United States Attorney General Merrick Garland on March 10, 2023. He had been serving in that role since January 30, 2022 at the direction of U.S. Marshals Service Director Ronald L. Davis.
The history of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) in Maine dates to 1789, more than 30 years before Maine became the 23rd state. It is the nation’s oldest law enforcement agency. The duties of the U.S. Marshals Service include protecting the federal judiciary, apprehending fugitives, managing and selling seized assets acquired by criminals through illegal activities, housing and transporting federal prisoners, and operating the Witness Security Program.
Acting USM Neal has been with the USMS for more than 20 years, serving in the Districts of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Maine, most recently serving as the Chief Deputy United States Marshal in Maine. He joined the District of Maine from the District of Massachusetts where he earned the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Service for his management of the Boston Marathon Bombing trial. His work on the case was also recognized by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with an Investigative Achievement Award. He also earned a second Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service for his work during the prosecution and trial of the largest MS-13 case in the nation.
Acting USM Neal serves on the USMS District Chief’s Advisory Board and is responsible for addressing USMS-wide issues and developing national priorities while providing counsel and recommendations to the Director and executive staff on these topics. He is a member of the USMS National Incident Management Team and is actively involved in the DOJ mentoring program and recruitment efforts.
"For the last 13 months, during an incredibly difficult time, Acting U.S. Marshal Neal has been a collaborative and responsive partner to my office and our local, state, and federal law enforcement community,” U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee said. “His designation to this role by the Attorney General is wonderful news for the entire District of Maine.”
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Berwick Woman Ordered to Pay $59,140 in Restitution to SSA, HUD Following Decade-Long FraudRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Berwick woman was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for Social Security fraud and theft of public money.
Chief U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy sentenced Andreanna Politano, 60, to three years of probation. She was also ordered to pay $49,976.38 in restitution to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and $9,164.00 in restitution to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Politano pleaded guilty on September 12, 2022.
According to court records, from about March 2009 to February 2020, Politano concealed the presence of her husband in her household to maintain her eligibility to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. SSI benefits are paid to people with limited income who are blind, disabled or elderly. Politano also concealed her husband’s presence from HUD from about January 2018 to June 2021, during which time she received housing voucher subsidy benefits. Politano’s husband had sufficient income to render her ineligible for the benefits she received.
In multiple reviews of her eligibility for benefits, Politano falsely represented to SSA that she and her husband had separated in October 2008 and had lived separately since that time. In an interview with law enforcement agents, she admitted concealing her living situation from SSA and HUD because she knew it would make her ineligible to receive benefits.
The investigation was conducted by SSA’s Office of the Inspector General and HUD’s Office of the Inspector General.
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British Nationals Sentenced for Interference with Flight Crew, Assault during Flight Diverted to BGRRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: Two men from Manchester, England were sentenced in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to interference with a flight crew and assault. The charges stem from an incident on a January 2, 2023 TUI Airways flight that diverted to Bangor International Airport (BGR).
U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Anthony Joseph James Kirby, 36, and Damien Jake Murphy, 36, to time served. They had been in custody since their arrest on January 2. They were also ordered to pay $26,589.12 in restitution. They pleaded guilty on February 2.
According to court records, Kirby and Murphy were passengers aboard a TUI Airways flight traveling from Cancun, Mexico to Manchester, England. While the flight was in U.S. airspace, the FAA received a report that two passengers had repeatedly interfered with members of the flight crew and flight attendants. After repeated warnings from the captain, the flight diverted to BGR with agents and officers from the FBI, Federal Air Marshal Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Bangor Police Department responding.
The investigation revealed that Kirby and Murphy had become upset after being told they would not be served any more alcohol. The pair then retrieved a large bottle of alcohol from their carry-on luggage and continued to drink, becoming increasingly intoxicated. Despite repeated warnings, the two men continued to be belligerent, including using racial slurs. At one point Murphy assaulted a flight attendant, and Kirby assaulted a passenger. TUI Airways LTD incurred $26,589 in costs and expenses due to the unscheduled landing at BGR.
The FBI, Federal Air Marshal Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Bangor Police Department investigated the case.
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Edited 03/15/23 to correct Bangor International Airport IATA code to BGR
Bangor Woman Faces up to 20 Years for Role in Penobscot and Aroostook County Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Bangor woman pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.
According to court records, between January 2018 and December 2021, Carol Gordon, 52, along with others, trafficked methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot and Aroostook counties. Her participation in the conspiracy involved allowing other members of the conspiracy to deal drugs from her residence and serving as a go-between for many of the transactions.
Gordon faces up to 20 years imprisonment. She will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistance was provided by the Orono, Bangor, Brewer, Caribou, Presque Isle, and Houlton police departments. U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee also recognized the cooperation and coordination provided by the Maine State Attorney General’s Office and the Aroostook County District Attorney’s Office.
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces: This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Augusta Man Sentenced to 16 Months for Assaulting Federal Officer at Muskie Federal BuildingRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: An Augusta man was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Bangor today for assaulting a federal officer at the Edmund S. Muskie Federal Building in Augusta in April 2022.
U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Derik Broox Wight, 41, to 16 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Wight pleaded guilty on September 27, 2022.
According to court records, on April 20, 2022, Wight entered the Muskie Federal Building and approached the security screening station, which was staffed by personnel contracted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Protective Service (FPS). Wight pressed a security officer against a wall and put a knife to the area of his throat. A second security officer drew his service weapon and ordered Wight to drop the knife. When Wight refused to comply, the officer fired a single shot, striking him. Wight was transported to an area hospital where he was subsequently charged.
“Everyone who enters a federal building in Maine should know that the Federal Protective Service and their partners are on scene to protect visitors and tenants. It can be a difficult and dangerous job, and I commend the quick actions of the FPS officers and thank them for preventing any innocent bystanders from being injured,” U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee said.
“When this senseless attack took place, FPS-contracted Protective Security Officers acted professionally and swiftly to stop the attack and ensure the safety of all involved,” said Joseph Carriuolo, Acting Regional Director, Region 1, Federal Protective Service. “We’re grateful for their bravery, as well as the close collaboration with our federal, state, and local partners to protect those who work at and visit federal facilities in Maine and who maintain overall public safety.”
“As law enforcement officers, we all take an oath to protect the public from harm. When Derik Wight assaulted a protective security officer with a knife, another brave officer took immediate action to prevent others from being harmed. We are incredibly thankful for these officers’ courageous actions that day,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Today’s sentence ensures that Mr. Wight is held accountable for his criminal conduct and also reinforces the fact that assaults on law enforcement officers undermine the rule of law and will not be tolerated.”
The FBI, FPS and Augusta Police Department investigated the case.
Waterville Man Faces up to 20 Years, $250K Fine for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Waterville man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to possessing child sexual abuse material.
According to court records, Terrence Talbot, 56, used a government computer to search for and obtain child sexual abuse material. He stored downloaded still and video files on removable digital media devices.
Talbot faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and up to a lifetime of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of the Inspector General investigated this case.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer re-victimization every time the images are viewed. File a report with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at https://report.cybertip.org or 1-800-843-5678. If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741.
Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Massachusetts Man Sentenced for Illegal Wildlife Trafficking, Fined $10,000Read the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Massachusetts man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for illegally transporting wild snowshoe hares from Maine to Massachusetts.
U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Jon Rioux, 36, of Attleboro, Massachusetts to one year of probation and imposed a fine of $10,000. Judge Torresen also ordered Rioux to pay $1,843 in restitution to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
According to court records, in January 2021, an investigator received information that Rioux was soliciting Maine residents to live trap snowshoe hares. On four occasions Rioux illegally purchased snowshoe hares in Maine and then transported them to Massachusetts to use for beagle training and field trials. On March 16, 2022, Rioux was arrested by Maine Game Wardens and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agents at the Kennebunk service plaza on the Maine Turnpike after his fifth purchase.
“Illegally trafficking wildlife across state lines not only exploits public resources it threatens wild populations by creating the potential for disease transmission,” said Edward Grace, Assistant Director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. “We’re grateful for our close collaboration with state partners in Maine to help us enforce laws that protect wildlife resources on behalf of the American public."
The Maine Warden Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigated the case with assistance from the Massachusetts Environmental Police.
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Edited 03/02/23 for clarity
Former Aroostook County Man Faces up to 20 Years for Role in Penobscot & Aroostook County Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A former Aroostook County resident pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.
According to court records, between January 2018 and December 2021, Andrew Adams, 31, along with others, trafficked methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot and Aroostook counties. His participation in the conspiracy resulted in contacts with local law enforcement that led to the seizure of drugs, firearms, drug paraphernalia and other items.
Adams faces up to 20 years imprisonment. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistance was provided by the Orono, Bangor, Brewer, Caribou, Presque Isle, and Houlton police departments. U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee also recognized the cooperation and coordination provided by the Maine State Attorney General’s Office and the Aroostook County District Attorney’s Office.
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces: This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Norway Man Charged with PPP Loan FraudRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: Merton Weed Jr., 50, of Norway, Maine, was arrested today on an indictment charging him with filing fraudulent claims for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and a fraudulent application for a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured mortgage.
According to the indictment, between May 2020 and January 2021, Weed filed five applications for PPP loans requesting over $150,000. The applications are alleged to have listed false average monthly payrolls and numbers of employees and to have been supported by false payroll records and bank records. The indictment also alleges that Weed filed a residential loan application for an FHA-insured mortgage in 2018, listing false employment and income information on the application.
If convicted, Weed faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.
The FBI is investigating the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): The PPP was a COVID-19 pandemic relief program administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) that provided forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses. The PPP permitted participating third-party lenders to approve and disburse SBA-backed PPP loans to cover payroll, fixed debts, utilities, rent/mortgage, accounts payable and other bills incurred by qualifying businesses during, and resulting from, the COVID-19 pandemic. PPP loans were fully guaranteed by the SBA.
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U.S. Attorney and Maine Prosecutors’ Joint Statement Regarding Domestic Violence-Related Protective Orders and Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee joined Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey and Maine’s District Attorneys in a statement today to reassure domestic violence victims in Maine following a recent appellate court decision in Louisiana.
“In 1994, Congress passed Section 922(g)(8) of Title 18, United States Code, a law prohibiting firearm possession by individuals subject to a court order that restrains them from harassing, stalking or threatening an intimate partner or child. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in United States v. Rahimi recently ruled that this federal statute is unconstitutional. The Rahimi decision is not binding on the District of Maine, which is in the First Circuit.
While the Rahimi decision is reviewed, it is the position of the Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine, the Maine Attorney General’s Office, and Maine’s District Attorneys, that this federal statute, and a parallel state law found at Section 393(D)(1) of Title 15 of Maine’s Revised Statutes, are presumed constitutional.
Domestic abusers in Maine should be aware that both statutes will be enforced.”
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Biddeford Man Faces up to 20 Years for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Biddeford man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to possession of child sexual abuse materials.
According to court records, in September 2022, federal agents executed a search warrant at the Biddeford residence of Jeffrey Gray, 61, following reports that he had shared child sexual abuse material over a peer-to-peer file sharing network. Investigators seized eight electronic devices, and based on material recovered from those devices, executed a second search warrant in November 2022, recovering three additional devices. A forensic examination of the devices revealed hundreds of child sexual abuse images and videos. Victims depicted in the material recovered included an infant approximately 3-6 months old being sexually abused by an adult man. Gray has a previous conviction in Rockingham (New Hampshire) Superior Court in 2012 for aggravated felonious sexual assault.
Gray faces up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Maine State Police investigated the case.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – “child pornography” – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer re-victimization each time the images are viewed. File a report with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at https://report.cybertip.org/ or 1-800-843-5678. Your report will be forwarded to a law enforcement agency for investigation and action. If you have an emergency that requires an immediate law enforcement response, call 911 or contact your local police or sheriff’s department.
Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Orrington Man Faces up to 20 Years Following Guilty Plea to Drug Trafficking and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: An Orrington man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot County as well as conspiring to make false statements to federal firearms licensee.
According to court records, between January 2018 and December 2021, Joshua Jerrell, 27, conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, a substance containing methamphetamine and fentanyl. Jerrell regularly arranged to obtain quantities from a source through phone calls, texts and social media using coded language. He would then distribute these drugs to his customers in Penobscot County. In June 2021, Jerrell made false statements to a federal firearms licensee in Holden in an attempt to obtain firearms for his drug supplier.
Jerrell faces a maximum term of 20 years imprisonment on the drug charge and up to five years on the firearms conspiracy charge. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistance was provided by the Orono, Bangor, Brewer, Caribou, Presque Isle and Houlton police departments. U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee also recognized the cooperation and coordination provided by the Maine State Attorney General’s Office.
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces: This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Calais Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Calais man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for distributing child sexual abuse material.
U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Samuel Staples, 27, to 60 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Staples pleaded guilty on August 31, 2022.
According to court records, in September 2021, Staples began a chat session with the administrator of a social networking group dedicated to sharing child sexual abuse material and sent the administrator a sexually explicit image of a prepubescent female child. Based on this information, a search warrant was executed at Staples’ residence, and during the search, Staples admitted sending the image. Multiple images and videos of child pornography were also found on his cell phone.
Homeland Security Investigations, the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit, and the Calais Police Department investigated the case.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer re-victimization each time the images are viewed. File a report with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at https://report.cybertip.org/ or 1-800-843-5678. Your report will be forwarded to a law enforcement agency for investigation and action. If you have an emergency that requires an immediate law enforcement response, call 911 or contact your local police or sheriff’s department.
Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Auburn Man Sentenced to 6 1/2 Years for Receipt and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: An Auburn man, formerly of Hollis, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for receipt and possession of child sexual abuse material.
Chief U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy sentenced Dylan Carmichael-Margel, 31, to 78 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $34,000 in restitution. Carmichael-Margel pleaded guilty on June 23, 2022.
According to court records, between May 2020 and January 2021, Carmichael-Margel knowingly received and possessed images and videos of child sexual abuse material. Some of the images depicted children under 12. In January 2021, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed a search warrant at Carmichael-Margel’s Hollis residence and seized a cell phone and laptop. Child sexual abuse material was recovered from both devices. Child sexual abuse images recovered from the cell phone included victims as young as two years old.
HSI investigated the case.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – “child pornography” – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer re-victimization each time the images are viewed. File a report with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at https://report.cybertip.org/ or 1-800-843-5678. Your report will be forwarded to a law enforcement agency for investigation and action. If you have an emergency that requires an immediate law enforcement response, call 911 or contact your local police or sheriff’s department.
Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Rockport Man Faces up to 30 Years, $1M Fine Following Guilty Plea for PPP Loan FraudRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Rockport man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to a bank fraud scheme in which he filed nine fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications and received over $1 million in fraud proceeds.
According to court records, Mark X. Haley II, 42, filed fraudulent PPP loan applications at two banks for businesses he controlled. Haley listed false employee and payroll information on each application and submitted fraudulent documents to support the false information to the banks. These documents included false federal employment tax returns, fake timesheets and falsified bank records. As a result of the scheme, Haley fraudulently obtained $1,010,581 in PPP funds. He used some of the funds to make a down payment on a sailboat.
Haley faces up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. He also faces up to five years of supervised release. Haley will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations investigated the case.
“While many legitimate businesses used PPP loans to keep their businesses afloat, Mark Haley, motivated by personal greed, set his sails on a scheme to obtain lavish luxuries,” said Joleen Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS- Criminal Investigation’s Boston Field Office. “Today’s plea should serve as a stark reminder that criminals, such as Haley, will be held accountable for their misdeeds.”
Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP): The PPP was a COVID-19 pandemic relief program administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) that provided forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses. The PPP permitted participating third-party lenders to approve and disburse SBA-backed PPP loans to cover payroll, fixed debts, utilities, rent/mortgage, accounts payable and other bills incurred by qualifying businesses during, and resulting from, the COVID-19 pandemic. PPP loans were fully guaranteed by the SBA.
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Falmouth Man Sentenced to Five Years for Federal Program Fraud, Wire FraudRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Falmouth man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for federal program fraud and wire fraud.
U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Joshua Cory Frances, 46, to five years in prison and two years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $87,351 in restitution and to forfeit a 27-foot Boston Whaler boat, two marine outboard engines and a trailer. Frances pleaded guilty on October 27, 2021.
According to court records, Frances was the Commander of Maine Task Force One (MTF1), which was overseen by the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and funded from grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and through Maine Medical Center (MMC). Comprised primarily of physician assistants and emergency medical technicians, MTF1 augmented emergency medical service personnel for specific events in Maine and northern New England.
In 2015 and 2016, Frances converted to his own use property under the care of MTF1 and MMC, including a 44-foot sailing vessel, a 27-foot Boston Whaler boat and two marine outboard engines. Frances also falsely represented himself to be an employee of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and a member of law enforcement to the Defense Logistics Agency and other victims to improperly obtain over $150,000 worth of property, some of which he later converted to his own use.
“The DHS Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG) will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and bring to justice individuals who fraudulently claim affiliation with DHS for personal gain. This sentence should send a clear message that these fraudsters will be held accountable,” said Dr. Joseph V. Cuffari, Inspector General of DHS.
“The sentencing announced today is the result of a joint investigative effort to seek justice against an individual who defrauded government programs,” stated Patrick J. Hegarty, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the investigative arm of the Department of Defense (DoD), Office of Inspector General. “The fraudulent conduct in this case undermined the integrity of the DoD’s disposition services program, which is designed to transfer excess DoD property to federal, state and local law enforcement agencies that make honest representations to the United States.”
DHS-OIG investigated the case with assistance from the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Maine Attorney General’s Office, Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and the Falmouth Police Department. Valuable support was provided by the FBI, MEMA, the Towns of Falmouth and Brunswick, FEMA and MMC.
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Belgrade Man Sentenced to 8+ Years for Manchester Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Belgrade man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for bank robbery.
U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Clinton Damboise, 47, to 98 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $3,179 in restitution. Damboise pleaded guilty on September 27, 2021.
According to court records, in September 2016, Damboise entered the Camden National Bank in Manchester, Maine, telling the teller, “This is a robbery, not a joke.” He gestured to the waistband of his jacket and said he had a gun. The teller handed Damboise cash, and he fled. Damboise, who was not wearing a mask, was identified by the teller and by the bank’s security camera footage.
The FBI, Maine State Police, Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office and Southington (Connecticut) Police Department investigated the case.
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Former Yarmouth Resident Sentenced for Identity Theft and SBA Loan Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A former Yarmouth resident was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court in Portland for aggravated identity theft and making a false statement to the Small Business Administration in a loan application.
U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced John J. Cavanaugh, Jr., 53, to three years in prison and three years of supervised release. Cavanaugh was also ordered to pay over $244,000 in restitution to the victims of his crimes.
According to court records, in November 2016, Cavanaugh applied to the Social Security Administration (SSA) for disability insurance benefits on behalf of his minor son. During the application process, Cavanaugh falsely claimed that his son had resided with him since birth, and that he and his son lived together. In fact, neither his son nor his son’s mother had ever lived with Cavanaugh.
In December 2016, Cavanaugh submitted a typewritten letter to the SSA that was purportedly authored and signed by his son’s mother. The letter falsely stated that she and her son were living with Cavanaugh. The letter was provided in support of Cavanaugh’s application for disability insurance benefits on his son’s behalf. His son’s mother did not write the letter, and the signature on the letter was not hers. Cavanaugh did not have her permission to write the letter on her behalf. The SSA approved his application for benefits and he received them until June 2018, when his son’s mother learned that he was receiving them and notified the SSA.
Also according to court records, in April 2020, Cavanaugh applied for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan through the U.S. Small Business Administration. The loans were designed to support business owners negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The online application that Cavanaugh completed asked if he was currently subject to an indictment or other formal criminal charge. Cavanaugh falsely answered “No” to this question. In fact, he was under indictment in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine, and was subject to an order setting conditions of release that informed him that if he committed a new federal felony while on release, he was subject to additional penalties.
The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the SSA Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
New York Man Faces up to 10 Years Following Guilty Plea for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A New York man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records, Camby Wilson, 22, knowingly possessed a firearm during a March 2022 traffic stop in Augusta. The firearm was loaded with four rounds of ammunition. A 2019 conviction in New York precludes Wilson from possessing a firearm.
Wilson faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He also faces up to three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Augusta Police Department investigated the case.
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British Nationals Plead Guilty to Interference with Flight Crew, Assault on Flight Diverted to BGRRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: Two men from Manchester, England pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to interference with a flight crew and assault. The charges stem from an incident on a TUI Airways flight that diverted to Bangor International Airport (BGR) last month.
According to court records, Anthony Joseph James Kirby, 36, and Damien Jake Murphy, 36, were passengers aboard a TUI Airways flight traveling from Cancun, Mexico to Manchester, England on January 2, 2023. While the flight was in U.S. airspace, the FAA received a report that two passengers had repeatedly interfered with members of the flight crew and flight attendants. After repeated warnings from the captain, the flight diverted to BGR with agents and officers from the FBI, Federal Air Marshal Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Bangor Police Department responding.
The investigation revealed that Kirby and Murphy had become upset after being told they would not be served any more alcohol. The pair then acquired a large bottle of alcohol from their carry-on luggage and continued to drink, becoming increasingly intoxicated. Despite repeated warnings, the two men continued to be belligerent, including using racial slurs. At one point Murphy assaulted a flight attendant, and Kirby assaulted a passenger. TUI Airways LTD incurred $26,589 in costs and expenses due to the unscheduled landing at BGR.
Kirby and Murphy each face up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and three years of supervised release for the interference charge. For the assault charges, they face up to one year in prison, a $100,000 fine, and one year of supervised release. The men will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The FBI, Federal Air Marshal Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Bangor Police Department investigated the case.
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Edited 03/15/23 to correct Bangor International Airport IATA code to BGR
Bangor Man Pleads Guilty to Theft of a Firearm from Main Street Pawn in LincolnRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Bangor man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to theft of a firearm from a licensed firearms dealer.
According to court records, in July 2021, Jonathan Birtz, 39, stole a .380 caliber pistol from Main Street Pawn in Lincoln. Security footage showed Birtz reaching over the counter to take the pistol and then concealing it in a folded blanket he was carrying.
Birtz faces up to 10 years in prison followed by up to three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The Lincoln Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
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Standish Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Transfer of Obscene Material to a MinorRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Standish man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to the attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor.
According to court records, in March 2022, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office received reports that an individual later identified as John Wilson, 36, had engaged in inappropriate conversations with at least two minor children using the internet and social media. In June 2022, Wilson engaged in sexually explicit online chat communications with members of a watchdog group posing as underage girls. During one sexually explicit online chat, Wilson sent photographs of his penis and live-streamed a video of himself masturbating to someone he believed to be an 11-year-old girl.
Wilson faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Reports of child sexual exploitation are increasing: In 2021, The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTipline received 29.3 million reports of suspected child sexual exploitation, an increase of 35% from 2020 and 73% from 2019. From 2019 to 2021, reports of “Online Enticement of Children for Sexual Acts” increased more than 130% while reports of “Unsolicited Obscene Material Sent to a Child” increased 220%. Victimization can take place across every platform, including social media, messaging apps, gaming platforms, etc. To make a CyberTipline Report, visit https://report.cybertip.org/.
Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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New York Man Sentenced to 6 Years for Transporting Maine Minor Across State Lines for Illegal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A New York man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for transporting a Maine teenager across state lines with the intent to engage in unlawful sexual activity.U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Tyler Streeter, 28, to six years in prison followed by five years of supervised release.
According to court records, in late 2020, Streeter contacted a 16-year-old girl on Instagram and TikTok and began a months-long interaction with her online. At the time, Streeter resided in Norwich, New York, and the victim lived in Maine. Streeter groomed the victim by repeatedly telling her that she was attractive and that he loved her and wanted to marry her. He also sent graphic messages in which he expressed his interest in having sex with her. In April 2021, Streeter traveled to Maine with the intent to pick up the victim and take her back to New York. The victim’s father unsuccessfully attempted to stop Streeter and the girl from leaving, and an AMBER alert was issued. The victim was recovered from a residence in Syracuse, New York and returned to Maine the following day.
Street is a registered sex offender following a 2017 conviction in New York for sexually abusing a 10-year-old girl.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Online enticement is increasing: The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) reported an alarming 97.5% increase in online enticement reports between 2019 and 2020. “Online enticement” involves an individual communicating with someone believed to be a child via the internet with the intent to commit a sexual offense or abduction. This type of victimization takes place across every platform, including social media, messaging apps, gaming platforms, etc. Learn more about online enticement, including red flags and risk factors, at https://www.missingkids.org/theissues/onlineenticement.
Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Levant Man Sentenced to 33 Months for Fraudulently Receiving $322,460 in Pandemic Relief FundsRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Levant man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for wire fraud and money laundering arising from his fraudulent receipt of Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) funds.
U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Craig C. Franck, 40, to 33 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Franck pleaded guilty on August 16, 2022.
According to court records, Franck formerly owned CCF Acoustics LLC and CCF Acoustical Systems. Neither company was in business, generated income or had employees in 2020 or 2021. Franck received Maine unemployment insurance benefits over the same time frame. In July 2020, Franck was arrested on felony fraud charges in Florida.
In the summer of 2020, Franck received $177,400 in EIDL funds after submitting two fraudulent loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration. In the applications, Franck made numerous false representations regarding CCF Acoustics LLC and CCF Acoustical Systems, misrepresented that the funds would be used to alleviate economic injury caused by the pandemic, and claimed that he was not subject to criminal charges. Franck illegally used the EIDL funds to retain a criminal defense attorney and post bail in his Florida criminal case. He also used the funds to purchase a pickup truck and pay for other personal expenses.
In March 2021, Franck received a $145,060 PPP loan after submitting a fraudulent loan application to a private lender. In support of the application, Franck provided false IRS documents and forged checking account statements. Franck illegally spent the PPP funds on a second vehicle, online retail purchases and living expenses, among other prohibited uses.
In imposing sentence, Judge Walker observed that Franck engaged in a cynical scheme amounting to “high tech pocket picking” and had displayed “an extraordinary amount of narcissism” in carrying out the pandemic fraud.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.
Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act: The Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020. It was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who suffered economic effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act made EIDL funding available to business owners negatively affected by the COVID19 pandemic. EIDL proceeds were funded by the SBA and disbursed by the U.S. Treasury. EIDLs could only be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that could have been paid had the COVID19 disaster not occurred.
Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP): Another source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding, and another $284 billion in December 2020. Businesses were required to use PPP loan proceeds for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. The PPP allowed the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spent the proceeds on these expenses within a set period and used at least a certain percentage of the funds for payroll expenses.
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Hampden Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Hampden man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for possessing child sexual abuse materials.
U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Kevin MacVicar, 31, to 84 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $29,000 in restitution. MacVicar pleaded guilty on August 12, 2022.
According to court records, between about February 2015 and February 2021, MacVicar possessed child pornography on his cell phone and electronic storage devices. He had obtained the images and videos from the internet, including by participating in online forums dedicated to child sexual abuse material. Some of the images depicted children under 12.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the case.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – “child pornography” – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer re-victimization each time the images are viewed. File a report with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at https://report.cybertip.org/ or 1-800-843-5678. Your report will be forwarded to a law enforcement agency for investigation and action. If you have an emergency that requires an immediate law enforcement response, call 911 or contact your local police or sheriff’s department.
Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Canton Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Transfer of Obscene Material to a MinorRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Canton man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Portland today to attempting to transfer obscene material to a minor.
According to court records, in September 2019, Dale Carr, 51, began chatting online with an undercover FBI agent posing as a 13-year-old girl. Over the course of the next several weeks, Carr repeatedly asked the agent, who he believed was an underage girl, for sexually explicit photos and videos and expressed an interest in having sex with them. In October 2019, he sent the agent a close-up photograph of his penis.
Carr faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI investigated the case.
Online enticement is increasing: The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) reported an alarming 97.5% increase in online enticement reports between 2019 and 2020. “Online enticement” involves an individual communicating with someone believed to be a child via the internet with the intent to commit a sexual offense or abduction. This type of victimization takes place across every platform, including social media, messaging apps, gaming platforms, etc. Learn more about online enticement, including red flags and risk factors, at www.missingkids.org/theissues/onlineenticement.
Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Federal, State Agencies to Hold Public Forum to Strengthen Security of Maine’s Houses of WorshipRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: Multiple federal and state agencies are collaborating to host a Protecting Houses of Worship event series aimed at helping Maine’s faith-based organizations identify vulnerabilities and strengthen security. The next event will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at the University of Maine at Augusta.
The Protecting Houses of Worship event is open to all Maine faith-based organizations. Local law enforcement and community leaders are also welcome to attend. Registration is required, and a registration form can be found at https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/PHOW. There is no cost to attend.
“Everyone should feel safe when they gather to express their faith or serve their community,” said Dr. T.J. Swenson Jr., DHS-CISA’s Protective Security Advisor (PSA) to the State of Maine. “However, in a complex and dynamic threat environment, no single entity has the full picture of the threat, so it is imperative that we work together across the community to protect against the physical and cyber threats facing our communities and houses of worship.”
The Protecting Houses of Worship event is a collaboration of the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA); Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (DHS-CISA); Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Boston Field Office, Portland Resident Agency; U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Community Relations Service (CRS); and U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maine, along with the participation of local law enforcement and faith-based partners.
“Faith-based events and houses of worship – churches, synagogues, mosques – are inherently welcoming, with open access and publicly-available services. As we have seen around the country, this welcoming environment can leave them vulnerable,” said U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee. “There are steps that can be taken to reduce risks, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with MEMA, the FBI, DHS-CISA, CRS and local law enforcement to bring this information and resources to Maine’s faith-based community.”
The goal of the event series is to provide practical information, tools and resources (including information on available federal grants) to help bolster emergency preparedness efforts and foster best practices to keep Maine’s faith-based events and houses of worship safe. Topics discussed during the event will include:
- Security, Risk and Vulnerability Assessments
- Active Shooter Preparedness, Response & Resources
- Building Your Own Emergency Operations Plan
- Faith-Based Experiences with Public Safety Issues
“No one should feel unsafe in their place of worship or fear becoming a victim of violence because of their religion. In today’s dynamic threat environment, now more than ever, all of us need to work together to safeguard our houses of worship and public spaces where Mainers gather every day,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “This event will bring us together to facilitate this very important conversation and allow us to share information and resources in real time.”
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Federal Jury Convicts Westbrook Man of Sexually Exploiting a ChildRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Westbrook man was convicted today of two counts of sexually exploiting a child after a two-day jury trial in U.S. District Court in Portland.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, in August 2019, Rayevon Deschambault, 27, used a 14-year-old minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of the conduct. The sexually explicit videos that Deschambault had produced were found on his cell phone after investigators seized the phone in August 2019.
Deschambault faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison on each of the two counts. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI and the Portland Police Department investigated the case, with assistance from the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer re-victimization each time the images are viewed. File a report with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at https://report.cybertip.org/ or 1-800-843-5678. Your report will be forwarded to a law enforcement agency for investigation and action. If you have an emergency that requires an immediate law enforcement response, call 911 or contact your local police or sheriff’s department.
Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Updated 01/23/23 with reporting information
Former Bangor Resident Faces up to 20 Years for Role in Penobscot and Aroostook County Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A former Bangor resident pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.
According to court records, between January 2018 and December 2021, Shelby Loring, 27, along with others, trafficked methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot and Aroostook counties. Loring’s participation in the conspiracy resulted in contacts with local law enforcement that led to the seizure of drugs, firearms, drug paraphernalia, and other items.
Loring faces up to 20 years imprisonment. She will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistance was provided by the Orono, Bangor, Brewer, Caribou, Presque Isle, and Houlton police departments. U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee also recognized the cooperation and coordination provided by the Maine State Attorney General’s Office and the Aroostook County District Attorney’s Office.
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces: This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Former Biddeford Middle School Ed Tech Sentenced to 3+ Years for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Biddeford man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for possessing child sexual abuse materials.
Chief U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy sentenced Jesse Kiesel, 49, to 44 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $7,500 in monetary assessments applicable to defendants in child sexual exploitation cases and $4,000 in restitution. He pleaded guilty on July 21, 2022.
According to court documents, in April 2021, Kiesel engaged in an internet chat with an undercover member of law enforcement posing as a 13-year-old girl. During the chat, Kiesel steered the conversation towards the topics of sex and sexual contact and ultimately transmitted images of his erect penis to the undercover officer. Following the execution of a search warrant at his residence, numerous sexually explicit images of minors were recovered from his computer. According to court documents, at the time of his arrest, Kiesel was employed as an Ed Tech II at Biddeford Middle School.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case with assistance from the Biddeford Police Department, the Newbury (MA) Police Department and the United States Marshals Service.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer re-victimization each time the images are viewed. File a report with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at https://report.cybertip.org/ or 1-800-843-5678. Your report will be forwarded to a law enforcement agency for investigation and action. If you have an emergency that requires an immediate law enforcement response, call 911 or contact your local police or sheriff’s department.
Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Updated 01/23/23: reporting information added
Lewiston Man Sentenced to 3 ½ Years for Unlawfully Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Lewiston man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Devon Duncan (aka “TY”), 36, to 42 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Duncan pleaded guilty on August 16, 2022.
According to court records, on April 28, 2022, an unknown assailant shot through the door of Duncan’s residence in Lewiston, striking his wife multiple times. During the investigation into the shooting, which is ongoing, officers assigned to the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit discovered a Glock 19X 9mm handgun in Duncan’s apartment, as well as a 17-round magazine, 26 grams of cocaine base, and paraphernalia associated with drug trafficking. Photographs recovered from the victim’s phone showed Duncan holding the firearm and pointing it at the camera. Duncan has previous convictions which preclude him from possessing a firearm, including a 2019 conviction in Kennebec County for fentanyl and cocaine trafficking.
U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee commended the members of the Lewiston/Auburn Violence Reduction Initiative, led by the FBI, for their work on the investigation.
“The recovery of the firearm and the resulting prosecution of Devon Duncan stopped any attempt at retaliation,” McElwee said. “The defendant has an extensive history of drug trafficking, threats, and violence dating back more than a decade. Through a timely arrest and federal prosecution, the task force was able to interrupt the cycle of violence.”
The Lewiston/Auburn Violence Reduction Initiative is comprised of members of the Southern Maine Gang Task Force, the Lewiston Police Department, the Auburn Police Department, the Maine State Police, and their law enforcement partners.
Project Safe Neighborhoods: This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. To learn more information about Project Safe Neighborhood, visit www.justice.gov/psn.
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NH Man Pleads Guilty to Violent Home Invasion in YorkRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Hooksett, New Hampshire man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Portland today to conspiracy and robbery charges stemming from a violent home invasion in York.
According to court records, in August 2019, Derek Daprato, 34, and three other co-conspirators met in Hooksett, New Hampshire and planned a home invasion of a York residence to rob marijuana and marijuana sale proceeds from the home’s resident. The group traveled to the York residence where two co-conspirators, armed with handguns and wearing masks, waited in the woods for the victim to return home. When the victim arrived home, accompanied by two others, a violent physical altercation ensued. During the fight, a firearm was discharged, and the bullet struck the victim in the lower abdomen. The two co-conspirators fled. Police arrived approximately 15 minutes later, and the victim was rushed to the hospital where he underwent surgery to remove a .45 caliber bullet from his lower abdomen.
Daprato faces a period of imprisonment of up to 20 years on the conspiracy charge and up to 20 years on the robbery charge. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI, in conjunction with the York Police Department and the York County Sheriff’s Office, investigated the case.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects $8.3M in Civil and Criminal Actions in FY'22Read the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee announced today that the District of Maine collected $8,292,916.71 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2022. Of this amount, $2,387,668.51 was collected in criminal actions and $5,905,248.20 was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, the District of Maine worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $1,372.96 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. The amount was collected in criminal actions.
“Recovering funds on behalf of taxpayers is a priority for our office,” said U.S. Attorney McElwee. “We will continue to work to ensure that crime victims and the taxpayers of the United States receive the money that is due to them.”
Of the civil collections achieved by the District of Maine, $5,306,125 resulted from an August out‑of-court compromise of civil penalties assessed by the International Trade Commission against DBN Holding, Inc. and BDN LLC, formerly known as DeLorme Publishing Company, Inc. and DeLorme InReach LLC. As part of the settlement, DBN and BDN agreed to pay the $5,306,125 settlement amount in consideration for a release of the United States’ claims. DBN and BDN made no admissions of liability and cooperated throughout the Government’s collection case.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Maine, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $717,559 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2021. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
For more information about the Crime Victims Fund, please visit https://ovc.ojp.gov/about/crime-victims-fund.
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Machias Man Sentenced to 2 Years for Unlawfully Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Machias man was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Bangor today for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Eric Legare, 37, to two years in prison and two years of supervised release. Legare pleaded guilty on July 21, 2022.
According to court records, Legare was a passenger in a vehicle stopped in East Machias by Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies when a firearm was found inside the vehicle. Legare admitted that he had handled the firearm and that his DNA would likely be on it. Legare is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2017 conviction for manslaughter.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. The Washington County District Attorney’s Office also assisted with the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods: This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. To learn more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/psn.
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Connecticut Man Sentenced to 7 ½ years for Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Connecticut man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland today for possessing a stolen firearm.
U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Henry Brackett, 60, to 92 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty on March 30, 2022.
According to court records, in January 2020, Brackett was pulled over while driving on I-95 southbound in York. During the traffic stop, he was arrested for an outstanding fugitive-from-justice warrant after absconding from parole in Connecticut. A loaded 9mm pistol was recovered from the vehicle’s center console, and an additional 43 rounds of boxed ammunition were recovered from the back seat. It was later determined that Brackett had stolen the handgun and ammunition from a Maine resident.
In sentencing Brackett, Judge Woodcock noted his “chilling” and “disturbing” criminal history, which included five prior sexual assault convictions and a prior kidnapping conviction for which Brackett received a 25-year prison sentence.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Maine State Police and U.S. Marshals Service investigated the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods: This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. To learn more information about Project Safe Neighborhood, visit www.justice.gov/psn.
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Lubec Man Faces up to 20 Years for Stealing Firearms from Machias True Value, Threatening WitnessRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Lubec man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to stealing firearms from a federal firearms licensee, witness tampering and retaliating against a witness.
According to court records, in October 2021, Jeremy C. Lyons, 29, broke into Pineo’s True Value in Machias and stole three Colt pistols. Maine State Police Crime Laboratory testing matched Lyons’ DNA to a Gatorade bottle he left at the scene of the crime. Lyons became aware that he was a target in a federal criminal investigation involving his theft of the pistols. In July 2022, he threatened a confidential source who had provided information to federal law enforcement with bodily harm and later challenged the source to a fight. Lyons later asked the confidential source to testify for him in his case.
Lyons faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He also faces up to three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
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Former Bangor Man Faces up to 20 Years for Role in Penobscot and Aroostook County Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A former Bangor resident pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.
According to court records, between January 2018 and December 2021, Wayne Smith, 31, along with others, trafficked methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot County and Aroostook County. His participation in the conspiracy resulted in contacts with local law enforcement that led to the seizure of drugs, firearms, drug paraphernalia and other items.
Smith faces up to 20 years imprisonment and will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, investigated the case. Assistance was provided by the Orono, Bangor, Brewer, Caribou, Presque Isle, and Houlton police departments. U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee also recognized the cooperation and coordination provided by the Maine State Attorney General’s Office and the Aroostook County District Attorney’s Office.
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces: This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Former Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Sailor Sentenced to 5+ Years for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: An Illinois man formerly stationed at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Portland today for possessing child sexual abuse materials.
Chief U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy sentenced Zakary Williams, 25, to 70 months in prison and five years of supervised release. In addition, Judge Levy ordered Williams to pay $47,000 in restitution to the victims depicted in some of the images and videos he possessed. Williams pleaded guilty on May 18, 2022.
According to court records, in May 2019, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received information from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) regarding Kik Messenger users believed to be in the U.S. who were uploading child pornography. HSI agents traced one of the uploaded images back to an IP address associated with military housing on the New London Naval Submarine Base in Groton, Connecticut. HSI determined that Williams was the source of that image. In December 2020, agents interviewed Williams at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery where he was then stationed. Williams admitting sharing and viewing child pornography and consented to a search of his cell phone. The investigation revealed that Williams was storing hundreds of images and videos in a cloud-based storage account that depicted the sexual abuse of children. Many of the victims depicted were under the age of 12, and some were infants or toddlers.
HSI investigated the case with the assistance of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: "Child pornography" captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer re-victimization each time the images are viewed. File a report with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.cybertipline.com or 1-800-843-5678. Your report will be forwarded to a law enforcement agency for investigation and action. If you have an emergency that requires an immediate law enforcement response, call 911 or contact your local police or sheriff’s department.
Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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U.S. Attorney and Maine Attorney General Jointly Announce Cooperative Efforts to Ensure Access to Reproductive ServicesRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee joined Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey today to affirm their commitment to ensuring safe, unfettered access to reproductive health care services in Maine for all who seek it.
McElwee and Frey have committed to open lines of communications and, when appropriate, to share intelligence and information in order to facilitate efficient decision-making in protecting reproductive rights. They also committed resources of their respective offices to work together to conduct a series of outreach sessions with stakeholders, such as reproductive service providers and advocates, to send a clear message that law enforcement at all levels will protect reproductive rights in Maine.
“In Maine, there is a legal right to choose whether to have an abortion, and we are committed to ensuring that anyone who seeks reproductive care in Maine has unobstructed access to consultation with the medical providers and health services they choose,” said U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee.
“We want it known that our offices will not allow any interference in the rights of citizens to access abortion services in Maine,” said Attorney General Aaron Frey. “Our offices will not hesitate to take every legal action to ensure the free access to reproductive health care and legal abortion services.”
U.S. Attorney McElwee emphasized that the right to safe reproductive health services in Maine extends to those who travel from states where abortion access is limited or nonexistent.
“Restricting access to safe abortions provided by caring and qualified health care providers has the greatest impact on people of color and those with limited financial resources,” McElwee said. “Millions of Americans are being deprived of the right to make personal choices that are available here in Maine. If they chose to come to Maine, we will do everything within the law to ensure they have safe access to the health care services that brought them here.”
The federal government may bring criminal charges under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (“FACE”) Act, which prohibits obstructing access to reproductive health services through violence, threats of violence, or property damage. The statute protects all patients, providers, and facilities that provide reproductive health services, including pro-life pregnancy counseling services and any other pregnancy support facility providing reproductive health care. Both the federal government and state attorneys general may file civil actions for FACE Act violations to obtain remedies not available through a criminal prosecution.
The State also has authority under the Maine Civil Rights Act to bring a civil or criminal enforcement action against individuals who intentionally interfere with a patient’s access to reproductive healthcare by obstructing access to the clinic or knowingly entering the medical safety zone around the entrance to the clinic.
Anyone with knowledge of FACE Act violations in Maine can contact the local office of the FBI at 207-541-0700.
“In collaboration with the Maine Attorney General’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine will continue to do everything within our legal authority to protect reproductive freedom,” McElwee said. “And we will use every tool available to keep Maine patients and health care providers safe.”
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Hollis Man Sentenced to 6+ Years for Being a Felon in Possession of Ammunition and Violating Conditions of Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Hollis man was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Portland today for being a felon in possession of ammunition as well as for violating conditions of supervised release previously imposed by a federal court in New Hampshire.
Chief U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy sentenced Julion Parker, 30, to a total of 82 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Parker received a sentence of 70 months for the felon-in-possession violation and 12 months for violating the conditions of his supervised release, to be served consecutively. Parker waived indictment and pleaded guilty on September 5, 2022.
According to court records, Parker was convicted in the District of New Hampshire in 2019 for being a felon in possession of firearms. After his supervision was transferred to the District of Maine in early 2022, Parker’s supervising probation officer learned that he was in possession of numerous firearms. In April 2022, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) executed a search warrant at Parker’s residence in Hollis and recovered several rounds of ammunition. He is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to prior felony convictions.
ATF investigated the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods: This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. To learn more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/psn.
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Former Portland Man Sentenced to 3+ Years for 2021 Armed Standoff at Brewer WalmartRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A former Portland man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charges stemmed from an August 2021 standoff with the Brewer Police Department.
U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Patrick Mullen, 52, to 37 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Mullen pleaded guilty on February 10, 2022.
According to court records, on August 28, 2021, the Brewer Police Department was called to the Brewer Walmart parking lot due to a reported disturbance. Mullen was located in the lot in his truck, and a check of his information showed that he had three outstanding warrants. In addition, he was observed in his truck holding a firearm. After an hours-long standoff, he was arrested. He is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2017 conviction in the Washington County Unified Court for domestic violence criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon.
The Brewer, Holden and Bangor police departments; Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office; Maine State Police; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. The Penobscot County District Attorney’s Office also assisted with the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods: This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. To learn more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/psn.
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Penobscot County Man Faces 10 Years to Life Following Guilty Plea to Federal Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Penobscot County man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, and being an unlawful user of controlled substances in possession of a firearm.
According to court records, between January 2018 and December 2021, Matthew Catalano, 33, along with others, trafficked methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot County, Aroostook County and elsewhere. On February 17, 2021, Catalano was arrested by the Orono Police Department following a traffic stop during which he was found in possession of large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl, a loaded 9mm handgun and drug paraphernalia.
Catalano faces a minimum of ten years imprisonment and up to life imprisonment on the two drug charges and up to ten years imprisonment on the firearm charge. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistance was provided by the Orono, Bangor, Brewer, Caribou, Presque Isle, and Houlton police departments. U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee also recognized the cooperation and coordination provided by the Maine State Attorney General’s Office and the Aroostook County District Attorney’s Office.
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces: This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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