District of Maine
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Lewiston Woman Pleads Guilty to Creating Fraudulent Marijuana CertificationsRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Stephanie Beck, 41, of Lewiston, Maine, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to conspiracy to manufacture marijuana.
According to court records, the defendant was licensed by Maine’s Department of Professional and Financial Regulation as a Certified Clinical Supervisor and an Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Between December 1, 2017, and February 27, 2018, the defendant provided patient names to a nurse practitioner (including the names of MaineCare recipients), who, in turn, created fraudulent medical marijuana certifications. These fraudulent certifications allowed a marijuana trafficking conspiracy to illegally cultivate marijuana plants under the cover of, but in violation of, the Maine Medical Use of Marijuana Program.
The defendant faces up to 20 years in jail and a $1,000,000 fine. She will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, the Maine Attorney General’s Healthcare Crimes Unit, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation.
Burlington Woman Arrested and Charged with Mailing a Threatening CommunicationRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Suzanne Muscara, 37, of Burlington, Maine, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint on Friday with mailing a threatening communication to Senator Susan Collins.
According to the complaint affidavit, the charge arose from an investigation into a suspicious letter processed by the U.S. Postal Service mail sorting facility in Hampden, Maine, in October 2018. The letter was leaking a fine white powder and it contained a threat. The white powder was tested and found not to contain toxic substances.
If convicted, the defendant faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The defendant will make an initial appearance today at 2:30 p.m. in U.S. District Court in Bangor, Courtroom 1.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspector Service, the Office of Maine State Fire Marshal, and the Maine State Police.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.
New York Man Sentenced to 130 Months for Crack, Heroin and Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Frankie Dejesus, 29, of Rochester, New York, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 130 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl and cocaine base, commonly known as “crack.”
According to court records, between June 2015 and March 2017, Dejesus conspired with others to acquire heroin, fentanyl and crack in Rochester and to distribute it from at least 12 residences in Central Maine. The defendant was sent to Central Maine to distribute the drugs while residing with several Central Maine residents who were paid in heroin and crack for their participation.
On June 26, 2016, Dejesus exchanged gunfire with Reginald McBride in the parking lot of the Walmart in Augusta, Maine. In imposing sentence, Judge Woodcock recounted the drug-related backdrop leading up to the “wild west shootout” between Dejesus and McBride.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance provided by the Augusta, Maine Police Department. This case was investigated and prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Strategy to Combat the Opioid Epidemic.
New York City Man Sentenced to 135 Months for Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Ambrose Wan, a/k/a “Ambrose Won,” a/k/a “Bruno,” 34, of New York, New York, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 135 months in prison and eight years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and cocaine base, commonly known as “crack” and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, crack and heroin, and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin and cocaine.
According to court records, between July and September 2017 Wan conspired with others to distribute the drugs in Central Maine. The drugs were obtained from sources in New York and distributed through a network of dealers in Central Maine. On September 6, 2017 and again on September 28, 2017, the Waterville Police Department recovered drugs from two separate hotel rooms in the city. The drugs were intended for distribution by Wan and others.
In imposing sentence, Judge Woodcock observed that Wan had been a “professional drug dealer” for most of his adult life.
The case was investigated by the Waterville Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency. This case was investigated and prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Strategy to Combat the Opioid Epidemic.
Millinocket Man Pleads Guilty to Theft of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Randolph Bourgoin, III, 31, of Millinocket, Maine, pled guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court to theft of a firearm from a federally licensed dealer.
According to court records, on November 27, 2018, Bourgoin stole the gun from a display case at a gun dealer in Milo. The theft was caught on surveillance video, and Mr. Bourgoin later admitted to the theft.
Bourgoin faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the Milo Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime
Milford Man Sentenced to 12½ Years for RobberyRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Richard F. Moloney, 43, of Milford, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge Lance E. Walker to 12½ years in prison and three years of supervised release for interfering with commerce by robbery and bank robbery. The charges arose from the robbery of the County Road Market in Milford and the Bangor Savings Bank branch located in Orono, Maine in June 2018.
Court records reveal that on June 10, 2018, the defendant entered the County Road Market, pointed what appeared to be a dark-colored handgun at a cashier and told her to give him money. The defendant was wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and sunglasses, and had socks on his hands and a cloth over his face. A second cashier opened the register and put the cash tray on the counter. The defendant absconded with the money.
Two days later, the defendant robbed a Bangor Savings Bank branch. He was wearing a black mask, a grey hooded sweatshirt with the hood pulled up, sunglasses with reflective lenses, jeans, and white socks on his hands. The defendant walked to the teller counter where a customer was conducting a transaction and displayed a note to the bank teller that read: “Give me all the money fast in a bag. No tracer or dye packs got a gun.” The teller gave the defendant cash from the drawer to the defendant and he absconded with it.
The investigation was conducted by the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office; the Old Town, Bangor and Orono Police Departments; the Maine State Police Crime Laboratory; the Maine State Police; and the FBI.
Hampden Woman Sentenced to Five Years of Probation for Conspiracy to Commit Marriage FraudRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Marena Mushero, 28, recently of Hampden, Maine, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge Lance E. Walker to five years of probation for conspiring to enter a marriage in order to evade U.S. immigration laws.
According to court records, Mushero, a United States citizen, posted an advertisement on an on-line forum, in which she offered to marry a person in need of permanent resident status in exchange for money. On June 13, 2018, she received a response from a Nepalese citizen who was lawfully in the U.S. and living in another state. Mushero agreed to marry him in exchange for cash payments so that he could get a “green card.” On June 25, 2018, Mushero and her coconspirator were married in Brewer, Maine. Before and after the wedding, Mushero received hundreds of dollars via wire transfers from her coconspirator, who continued to live and work in another state.
In imposing the sentence, Judge Walker noted that Mushero is due to complete an eight-month state prison term next week for an unrelated offense.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the Brewer Police Department.
Lewiston Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Demetrius Davenport, 30, of Lewiston, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records, in June 2018, Davenport travelled to Gray, Maine, where he rented a firearm, purchased ammunition, and fired the weapon at a shooting range. Investigators identified Davenport and the shooting range from a video that was uploaded to YouTube. Davenport was prohibited from possessing the firearm as a result of two prior felony convictions for illegal possession of firearms and theft.
Davenport faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lewiston Police Department.
Keene Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Sexually Exploiting a ChildRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Benjamin Gagnon, 35, of Keene, New Hampshire, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Concord, New Hampshire by Judge Joseph A. DiClerico, Jr. to 20 years in prison and eight years of supervised release for sexual exploitation of a minor. Gagnon pleaded guilty to the charge on September 13, 2018.
According to court records, in January 2017, Gagnon, who was in New Hampshire, persuaded and induced a minor female in Texas to create still images and videos depicting the minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The minor then transmitted the images and videos to Gagnon over the internet. Gagnon later uploaded the images to an online account, where they were found by investigators in August 2017.
“The defendant in this case used online messaging applications to target children and sexually exploit vulnerable victims, a dangerous type of criminal threat that all parents should understand and about which they should educate their children,” said Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston. “With any Internet connection or a smart phone, even the youngest of children are susceptible to this type of trickery and criminal exploitation. Cases like this are why HSI will continue to join forces with the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force to combat the sexual exploitation of children.”
The investigation was conducted by HSI; the Keene Police Department; and the ICAC Task Forces located in New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Houston, Texas.
The 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 Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), 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.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Bangor Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Jason Mannix, a/k/a “Boston”, 39, of Bangor pled guilty in U.S. District Court to conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl and cocaine base, commonly known as “crack.”
According to court records, between January 2016 and July 2017, Mannix conspired with others to distribute heroin, fentanyl and crack transported to Penobscot County from Waterbury, Connecticut. The defendant sold the drugs and served as a “runner” for other members of the conspiracy, delivering the drugs to others in Penobscot County. He also transported members of the conspiracy to Connecticut to obtain more drugs.
The defendant faces up to 20 years in prison term, three years to life on supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Strategy to Combat the Opioid Epidemic.
Augusta Man Sentenced to Eight Months for Making False Statements to a Firearms DealerRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Richard Quattrone, 50, of Augusta, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr., to eight months in prison and three years of supervised release for making false statements to a federal firearms licensee.
According to court records, in March, 2017, Quattrone bought a firearm from a Kennebec County firearms dealer. During the transaction, Quattrone made false statements about his current residence and unlawful use of marijuana.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
New York Main Pleads Guilty to Heroin and Crack Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Sharoz Haywood, a/k/a “Baby Dreads,” a/k/a “Rah,” 22, of Rochester, New York, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine base, commonly known as “crack,” and distribution of heroin.
According to court records, between November 2016 and September 2017, Haywood conspired with others from Rochester and Central Maine to distribute crack and heroin. The drugs were acquired in Rochester and sold by Haywood and others in Central Maine. On July 14, 2017, Haywood sold heroin to an individual working with law enforcement.
The defendant faces up to 20 years in prison, between three years and life on supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency. The case is being prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s program to combat the opioid epidemic.
Hudson Woman Pleads Guilty to Mail TheftRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Angela A. Curtis, 32, of Hudson, Maine pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to theft of mail.
Court records reveal that in June and July, 2018, Curtis stole mail from mail boxes in Glenburn, Bangor, Hudson, Hampden, and Charleston, Maine. The mail that she stole included checks. She altered several of those checks to add her name but her theft was discovered before any of the checks were negotiated.
Curtis faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. She will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office.
Old Town Man Sentenced to 35 Years for Sexual Exploitation of Children, and Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Patrick Monahan, 52, of Old Town, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 35 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for sexual exploitation of children, and distribution and possession of child pornography. The defendant pled guilty to these charges on September 10, 2018.
According to court records, the defendant, posing online as a teenager, separately persuaded two minors to send him over the internet videos of themselves engaging in sexual activity. The defendant subsequently uploaded some of these videos to a pornographic website that could be accessed by the general public. In addition, the defendant possessed child pornography on his computer.
“When Congress passed the child pornography laws, they had a person like you in mind,” said Judge Woodcock during the sentencing. “I have to conclude you are simply incorrigible. You cannot stop yourself. The only way you can stop is if society stops you. It is my duty to put you in a place where you can do no more harm, where you cannot create any more victims.”
The case was investigated by the FBI, the Old Town and Orono Police Departments, the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office, and the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Old Town Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Kenneth McLay, 47, of Old Town, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 20 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for distribution and possession of child pornography. The defendant pled guilty to these charges on September 10, 2018.
According to court records, the defendant obtained sexually explicit videos of a minor from the internet and uploaded some of these videos to a pornographic website that could be accessed by the general public. In addition, he possessed child pornography on his computer.
“The conclusion I have to arrive at, and I don’t do it lightly, is you are fundamentally incorrigible; you cannot stop yourself,” said Judge Woodcock during the sentencing. “You represent a clear and present danger to children in our society because you simply cannot stop sexualizing them.”
The case was investigated by the FBI, the Old Town and Orono Police Departments, the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office, and the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Law Enforcement Officers Join Brewer High School Students for a Day of LearningRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced today that on March 21, 2019, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine the Brewer Police Department, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives will present the TRUST (Teach mutual Respect and Understanding through SimulaTion) Program to about 40 Brewer High School students at Brewer High School, 79 Parkway South, Brewer.
“The TRUST Program arose out of the belief that young people and law enforcement officers can benefit from spending time together, discussing challenges and perspectives on law enforcement, and better understanding each other,” said U.S. Attorney Frank. “It is modeled on similar programs run by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices that have been successful in Alabama (Bridging the Gap) and Florida (Building Lasting Relationships).”
The half-day Program will start at 9:15 a.m. and conclude at approximately 1:00 p.m. It will include: (1) presentations about investigating, prosecuting, and sentencing in criminal cases; (2) student role-playing exercises involving a call for service for a domestic disturbance complaint and a traffic stop; and (3) use of force simulations.
OPEN PRESS (except for the use of force simulations; simulator equipment will be made available to the press at the conclusion of the simulations). Students with media permissions will be identified.
NOTE: All media must RSVP to [email protected], arrive by 9:00 a.m. and possess a government-issued photo I.D. (such as a driver’s license) as well as valid media credentials.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maine is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me
Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 2½ Years for Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Jonathan Lara, 29, of Lynn, Massachusetts, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge George Z. Singal to 2½ years in prison and three years of supervised release for possessing a firearm after having been convicted of felony offenses and while being an unlawful user of heroin. He pled guilty on November 27, 2018.
According to court records, in August 2017, Lara’s Lewiston hotel room was searched. Agents and officers seized controlled substances, a handgun and $3,873. Lara was prohibited from possessing the handgun because in 2009, he had been convicted in Massachusetts of felony larceny from a person and armed robbery and because he had been a daily user of heroin for years.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in conjunction with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Auburn and Lewiston Police Departments.
Harrington Man Sentenced to Three Years for Heroin and Crack TraffickingRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Owen Fickett, 32, of Harrington, Maine, was sentenced to three years in prison and three years of supervised release today in U.S. District Court by Judge Lance E. Walker for possession with the intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base, commonly known as “crack.”
According to Court records, on March 6, 2018, a Maine State Police Trooper stopped a vehicle in which Fickett was a passenger. During a roadside investigation, the trooper discovered that Fickett was in possession of heroin and crack and about $1,200. Fickett admitted that he had been selling heroin and crack.
The case was investigated by the Maine State Police and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Strategy to Combat the Opioid Epidemic.
Carthage Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Michael Ringer, 49, of Carthage, Maine, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records, on August 17, 2018, the Wilton Police Department responded to the scene of a 911 call regarding a threatening with a firearm and shots fired report. Officers learned that Ringer, a convicted felon, was intoxicated and had gotten into an argument at a social gathering. Several individuals at the gathering had seen the defendant with a handgun. By the time officers arrived, the defendant had left. The following day, officers found the defendant at his home. A subsequent search of the defendant’s residence resulted in the seizure of a pistol belonging to the defendant.
The defendant faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Wilton Police Department.
Lewiston Man Sentenced to over Five Years for Furanyl Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Nera James, also known as “King,” 39, of Lewiston, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge George Z. Singal to 67 months in prison and three years of supervised release for possession with the intent to distribute furanyl fentanyl, a fentanyl analogue. James pled guilty on May 30, 2018.
Court records reveal that on December 20, 2016, and May 3, 2017, state and local law enforcement agencies seized distributable quantities of furanyl fentanyl from James and his Lewiston apartment, respectively. The latter search resulted in the seizure of about 601 “tickets” (dosage units) of furanyl fentanyl, $9,863, and three firearms.
The investigation was conducted by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; the Lewiston and Auburn Police Departments; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Central Maine Violent Crimes Task Force; and was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Strategy to Combat the Opioid Epidemic.
Westbrook Man is Sentenced to Almost Six Years for Interfering and Attempting to Interfere with Commerce by RobberyRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Travis Jonathon Card, 38, of Westbrook, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge Nancy Torresen to five years and ten months in prison and three years of supervised for interfering with commerce by robbery. The charges arose from a series of robberies and attempted robberies in the greater Portland area in March and April, 2018. Card pled guilty to the charges in August, 2018.
According to court records, the defendant, brandishing a pellet gun, robbed the Riverton Gas Station, in Portland, on March 20; robbed the Lil’ Mart Gas Station, in Falmouth, on March 21; robbed Good Things Variety, in Westbrook, on March 22; robbed Express Mart, in Cumberland, on March 22; robbed the Daily Grind, in Westbrook, on March 24; attempted to rob China Taste, in Portland, on March 25; robbed Subway, in Westbrook, on March 26; attempted to rob Aroma Joe’s, in South Portland, on March 27; robbed China Eatery, in Old Orchard Beach, on March 29; robbed Gulf Mart, in Westbrook, on April 6; and attempted to rob Moby Dick Variety, in Old Orchard Beach, on April 11.
“For weeks in 2018, the defendant terrorized the greater Portland area,” said U.S. Attorney Frank. “There was no excuse for his behavior. Thanks to the outstanding work of law enforcement agencies, he has now been held accountable.”
The investigation leading to today’s sentencing was conducted by the FBI’s Southern Maine Gang Task Force, which is comprised of agents and officers from the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Portland, South Portland, and Lewiston Police Departments; in conjunction with the Westbrook, Falmouth, Cumberland, and Old Orchard Beach Police Departments.
U.S. Court of Appeals Affirms Conviction and Sentence of New Hampshire Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Charges Arising Out of Saco Home InvasionRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that the First Circuit Court of Appeals yesterday affirmed the conviction and 20 years plus life in prison sentence of Gregory Owens, 62, formerly of Londonderry, New Hampshire, imposed in July 2016 in U.S. District Court by Judge Nancy Torresen. After a 10-day jury trial in February 2016, Owens was convicted of interstate domestic violence and using and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence in connection with a home invasion shooting in Saco, Maine on December 18, 2014.
According to trial testimony, Owens drove from New Hampshire to Maine intending to kill his wife who was an overnight guest at the home of friends living in Saco. During the home invasion, Owens shot his wife and the male home owner with a 9mm pistol. Both survived their injuries.
On appeal, Owens primarily challenged the district court’s suppression rulings, the sufficiency of the evidence at trial, and his sentence.
“This was an egregious crime by a remorseless criminal,” said U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank. “As the First Circuit recognized, it was solved by great police work. The Saco (ME) Police Department; the Londonderry (NH) Police Department; the Maine and New Hampshire State Police; the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Maine State Police Crime Laboratory are all to be commended for their great work in solving this difficult case.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Defendants Charged with Multimillion Dollar Investment FraudRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Two individuals were charged in an indictment filed today for their roles in a multimillion-dollar scheme involving purported investments in a start-up financial technology company.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank of the District of Maine, Special Agent in Charge Joseph Bonavolonta of the FBI’s Boston Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Kristina O’Connell of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) in Boston made the announcement.
Michael A. Liberty, 58, of Windermere, Florida, and Paul E. Hess, 63, of Braintree, Massachusetts, were each charged in an indictment filed in the District of Maine with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, four counts of wire fraud and one count of securities fraud. In addition, Liberty was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and three counts of money laundering.
The indictment alleges that, beginning in 2010, Liberty and Hess solicited investments in Mozido, a privately held financial technology start-up company that offered users an ability to make payments using their mobile phones. Liberty and Hess allegedly raised millions of dollars from investors telling them, among other things, that their money would be used to fund Mozido’s business operations and that Hess was not being paid to raise the money. The indictment alleges that a substantial amount of the money did not go to Mozido, that a portion of the money was diverted to pay Liberty’s personal expenses, and that Hess received commissions and other payments in return for the money he raised from investors.
The defendants face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of the greater of $250,000 or twice the gain or loss on the wire fraud charges and up to 20 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine on the securities fraud charge. Liberty faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of the greater of $250,000 or twice the amount of criminally derived property involved in the transactions on the money laundering charges. The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI’s Portland, Maine Resident Agency and IRS-CI are investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Michelle Pascucci and Matthew Sullivan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Clark of the District of Maine are prosecuting the case.
The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section plays a pivotal role in the Department of Justice’s fight against white collar crime around the country.
Individuals who believe they may be a victim in this case should contact the Victim Witness Services Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine at (207) 780-3257 for more information.
Vinalhaven Man Sentenced to over Two Years for Making Interstate ThreatsRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Eric Malmstrom, 40, of Vinalhaven, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge D. Brock Hornby to 27 months in prison and three years of supervised release for transmitting threatening interstate communications. Malmstrom was convicted on August 27, 2018, after a one-day jury trial.
The evidence at trial revealed that on three occasions in February and March of last year, Malmstrom placed telephone calls to an employee of the Swedish embassy in Washington, D.C., threatening to slit the employee’s throat. Between September 2017 and March 2018, Malmstrom placed hundreds of calls to the embassy and to the employee.
In pronouncing sentence, Judge Hornby described Malmstrom’s offenses as “a despicable set of crimes,” in which Malmstrom threatened people “with vile mutilation and death.”
“This case demonstrates that threats against public officials will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted,” said U.S. Attorney Frank. “Targeting a government official because of his or her official status threatens not only the particular individual victim but also the system of government as a whole.”
“Today’s sentencing of Eric Malmstrom sends a strong message: Diplomatic Security is committed to making sure those who threaten diplomatic personnel in the United States face consequences,” said Bart Brown, director of the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service’s (DSS’) Office of Protective Intelligence Investigations (PII). “DSS’s strong relationship with the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Secret Service and the Knox County Sheriff’s Department is essential in the pursuit of justice.”
This case was investigated by the DSS-PII; the U.S. Secret Service; and the Knox County Sheriff’s Department.
Pittsfield Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Violate Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Ethan Rumery, 24, of Pittsfield, Maine, pled guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court to conspiring to violate federal firearms laws.
According to court records, between February 2015 and September 2016, Rumery conspired with others to fraudulently obtain firearms from federally licensed dealers. When buying the firearms, Rumery and his conspirators falsely reported that they were the actual purchasers of the firearms, when, in fact, the firearms were purchased for individuals residing outside of Maine.
Rumery faces up to 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the Massachusetts State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Levant Woman Sentenced to 12 Months and a Day for Conspiring to Lie to Federal Firearms Dealer and Lying to a Federal AgentRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Amy Bingaman, 34, of Levant, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge Nancy Torresen to 12 months and one day in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to make false statements to a federal firearms licensee and making false statements to federal agents.
According to court records, in late February 2018, the defendant conspired with two others to lie to a Brewer federal firearms licensee in connection with the purchase of a .380 caliber handgun. In connection with that purchase, the defendant falsely represented that she was buying the handgun for herself, when, in fact, the actual buyer was another conspirator who was paying her to make the purchase. The handgun was recovered during the execution of a narcotics trafficking search warrant in Brewer.
When the defendant was interviewed by federal agents about purchasing firearms for others, she falsely stated that she had not purchased other firearms for anyone else, when, in fact, she had done so several times previously.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Brewer Police Department, with assistance provided by the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Lewiston Woman Pleads Guilty to Theft of Government Funds from SNAP, MaineCare, and Social SecurityRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Sherry Awadjie, 45, of Lewiston, Maine, pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court to theft of funds from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), MaineCare, and the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Court documents show that from November 2015 until May 2017, Awadjie received public assistance benefits from SNAP, MaineCare, and the SSA because she claimed to be disabled and not earning any income. In fact, from at least November 2015, Awadjie was gainfully employed and earning income, but failed to inform any of the benefit programs. On periodic reports that she was required to submit to receive the benefits, she failed to disclose her employment or income. She also concealed her employment by arranging with her employer to be paid “under the table” and later, under the name of another person. If she had disclosed her employment and income, she would not have been eligible for the benefits she received, including $3,492 in SNAP benefits, $1,654 in MaineCare benefits, and $15,072 in Social Security benefits.
Awadjie faces up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. She will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; the SSA, Office of the Inspector General, and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Fraud Investigation and Recovery Unit.
Massachusetts Man Sentenced to over Five Years on Fentanyl and Crack ChargesRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Fray Cayetano, 23, of Lawrence, Massachusetts was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge D. Brock Hornby to 69 months in prison and three years of supervised release for distributing fentanyl and conspiring to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base, commonly known as, “crack.” Cayetano pled guilty on October 17, 2018.
Court records reveal that on May 29 and August 17, 2018, the defendant distributed fentanyl to person working with federal law enforcement. After the second transaction, agents arrested Cayetano and a co-conspirator, Anthony Reynoso, and seized crack from Reynoso’s vehicle that the defendant intended to distribute.
Reynoso pled guilty to conspiracy and aiding and abetting the distribution of fentanyl on October 29, 2018 and is awaiting sentencing.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Kittery, York and Eliot Police Departments and prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Strategy to Combat the Opioid Epidemic.
New Hampshire Man Sentenced to 1½ Years for Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Lachlan Olen Granite, a/k/a “Scott Edward Bounds,” 54, of Center Ossipee, New Hampshire, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge George Z. Singal, to 1½ years in prison and three years of supervised release for making false statements to the Social Security Administration (SSA). The defendant pled guilty on July 25, 2018.
According to court records, in 2017, the defendant applied for a Social Security number (SSN), claiming that he had not been issued one. In fact, he had been issued a SSN under his birth name “Scott Edward Bounds.” The defendant sought the new SSN because he was then in violation of court-ordered child and spousal support and thought that changing his SSN would help him evade those orders. The defendant also intended to seek a new driver’s license using his new SSN, because his license had been suspended due to his failure to pay child support in 2014.
As a condition of supervised release, Judge Singal ordered the defendant to comply with his outstanding child and family support obligations.
The investigation was conducted by SSA, Office of the Inspector General.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects $3,916,132 in Civil and Criminal Actions for U.S. Taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2018Read the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine (USAO-ME) collected $3,916,132 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year (FY) 2018. Of this amount, $1,136,220 was collected in criminal actions and $2,779,912 was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, the USAO-ME worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $223,303 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Of this amount, $6,480 was collected in criminal actions and $216,823 was collected in civil actions.
As a whole, the Justice Department collected nearly $15 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018. The $14,839,821,650 in collections in FY 2018 is nearly seven times the appropriated $2.13 billion ($2,136,750,000) budget for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices.
“The men and women of the U.S. Attorneys’ offices across the country work diligently, day in and day out, to see that the citizens of our nation receive justice. The money that we are able to recover for victims and this country as a whole is a direct result of their hard work,” Director James A. Crowell, IV, Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys.
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.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Internal Revenue Service, the Small Business Administration and the Department of Education.
The USAO-ME, working with partner agencies and divisions, also collected $497,408 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2018. 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.
Cushing Man Sentenced to Four Years for Seaman’s ManslaughterRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Christopher A. Hutchinson, 30, of Cushing, Maine was sentenced in U.S. District Court by Judge D. Brock Hornby to four years in prison and three years of supervised release for Seaman’s Manslaughter for causing the death of two crewmen who were then 26 and 15 years old. Hutchinson pleaded guilty on September 25, 2018.
According to court records, on November 1, 2014, after smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol, Hutchinson took his lobster boat, the No Limits, out into a predicted storm with two crewmen aboard. After he had ingested oxycodone, the boat capsized. The two crewmen were not wearing personal floatation devices or survival suits. The No Limits’ Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon alerted at about 1:20 p.m. The Coast Guard rescued Hutchinson at about 4 p.m. At the time, he was wearing shorts and a t-shirt. The Coast Guard located the bow of the No Limits at about 5 p.m., with no signs of life. The bodies of the two crewmen have never been found and are presumed dead.
In pronouncing sentence, Judge Hornby said: “The case was a heartbreaking tragedy. Two young men lost their lives. One of those leaves a young son who is now fatherless. Many parents are grieving.”
“This case is a terrible tragedy,” said U.S. Attorney Frank. “In the cases of the victim’s families, there is nothing worse for parents than the death of their child. The defendant was the captain of the boat and was responsible for the safety of his crew. Rather than live up to his responsibility, he engaged in risky, reckless behavior that cost the lives of two young men. While nothing can replace those young men, hopefully, this case will send a clear message that captains will be held accountable for such losses.”
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Holden Man Sentenced to 20 Months for Marijuana Conspiracy and StructuringRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Christopher Ruhlin, 49, of Holden, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Chief Judge Jon D. Levy to 20 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiring to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuana and structuring financial transactions. He was also ordered to forfeit $115,000. He pled guilty to the charges on June 18, 2018.
According to court records, between October 2010 and August 2016, the defendant conspired with others to illegally manufacture and distribute marijuana. From about December 2010 until November 2013, the defendant leased a facility in Frankfort, Maine at which he and other conspirators grew and distributed marijuana. In about May of 2014, other conspirators took over growing, processing and packaging marijuana at the Frankfort facility. They sold it to the defendant and he sold it at his business, the Owl’s Club, in downtown Bangor.
In May 2016, agents searched the Frankfort facility and seized marijuana in various stages of harvest and cultivation, together with paraphernalia and items used to manufacture and process marijuana. On July 20, 2016, July 28, 2016, and August 10, 2016, respectively, a witness working with law enforcement purchased marijuana at the Owl’s Club. In August 2016, agents searched property in downtown Bangor, including the Owl’s Club, and seized over three pounds of processed marijuana.
In imposing sentence, Judge Levy concluded that Ruhlin’s conduct violated both state and federal law. In 2010 Ruhlin had sought, but had been denied, a license to operate a medical marijuana dispensary in the state. Judge Levy noted that Ruhlin was “operating the Owl’s Club as the dispensary that he was denied a license to operate by the state” and said that “the unregulated sale of marijuana is dangerous. Simple as that.”
Under federal law, financial institutions that receive more than $10,000 in cash from a customer are required to report the transaction to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Structuring occurs when a customer breaks up their cash transactions to avoid these cash transaction reporting and record-keeping requirements. On May 28, 2013, Ruhlin structured $27,000 in cash into two bank accounts by dividing it into three $9,000 deposits in order to evade federal reporting and record keeping requirements.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Dexter Man Sentenced to a Year and a Day for Marijuana ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Terrence Sawtelle, a/k/a “Terry,” 49, of Dexter, Maine was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Chief Judge Jon D. Levy to one year and one day in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiring to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuana. The defendant pled guilty on June 28, 2018.
According to court records, for a period of time between October 2010 and August 2016, the defendant conspired with others to illegally manufacture marijuana at a facility in Frankfort, Maine and to distribute it at the Owl’s Club, in Bangor, Maine, in violation of federal law, and under the cover of, but in violation of, Maine’s Medical Marijuana program. The Owl’s Club was owned and operated by co-defendant Christopher Ruhlin.
In May 2016, agents searched the Frankfort facility and seized marijuana in various stages of harvest and cultivation, together with paraphernalia and items used to manufacture and process marijuana. In August 2016, agents searched property in downtown Bangor, including the Owl’s Club, and seized processed marijuana. At the time of the searches, the location of the Frankfort facility was not reported to Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services as required. Beginning in March 2015, the defendant started selling marijuana for Christopher Ruhlin at the Owl’s Club.
In imposing sentence, Judge Levy concluded that Sawtelle’s activities violated both state and federal law.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Oxford County Man Sentenced to Five Years for ArsonRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Daniel Thompson, a/k/a “Daniel Walker,” 21, formerly of South Paris, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge Nancy Torresen to five years in prison and three years of supervised release for maliciously damaging property used in interstate commerce by fire. He was also ordered to pay over $184,000 in restitution. Thompson pleaded guilty on August 10, 2018.
According to court records, on June 5, 2017, the defendant broke into and, using gasoline, set a fire inside a building owned by the Dead River Company, in South Paris, that was used to store files and equipment. Dead River is a commercial petroleum supplier engaged in interstate commerce. It took several hours for firefighters to contain the blaze and the building was destroyed.
The investigation was conducted by the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Law Enforcement Officers Join Lewiston High School Students for a Day of LearningRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced today that on February 12, 2019, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine, the Androscoggin County District Attorney Office, the Lewiston Police Department, and the FBI will present the TRUST (Teach mutual Respect and Understanding through SimulaTion) Program to about 40 Lewiston High School students at The Green Ladle, 156 East Ave., Lewiston.
“The TRUST Program arose out of the belief that young people and law enforcement officers can benefit from spending time together, discussing challenges and perspectives on law enforcement, and better understanding each other,” said U.S. Attorney Frank. “It is modeled on similar programs run by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices that have been successful in Alabama (Bridging the Gap) and Florida (Building Lasting Relationships).”
The half-day Program will start at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 1:00 p.m. It will include: (1) presentations about investigating, prosecuting, and sentencing in criminal cases; (2) student role-playing exercises involving a call for service for a domestic disturbance complaint and a traffic stop; and (3) use of force simulations.
OPEN PRESS (except for the use of force simulations; simulator equipment will be made available to the press at the conclusion of the simulations). Students with media permissions will be identified.
NOTE: All media must RSVP to [email protected], arrive by 8:15 a.m. and possess a government-issued photo I.D. (such as a driver’s license) as well as valid media credentials.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maine is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me
Massachusetts and New York Men Sentenced on Credit Card Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Sean Trim, 33, of Stoughton, Massachusetts, and Tishon Singh, 28, of Queens, New York, were sentenced in U.S. District Court on credit card fraud charges. On January 25, 2019, Chief Judge Jon D. Levy sentenced Trim to 40 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release for using a counterfeit credit card, possessing 15 or more counterfeit credit cards and conspiracy to commit credit card fraud. Trim was also ordered to pay over $23,000 in restitution. Yesterday, Chief Judge Levy sentenced Singh to 11 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release for using a counterfeit credit card and possessing 15 or more counterfeit credit cards. The Court deferred for 90 days its determination about the amount of restitution Singh will be ordered to pay. Trim pled guilty on June 21, 2018. Singh pled guilty on May 11, 2018.
Court records reveal that between November 2016 and February 2017, Trim and Singh conspired to commit credit card fraud. On January 6, 2017, officers from the Windham Police Department conducted a traffic stop of a car occupied by Trim and Singh. Inside the car, the officers found a black toiletry bag containing over 160 credit cards, many of which were counterfeit. Subsequent investigation revealed that both men had used counterfeit credit cards to make purchases at a Hannaford Store in North Windham. On February 16, 2017, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence in Stoughton, Massachusetts, that was occupied by Trim and Singh. The police seized from the residence over 500 counterfeit credit cards, materials used for manufacturing counterfeit credit cards, nearly $7,000 in cash, and laptop computers and a thumb drive that contained credit card data.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, the Windham and Biddeford, Maine Police Departments, and the Stoughton, Massachusetts Police Department.
Levant Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Damian A. Ouellette, 26, of Levant, Maine pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records, on November 2, 2018, deputies responded to a report of domestic violence at the defendant’s Levant residence where they recovered a 9mm pistol that he hid in a bin of clothes in his bedroom. The defendant was prohibited from possessing the firearm because he had three prior felony convictions for robbery and/or theft.
He faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Rumford Man Sentenced to 3 Years of Probation for Social Security Fraud and Theft of Public MoneyRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Raymond Brenneis, 59, of Rumford, Maine, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge D. Brock Hornby to three years of probation for Social Security fraud and theft of public money. He was also ordered to pay $51,289 in restitution to the Social Security Administration (“SSA”), and $2,376 in restitution to the Maine Department of Health & Human Services (“ME/DHHS”).
According to Court records, from July 1995 to present, Brenneis received Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) benefits, which are paid to people with limited income who are blind, disabled or elderly. From April 2015 through January 2017, Brenneis also received Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (“SNAP”) benefits and Maine State SSI Supplement benefits. From February 2011 through January 2017, Brenneis lived with his wife whose receipt of Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”) benefits rendered him ineligible for the benefits he received during that period. Brenneis falsely represented to the SSA and ME/DHHS that he was living alone and not receiving help or money from any other person during this time. Brenneis later admitted to agents that he concealed his living situation from SSA and ME/DHHS because he knew his wife’s benefits would make him ineligible to receive SSI, SNAP benefits, and other state assistance.
The investigation was conducted by SSA, Office of the Inspector General, as well as ME/DHHS, Fraud Investigation & Recovery Unit.
New Vineyard Man Sentenced to More than 13 Years in Prison on Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Jordan Richard, 25, of New Vineyard, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge Nancy Torresen to 160 months years in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and oxycodone and discharging a firearm in relation to that conspiracy.
According to court records, between January 2016 and September 2017, the defendant and others conspired to distribute cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and oxycodone in Franklin County. The defendant supplied drugs to others from his residence in Rangeley, Maine and later from his residence in New Sharon, Maine.
Only July 28, 2016, the defendant shot and killed one of two men who came to his Rangeley residence to rob him. The second man fled and was later captured by federal agents. Investigators responding to the robbery seized from the defendant’s residence a large quantity of cocaine, $20,883, drug scales, drug packaging materials, cellular telephones, drug ledgers and a Beretta 9mm semi-automatic handgun used during the shooting.
“This case demonstrates that drug dealing is a violent, criminal business,” said U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank. “One man is dead. Another is going to spend over a decade in prison. We intend to do everything we can to get guns out of the hands of drug dealers.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office; the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives; the Maine State Police; and the Rangeley Police Department; with assistance provided by the Maine Office of the Attorney General. This case was investigated and prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Strategy to Combat the Opioid Epidemic.
Gardiner Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Robert Gay, 35, of Gardiner, Maine pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records, on June 2, 2018, the defendant was hired to perform plumbing work at a residence in Scarborough, Maine. While working in the basement, the defendant came across and later stole a rifle that belonged to the homeowner. A search of the defendant’s cell phone revealed text conversations reflecting that the defendant stole the rifle and sold it to another individual. The purchaser was identified and the rifle was recovered and returned to the homeowner. The defendant was prohibited from possessing the rifle because he had two prior felony convictions for theft.
The defendant faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the Scarborough and Gardiner Police Departments and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Trenton Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Timothy Levesque, 53, of Trenton, Maine, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records, on the evening of May 12, 2018, the U.S. Coast Guard boarded the defendant’s boat off the coast of Lamoine, Maine while conducting a routine maritime safety and law enforcement patrol. The boat was registered to the defendant and he was the only person on board at the time. A search of the pilot house revealed four firearms within feet of where the defendant had been sitting. The defendant was aware that the firearms were on the boat and was prohibited from possessing firearms as the result of prior felony drug possession convictions.
The defendant faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Maine Marine Patrol.
Gardiner Man Sentenced to Three Years for Conspiring to Distribute Heroin and CrackRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Jeffrey Johnson, 58, of Gardiner, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to three years in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute heroin and cocaine base, commonly known as “crack.” He was also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine. The defendant pled guilty on May 24, 2018.
According to court records, between June 2015 and March 2017, Johnson conspired with others to acquire heroin, fentanyl and crack in Rochester, New York and transport it to Central Maine for distribution. The defendant allowed Rochester dealers to sell narcotics from his residence, then in Chelsea, Maine, set up drug deals and provided transportation for drug deals.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance provided by the Augusta Police Department. This case was investigated and prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Strategy to Combat the Opioid Epidemic.
York Man Pleads Guilty to Making Interstate Threats and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Austin Santoro, 23, of York, Maine, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to transmitting threatening interstate communications and identity theft.
According to court documents, in January, the defendant sent an email to employees of the Portsmouth, New Hampshire Police Department at their departmental email addresses threatening to sexually assault them at gunpoint. The defendant used an email “spoofing” service to make it appear that the email had been sent by the police chief.
On the same day, the defendant sent an email to employees of the York County Community College at their work addresses threatening to sexually assault them at gunpoint. The defendant used the same spoofing service to make it appear that the email had been sent by a college employee.
The defendant faces up to five years in prison for the threat charges, up to 20 years for the identity theft charges, and a $250,000 fine on each. He will be sentenced after the completion of a pre-sentence investigation report by the U.S Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
York County Man Sentenced to 150 Months for Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Jason Bolduc, 41, of Parsonsfield, Maine was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge George Z. Singal to 150 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute fentanyl. Bolduc pled guilty on May 23, 2018.
Court records reveal that, between September 2016 and January 2017, the defendant conspired with others to purchase large amounts of fentanyl in Lawrence, Massachusetts for distribution in Maine. On January 13, 2017, federal and state drug agents apprehended Bolduc as he returned from one of his resupply trips and seized about 150 “fingers” (about 1,500 grams) of fentanyl from Bolduc and found in a vehicle he rented.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, the York County Sheriff’s Office and the Biddeford Police Department and prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Strategy to Combat the Opioid Epidemic.
Burnham Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Using the Internet to Access Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that David L. Cook, 61, of Burnham, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr., to 15 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release for using the internet to access child pornography intending to view it. Cook pleaded guilty on October 10, 2017. Because he had a prior qualifying conviction, he faced a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years.
Court records reveal that in August 2016, the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit (MCCU) received a report from Microsoft that a user had uploaded an image of child pornography. Federal and state officers obtained a physical address for that user, executed a warrant at that address, and seized the defendant’s computer. The MCCU’s forensic examination of the computer revealed over 30 images of child pornography and that the defendant searched the internet for child pornography on dozens of occasions between March and August, 2016.
The case was investigated by the MCCU and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Rockport Man Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud and EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Michael A. Morrison, 42, of Rockland, Maine, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to health care fraud and embezzlement from a health care benefit program.
According to court documents, between 2005 and 2016, the defendant was the manager of the Trade Winds Health, Swim and Tan Club in Rockland which also operated a physical therapy practice known as Coastal Physical Therapy. From 2014 through 2016, the defendant billed about $175,000 in false claims for reimbursement to Medicare, MaineCare, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and a Veterans Administration health care program. Some claims were false because the defendant exaggerated the length of time therapists spent with patients. He also made claims for appointments that were cancelled, for services that he provided even though he was not properly licensed, and using the names of therapists who were not working on the dates claimed.
The defendant also embezzled over $26,000 from the Health Club by using a Health Club credit card to pay for personal Amazon.com purchases and stole about $4,500 in cash that he failed to deposit to the Health Club’s bank account.
The defendant faces up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; the Maine Attorney General’s Office, Healthcare Crimes Unit; the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General; and the Rockland Police Department.
Pittsfield Woman Sentenced to 46 Months for Oxycodone and Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Deborah Toothaker, 55, of Pittsfield, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 46 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute oxycodone and heroin. She pled guilty on July 23, 2018.
According to court records, between June 2015 and October 2016, Toothaker conspired with others to distribute oxycodone and heroin in the Newport, Maine area. The defendant obtained the heroin and oxycodone from out-of-state co-conspirators and sold it to customers from her residence and area motels.
Judge Woodcock said that the sentence was warranted because the defendant “chose to make money off other people’s misery.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Somerset County Sheriff’s Department and prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Strategy to Combat the Opioid Epidemic.
Gardiner Woman Sentenced to 70 Months for Heroin, Crack and Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Nicole Truman, 36, of Gardiner, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 70 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute heroin, cocaine base, commonly known as “crack,” and fentanyl. She pled guilty on May 24, 2018.
According to court records, between June 2015 and March 2017, Truman conspired with others to acquire heroin and crack in Rochester, New York and transport it to Central Maine for distribution. The defendant assisted the head of the conspiracy, Darrell “Coast” Newton, and other dealers he sent from Rochester in distributing the narcotics in Central Maine. She provided transportation, facilitated drug deals, introduced Rochester conspirators to area distributors, assisted other conspirators in finding residences from which to sell drugs, and was a money courier.
Following her indictment in May 2017, she fled to Missouri where she was arrested several months later and returned to Maine.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance provided by the Augusta Police Department. This case was investigated and prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Strategy to Combat the Opioid Epidemic.
Auburn Woman Pleads Guilty to Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Sierrha Frisbie, 26, of Auburn, Maine, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin.
According to court records, between November 2015 and September 2017, the defendant conspired with others to acquire heroin in Massachusetts and New York and to distribute it in the greater Portland and Lewiston areas. In December 2015, she was arrested by troopers on the turnpike at the York toll plaza and found to have 38 grams of heroin in her possession.
The defendant faces up to 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, and between five years and life on supervised release. She will be sentenced after the completion of a pre-sentence investigation report by the U.S Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the Portland and South Portland Police Departments, the Maine State Police, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency. The Cumberland and York County District Attorney’s Offices assisted with the prosecution. This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Strategy to Combat the Opioid Epidemic.
Hampden Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Marriage FraudRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Marena Mushero, 28, recently of Hampden, Maine, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to conspiring to enter a marriage in order to evade U.S. immigration laws.
According to court records, Mushero, a United States citizen, posted an advertisement on an on-line forum, in which she offered to marry a person in need of permanent resident status in exchange for money. On June 13, 2018, she received a response from a Nepalese citizen who was lawfully in the U.S. and living in another state. Mushero agreed to marry him in exchange for cash payments so that he could get a “green card.” On June 25, 2018, Mushero and her coconspirator were married in Brewer, Maine. Before and after the wedding, Mushero received hundreds of dollars via wire transfers from her coconspirator, who continued to live and work in another state.
Mushero faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. She will be sentenced after the completion of a pre-sentence investigation report by the U.S Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Brewer Police Department.