District of Maine
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Sanford Man Sentenced to Five Years for Transporting Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Rusty Hood, 38, of Sanford, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Chief Judge Nancy Torresen to five years in prison and ten years of supervised release for transporting child pornography. Hood pleaded guilty on January 29, 2018.
According to court records, in May 2016, Hood chatted online with an individual in Ohio. During the chat, the two men exchanged images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Hood claimed during the chat that he was interested in babies, and that he had engaged in sexual activity with a young girl.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit and the Sanford Police Department. 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.
Hiram Man Sentenced to More than Eight Years for Being a Felon in Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Michael Gaudette, 36, of Hiram, Maine was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 100 months in prison and three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Gaudette pled guilty on November 28, 2017.
According to court records, on May 10, 2017, the Maine State Police executed a search warrant at a property in Hiram where Gaudette resided and seized three assault rifles, a shotgun and a handgun. Three of the firearms were loaded. Gaudette was prohibited from possessing firearms because of prior felony convictions for attempted robbery, burglary, escape, possession of narcotics and conspiring to deliver articles to prisoners.
The investigation was conducted by the Maine State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Milford Man Sentenced to 7½ Years for Stealing and Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Travis J. Stinson, 40, of Milford, Maine was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 7½ years in prison and three years of supervised release for stealing firearms from a licensed firearms dealer and for being a felon in possession of firearms. He was also ordered to pay $3,657 in restitution. Stinson pleaded guilty on July 21, 2017.
Court records reveal that on October 12, 2016, Stinson enlisted the aid of an accomplice to steal guns from a Bangor pawn shop in exchange for heroin. Stinson drove his accomplice to the vicinity of the pawn shop. His accomplice broke a window at the pawn shop, took 16 handguns --15 of which were semi-automatic pistols -- and absconded. Stinson drove the getaway car. Stinson was prohibited from possessing firearms because of felony theft convictions in Kentucky.
The investigation was conducted by the Bangor Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Lincoln County Man Sentenced to over 4½ Years on Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Michael Burns, 34, of Dresden, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Chief Judge Nancy Torresen to 55 months in prison and three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a felon. Burns pleaded guilty to the charge on November 2, 2017.
According to court records and evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, in 2016, Burns borrowed a .22 caliber rifle from a neighbor. He kept the rifle in his home. On August 28, 2016, during an argument, Burns attempted to strangle his live-in girlfriend while her minor child watched. Burns then grabbed and loaded the rifle and threatened to “blow his [own] head off” in front of his girlfriend and her child.
Burns was prohibited from possession the firearm because he had prior Maine felony convictions for illegally possessing firearms, theft, and aggravated assault. At the time of the offense, Burns was on probation for a domestic violence related aggravated assault on another former girlfriend.
The investigation was conducted by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in a America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Lewiston Man Sentenced to Almost 22 Years for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Nicholas T. Richard, 39, of Lewiston, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge George Z. Singal to 262 months in prison and supervised release for life for receiving child pornography images. He was also ordered to pay $7,500 in restitution to the victims depicted in the images. Richard pleaded guilty on November 20, 2017.
According to court records, in February of last year, Richard used the internet and peer-to-peer file-sharing software to download child pornography images. Richard was at the Auburn Public Library when he downloaded the images using the library’s wireless internet connection. Investigators seized Richard’s laptop computer and other electronic devices from him at the library and obtained a search warrant for them. The laptop contained thousands of images and videos depicting child pornography and child erotica. Richard was subject to an enhanced sentence because of a prior federal child pornography conviction.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit and the Auburn Police Department. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide U.S. Department of Justice initiative to locate, apprehend and prosecute people who sexually exploit children. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Honduras Man Sentenced to Time Served (over Seven Months) for Entering the U.S. After RemovalRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Mario Ernesto Garcia-Zavala, 22, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by George Z. Singal to time served (about 221 days) after being found guilty of having entered the United States after being removed. He was convicted following a non-jury trial on March 21, 2018.
The evidence at trial showed that Garcia-Zavala unlawfully entered the United States in about March 2014 and was ordered removed to Honduras on March 29, 2014. Four days later, immigration authorities returned him to Honduras. Garcia-Zavala did not apply for permission to reenter the United States. He was arrested in Portland on September 9, 2017 after a Maine State Trooper stopped the van in which he was a passenger for traffic violations.
U.S. Attorney Frank said: “We have a lawful system of immigration. We appreciate it when our state and local law enforcement partners help us identify people who cross our borders illegally, often, as here, repeatedly.”
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Removal Operations and the Maine State Police.
Justice Department Announces Nationwide Initiative to Combat Sexual Harassment in HousingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — Today, as the Department of Justice recognizes the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the nationwide rollout of an initiative aimed at increasing awareness and reporting of sexual harassment in housing. The announcement includes an interagency task force between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Justice Department to combat sexual harassment in housing, an outreach toolkit, and a public awareness campaign. This three-pronged approach will strengthen the Department’s efforts to combat sexual harassment in housing.
“Sexual harassment in housing is illegal, immoral, and unacceptable," said Attorney General Sessions. “It is all too common today, as too many landlords, managers, and their employees attempt to prey on vulnerable women. We will not hesitate to pursue these predators and enforce the law. In October, I ordered a new initiative to bring more of these cases, and we have already won relief for 15 victims. Today we announce three new steps to make the initiative more effective and to win more cases. I want to thank the dedicated and committed professionals in our Civil Rights Division and our partners in the Department of Housing and Urban Development for their hard work in this effort. We will continue to aggressively pursue harassers, because everyone has a right to be safe in their home.”
“All discrimination stains the very fabric of our nation, but HUD is especially focused on protecting the right of everyone to feel safe and secure in their homes, free from unwanted sexual harassment,” said Secretary Ben Carson. “No person should have to tolerate unwanted sexual advances in order to keep a roof over his or her head. Part of our mission at HUD is to provide safe housing and we will remain diligent in this mission to protect those we serve. I look forward to working with Attorney General Sessions and the Department of Justice as part of this task force to bring an end to this type of discrimination.”
In October 2017, the Justice Department announced an initiative to combat sexual harassment in housing and launched pilot programs in D.C. and the Western District of Virginia. The initiative sought to increase the Department’s efforts to protect women from harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, security guards, and other employees and representatives of rental property owners. During the pilots, the Department developed and tested ways to better connect both with victims of sexual harassment in housing and with those organizations that victims may turn to first for help – including law enforcement, legal services providers, public housing authorities, sexual assault services providers, and shelters. The Department also tested certain aspects of the initiative in other jurisdictions, including New Jersey, the Central District of California, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Michigan.
The two pilot programs generated an upswing in harassment reporting to the Department from both D.C. and the Western District of Virginia. In D.C., the Department generated six leads since the October 2017 launch. In Virginia, the Department generated three leads. While the Justice Department recognizes that leads and investigations do not always lead to enforcement actions, the pilot program’s results—when extrapolated across all the U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country—could lead to hundreds of new reports of sexual harassment in housing across the country.
Because of these promising results, the Department is rolling out three major components to the Initiative.
First, the new HUD-DOJ Task Force to Combat Sexual Harassment in Housing will drive a shared strategy between the Department and HUD for combatting sexual harassment in housing across the country. It will focus on five key areas: continued data sharing and analysis, joint development of training, evaluation of public housing complaint mechanisms, coordination of public outreach and press strategy, and review of federal policies.
Second, the outreach toolkit is designed to leverage the Justice Department’s nationwide network of U.S. Attorney’s Offices. The toolkit provides templates, guidance, and checklists based on pilot program feedback. It ultimately will amplify available enforcement resources and help victims of sexual harassment connect with the Department.
Third, the public awareness campaign has three major components: a partnership package with relevant stakeholders, launch of a social media campaign, and Public Service Announcements run by individual U.S. Attorney’s offices. The campaign is specifically designed to raise awareness, and make it easier for victims all over the country to find resources and report harassment.
More information about the Civil Rights Division and the civil rights laws it enforces is available at www.usdoj.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment in housing should call the Department at 1-844-380-6178, send an e-mail to [email protected], or contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777. If you have information or questions about any other housing discrimination, you can contact the Department at 1-800-896-7743.
Filipino Woman Pleads Guilty to Passport FraudRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Emelita Ignacio Arindela, a/k/a “Esperanza Ignacio Arindela,” “Esperanza Hooper,” Emily I. Arindela,” and “Emily Ingacio Arindela,” 43, of Mount Desert Island, Maine, and previously of the Philippines, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to passport fraud.
According to court records, in 2000, the defendant assumed the name and date of birth of her older sister in order to marry a U.S. citizen in the City of Valenzuela, Philippines. In 2002, she entered the United States under her sister’s identity. In 2009, she became a naturalized U.S. citizen using her sister’s identity. Later that year, she legally changed her name to Emily I. Arindela. In 2010, she applied for a U.S. passport using her new name and her sister’s date of birth.
The defendant faces up to 10 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 case was investigated by the Diplomatic Security Service of the U.S. Department of State.
Bangor Man Sentenced to 40 Years for Sexual Exploitation of Children and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Jeffrey Swimm, 38, of Bangor, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 40 years in prison and supervised release for life for sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography. Swimm pled guilty on August 23, 2017.
According to court records, between about October 2012 and April 2017, Swimm produced still-image and video files depicting child pornography, some of which were produced using a camera hidden in the defendant’s bathroom. Swimm admitted to agents that, over a three year period, he produced pornographic images and videos depicting multiple prepubescent minors, so that he had them to trade with other people he met on-line. In addition, the defendant possessed other images and videos of child pornography depicting children under the age of 12 which he solicited and received over the internet.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Bangor Police Department, and the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office.
Connecticut Man Sentenced to Nine Years for RobberiesRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Seth J. Blewitt, 30, of Oakville, Connecticut was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr., to nine years in prison and three years of supervised release for bank robbery and armed Hobbs Act robbery. The Hobbs Act makes it a crime to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery. The charges arose from the robberies of a TD Bank branch and a Dollar Tree store. The defendant pleaded guilty on November 30, 2017.
Court records reveal that on May 28, 2017, the defendant robbed a TD Bank branch in Bangor. He entered the bank, approached a teller, and said, “I’m actually robbing you. I want all of your money, no dye packs or GPS trackers.” He was wearing a black knit hat, sunglasses, gloves, and a plaid shirt. The teller complied and the defendant absconded with a bag of cash.
The next day, the defendant robbed the Dollar Tree store in Bangor with a shotgun. He was wearing a mask and sunglasses and he demanded that a cashier open the register. When the cashier said that she could not open the register, he struck the register with the shotgun. The cashier yelled for the manager. The manager opened the register and gave cash to the defendant who absconded with it.
The defendant’s wife, Cara Blewitt, served as the getaway driver for both robberies. Officers from the Bangor Police Department arrested the Blewitts within minutes of the Dollar Tree robbery. On March 26, 2018, Cara Blewitt was sentenced to 33 months for aiding and abetting the robberies.
The investigation was conducted by the Bangor Police Department; the FBI; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Bangor Man Sentenced to over Two Years for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that John Oliveira, 32, of Bangor was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 27 months in prison and three years of supervised release for distributing fentanyl. Oliveira pleaded guilty to the charges on April 17, 2017.
According to court records, on August 16 and 17, 2016, the defendant sold fentanyl to a witness working with law enforcement. During the second sale, the defendant bragged that he was “the best” at selling drugs, he did not “normally have [buyers] waiting too long,” and his buyers “always know what quality is going to be.”
In imposing sentence, Judge Woodcock commented that the defendant had a “horrible criminal history” and that the defendant’s drug dealing was “every parent’s worst nightmare.”
The investigation was conducted by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Maine Attorneys General’s Office. This case was investigated and prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Strategy to Combat the Opioid Epidemic.
Auburn Man Sentenced to Almost Five Years for Possessing a Firearm after Being Convicted of a Domestic Violence MisdemeanorRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Willie Richard Minor, 58, of Auburn, Maine, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge D. Brock Hornby to 57 months in prison and three years of supervised release for possessing a firearm after being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. Minor was convicted on December 13, 2017, following a two-day jury trial.
Court records and trial evidence revealed that on June 14, 2010, Minor was convicted in Maine Superior Court for assaulting his wife at the time. As a result of that misdemeanor conviction, the defendant was prohibited from possessing firearms. On November 27, 2016, the defendant admitted to a detective with the Auburn Police Department that he had a gun and kept it in his apartment. The police subsequently searched his apartment and seized a loaded .38 caliber pistol. At sentencing, the Court found that Minor was subject to an enhanced sentence because he used the pistol to assault another person.
The investigation was conducted by the Auburn and Mechanic Falls Police Departments; the Maine State Police Crime Lab; the FBI; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Orono Woman Sentenced to 5 Years Probation for Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Amanda Harding a/k/a “Amanda Grass,” 33, of Orono, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to five years of probation for social security fraud. Harding was also ordered to pay $26,616 in restitution. Harding pleaded guilty on August 31, 2017.
According to court records, the defendant began receiving Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) payments in 2006. SSI benefits are paid by the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. The defendant was living in Maine when she first obtained SSI benefits. Between 2006 and 2016, the defendant was repeatedly informed that she needed to report any change of address to the SSA. On October 8, 2011, the defendant married a Canadian citizen, moved to New Brunswick, Canada, and applied for Canadian citizenship. She resided in Canada from October 2011 through February 2016. The defendant did not inform SSA of her change of address and illegally obtained over $26,000 in SSI benefits. During an interview with law enforcement agents, the defendant admitted that she understood if she told SSA that she moved to Canada her SSI benefits would be significantly reduced.
The case was investigated by SSA’s Office of Inspector General, U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and the Canadian Border Patrol.
Gorham Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Christopher Shepard, 32, of Gorham, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge George Z. Singal to 15 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release for possessing child pornography. Shepard pleaded guilty on November 28, 2017.
According to court records, in April of last year, investigators from the Gorham Police Department executed a search warrant at Shepard’s apartment in Gorham. Investigators seized his cellular telephone, which was later found to contain several images of a girl under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
The case was investigated by the Gorham Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
Waterville Man Sentenced Two Years for Illegal Receipt and Shipment of FirearmsRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Iulian Petre, a/k/a “Julian Petre,” 51, of Waterville, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to two years in prison and three years of supervised release for illegally receiving and shipping firearms. He was convicted of these charges on August 28, 2017, following a six-day jury trial.
Court records and trial evidence revealed that in 2012 and 2013, Petre purchased and received firearms from out-of-state sellers intending to unlawfully export them. He shipped some of these firearms to Romania. The export of these firearms required authorization from the U.S. Department of State, which the defendant knowingly failed to obtain.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Making Interstate ThreatsRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Shae Ryan Estes, 41, previously of McKinney, Texas, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to transmitting threats in interstate commerce.
According to court records, in the summer of 2017, the defendant, while living in Texas, made two threatening telephone calls to his ex-girlfriend, who was then in Maine. The calls were recorded on her answering machine. In the calls, the defendant threatened that he would “hunt” her down, that she was “next,” that she would “suffer,” and that if he ever got back to Maine he would kill her current boyfriend, various members of her family, and “anyone that gets in my [expletive] way.”
The defendant faces up to 5 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 FBI and the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.
U.S. Attorney Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 8-14Read the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that in commemoration of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), April 8-14, 2018, the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) and the Westbrook Police Department (WPD) are hosting a presentation by L.Y. Marlow to raise awareness about crime victims’ issues and rights and the need for support and services for victims of crime. The presentation will take place on April 18th at 9:00 a.m. at the Westbrook Performing Arts Center, in Westbrook, Maine.
Ms. Marlow is an author, a speaker and the founder of Saving Promise, a national domestic violence prevention organization. Ms. Marlow will share her personal story, which includes a family legacy of more than four generations of domestic violence, to address what she believes is a global health crisis – intimate partner violence.
The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) leads communities throughout the country in their annual observances of NCVRW by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s theme --Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims -- highlights how the investment of communities in crime victims expands the opportunity for victims to disclose their victimization, connect with services, and receive the support they need. The theme also acknowledges the many barriers facing victims of crime especially those with disabilities, LGBTQ victims, older adults, those with limited English proficiency, American Indians and Alaska Natives, and others from historically marginalized communities.
OVC and the USAO encourage widespread participation in the week’s events and in other victim-related observances throughout the year. DOJ will host OVC’s annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C., on April 13, 2018, to honor outstanding individuals and programs that serve victims of crime. For additional information about this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and how to assist victims in your community, visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.gov.
Romanian Man Sentenced to Time Served for Illegal Entry into the United StatesRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Novak Ciurar, 30, of Romania, pleaded guilty and was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Magistrate Judge John C. Nivison to time served (four days) for entering the United States illegally.
Court records reveal that on March 31, 2018, Ciurar entered the United States from Canada in Hodgdon, Maine at a location not designated for entry to the United States. U.S. Border Patrol agents located the defendant shortly after his entry. Ciurar is a citizen of Romania and did not have any immigration documents that would allow him to remain in the United States. Ciurar has now been placed in proceedings to remove him from the United States.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol which is the mobile, uniformed law enforcement arm of U.S. Customs and Border Protection within the Department of Homeland Security responsible for securing U.S. borders between ports of entry. The U.S. Border Patrol relies on cooperation and assistance from members of the community that live along the border. If you observe suspicious activity in the border area, please do not hesitate to contact the U.S. Border Patrol at (800) 851-USBP; if this activity is in Canada, please call (800) 222-TIPS.
Canadian Man Sentenced to Time Served for Illegal Entry into the United StatesRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Joey Antoine Maillet, 36, of Dieppe, New Brunswick, pleaded guilty and was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Magistrate Judge John C. Nivison to time served (49 days) for entering the United States at a point other than a designated Customs station.
According to court records, on November 16, 2017 Maillet entered the United States from Canada on foot across a train trestle in Calais, Maine. He was apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol the next day and admitted to illegally entering the country. Maillet, who has dual U.S. and Canadian citizenship, provided an address in Leominster, Massachusetts. He was released and issued a summons for the offense. When he failed to appear in court on February 7, 2018, a warrant issued for his arrest. On February 16, 2018, Maillet was arrested in Miami, Florida.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol which is the mobile, uniformed law enforcement arm of U.S. Customs and Border Protection within the Department of Homeland Security responsible for securing U.S. borders between ports of entry. The U.S. Border Patrol relies on cooperation and assistance from members of the community that live along the border. If you observe suspicious activity in the border area, please do not hesitate to contact the U.S. Border Patrol at (800) 851-USBP; if this activity is in Canada, please call (800) 222-TIPS.
Brunswick Man Sentenced to 2½ Years on Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Evan Lewis, 28, of Brunswick, Maine, 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 providing false information during an attempt to purchase a firearm. Lewis pleaded guilty on October 26, 2017.
According to court records, on July 22, 2015, Lewis attempted to purchase a Taurus, semi-automatic, 9mm pistol from a pawn shop in Lewiston, Maine. In the process of doing so, Lewis completed an Firearms Transaction Record form in which he falsely claimed that his name was David Frank Lewis and denied having been convicted of a felony crime or being an unlawful drug user. In fact, Lewis was a convicted felon and an unlawful user of Methamphetamine. The pawn shop ultimately refused to sell Lewis the pistol because the name he gave did not match the name on his driver's license.
The case was investigated by the Lisbon and Auburn Police Departments and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Waldo Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Firearms Charge and Supervised Release ViolationRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced Jesse Newton, 30, of Waldo, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr., to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm and two years in prison, consecutively, for violating conditions of his supervised release. The defendant pleaded guilty on July 7, 2017.
Court records reveal that on July 13, 2016, U.S. Probation Officers and investigators from the Office of the Maine State Fire Marshal searched Newton’s residence and seized a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol, 9mm casings, rifle stocks, 46 marijuana plants and a cell phone. Newton possessed the firearm in connection with his marijuana grow operation. At the time of the search, Newton was on supervised release for a 2013 felony firearms conviction that prohibited him from violating federal or state law. Investigators later learned that Newton possessed ten other firearms.
In imposing the maximum available sentence, Judge Woodcock noted the defendant’s threats to kill a police officer, his causing injury to a cooperating witness, his use of a firearm in connection with marijuana cultivation, his failure to accept responsibility for his crimes and his lengthy criminal history which included attacks on the homes of two police officers. Judge Woodcock said he found Newton’s behavior appalling and noted this was “the first time I’ve ever seen a defendant go after a police officer’s house.” Newton had convictions for four assaults, terrorizing, criminal use of explosives, criminal threatening, criminal mischief, harassment, disorderly conduct, refusing to submit to arrest and obstruction of reporting of a crime.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Probation Office; the Office of the Maine State Fire Marshal; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office; the Belfast Police Department and the Maine Forest Service.
New Hampshire Man Convicted of Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that James Robinson, 60, of Concord, New Hampshire, was convicted yesterday following a two-day jury trial in U.S. District Court of fraudulently obtaining $45,473 in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and making false statements to a government agency. The jury returned not guilty verdicts on two other charges.
The evidence at trial revealed that Robinson received SSI benefits, which are paid to people with limited income who are blind, disabled or elderly. Between 2008 and 2013, Robinson falsely represented to the Social Security Administration (SSA) that he was living alone in Cornish, Maine, and was not receiving help or money from any person. In fact, he was living with his wife in Concord, New Hampshire, who was providing him with financial assistance. If Robinson had provided truthful information to SSA, he would have been ineligible for SSI benefits. The evidence further revealed that he made false statements concerning these facts in a 2015 interview with a Special Agent of SSA, Office of the Inspector General.
Robinson faces up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, 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.
The investigation was conducted by SSA, Office of the Inspector General, as well as the Maine Department of Health & Human Services, Fraud Investigation & Recovery Unit.
Bangor Man Pleads Guilty to Marijuana ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Jeremy Duguay, 34, of Bangor, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to conspiring to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuana.
According to court records, during a period between October 2010 and August 2016, the defendant conspired with others to illegally manufacture and distribute marijuana. The defendant was paid to assist in the production of marijuana at a large, sophisticated indoor growing facility in Frankfort, Maine. In May 2016, law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at the facility and seized about 400 marijuana plants, 295 marijuana root balls, and paraphernalia used to manufacture and process marijuana. The defendant had a firearm when agents arrived at the facility. According to the search warrant affidavit, the location of the facility was not reported to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.
The defendant faces up to 20 years in prison, between three years and life of 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 investigation was conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Connecticut Woman Sentenced to 33 Months for Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Cara M. Blewitt, 31, of Oakville, Connecticut was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr., to 33 months in prison and three years of supervised release for aiding and abetting bank robbery and Hobbs Act robbery. The charges arose from the robberies of a TD Bank branch and a Dollar Tree store. The defendant pleaded guilty on October 11, 2017.
Court records reveal that on May 28, 2017, the defendant’s husband, Seth Blewitt robbed a TD Bank branch in Bangor. He entered the bank, approached a teller, and said, “I’m actually robbing you. I want all of your money, no dye packs or GPS trackers.” He was wearing a black knit hat, sunglasses, gloves, and a plaid shirt. The teller complied and Seth Blewitt absconded with a bag of cash.
The next day, Seth Blewitt robbed the Dollar Tree store in Bangor with a shotgun. He was wearing a mask and sunglasses and he demanded that a cashier open the register. When the cashier said that she could not open the register, he struck the register with the shotgun. The cashier yelled for the manager and the manager opened the register and gave Seth Blewitt cash. He absconded with the cash.
The defendant served as the getaway driver for both robberies. Officers from the Bangor Police Department arrested the defendant and her husband within minutes of the Dollar Tree store robbery.
Seth J. Blewitt pleaded guilty to both robberies on November 30, 2017. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 11, 2018.
The investigation was conducted by the Bangor Police Department; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Honduras Man Convicted Entering the U.S. After RemovalRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Mario Ernesto Garcia-Zavala, 22, a citizen of Honduras, was convicted today following non-jury trial in U.S. District Court of having entered the United States after being removed or deported.
The evidence at trial showed that Garcia-Zavala, who had unlawfully entered the United States, was ordered removed to Honduras on March 29, 2014 and was in fact removed on a government airplane four days later. Garcia-Zavala did not apply for permission to reenter the United States. He was arrested in Portland on September 9, 2017 after a Maine State Trooper stopped the van in which he was a passenger for traffic violations.
Garcia-Zavala faces up to two years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and two years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the United States Probation Office prepares a presentence report. It is expected that Garcia-Zavala will be returned to Honduras after his sentence is completed.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Removal Operations and the Maine State Police.
Virginia Man Arraigned on Armed Bank Robbery ChargeRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Ahmed Sadek, 23, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, was arraigned today in U.S. District Court on an armed bank robbery charge.
According to court records, on November 17, 2017, the defendant robbed a Key Bank branch located in Portland using what appeared to be a firearm.
The defendant faces up to 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Portland Police Department in conjunction with the Southern Maine Gang Task Force, which is comprised of agents and officers from the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; the York County Sheriff’s Office; and the Portland, South Portland, and Lewiston Police Departments.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Portland Man Sentenced to Five Years for Crack TraffickingRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Salman Mohamed, 20, of Portland, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge D. Brock Hornby to five years in prison and four years of supervised release for possessing with intent to distribute cocaine base, commonly known as “crack.” He pleaded guilty on September 20, 2017.
Court records reveal that on May 31, 2017, the defendant possessed over 100 grams of crack. At that time, he was also on bail for a separate drug trafficking charge.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Portland Police Department.
New York Man Convicted of Heroin and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Reginald McBride, 41, of New York, New York, was convicted today following a three-day jury trial in U.S. District Court of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possessing heroin with the intent to distribute it, and using a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking offense. The charges arose out of a June 26, 2016 shooting at the Walmart in Augusta, Maine.
The evidence at trial revealed that on June 26, 2016, the defendant drove a vehicle to the Augusta Walmart carrying over 40 grams of heroin and a 9-mm pistol. When the defendant got to the Walmart, he engaged in a firefight with another individual. After the shooting, the defendant fled in his vehicle. Officers located the defendant and recovered the heroin. Officers later seized a loaded revolver, two more firearms, ammunition, a speed loader, and a scope from the vehicle.
Trial evidence revealed that the defendant used numerous aliases including “Kweasia McBride,” “Reggie McBride,” “Reginald Washington,” “Benjamin McBride,” “John Doe,” and “Sunny.” The defendant had prior felony convictions from Virginia and New York under a combination of these aliases.
The defendant faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release on the felon in possession charge; up to 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, and life on supervised release on the drug charge; and a consecutive term of between five years and life, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release for using a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking offense.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Augusta Police Department; the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; the Maine State Police Crime Laboratory; and the Bangor and Hallowell Police Departments.
Auburn Man Charged with Ecstacy and Marijuana TraffickingRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Tyler Poland, 31, of Auburn, Maine, was arrested and charged by a criminal complaint unsealed today in U.S. District Court with illegal Ecstasy and marijuana trafficking.
According to the complaint, the charges arose from an investigation into a drug trafficking organization located in the Lewiston-Auburn area that is alleged to have grown and distributed large quantities of marijuana in violation of federal law, and under the cover of, but in violation of, Maine’s Medical Marijuana program. The organization cultivated marijuana at numerous warehouses in Androscoggin County and distributed marijuana to people who were not participants in Maine’s Medical Marijuana program, including out-of-state customers, On February 27, 2018, federal, state and local law enforcement agents executed over 20 search warrants in the Lewiston-Auburn area. The defendant’s Merrow Road residence and warehouses were searched. Agents seized about 608 marijuana plants, 366 pounds of processed marijuana, hundreds of Ecstasy pills (weighing more than a kilogram), hundreds of alprazolam pills, and over $156,000.
If convicted, the defendant faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
The defendant is expected to make an initial appearance in U.S. District Court today at 3:30 p.m. in Portland.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the FBI; the Maine State Police; and the Lewiston, Auburn, Windham, Biddeford and Scarborough Police Departments.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law
Madawaska Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Importing Methylphenidate and AlprazolamRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Tristan Nelson, 39, of Madawaska, Maine pleaded guilty Wednesday afternoon in U.S. District Court to illegally importing methylphenidate, which is commonly sold under the trade name Ritalin, and alprazolam, which is commonly sold under the trade name Xanax.
According to court records, on February 22, 2017, a mail package from the Philippines addressed to the defendant arrived at the Madawaska post office. The package contained about 950 methylphenidate pills and about 450 alprazolam pills. The defendant came to the post office and accepted the package. The defendant later admitted to agents that he purchased the pills online, that he knew the pills were shipped to him from outside of the United States, and that he intended to distribute some of the pills.
The defendant faces up to 20 years in prison, between three years and life on supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine for importing methylphenidate. He faces up to 5 years in prison and between one year and life on supervised release, and a $250,000 fine for importing alprazolam. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Former Palmyra Man Pleads Guilty and is Sentenced to Time Served and 30 days for Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Bradley Flowers, 40, formerly of Palmyra, Maine, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court for failing to register as a sex offender and was sentenced by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to time served (about 28 months) plus 30 days, and 5 years of supervised release, the first six months of which will be in community confinement.
According to court records, the defendant was required to register as a sex offender for life following a 2006 Maine conviction for unlawful sexual contact. Between July 2007 and June 2014, the defendant registered with the Maine Sex Offender Registry, as required. In about September 2014, the defendant moved to Colorado, but did not register in Colorado. Thereafter, he lived in Ohio and Arizona, but did not register there, or in any other state. On October 20, 2015, the defendant was arrested in Arizona and has been in custody since that time.
In imposing sentence, Judge Woodcock noted that some of the defendant’s criminal history was “disturbing” and that, at times in the past, the defendant had been a “violent and dangerous” individual.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Maine Violent Offender Task Force and 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 Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section of the Department of Justice, 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.
Former Hodgdon Man Sentenced to 40 Months for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Anthonio Dicentes, 38, formerly of Hodgdon, Maine, and recently of Madison, Florida, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 40 months in prison and five years of supervised release for possession of child pornography. Dicentes pled guilty on September 1, 2017.
According to court records, between about June 2009 and September 2015, Dicentes possessed image files depicting child pornography that he purposefully and repeatedly downloaded from the internet, including at least one of which depicted a child under the age of 12.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit, and the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office and 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 Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section of the Department of Justice, 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.
Brooklyn Man Sentenced to Six Years for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Naquan Eley, 33, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge D. Brock Hornby to six years in prison and five years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute heroin and cocaine base, commonly known as “crack.” He pleaded guilty on October 11, 2017.
Court records reveal that between September and December 2014, the defendant conspired with others to distribute more than 28 grams of crack and more than 100 grams of heroin. The drugs were acquired in New York, transported to Maine, and distributed in Androscoggin County. On December 18, 2014, law enforcement agents searched two vacant apartments used by members of this conspiracy and seized crack, heroin and four firearms. Eley is the 27th defendant to be sentenced in connection with this investigation.
The investigation was conducted by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the FBI in conjunction with the Southern Maine Gang Task Force, which is comprised of agents and officers from the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; and the Portland, South Portland, and Lewiston Police Departments. The investigation was part of the ongoing effort of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Auburn Man Charged with Illegal Firearm Possession and Marijuana TraffickingRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Brian J. Bilodeau, 33, of Auburn, Maine, was arrested yesterday and charged today by criminal complaint in U.S. District Court with illegal possession of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
According to the complaint, the charges arose from an investigation into a drug trafficking organization located in the Lewiston-Auburn area that is alleged to have grown and distributed large quantities of marijuana in violation of federal law, and under the cover of, but in violation of, Maine’s Medical Marijuana program. The organization cultivated marijuana at numerous warehouses in Androscoggin County and distributed marijuana to people who were not participants in Maine’s Medical Marijuana program, including out-of-state customers. This organization also grew marijuana as a precursor for the illegal manufacture of marijuana concentrates known as butane hash oil and “shatter,” a product made from butane hash oil.
Yesterday, federal, state and local law enforcement agents executed over 20 search warrants in the Lewiston-Auburn area associated with the organization. The defendant’s Danville Corner Road residence was searched. Agent seized about 183 pounds of marijuana, butane hash oil, a loaded .380 caliber pistol, a loaded 9mm pistol, an unloaded .45 caliber pistol, and an unloaded .22 caliber rifle. Agents also seized a 2016 Lamborghini Huracan and a black 2014 Nissan GT-R pursuant to seizure warrants on the basis that they were forfeitable as proceeds of drug trafficking, facilitated drug trafficking, or were involved in money laundering offenses.
If convicted, the defendant faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine on the drug charge and between 5 years and life in prison and a $250,000 fine on the firearms charge.
The defendant is expected to make an initial appearance in U.S. District Court today at 4:00 p.m. in Portland.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the FBI; the Maine State Police; and the Lewiston, Auburn, Windham, Biddeford and Scarborough Police Departments.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Portland Woman Pleads Guilty to Mailing Bomb ThreatsRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Nina Michalski, 61, of Portland, Maine, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to sending bomb threats through the mail.
According to court records, between October 2016 and February 2017, Michalski sent three letters from Maine to religious congregations in California. These letters indicated that a bomb had been planted or would be planted in the congregations’ facilities.
Michalski faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. She will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Contra Costa County, California Sheriff’s Office, the Walnut Creek, California Police Department, and the San Ramon, California Police Department.
Lewiston Man Charged with Marijuana Trafficking and Butane Hash Oil ManufacturingRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Richard Daniels, a/k/a “Stitch”, 52, of Lewiston, Maine, was arrested and charged today by criminal complaint in U.S. District Court with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and manufacturing butane hash oil.
According to the complaint, the charges arose from an investigation into a drug trafficking organization located in the Lewiston-Auburn area that is alleged to have grown and distributed large quantities of marijuana in violation of federal law, and under the cover of, but in violation of, Maine’s Medical Marijuana program. The organization cultivated marijuana at numerous warehouses in Androscoggin County and distributed marijuana to people who were not participants in Maine’s Medical Marijuana program, including out-of-state customers. This organization also grew marijuana as a precursor for the illegal manufacture of marijuana concentrates known as butane hash oil and “shatter,” a product made from butane hash oil.
Today, federal, state and local law enforcement agents executed over 20 search warrants in the Lewiston-Auburn area associated with the organization. The defendant’s residence and garage were searched and agents seized over 50 kilograms of marijuana, six mason jars partially filled with butane hash oil, and a kilogram of shatter. The defendant’s garage contained a butane hash oil laboratory.
If convicted, the defendant faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
The defendant is expected to make an initial appearance in U.S. District Court today at 4:30 p.m. in Portland.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the FBI; the Maine State Police; and the Lewiston, Auburn, Windham, Biddeford and Scarborough Police Departments.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Caribou Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Ryan T. Card, 22, of Caribou, Maine, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to possessing child pornography.
According to court records, between about November 2016 and April 2017, Card possessed images of child pornography in his cell phone. At least one of these files, which he had sought out and downloaded from on-line storage accounts on the internet, depicted a child under the age of 12.
Card faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and between five years and a lifetime of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Caribou Police Department, and the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit.
Bangor Man Sentenced to 20 Months on Heroin, Crack and Oxycodone Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Quindell Smallwood, a/k/a “Queezo,” 28, of Bangor was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Chief Judge Nancy Torresen to 20 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine based, commonly known as crack, and oxycodone.
According to court records, between January 2013 and September 2015, Smallwood conspired with others to distribute crack, heroin and oxycodone in the Bangor area and elsewhere. After the drugs were obtained from out-of-state sources and transported to Maine, Smallwood and others sold them to drug customers.
The case was related to the prosecution of Mario Lee, a/k/a “Moe,” of Bangor, and formerly of the Bronx, New York, who was sentenced on May 5, 2017 to over 18 years for his role in the conspiracy.
The case was investigated by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was investigated and prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Strategy to Combat the Opioid Epidemic.
Ambulance Provider and Hospital Agree to Pay $1,425,000 to Settle Ambulance Transportation ClaimsRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced today that North East Mobile Health Services (“North East”), of Scarborough, has entered into a civil settlement agreement with the U.S. in which it will pay $825,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the federal False Claims Act by providing medically unnecessary ambulance transportation. Maine Medical Center (“MMC”), of Portland, also agreed to pay $600,000 pursuant to a separate civil settlement.
North East’s settlement resolves allegations that it improperly billed Medicare for non-emergency ambulance transportation of patients discharged from MMC from 2007 onward. The government alleged that North East improperly billed Medicare for ambulance transports of patients it falsely claimed were either “bed-confined” or for whom such transport was otherwise medically necessary. The settlement also resolves allegations that North East knowingly retained Medicare overpayments.
MMC’s settlement resolves allegations that MMC personnel provided North East with statements containing incomplete or inaccurate information about the medical necessity of transporting patients by ambulance, which North East thereafter used to bill Medicare.
Both North East and MMC cooperated with the investigation. Federal authorities encourage health care providers to cooperate with investigations involving the possible submission of false claims to federal programs.
The case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The civil action is docketed United States v. North East Mobile Health Services, 2:18-cv-00081-NT (D. Me.).
Houlton Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that John Martin, 39, of Houlton, Maine pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to illegally possessing firearms.
According to court records, between October and December 2016, the defendant purchased three pistols and two rifles from a business in Maine. On July 26, 2017, a search warrant was executed at the defendant’s residence and officers seized one of the rifles. The defendant was prohibited from possessing firearms because of an April 2016 conviction in Maine for misdemeanor domestic violence assault.
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 investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Houlton Police Department. This case is brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that brings together federal, state and local law enforcement to combat gun crime. PSN Maine uses a targeted enforcement strategy for offenders who have prior domestic violence convictions.
Bangor Man Sentenced to Three Months for Conspiracy to Transport Stolen GoodsRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Anthony G. Berry, 49, of Bangor, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to three months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to transport stolen goods in interstate commerce. He was also ordered to pay over $9,000 in restitution and a $9,000 fine. Berry pled guilty on May 3, 2017.
According to court records, between March and October 2014, Berry and others conspired to steal merchandise from Walmart, Hannaford, and other stores in Maine and to sell it online. Berry and one of his co-conspirators received the stolen goods, marketed them online, and shipped the goods to buyers.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Maine State Police, the Bangor Police Department, and the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office.
Etna Man Pleads Guilty to Marijuana ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that James Mansfield, 33, of Etna, pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court to conspiring to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuana.
According to court records, during a period between October 2010 and August 2016, the defendant conspired with others to illegally manufacture and distribute marijuana. The defendant grew marijuana at a large, sophisticated indoor growing facility in Frankfort, Maine. In May 2016, law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at the facility and recovered about 400 marijuana plants, 295 marijuana root balls, and paraphernalia used to manufacture and process marijuana. According to the search warrant affidavit, the defendant and his co-conspirators were not registered as medical marijuana caregivers with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and the location of the facility was not reported to DHHS.
The defendant faces up to 20 years in prison, between three years and life of 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 investigation was conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Fairfield Man Sentenced to 39 Days for Stealing Postal Money OrdersRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Brandon Knox, 38, of Fairfield, Maine was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by U.S. Magistrate Judge John C. Nivison to 39 days in prison and one year of supervised release for stealing Postal Money Orders. He was also ordered to pay $485 in restitution. He pleaded guilty to the charge on October 26, 2017.
Court records reveal Knox stole a pouch of money orders while working as a subcontractor at the Post Office in Unity, Maine. He cashed three of the money orders totaling $485 at the Post Office in Waterville, Maine.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
British Luxury Knitwear Retailer and CEO Agree to Pay $908,100 to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Concerning Improper Avoidance of Customs DutiesRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced today that Pure Collection Ltd. (“Pure”) and its CEO, Samantha Harrison (“Harrison”), both of Harrogate, England, have entered into civil settlement agreements with the U.S. under which they will pay a total of $908,100 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act (“FCA”). The FCA is the government’s primary civil remedy to redress false claims involving government funds.
The settlements resolve allegations that Pure and Harrison improperly avoided U.S. customs duties owed on merchandise shipped from the United Kingdom to U.S. customers, including many customers in Maine. See United States ex rel. Patrick v. Pure Collection Ltd., 2:16-cv-00230-GZS (D. Me.). Generally, U.S. customers owed no customs duties on single shipments of merchandise into the U.S. worth less than $200 (a limit later raised to $800). The complaint alleged that Pure and Harrison improperly evaded customs duties that would have been paid by U.S. customers by breaking up single shipments worth more than those amounts into multiple shipments of lesser value in order to avoid the applicable duties.
The FCA action was originally filed by Andrew Patrick, a citizen of the United Kingdom, under the Act’s whistleblower, or qui tam, provisions that allow private individuals who have knowledge of fraud committed against the government to file lawsuits on the government’s behalf. The FCA permits the government to recover up to three times the amount of damages incurred by the U.S., in addition to civil penalties for each violation. The government may also intervene and file its own lawsuit for damages and penalties, as it did in this case. If the government prevails in the action, the whistleblower, also known as the relator, may receive a share of the recovery. Here, the government will pay the relator, Mr. Patrick, a share of the settlement proceeds.
The government was represented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine, the National Courts Section of the Department of Justice, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Pure and Harrison cooperated throughout the investigation.
Former Union Officer Sentenced to 1½ Years for Embezzling over $280,000 in Union FundsRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Ryan Jones, 35 of Bath, Maine 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 embezzling $280,865 from a union during a period when he served as an officer of that union. He was also ordered to pay $280,865 in restitution. He pleaded guilty on September 6, 2017.
According to court records, from 2009 until January 2017, the defendant was the Secretary-Treasurer of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Local Lodge S6, a labor union. The defendant’s tenure ended when he failed to win re-election. In January, the newly elected union officials discovered discrepancies with union finances. The ensuing federal investigation revealed that the defendant made almost 200 unauthorized withdrawals from the union’s bank account, he fabricated monthly bank statements to conceal his withdrawals, he provided the fabricated bank statements to union auditors to deceive them, and he embezzled about $280,865 between May 2012 and November 2016.
The investigation was conducted by the Bath Police Department; the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Calais Woman Sentenced to Two Months for Stealing Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Amy Lynn Holmes, 46, of Calais, Maine was sentenced yesterday in U.S District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to two months in prison and three years of supervised release for stealing over $96,000 in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. SSI benefits are paid to people with limited income who are blind, disabled or elderly. Holmes was also ordered to pay $33,821 in restitution. She pleaded guilty on August 29, 2017.
Court records reveal that between February 2004 and May 2016, Holmes falsely represented to the Social Security Administration (SSA) that she was living alone and not receiving help or money from any person. In fact, she was living with her husband who was providing her with financial assistance, Florida vacations and vehicles. She told investigators that she knew that she would have been ineligible for SSI if she had disclosed her husband’s income and that they were living together.
“This is a good example of the ongoing efforts by the Federal government to deter fraud against social security programs,” said U.S. Attorney Frank. "The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting those in Maine who engage in government benefit fraud. We hope that this prosecution and others like it will discourage people who are tempted to steal government benefits.”
The case was investigated by the SSA, Office of the Inspector General.
Bangor Man Pleads Guilty to Marijuana ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Nicholas Reynolds, 33, of Bangor, pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court to conspiring to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuana.
According to court records, during a period between October 2010 and August 2016, the defendant conspired with others to illegally manufacture and distribute marijuana. The defendant grew marijuana at a large, sophisticated indoor growing facility in Frankfort, Maine which he was told was an illegal medical marijuana grow. In May 2016, law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at the facility and recovered about 400 marijuana plants, 295 marijuana root balls, and paraphernalia used to manufacture and process marijuana. According to the search warrant affidavit, the defendant and his co-conspirators were not registered as medical marijuana caregivers with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and the location of the facility was not reported to DHHS.
The defendant faces up to 20 years in prison, between three years and life of 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 investigation was conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Sanford Man Pleads Guilty to Transporting Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Rusty Hood, 38, of Sanford, Maine, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to transporting child pornography.
According to court records, in May 2016, Hood chatted online with an individual in Ohio. During the chat, the two men exchanged images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Hood claimed during the chat that he was interested in babies, and that he had engaged in sexual activity with a young girl.
Hood faces between five and 20 years in prison, between five years and life on supervised release 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 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit and the Sanford Police Department.
Harpswell Man Sentenced to 52 Months for Theft of Firearms from a Licensed Firearms DealerRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Hyunkook Korsiak, 36, of Harpswell, Maine was sentenced today by Chief Judge Nancy Torresen in U.S. District Court to 52 months in prison for theft of firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer.
According to court records, on January 3, 2017, the defendant stole firearms from C&R Trading Post. Brunswick Police discovered the theft when they responded to a burglar alarm and found a broken window near the building’s entrance. The police, using a police dog, located several firearms, a sledgehammer and drops of blood on snow in nearby woods. The blood was later determined to be the defendant’s. Korsiak pled guilty to the charge last September.
The case was investigated by the Sagadohoc County Sheriff’s Office; the Brunswick Police Department; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank Recognizes National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention MonthRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: In recognition of January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank released the following statement:
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine (USAO) is committed to working with its law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who use violence and intimidation to exploit the labor and services of vulnerable victims. The USAO also partners closely with a variety of non-governmental organizations to protect the safety and dignity of human trafficking victims. The USAO is committed to rescuing human trafficking victims and prosecuting traffickers.”
The District of Maine is one of six districts designated through a competitive, nationwide selection process as a Phase II Anti-Trafficking Coordination Team (ACTeam), through the interagency ACTeam Initiative of the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security and Labor. ACTeams focus on developing high-impact human trafficking investigations and prosecutions involving forced labor, international sex trafficking and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion through interagency collaboration among federal prosecutors and federal investigative agencies.
For more information about the causes of and ways to address human trafficking, please see the human trafficking public awareness materials created by the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, available at: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/humantrafficking/publicawareness.html.