District of Maine
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Union Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Michael Brewer, 61, of Union, Maine pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records, on May 13, 2017, Brewer led the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office on a high speed chase after they attempted to execute a traffic stop of the truck Brewer was driving. The chase ended when Brewer crashed and rolled his truck. When removing Brewer from the truck, officers located a .22 caliber pistol resting beside Brewer. Brewer was prohibited from possessing firearms based on prior felony convictions for Criminal Operating Under the Influence (2006), Burglary (2015) and Attempted Murder (1989).
Brewer 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 Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the Boothbay Harbor Police Department and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Former Bath Man Sentenced to more than 27 Years in Prison on Federal Child Sex Abuse ChargeRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that David Miller, 54, of Flushing, Michigan (formerly Bath, Maine) was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge D. Brock Hornby to 327 months months in prison and five years of supervised release for transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual abuse. Miller pleaded guilty to the charge on June 1, 2017.
Court records reveal that during the summer of 1995, Miller, then age 33, was working as a long haul truck driver for a company headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. In June and July of that year, Miller took his adopted thirteen-year-old daughter with him on two trips through several states, including Maine and Nebraska. Miller sexually assaulted his daughter multiple times in his truck and at a motel in Nebraska. The FBI in Maine began investigating the case in 2015 when Miller’s daughter came forward to report the 1995 abuse. She was prompted to make the report when she saw a Facebook photograph which showed a five-year-old girl sitting on Miller’s lap. In October 2016, Miller was interviewed by FBI agents in Flint, Michigan and he admitted that he had sexually abused his daughter during the 1995 cross-country trips.
The investigation was conducted by the Bath Police Department, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and Offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Portland ME, Boston MA and Detroit MI.
Massachusetts Man Sentenced to over 15 Years for Heroin, Fentanyl and Cocaine DistributionRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Anibal Orsini, 35, of Lawrence, Massachusetts was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge D. Brock Hornby to 188 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and quantities of fentanyl and cocaine hydrochloride. Orsini entered a guilty plea on March 28, 2017.
Court records reveal that between October 2014 and August 2016, Orsini distributed heroin and other drugs from Lawrence, Massachusetts. Between January and July 2015, three Maine heroin dealers were arrested as they returned from Massachusetts in possession of distributable quantities of heroin they acquired from Orsini. Law enforcement officers also purchased drugs from Orsini and his co-conspirators.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration – Portsmouth Tactical Diversion Squad; the Ogunquit Police Department; and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.
Connecticut Woman Pleads Guilty to Robbery ChargesRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Cara M. Blewitt, 30, of Oakville, Connecticut, pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court to 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.
Court records reveal that on May 28, 2017, an individual robbed a TD Bank branch in Bangor absconding with cash. The next day, the same individual robbed the Dollar Tree store in Bangor at gunpoint, again, absconding with cash. The defendant served as the getaway driver for both robberies. Officers from the Bangor Police Department arrested the robber and the defendant within minutes of the Dollar Tree robbery.
The defendant faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and full restitution. The defendant will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
Halsey B. Frank Sworn in as United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: The United States Attorney’s Office announced that Halsey B. Frank has taken the oath of office to become the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maine. U.S. Attorney Frank was nominated by President Donald Trump on July 27, 2017 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on October 4, 2017. He took the oath of office today from U.S. District Court Chief Judge Nancy Torresen.
U.S. Attorney Frank is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the District of Maine. He oversees a staff of 47 employees and contractors located in Portland and Bangor, including 24 attorneys, 20 non-attorney support personnel and three contractors. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms, and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.
U.S. Attorney Frank grew up in New York City and in Englewood, New Jersey. Prior to becoming U.S. Attorney for the District of Maine, he was an Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) in the District of Maine where, from 1999 to 2017, he prosecuted federal crimes and defended the United States in civil actions in federal district court. From 1990 to 1999, he served as an AUSA in the District of Columbia, where he prosecuted crimes in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia and in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and defended the United States in civil actions in the district court. From 1987 to 1990, he served as a Trial Attorney in the Torts Branch of the Civil Division of the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., where he defended the United States in tort actions around the country. U.S. Attorney Frank is a 1980 graduate of Wesleyan University and a 1986 graduate of Boston University School of Law.
Burnham Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that David L. Cook, 60, of Burnham, Maine, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to using the internet to access and view child pornography. Cook was indicted in May 2017.
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 30 images of child pornography and that the defendant searched the internet for child pornography on dozens of occasions between March and August, 2016.
Cook faces up to 20 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 the MCCU and by Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
Florida Woman Pleads Guilty to Credit Card Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Meylisi Rueda, 22, of Miami, Florida, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to conspiracy to commit access device fraud.
Court records show that between November 2015 and June 2016, the defendant and others used stolen credit and debit card numbers to purchase merchandise. In June 2016, as part of the conspiracy, the defendant and others traveled to Maine. On June 14, 2016, the defendant and co-conspirator Yaisder Herrera Gargallo purchased over $400 of merchandise at a Walgreens in Portland using a stolen card number belonging to a victim from New Gloucester, Maine. After the defendant and Herrera Gargallo made another fraudulent purchase using a different card number at another Portland Walgreens on June 15, 2016, store personnel notified the police and provided a license plate number.
On June 18, 2016, a Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped the vehicle in which Herrera Gargallo and two other co-conspirators, Jose Castillo Febles and Juan Carlos Febles, were traveling. The stop led to their arrest and the discovery of merchandise, numerous fraudulent credit cards, and a laptop computer. The laptop was later found to contain credit card numbers and related data, including the stolen card number the defendant and Herrera Gargallo used to make the fraudulent purchase on June 14, 2016.
Rueda 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. Her three co‑defendants have all pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, the Portland Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Announces Reinvigoration of Project Safe Neighborhoods and Other Actions to Reduce Rising Tide of Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Today, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced several Department of Justice actions to reduce the rising tide of violent crime in America. Foremost of those actions is the reinvigoration of “Project Safe Neighborhoods,” 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.
In announcing this recommitment to Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Attorney General issued a memo directing United States Attorneys to implement an enhanced violent crime reduction program that incorporates the lessons learned since Project Safe Neighborhoods launched in 2001.
In a statement on the program, the Attorney General said:
“According to the FBI, the violent crime rate has risen by nearly seven percent over the past two years, and the homicide rate has risen by more than 20 percent. We cannot be complacent or hope that this is just an anomaly: we have a duty to take action.
“Fortunately, we have a President who understands that and has directed his administration to reduce crime. The Department of Justice today announces the foundation of our plan to reduce crime: prioritizing Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that has been proven to work.
“Let me be clear – Project Safe Neighborhoods is not just one policy idea among many. This is the centerpiece of our crime reduction strategy.
“Taking what we have learned since the program began in 2001, we have updated it and enhanced it, emphasizing the role of our U.S. Attorneys, the promise of new technologies, and above all, partnership with local communities. With these changes, I believe that this program will be more effective than ever and help us fulfill our mission to make America safer."
Acting Maine U.S. Attorney Richard W. Murphy said:
“Since 2001, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine has led the PSN Maine task force, which includes representatives from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, domestic violence coalitions, sportsmanship alliances, state agencies, and educational and business leaders. Representatives include: the Bangor, Lewiston, and Portland Police Departments; the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence; the Violence Intervention Partnership; the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine; Maine’s Attorney General's Office, Department of Corrections, Department of Public Safety and Warden Service; Maine Chiefs of Police Association; Maine Council of Churches; Maine Domestic Violence Investigators; Maine Gun Safety Coalition; Maine Merchants Association; Maine Prosecutors Association; Maine Sheriffs' Association; Volunteers of America - Northern New England; CD&M Communications; Edmund S. Muskie School of Public Service; and L.L. Bean.”
“PSN Maine has promoted an aggressive enforcement strategy, particularly in the area of domestic violence, with an extensive community outreach campaign aimed at educating Maine citizens about federal gun laws. The goal of PSN Maine is to hold those who violate gun laws accountable and prevent future gun crime, in part, by informing the public of the consequences of violating these federal laws. Over the years, PSN Maine has seen success through initiatives such as Operation Hot Spot (community policing aimed at reducing gun violence in the City of Lewiston), the Gun Seller Awareness Campaign (a grass roots media campaign focused on educating responsible Maine gun owners about private sales) and the Domestic Violence Bystander Awareness Campaign (a local media campaign focused on raising awareness within the community).”
“The strength of PSN Maine continues to be the involvement of dedicated and informed stakeholders throughout the State. I know my office looks forward to continuing the good work of PSN Maine in seeking ways to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.”
The Attorney General also announced the following Department of Justice initiatives to help reduce violent crime:
Additional Assistant United States Attorney Positions to Focus on Violent Crime – The Department is allocating 40 prosecutors to approximately 20 United States Attorney’s Offices to focus on violent crime reduction.
More Cops on the Streets (COPS Hiring Grants) – As part of our continuing commitment to crime prevention efforts, increased community policing, and the preservation of vital law enforcement jobs, the Department will be awarding approximately $98 million in FY 2017 COPS Hiring Grants to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies.
Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force’s (OCDETF) National Gang Strategic Initiative –The National Gang Strategic Initiative promotes creative enforcement strategies and best practices that will assist in developing investigations of violent criminal groups and gangs into enterprise-level OCDETF prosecutions. Under this initiative, OCDETF provides “seed money” to locally-focused gang investigations, giving state, local, and tribal investigators and prosecutors the resources and tools needed to identify connections between lower-level gangs and national-level drug trafficking organizations.
Critical Training and Technical Assistance to State and Local Partners –The Department has a vast array of training and technical assistance resources available to state, local and tribal law enforcement, victims groups, and others. To ensure that agencies in need of assistance are able to find the training and materials they need, OJP will make available a Violence Reduction Response Center to serve as a “hot line” to connect people to these resources.
Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGIC) – The Department has provided grant funding to support a comprehensive approach to identifying the most violent offenders in a jurisdiction, using new technologies such as gunshot detection systems combined with gun crime intelligence from NIBIN, eTrace, and investigative efforts. These FY 2017 grants were awarded to Phoenix, Arizona, and Kansas City, Missouri.
Expand ATF’s NIBIN Urgent Trace Program – The Department will expand ATF’s NIBIN Urgent Trace Program nationwide by the end of the year. Through this program, any firearm submitted for tracing that is associated with a NIBIN “hit” (which means it can be linked to a shooting incident) will be designated an “urgent” trace and the requestor will get information back about the firearm’s first retail purchaser within 24 hours, instead of 5 to 6 business days.
Palmyra Man Sentenced to over 10 Years for Conspiring to Distribute OxycodoneRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Warren Laprell, 54, of Palmyra, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 121 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute oxycodone. Laprell pleaded guilty on January 27, 2017.
According to court records, between June 2013 and April 2015, Laprell ran an oxycodone trafficking conspiracy in Central Maine. The defendant and others obtained about 15,000 30 mg oxycodone tablets in Connecticut and distributed them in Central Maine. On April 16, 2015, federal and state law enforcement officers and agents executed search warrants at Laprell’s Palmyra residence and the residence of one of his associates, Raymond “Ken” Ferris of Detroit, Maine. During the search of Laprell’s residence, investigators found large amounts of prescription pills, drug paraphernalia and five firearms. On May 18, 2016, Ferris was sentenced to 87 months in prison for his role in the conspiracy.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Somerset County Sheriff’s Department, with the assistance of the Waterville Police Department. This case was investigated and prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Strategy to Combat the Opioid Epidemic.
Justice Department Awards over $2.25 Million to Improve Public Safety, Victim Services for Maine Indian TribesRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that $2,278,604 in Department of Justice grants were awarded yesterday to the Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy Tribe ($899,965) and the Indian Township Tribal Government ($1,378,639).
The awards were made through the Department’s Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS), a single application for tribal-specific grant programs. The Department developed CTAS through its Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, Office of Justice Programs and Office on Violence Against Women, and administered the first round of consolidated grants in September 2010.
CTAS grants are designed to enhance law enforcement practices, expand victim services and sustain crime prevention and intervention efforts. Awards cover nine purpose areas: public safety and community policing; justice systems planning; alcohol and substance abuse; corrections and correctional alternatives; children’s justice act partnerships; services for victims of crime; violence against women; juvenile justice; and tribal youth programs.
Today’s announcement is part of the Justice Department’s ongoing initiative to increase engagement, coordination and action on public safety in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
American Indians experience disproportionate rates of violence and victimization and often encounter significant obstacles to culturally relevant services. CTAS funding helps tribes develop and strengthen their justice systems’ response to crime, while expanding services to meet their communities’ public safety needs.
About the Office of Justice Programs:
The Office of Justice Programs, headed by Acting Assistant Attorney General Alan R. Hanson, provides federal leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to prevent and control crime, administer justice and assist victims. OJP has six bureaus and offices: the Bureau of Justice Assistance; the Bureau of Justice Statistics; the National Institute of Justice; the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; the Office for Victims of Crime; and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking. More information about OJP and its components can be found at: www.ojp.gov.
About the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services:
The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 129,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.
About the Office on Violence Against Women:
The Office on Violence Against Women provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.
Massachusetts Man Sentenced to over Two Years for Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Luis Medina, 49, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge George Z. Singal to 27 months in prison and two years of supervised release for submitting a false document to a government agency, social security fraud and aggravated identity theft.
According to court records, in August 2015, Medina, who was working for an asbestos abatement contractor, used a false name and social security number to gain access to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery. Based on the false information, Medina was cleared for access to the shipyard.
The case was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service; the New Hampshire State Police; and the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General.
Connecticut Man Sentenced to 6 Years for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Raheem Childers, 32, of New London, Connecticut, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr., to six years in prison and three years of supervised release for possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. Childers pleaded guilty on August 16, 2016.
According to court records on May 26, 2017, federal agents executed a search warrant at a hotel room in Orono, Maine where they found Childers, $2,500, and 168 grams of fentanyl. Childers admitted that he had been in the area selling the drug.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance provided by the Somerset County Sheriff’s Department. This case was investigated and prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Strategy to Combat the Opioid Epidemic.
Gorham Woman Sentenced to Three Months for Federal Program FraudRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Jamie Hussey, 35, of Gorham, Maine, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge D. Brock Hornby to three months in prison and one year of supervised release for federal program fraud. She was also ordered to pay $92,877 in restitution.
Court records show that between February 2014 and September 2016, the defendant embezzled money from the South Portland Housing Authority (SPHA), an agency that that administers public housing units and that receives federal benefits each year under programs administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”). While employed as the SPHA Resident Services Coordinator for the Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS), the defendant illegally caused 48 checks to be issued in the names of FSS program participants and deposited into her personal bank account.
The case was investigated by HUD-Office of the Inspector General and the South Portland Police Department.
Mexican Citizen Sentenced to Time Served for Alien SmugglingRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Silvino Orduna-Cabrera, 40, a Mexican citizen, was sentenced in U.S. District Court by Judge D. Brock Hornby to time served (63 days) for alien smuggling. The defendant pleaded guilty on August 31, 2017. He is subject to deportation.
According to court documents, on July 17, 2017, the defendant dropped off two Mexican citizens who had previously been removed from the United States on the Canadian side of the border with the United States near Norton, Vermont. The defendant then drove into the United States at the Norton Port of Entry. The two Mexican citizens walked across the border illegally and were picked up by the defendant who drove them to Maine. The investigation began the next day when a roadside worker found a passport belonging to one of the Mexican citizens near Norton. The worker gave the passport to a Border Patrol agent assigned to the Beecher Falls, Vermont station which placed an alert regarding a possible smuggling event that led to the Mexican citizens’ arrests in Maine.
U.S. Border Patrol Swanton Sector Chief Patrol Agent John Pfeifer stated that: “this case is an excellent example of the regular information sharing between the components of the Department of Homeland Security to prevent criminal aliens from entering into and remaining in the United States. The Swanton Sector also appreciates the local citizens and workers that alert agents to potential criminal activity.”
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
Berwick Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Adam Brake, 29, of Berwick, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge George Z. Singal to 7 years in prison and 24 months of supervised release for being a felon in possession of firearms. Brake pleaded guilty on June 5, 2017.
According to court records, in May 2016, Brake committed eight burglaries in the Berwick area. He traded some of the stolen items for heroin in Lawrence, Massachusetts and hid other items in a wooded area in Berwick. Law enforcement agents recovered items stolen during six of the burglaries, including nine firearms. Brake was prohibited from possessing firearms because of a prior felony drug conviction.
The case was investigated by the North Berwick; South Berwick; Berwick; Wells and Eliot Police Departments; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Lewiston Man Sentenced to over 15 Years on Interstate Robbery and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Richard W. Murphy announced that Kourtney Williams, 27, of Lewiston, Maine was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge Jon D. Levy to 184 months in prison and five years of supervised release for interstate robbery conspiracy and using a firearm during a crime of violence. The defendant was convicted following a jury trial on September 12, 2016.
Court records and trial evidence revealed that on August 2, 2014, at about 11:00 p.m., the defendant, armed with a pistol, and associates, one of whom had a crowbar, broke into a residence on the Garfield Road in Minot, Maine intending to steal drugs and money from its occupants. The defendant used the pistol to repeatedly threaten and assault the occupants.
The investigation was conducted by the Maine State Police; the Lewiston and Auburn Police Departments; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Follow the U.S. Attorney's Office on TwitterRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine launched its official Twitter account with the aim of increasing the accessibility of news and information.
Members of the public and media can now follow https://twitter.com/USAO_ME on Twitter, a social media, microblogging service which limits text messages to 140 characters.
Standish Man Sentenced to More than Five Years for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Kyle Braga, 28, of Standish, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge D. Brock Hornby to 63 months in prison and three years of supervised release for possessing with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, and cocaine base, commonly known as “crack.” He pleaded guilty on April 4, 2017.
Court records reveal that on January 20, 2016, the defendant distributed cocaine. Following this distribution, law enforcement stopped his car and seized heroin, cocaine, and crack from a magnetic box under the car.
The investigation was conducted by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (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.
Rangeley Man Indicted on Drug Distribution ChargesRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Steven Butler, 24, of Rangeley, Maine, was indicted last week by a federal grand jury for distributing fentanyl.
If convicted, Butler faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine.
The investigation was conducted 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.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
New Vineyard Man Indicted on Drug Distribution ChargesRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Jordan Richard, 24, of New Vineyard, Maine and formerly of Rangeley, Maine, was indicted last week by a federal grand jury for distributing cocaine.
If convicted, Richard faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine.
The investigation was conducted 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.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Lewiston Man Sentenced to Five Years for Credit Union RobberyRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Brent Roaix, 33, of Lewiston, Maine was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge Jon D. Levy to five years in prison and three years of supervised release for robbery of a credit union.
According to court records, on January 25, 2017, Roaix entered a Rainbow Federal Credit Union in Lewiston and gave a handwritten note to a teller demanding money and stating that he was armed. The teller gave him money and Roaix absconded on foot. Shortly thereafter, Lewiston police officers found him hiding in a nearby apartment, arrested him, and recovered all of the stolen money. According to evidence introduced at sentencing, at the time of the robbery, Roiax was a participant in Maine’s Adult Drug Treatment Court because he had committed two credit union robberies in 2014, one of which was of the same credit union.
This investigation was conducted by the Lewiston Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Gray Man Sentenced to 15 Months for Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Matthew Feehan, 30, of Gray, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge D. Brock Hornby, to 15 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records, in September and October 2015, the defendant possessed a Sig Sauer 9mm semi-automatic pistol. Feehan was prohibited from possessing the firearm because of a prior felony conviction for theft.
The case was investigated by the Maine State Police; the Central Maine Violent Crime Task Force; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Harpswell Man Pleads Guilty to Theft of Firearms from a Licensed Firearms DealerRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Hyunkook Korsiak, 36, of Harpswell, Maine pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to 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. The theft was discovered by Brunswick Police Department who responded to a burglar alarm, found a broken window near the building’s entrance, and used a police K9 to locate several firearms, a sledgehammer and drops of blood on snow in nearby woods. The blood was later determined to be the defendant’s. In April 2017, the defendant admitted to stealing the firearms.
Korsiak 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 Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office; the Brunswick Police Department; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Lewiston Man Sentenced to over 15 Years on Interstate Robbery and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Richard W. Murphy announced that Victor Lara Jr, 33, of Lewiston, Maine was sentenced on Friday in U.S. District Court by Judge Jon D. Levy to 184 months in prison and five years of supervised release for interstate robbery conspiracy and using a firearm during a crime of violence. The defendant was convicted following a jury trial on September 12, 2016.
Court records and trial evidence revealed that on August 2, 2014, at about 11:00 p.m., the defendant, armed with a crowbar, and associates, armed with firearms, broke into a residence on the Garfield Road in Minot, Maine intending to steal drugs and money from its occupants. The defendant used the crowbar to repeatedly assault the occupants and encouraged his associates to shoot them.
The investigation was conducted by the Maine State Police; the Lewiston and Auburn Police Departments; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Etna Man Sentenced to a Year and a Day for Firearms ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Hayri Berberoglu, 30, of Etna, formerly of Bangor, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr., to a year and a day in prison and a year of supervised release for conspiring to violate federal firearms laws. The defendant pleaded guilty on December 28, 2016.
According to courts records, while employed at a Brewer pawn shop between July 2011 and October 2012, the defendant facilitated the straw purchase of 16 firearms. He falsified records of firearm sales to make it appear that a network of local straw purchasers bought the firearms, when, in fact, the actual buyers were from New Haven, Connecticut. At sentencing, Judge Woodcock noted that the actual buyers were members of the Red Side Guerilla Brims, a violent street gang affiliated with the national Bloods street gang. Gang members gave straw purchasers money to purchase particular firearms. The straw purchasers falsely claimed to be the actual buyers on the required federal transaction record. The defendant completed the sales knowing that the straw purchasers were not the actual buyers of the firearms.
The case was investigated by the Maine and the New Haven, Connecticut Offices of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; the City of New Haven Department of Police Services; with assistance provided by the Brewer Police Department.
Bangor Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Robert Goguen, 43, of Bangor pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to possession of child pornography.
According to court records, on November 10, 2015, U.S. probation officers went to Goguen’s apartment in Bangor and seized a laptop computer. A search of the computer revealed images and videos of child pornography that Goguen had downloaded and saved.
Goguen faces up to 20 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 the U.S. Probation Office, U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Bangor 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. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov
Winthrop Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Jonathan Bowers, 29, of Winthrop, Maine pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records, on April 9, 2016, Bowers possessed a 9mm pistol while at a car repair shop in Chelsea, Maine. Bowers was prohibited from possessing firearms because of seven felony convictions for burglary and theft.
If Bowers is found to be an armed career criminal, he faces an enhanced sentence of between 15 years and life in prison, up to five years of 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 investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office.
Dominican Republic Citizen Sentenced to over 10 Years for Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Carlos Manuel Perez-Crisostomo a/k/a “Nelson Calderon,” 40, of Portland, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge George Z. Singal to 121 months in prison and four years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, commonly known as “crack.” He pleaded guilty on November 21, 2016.
Court records reveal that between January and March 2016, the defendant distributed multi-ounce quantities of cocaine and crack from an apartment in Portland. On March 6, 2016, law enforcement agents seized about 468 grams of cocaine and 174 grams of crack from his apartment.
The defendant faced a higher guideline sentencing range because he falsely claimed to be a U.S. citizen when he entered his guilty plea under his alias “Nelson Calderon.” An investigation that followed his guilty plea revealed that the defendant is, in fact, a citizen of the Dominican Republic and was unlawfully in the United States at the time of the offense.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), 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 DEA; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; and the Portland, South Portland, and Lewiston Police Departments.
French Citizen Sentenced to About Four Months for Being in the United States after RemovalRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Philippe Maurice, 50, a citizen of France, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to time served (113 days) and one year of supervised release for entering the United States after having been removed and deported. He pleaded guilty on June 19, 2017.
Court documents reveal that on May 17, 2017, U.S. Border Patrol agents found the defendant riding a bike on a dirt logging road in Portage, Maine. The defendant claimed he was a U.S. citizen. When an agent asked the defendant for proof of citizenship, he produced a French driver’s license. The defendant then acknowledged that he was a French citizen, that friends had dropped him off in Canada near the border, and that he had entered the United States illegally by riding a bike through the closed St. Pamphile Port of Entry. Immigration records showed that the defendant had been removed from the United States in 2015.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Border Patrol.
Former Union Officer Pleads Guilty to Embezzling over $280,000 in Union FundsRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Ryan Jones, 34, of Bath, Maine pleaded guilty today to embezzling $280,865 from a union during a period when he served as an officer of that union.
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 defendant faces up to 5 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $10,000 fine. He will also be ordered to pay full restitution to the union.
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.
New Zealand Man Pleads Guilty to Transporting Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Bobby Mataara Owens, 40, of Turangi, New Zealand, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to transporting child pornography.
According to court records, in December 2016, a federal agent in Maine was investigating the sharing of child pornography over the internet. The agent chatted online with Owens, who sent the agent several images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Further investigation revealed that Owens was using an IP address assigned to a residence in Valley Village, California. A federal search warrant was obtained for the residence and executed later the same day. Owens was present at the residence, and admitted to investigators that he had sent the images to the agent earlier in the day.
Owens 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 and the Los Angeles Police Department.
Former Hodgdon Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Anthonio Dicentes, 37, formerly of Hodgdon, Maine and recently of Florida, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to possessing child pornography.
According to court records, between about June 2009 and September 2015, Dicentes possessed image files depicting child pornography. At least one of these files, which he had sought out and downloaded from the internet, depicted a child under the age of 12.
Dicentes 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 the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Maine State Police
Florida Man Sentenced to 1½ Years for Credit Card Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Roberto Lueje-Rodriguez, 30, of Hialeah, Florida, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 1½ years in prison and three years of supervised release for access device fraud and aggravated identity theft. He was also ordered to pay $31,772 in restitution.
Court records show that in January 2016, the defendant and Ariel Perez-Calvo used debit and credit card account numbers belonging to Maine bank customers to make unauthorized purchases totaling over $30,000. They used the cards in Penobscot, Knox, Hancock, Piscataquis, Franklin, Somerset, Kennebec, and Androscoggin counties. The two men engaged in similar conduct in Manchester and Concord, New Hampshire in November 2015 when they used debit and credit card account numbers belonging to New Hampshire bank customers to make purchases totaling more than $1,000.
The name embossed on each fake card was “David Cuan,” which was not the name of any of the victims. Each fake card bore a unique account number and appeared to be an authentic debit or credit card and their magnetic strips were encoded with the true account numbers of the victim s.
On January 25, 2017, Perez-Calvo was sentenced to 3½ years in prison for his role in the offenses.
The investigation was conducted by the Maine State Police; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; and the Bangor, Brewer, Dexter, Dover-Foxcroft, Ellsworth, Hampden, Lincoln, Millinocket, Newport, Pittsfield, Rockland, Saco, Waterville (Maine) and Londonderry (New Hampshire) Police Departments.
Orono Woman Pleads Guilty to Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Amanda Harding a/k/a “Amanda Grass,” 32, of Orono, Maine, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to social security fraud.
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 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 defendant 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 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
Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Dane Mitchell, 25, of Boston, Massachusetts, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to being a felon in possession of firearms.
According to court records, on April 8, 2017, Mitchell and another individual travelled to Gray, Maine, where they rented firearms, purchased ammunition, and fired the weapons at a shooting range. Boston Police Department officers identified Mitchell and the shooting range from videos that were uploaded to Snapchat. Mitchell was prohibited from possessing firearms as the result of his 2016 Massachusetts felony convictions for possessing a firearm without a permit and possessing a firearm with a defaced serial number.
Mitchell 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 Boston Police Department’s Youth Violence Strike Force.
Whiting Man Sentenced to Four Months for Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Daniel Fitzsimmons, 54, of Whiting, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to four months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for social security fraud. Fitzsimmons was also ordered to pay about $144,415 in restitution. Fitzsimmons pleaded guilty on February 22, 2017.
According to court records, the defendant began receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”) payments in 2002. SSDI benefits are paid by the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) to people with disabilities. From 2003 to 2013, the defendant and his dependents received about $144,415 in SSDI benefits. In order to obtain those benefits, the defendant was required to certify that he could no longer perform “substantial gainful work.” In numerous forms submitted to the SSA and at an in-person SSA interview, the defendant reported little work activity and very low annual earnings between 2003 and 2013. In fact, an investigation revealed that, contrary to his statements, the defendant was actively and consistently engaged in commercial fishing over that period.
The case was investigated by SSA’s Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Waterville Man Convicted of Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Iulian Petre, also known as Julian Petre, 50, of Waterville, was convicted yesterday of illegally receiving and shipping firearms following a jury trial in U.S. District Court. He was found not guilty of smuggling and money laundering charges.
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.
Petre 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 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.
Calais Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Amy Lynn Holmes, 45, of Calais, Maine, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to stealing Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. SSI benefits are paid to people with limited income who are blind, disabled or elderly.
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. 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.
defendant faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. She will be sentenced after completion of presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the SSA, Office of the Inspector General.
Florida Men Plead Guilty to Credit Card Fraud Conspiracy and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Jose Castillo Febles, 30, of Doral, Florida pleaded guilty today; and Juan Carlos Febles, 52, of Miami, Florida, pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court to conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Court records show that between November 2015 and June 2016, the defendants and others used stolen credit and debit card numbers to purchase merchandise. In late May 2016, as part of the conspiracy, the defendants and others traveled to Maine. On May 29, 2016, Jose Castillo Febles purchased over $500 of merchandise at a Portland Walgreens using a stolen card number belonging to a victim from Auburn. On June 15, 2016, after a co-conspirator, Yaisder Herrera Gargallo, purchased merchandise at another Portland Walgreens using a stolen card number, store personnel notified the police and provided a license plate number. On June 16, 2016, Juan Carlos Febles purchased over $700 of merchandise at an Augusta Home Depot using a stolen card number belonging to a victim from Vassalboro.
On June 18, 2016, a Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped the vehicle in which the defendants and Herrera Gargallo were traveling. The stop led to their arrest and the discovery of merchandise, numerous fraudulent credit cards, and a laptop computer. The laptop was later found to contain credit card numbers and related data.
Both men face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the conspiracy charge. Both men also face a mandatory sentence of two years in prison on the aggravated identity theft charge, to be served consecutively to the sentence imposed for the conspiracy charge. They will be sentenced after the completion of presentence investigation reports by the U.S. Probation Office. Co-defendant Yaisder Herrera Gargallo pleaded guilty to the same charges on June 19, 2017, and awaits sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, the Portland Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service.
Bangor Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of Children and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Jeffrey Swimm, 38, of Bangor, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography.
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. 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.
Swimm faces between 15 to 30 years in prison for child exploitation and up to 20 years in prison for possessing child pornography. He also faces up to a $250,000 fine on each count and between five years and life on 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 Bangor Police Department, and the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office.
Saco Woman Sentenced to Probation for Mail TheftRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Norma Duhamel, 71, of Saco, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Chief Judge Nancy Torresen to two years of probation for theft of mail. She was also ordered to pay $1,230 in restitution. Duhamel pleaded guilty on June 2, 2017.
According to court documents, between August and October of 2016, Duhamel stole mail containing bank checks and a credit card from mailboxes of residents of Cumberland, Maine. She cashed about $1,125 worth of stolen checks and charged about $105 on the credit card.
In pronouncing sentence, Judge Torresen warned Duhamel that if she repeated her behavior and violated the terms of her probation, the Judge guaranteed her a jail sentence.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service
Orono Pharmacy and Owner Agree to Pay $60,000 to Settle Controlled Substances Act CaseRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy today announced that Orono Pharmacy, Inc. and its owner, Ali Aghamoosa, of Orono, have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the United States pursuant to which they will pay $60,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”).
Controlled substances are strictly regulated in the United States because of their potential for abuse and the danger they pose if improperly used. The CSA establishes a closed system of controls over the handling of controlled substances by registrants, including pharmacies. Violations of the CSA concerning dispensing and administering, distribution, recordkeeping, and other related activities can result in civil penalties.
The settlement resolves allegations that, from 2014 through 2016, Orono Pharmacy and Aghamoosa negligently failed to make and maintain complete and accurate records of pharmacy transactions concerning the receipt and dispensation of controlled substances. The Government alleged that Orono Pharmacy and Aghamoosa failed to consistently record when, and in what quantities, controlled substances were received and failed to record sales and dispensations from pharmacy inventory. The Government also alleged that thousands of doses of controlled substances were unaccounted for, a pharmacist diverted controlled substances, and another pharmacist falsified records.
Orono Pharmacy and Aghamoosa admitted no wrongdoing in settling the matter and cooperated fully throughout the investigation.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Office of Diversion Control. The civil action is docketed United States v. Orono Pharmacy, Inc., et al., 17-cv-00305-GZS (D. Me.).
Former Union Officer Charged with Embezzling over $280,000 in Union FundsRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced today that Ryan Jones, 34, of Bath, Maine was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for embezzling union funds.
The indictment charges Jones with embezzling over $280,000 from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Local Lodge S6, during a period when he served as an officer of that union.
If convicted, Jones faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $10,000 fine and restitution.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Florida Man Sentenced to Four Months for Making Illegal CampaignRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy and Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, announced that Michael A. Liberty, 56, of Windermere, Florida was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge D. Brock Hornby to four months in prison and one year of supervised release for illegally making political contributions in the names of others to a presidential candidate’s primary campaign committee. He was also ordered to pay a $100,000 fine. Liberty pled guilty to the charge on November 28, 2016.
According to admissions made in connection with his guilty plea, between May and June 2011, Liberty made $22,500 in primary contributions through nine employees, associates and family members to the principal campaign committee of a candidate for President of the United States. In fact, Liberty paid for all of the contributions.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
West Bath Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Heroin and FentanylRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Mickey Gilley, 34 of West Bath, Maine, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to distributing heroin and fentanyl.
According to court records, on September 20, 2016, Gilley obtained heroin mixed with fentanyl from a Portland supplier. Later that day, Gilley distributed some of the mixture to a person in West Bath who consumed it and died as a result.
Gilley faces up to 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine and up to life on supervised release.
This case results from an investigation conducted by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Sagadahoc and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Offices, the Maine State Police and the Maine Attorney General’s Office.
Mexican Citizen Charged with Human SmugglingRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that on July 26, 2017, Silvino ORDUNA-Cabrera, a 40 year old Mexican citizen, made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Portland, Maine with respect to a criminal complaint charging alien smuggling. In addition, two other Mexican citizens who had previously been removed from the United States appeared with respect to complaints charging them with re-entry after removal. An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Deportation Officer arrested the defendants in Maine.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Athens Man Sentenced to Six Years for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Steven Strang, Jr., 38, of Athens, Maine, was sentenced Friday in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 6 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release for possession of child pornography. Strang pled guilty on May 6, 2016.
According to court records, from about June 15, 2015 to about 20 August, 2015, Strang possessed dozens of video files depicting child pornography. Many of these videos, which he had purposely sought out and downloaded from the internet, depicted the sexual exploitation of prepubescent children under the age of 12.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit.
Milford Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing and Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Travis J. Stinson, 39, of Milford, Maine pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to stealing firearms from a licensed firearms dealer and to possessing firearms after having been convicted of a felony crime.
Court records reveal that on October 12, 2016, Stinson and another man agreed to steal guns from JG Pawn in Bangor. The man agreed to do the burglary in order to get drugs. Stinson drove the man to a parking lot near the pawn shop. The man broke a window in JG Pawn, stole 16 handguns, and absconded. Stinson drove them both away with the stolen handguns. Stinson was prohibited from possessing firearms because of felony convictions in Kentucky.
Stinson faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each charge. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by the Bangor Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Portland Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Moses Okot, 29, of Portland was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge Jon D. Levy to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Okot pled guilty on March 29, 2017.
Court records revealed that on November 16, 2015, Okot discharged a Springfield Armory USA Model SA XD-9 subcompact handgun in Portland’s Old Port district, striking two people standing on the sidewalk. Okot fled from the scene of the shooting in a vehicle. A Portland Police officer followed the vehicle to a residence in Portland. Okot was found hiding on a nearby third-story porch. The firearm used in the shooting was found in the vehicle. Okot was prohibited from possessing the firearm because of a 2011 conviction for felony murder.
The investigation was conducted by the Portland Police Department and the Southern Maine Gang Task Force, which is comprised of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; and the Portland, South Portland, and Lewiston Police Departments.
Massachusetts Man Sentenced to Eight Years for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Melson Jacques, a/k/a “Mike”, 35, of Braintree, Massachusetts, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge Jon D. Levy to eight years in prison and three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a felon. Jacques pleaded guilty to the charge on March 3, 2016.
Court records reveal that in May 2015, Jacques coerced a drug-addicted Biddeford man to purchase a Glock 9mm handgun for him and a drug trafficking accomplice through a straw purchase in Saco that was surveilled by federal agents. Jacques was prohibited from possessing firearms as the result of multiple felony drug convictions in Massachusetts. At the time Jacques came to Maine in the spring of 2015, he was a fugitive wanted on felony warrants out of Massachusetts where he had absconded from an ongoing drug trafficking trial.
Jacques faced an enhanced sentence for possessing the handgun while engaged in drug trafficking. In imposing the sentence, Judge Levy noted the defendant’s lengthy criminal history and “disregard for the law.”
The investigation was conducted by the Saco Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.