District of Maine
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Bangor Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
Contact: Joel B. Casey
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Syriane Baldwin, a/k/a “Del,” 29, of Bangor, Maine, pled guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor, Maine to distribution of cocaine base, commonly referred to as “crack.” The charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years imprisonment, a minimum of three years supervised release, and a maximum $1,000,000 fine.
According to Court records, on September 5, 2014 in Bangor, the defendant distributed a quantity of crack to a person who was assisting government agents in exchange for $300. A grand jury indicted Baldwin on the distribution charge in September of 2015. Baldwin will be sentenced following the completion of a presentence report.
The case was investigated by officers and agents from the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, the New Haven, Connecticut Office of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, and the City of New Haven Police Department.
Limestone Man Sentenced to One Month in Prison for Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
Contact: James M. Moore
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Mark Durinski, 64, of Limestone, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to one month in prison and three years of supervised release for making false statements and entries in annual reports filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. He was also ordered to pay $53,544.98 in restitution to the Local from which he stole money as well as $300.00 in special assessments. Durinski pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to three felony counts of making the false statements on September 14, 2015 and subsequently paid $20,000 in restitution.
Court records reveal that Durinski was employed by the Defense Finance Accounting Service (“DFAS”) and was also a founding member and the president of the local American Federation of Government Employees (“AFGE”) union that represented DFAS employees in Limestone. In his capacity as local AFGE president, he signed and certified as true annual Labor Department reports that failed to disclose that he received over $50,000 from the local to reimburse him for travel and other expenditures for which he was also reimbursed by U.S. Department of Defense or another source. In imposing the prison sentence, Judge Woodcock stated it was “striking that [the defendant] would cheat the very organization that he had founded and take money from employees who trusted him.”The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Labor-Management Standards.
Holden Woman Plead Guilty to Federal Drug Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
Contact: Joel B. Casey
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Sara Monroe, 29, of Holden, Maine, pled guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor, Maine to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute heroin. The charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years imprisonment, a minimum of three years supervised release, and a maximum $1,000,000 fine.
According to court records, between February 2015 and September 2015, Monroe conspired with Mario Lee, a/k/a “Moe” and others known and unknown to distribute heroin in the Bangor area and elsewhere. The heroin was packaged in “bundles” consisting of ten small baggies containing heroin and bundled together with a rubber band. The bundles were supplied by Lee and distributed by Monroe. Monroe also provided transportation for Lee so that he could distribute heroin to others.
The case was investigated by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Detroit Man Sentenced to More Than 7 Years on Federal Drug Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
Contact: Joel B. Casey
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Raymond “Ken” Ferris, 60, of Detroit, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor, Maine to a 87 month term of imprisonment and a 3 year term of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute oxycodone.
According to court records, between April 2013 and April 2015, Ferris conspired with others in Somerset County to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone supplied by an out-of-state source of supply. He was arrested on April 16, 2015 when deputies and agents with the Somerset County Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant at his Detroit, Maine residence. Agents seized 100 oxycodone 30 mg tablets, heroin, marijuana and an assortment of drug paraphernalia. During the course of the investigation an undercover DEA agent purchased oxycodone from Ferris on two separate occasions.
Ferris was prosecuted federally in 2006 for possession with intent to distribute over a kilogram of cocaine. He was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Bangor to 51 months imprisonment.
Waterville Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Counterfeit CoinsRead the Press Release
Contact: F. Todd Lowell
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Mwashuma M. Sithole, 31, of Waterville, Maine pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to selling counterfeit coins.
Court records show that the defendant began ordering counterfeit Morgan dollars online in May 2014. Over the next several months, the defendant placed orders online for items that looked like genuine Morgan dollar coins. The Morgan dollar is a United States dollar coin minted from 1878 to 1904 and then again in 1921. The coins that the defendant ordered and received were offered as counterfeits and made in China. The defendant would pay about $2 each for the coins. The coins resembled genuine Morgan dollars in appearance, design, and weight.
The defendant sold and pawned several counterfeit Morgan dollars in Maine in 2014. He knew that the coins were counterfeit but told the buyers that the coins were genuine Morgan dollars. He sold and pawned coins in Augusta, Newport, Farmington, Lewiston, and South Portland. Law enforcement officers executed a warrant at the defendant’s residence on January 22, 2015. They seized approximately 1200 counterfeit Morgan coins that belonged to the defendant.
Sithole faces up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and he may be ordered to pay restitution. He will also forfeit all of the coins seized from him. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by the Augusta Police Department, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Waterville Police Department, the Auburn Police Department, the Lewiston Police Department, the South Portland Police Department, the Newport Police Department, the Maine State Police, and the United States Secret Service.
South Paris Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Contact: Michael J. Conley
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that David Foster, 39, of South Paris, Maine pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records, on November 21, 2015, a Maine Game Warden discovered Foster in possession of a rifle in the Paris, Maine area. Foster was prohibited from possessing firearms based on three prior felony convictions for burglary.
Foster 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 Maine Warden Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Buxton Man Sentenced on Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact: Benjamin M. Block
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Raymond T. Pinkham, 22, of Buxton, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland to 52 months in prison following convictions for Possession of Stolen Firearms (two counts) and Conspiracy to Possess Stolen Firearms.
Two of Raymond Pinkham’s co-conspirators, Dale M. Pinkham Jr., 26, and Robert C. Bean-Pinkham, 21, both of Buxton, Maine, previously pled guilty and were sentenced by the Court. On April 19, 2016, Robert Bean-Pinkham was sentenced to 40 months in prison based on convictions for Possession of Stolen Firearms and Conspiracy to Possess Stolen Firearms. On April 20, 2016, Dale Pinkham Jr. was sentenced to 64 months in prison based on convictions for Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin, Possession of Firearms by a Prohibited Person, and Conspiracy to Possess Stolen Firearms.
According to court records, from around November 2012 until November 2014, Dale Pinkham Jr. conspired with others to distribute heroin. On December 6, 2013, a search warrant executed at the Pinkhams’ residence in Buxton resulted in the seizure of about 20 grams of heroin and numerous firearms in Dale Jr.’s bedroom. Dale Jr. was then prohibited from possessing guns due to his illegal drug use. Agents also recovered a stolen firearm from a vehicle operated by Raymond that day. Between about August and November 2014, Dale Jr., Raymond and Robert also conspired to possess and possessed stolen firearms. The co-conspirators paid for the stolen firearms using U.S. currency, heroin, or both. On October 11, 2014, a search warrant executed at the Pinkhams’ Buxton residence resulted in the seizure of seven stolen firearms from Robert’s bedroom. Law enforcement subsequently recovered 11 additional stolen firearms possessed by the co-conspirators.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Maine State Police, with assistance from the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, the York and Cumberland County Sherriff’s Offices, the Buxton Police Department, and the Office of the Maine Attorney General.
Bangor Man Pleads Guilty to Destruction of Government PropertyRead the Press Release
Contact: Jody Mullis
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Richard Hughes, 30, of Bangor, Maine, pleaded guilty on May 6, 2016 in U.S. District Court to destroying government property.
According to court records, on June 5, 2015, Hughes drove a motor vehicle through the high frequency area electronic gate located on Elmer’s Way at the Cutler, Maine, Naval Support Activity installation. The gate is owned and operated by the United States Department of Defense. Hughes destroyed the gate.
Hughes faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Cutler, Maine, Naval Support Activity Police Department.
Athens Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Contact: Chris Ruge
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Steven Strang, Jr., 37, of Athens, Maine, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to possessing child pornography.
According to court records, from about June 15, 2015 to about August 20, 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.
Strang 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 and the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit.
Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to 8 Years for Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
Contact: Darcie N. McElwee
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Lonnie Ball, 28, of Pennsylvania, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge D. Brock Hornby to 8 years in prison and three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He pled guilty on November 16, 2015.
According to court records, on January 29, 2015, Ball was found by police during a routine traffic stop in possession of a loaded .40 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number. Ball’s criminal history includes 2009 and 2012 convictions in Pennsylvania for Robbery and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Judge Hornby stated that he imposed a lengthy sentence due to the “need to protect the public in light of the serious criminal history Mr. Ball has been accumulating.”
The investigation was conducted by the Portland Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Arrowsic Man Sentenced to Six Months for Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
Contact: Michael J. Conley
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Robert Caton, 73, of Arrowsic, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Chief Judge Nancy Torresen to six months in prison and three years of supervised release for social security fraud. He was also ordered to pay $162,786.80 in restitution. He pleaded guilty to the charge on January 6, 2016.
According to court documents, Caton’s mother received retirement and survivors benefits following the death of her husband. The benefits were deposited into a joint account he held with her. When she died in September 2000, Caton did not notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) of her death. As a result, benefits continued to be deposited into the joint account until September 2014. At that time, the excess payments totaled $162,786.80. Caton used all but about $15,000 of these funds to pay personal bills and expenses.
In pronouncing sentence, Judge Torresen noted that Caton’s crime was a serious offense against all taxpayers that continued for 14 years and netted significant money, but also considered Caton’s age, health issues and lack of criminal history in imposing the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the SSA’s Office of Inspector General.
Portland Man Pleads Guilty to Additional Bank Robbery ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact: James W. Chapman, Jr.
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Jimmy Odong, 26, of Portland, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to committing four bank robberies in Portland. The charges arise from the robberies of University Credit Union on May 14, 2015; TruChoice Federal Credit Union on May 26, 2015; and CPort Credit Union and Bank of America, both on June 19, 2015.
In the robberies, Odong was captured on bank security cameras wearing a hat or wig that partially disguised his appearance, he demanded cash from tellers, and he brandished what appeared to be a gray or black semiautomatic handgun.
On January 20, 2016, Odong pled guilty to the robbery of Key Bank in Freeport, Maine, on July 17, 2015, and awaits sentencing.
The defendant faces up to 20 years in jail and a $250,000 fine for each robbery. According to a plea agreement, Odong has agreed to be sentenced for all of the robberies to a total term of imprisonment of between 12 years and three months and 14 years. He will be sentenced after completion of a presentence investigation report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”); the Freeport, Portland and Brunswick Police Departments; the Maine State Police; and the Southern Maine Gang Task Force 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, Lewiston and Biddeford Police Departments. U.S. Attorney Delahanty praised the cooperation among these law enforcement agencies noting that “these bank robberies were quickly solved because local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies worked closely together.”
New York Man Sentenced to 21 Years for Heroin and Crack Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Contact: David B. Joyce
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: The United States Attorney’s Office announced that James Winbrone, 32, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge D. Brock Hornby to 21 years in prison and six years of supervised release for possessing with intent to distribute heroin and distributing cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine. He was convicted on September 30, 2015, following a two-day bench trial.
Court records reveal that on April 10, 2014 and October 28, 2014, the defendant was involved in the distribution of heroin and crack cocaine in Lewiston. On January 14, 2015, a search warrant executed at a Lewiston apartment used by the defendant resulted in the seizure of cocaine and heroin. The defendant’s sentence was enhanced because of his leadership position and his involvement in an act of violence related to his drug trafficking, namely, the assault of a customer who owed him a drug debt.
The investigation was conducted by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Maine State Police, and the Southern Maine Gang Task Force, which is comprised of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Portland and Biddeford Police Departments; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistance was also provided by the Lewiston and Auburn Police Departments and the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office.
Glenburn Man Sentenced to Two Years Probation for Theft of VA ShipmentRead the Press Release
Contact: Chris Ruge
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Chad Bitgood, 38, of Glenburn, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Magistrate Judge John C. Nivison to two years of probation for the theft of government property and attempted possession of a controlled substance. He was also ordered to pay a fine of $1000. The defendant pled guilty on January 26, 2016.
According to court records, on April 27, 2015, Bitgood was employed as a delivery truck driver for United Parcel Service (UPS), when he stole a package belonging to the Veterans Administration (VA) that he believed to contain narcotic medications. The package was being monitored by VA investigators. When confronted by investigators, Bitgood admitted he stole the package with the intention of consuming any narcotics inside.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Veterans Administration, Office of the Inspector General.
South Paris Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Contact: Michael J. Conley
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Andrew Bean, 51, of South Paris, Maine pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to possessing a firearm after being convicted of four felony offenses.
According to court records, on November 21, 2015, a Maine Game Warden discovered Bean in possession of a 12-gauge shotgun in the Paris, Maine area. Bean was prohibited from possessing firearms based on prior felony convictions for Operating Under the Influence and for Operating after Revocation in 2002 and, again, in 2006.
Bean 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 Maine Warden Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Media Advisory – National Reentry WeekRead the Press Release
Contact: Donald E. Clark
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: As part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to strengthening the criminal justice system, Attorney General Loretta Lynch and the Department of Justice have designated the week of April 24-30, 2016, as National Reentry Week.
“Too often, justice-involved individuals who have paid their debt to society confront daunting obstacles to good jobs, decent housing, adequate health care, quality education, and even the right to vote,” said Attorney General Lynch. “National Reentry Week highlights the many ways that the Department of Justice – and the entire Obama Administration – is working to tear down the barriers that stand between returning citizens and a meaningful second chance – leading to brighter futures, stronger communities, and a more just and equal nation for all.”
In recognition of National Reentry Week, Thomas E. Delahanty II, United States Attorney for the District of Maine, announced today that he will host a reentry roundtable discussion on Tuesday, April 26, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, 100 Middle Street, East Tower, 6th Floor, in Portland with key public and private stakeholders that are engaged in efforts to reduce recidivism and promote the successful reintegration into society of justice-involved individuals.
These stakeholders include: the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office; the Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic; Family Crisis Services; the Federal Defender, District of Maine; Goodwill Industries of Northern New England; Maine Pretrial Services; Maine Inside Out; MaineWorks; the Maine Department of Corrections; My Sister’s Keeper; the Portland Recovery Community Center; Straight Ahead Ministries and Transformation Project; the U.S. Attorney’s Office; U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services; the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office; and Volunteers of America Northern New England. These organizations will discuss the reentry work or programs in which they are engaged, identify areas where they can collaborate with others, and identify barriers encountered by justice-involved individuals.
Members of the media are invited to attend and observe the roundtable discussion. They should arrive by 8:45 a.m. if they wish attend and observe. Representatives of the organizations will be available at about 10:30 a.m. to answer questions and provide additional information. Members of the media should arrive by 10:15 a.m. if they wish ask questions or obtain additional information.
Sentences Imposed in Township 37 Marijuana Grow CaseRead the Press Release
Contact: Joel Casey
F. Todd Lowell
Assistant United States Attorneys
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Malcolm French, 54, of Enfield; Rodney Russell, 52, of South Thomaston; and Kendall Chase, 59, of Bradford; were sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. for offenses arising out of the September 22, 2009 seizure of 2,943 marijuana plants in Township 37, Washington County.
French was sentenced to 175 months in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $100,000 for conspiracy to manufacture over 1000 marijuana plants, managing and controlling property used to manufacture marijuana and harboring illegal aliens. Russell was sentenced to 151 months in prison and five years of supervised release for conspiracy to manufacture over 1000 marijuana plants, managing and controlling property used to manufacture marijuana and harboring illegal aliens. Chase was sentenced to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $17,500 for conspiracy to manufacture over 1000 marijuana plants.
In imposing sentence, Judge Woodcock said the defendants “attempt to make profits turned into a series of losses,” that he was “profoundly offended by the perjurious testimony of French and Russell” and that the defendants had the “bad fortune to run into an extremely professional prosecutorial and investigative team whose diligence was the hallmark of the case.”
On February 10, 2016, Haynes Timberland, Inc. was sentenced to pay a $100,000 fine for managing and controlling property used to manufacture marijuana. Haynes Timberland and French were also ordered to forfeit $1,550,000, a warehouse compound in Township 31, and a hunting camp in LaGrange that facilitated drug trafficking.
The Director of the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (“MDEA”), Roy McKinney said, “This case was and remains the largest and most sophisticated marijuana growing operations in Maine history.”
“I commend the dedicated investigators and members of the prosecution team who have worked tirelessly on this case for many years,” said Joel Garland, Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Office. “IRS-Criminal Investigation provides the financial expertise needed to trace drug trafficking proceeds which, as shown in this large-scale marijuana operation, can lead to the forfeiture of significant assets.”
“U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI’s”) unique law enforcement authorities bring to the table, not only the experience and expertise to handle the criminal investigation of this grow operation, but also the ability to appropriately investigate their dealings with undocumented aliens,” said Matthew Etre, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Boston. “Our partnerships with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies helps ensure that these criminal drug organizations are completely dismantled, making communities safer.”
The case was investigated by the MDEA, IRS-Criminal Investigation and HSI, with assistance from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Maine State Police, the Washington and Penobscot County Sheriff’s Offices, the Maine Warden Service, the Maine Forest Service and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This investigation is 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.
Portland Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Crack Cocaine DistributionRead the Press Release
Contact: Julia M. Lipez
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that William Weston, 36, of Portland, Maine was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge George Z. Singal to seven years in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute cocaine base, often referred to as crack cocaine. Weston entered a guilty plea to the charge in October 2015.
Court records reveal that between December 2013 and January 2015, Weston conspired with others to sell crack cocaine in Portland. Members of the conspiracy arranged for the acquisition of drugs out of state. Once the drugs were transported to Maine, they were provided to retail distributors who would sell the drugs in the Portland area. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers conducted controlled purchases of crack cocaine from Weston and other members of the conspiracy.
This case was investigated by the Southern Maine Gang Task Force, which is comprised of investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Portland, South Portland, Biddeford, and Lewiston Police Departments; the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Maine State Police also assisted with the investigation. The case also results from 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.
Scarborough Man Sentenced to Almost 3 Years for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Contact: Daniel J. Perry
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced today Chad Conner, age 35, of Scarborough was sentenced by United States District Judge Nancy Torresen for the crime of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone and cocaine. Conner received a sentence of 33 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release for these crimes.
Evidence in the case showed that from at least August 2014 through April 2015, Conner was part of a drug trafficking organization that distributed oxycodone and cocaine from different locations in the Scarborough area. Various co-conspirators would obtain the oxycodone pills and cocaine from out of state sources of supply. The drugs would then be brought to various locations in Maine whereupon they would be distributed by Conner and other conspirators to their customer base in the Scarborough area.
Conner was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and cocaine in October 8, 2015. Conner pleaded guilty to the charge on October 28, 2015.
This case results from a joint investigation conducted by Scarborough Police Department and DEA.North Carolina Man Sentenced for Theft and Embezzlement from the Passamaquoddy TribeRead the Press Release
Contact: F. Todd Lowell
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Stephen E. Crawford, 68, of Beaufort, North Carolina, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to one year of probation for stealing and embezzling funds from the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point. The defendant paid $26,373.72 in restitution in advance of the sentencing.
Court records show that between February 2003 and February 2012, the defendant served as the tribe’s environmental director. Between 2006 and 2012, the defendant fraudulently obtained and stole over $25,000 from the tribe by submitting fraudulent travel expense reports and supporting documentation.
In imposing the probationary sentence, Judge Woodcock noted that the defendant was now a federal felon, had lost his job and career and reputation, and would be barred from working on federal contracts for a period of time. Judge Woodcock said that the fact that the defendant had paid full restitution before sentencing also played a significant role in his determination of the appropriate sentence.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Inspector General.Mt. Vernon Man Sentenced to Six Years for Robbing Two PharmaciesRead the Press Release
Contact: F. Todd Lowell
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Steven C. Chaput, 40, of Mt. Vernon, Maine was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to six years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for committing two pharmacy robberies. He was also ordered to pay $726 in restitution.
On February 7, 2015, Chaput drove Rudger S. Ellis to the Rite Aid Pharmacy located on North Belfast Avenue in Augusta, Maine. Ellis entered the pharmacy wearing a hooded gray sweatshirt, blue and white athletic pants, and gloves. He had covered his face with a plaid cloth. Ellis approached the counter and demanded that the pharmacist give him oxycodone, Oxycontin, and Ritalin. He told the pharmacy employees to hurry up and said that he had a gun. Ellis absconded with six bottles containing oxycodone. Chaput was the lookout for Ellis and the getaway driver.
On February 18, 2015, Chaput drove Ellis to the Rite Aid Pharmacy located on Spring Street in Gardiner. Ellis robbed that pharmacy again wearing a hooded sweatshirt and gloves and covering his face with a plaid cloth. He approached the pharmacy counter and demanded oxycodone 30 milligram pills. He repeatedly told pharmacy employees to “hurry” and several times commanded: “now, now, now!” Ellis absconded with 11 bottles of oxycodone. Chaput was once again the lookout for Ellis and the getaway driver.
Ellis was sentenced on April 6, 2016, to five years in prison and three years of supervised release.
The investigation was conducted by the Augusta Police Department, the Gardiner Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Transporting Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Contact: Craig M. Wolff
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Matthew McElroy, 39, of Chicopee, Massachusetts, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to transporting child pornography.
According to court records, in January 2016, a federal agent was investigating the distribution and production of child pornography over the internet when he received an email message attaching three child pornography images from an individual later identified as McElroy, who claimed that the images depicted his niece and that he had sexual contact with her. A search warrant was obtained for McElroy’s Chicopee residence and he was arrested on a criminal complaint. McElroy later admitted that he used his email account to trade child pornography.
McElroy faces between five and 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and supervised release of between five years and life. 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 and the Chicopee Police Department.
Former Richmond Man Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Contact: Craig M. Wolff
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Howard Hoffman, 53, formerly of Richmond, Maine, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to bank fraud.
According to court records, in March 2007, Hoffman’s childhood friend died while abroad. Over a year later, Hoffman used his deceased friend’s personal identifying information to gain access to the friend’s bank account and change the address on the account to his residence in Richmond. Over the next few weeks, Hoffman caused two checks, totaling about $80,000, to be issued from his friend’s account. Hoffman deposited the checks into a bank account of a company he controlled. Hoffman did not have authority to access his friend’s account or cause the bank to issue the two checks.
Hoffman faces up to 30 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine and five 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 the U.S. Secret Service.
Jay Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Program FraudRead the Press Release
Contact: Donald E. Clark
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Timothy P. Gallagher, 46, of Jay, Maine, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to federal program fraud.
According to court records, between May and November 2014, the defendant embezzled about $80,000 from Stanford Management LLC (“Stanford”), a property management company specializing in affordable housing that received millions of dollars in federal benefits each year under programs administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”). While employed as a full-time construction manager at Stanford, Gallagher set up a competing construction company and paid it to hire subcontractors to perform work on Stanford properties, the job he was being paid a wage to perform. He also concealed his ownership of the competing construction company from Stanford and the federal agencies. As a result, he improperly obtained about $80,000.
Gallagher faces up to ten 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 HUD, Office of Inspector General and the USDA, Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the Jay Police Department.
Bangor Resident Pleads Guilty to Maintaining a Drug Involved PremisesRead the Press Release
Contact: Andrew McCormack
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Laura Lyons, 30, of Bangor pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to maintaining a drug involved premises.
According to court records, in 2014, the defendant maintained a residence on Essex Street in Bangor where she allowed dealers to store and sell heroin to customers on a daily basis and for which she was compensated in heroin.
The defendant faces up to 20 years in prison, a $500,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the U.S Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.
Windham Man Fined $3,000 for Unlawfully Entering the United StatesRead the Press Release
Contact: Jim Moore
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Bruce Mayberry, 55, of Windham, Maine was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Magistrate Judge John Nivison to serve a day in jail and pay a $3,000 fine for failing to present at a border crossing point when he entered the United States from Canada. He also paid a $1,800 civil penalty and a $500 fee associated with impoundment of his automobile.
According to court records, on October 29, 2015, a red Saturn sedan operated by Mayberry triggered sensors and was observed by a U.S. Border Patrol agent entering the United States on a field road leading from New Brunswick into Maine. After the Border Patrol agent conducted a vehicle stop, the driver admitted he had entered through the field road and had been in Canada for a few days. An officer employed by the Canadian Border Services Agency reported that Mayberry, a U.S. citizen, had previously been refused entry into Canada as result of his criminal history.U.S. Attorney Delahanty stated that the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security are committed to securing the international border and ensuring that those who seek to enter our country present themselves at designated crossing points and ports of entry.
In imposing sentence, Magistrate Judge Nivison emphasized the importance of border security and the need to deter others from unlawfully crossing our nation’s borders.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Border Patrol.Gardiner Man Sentenced to Five Years for Robbing Two PharmaciesRead the Press Release
Contact: F. Todd Lowell
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Rudger S. Ellis, 23, of Gardiner, Maine was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to five years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for committing two pharmacy robberies. He was also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and $726 in restitution.
On February 7, 2015, Ellis entered the Rite Aid Pharmacy located on North Belfast Avenue in Augusta, Maine, wearing a hooded gray sweatshirt, blue and white athletic pants, and gloves and covering his face with a plaid cloth. Ellis approached the counter and demanded that the pharmacist give him oxycodone, Oxycontin, and Ritalin. He told the pharmacy employees to hurry up and said that he had a gun. Ellis absconded with six bottles containing oxycodone.
On February 18, 2015, Ellis robbed the Rite Aid Pharmacy located on Spring Street in Gardiner, again wearing a hooded sweatshirt and gloves and covering his face with a plaid cloth. He approached the pharmacy counter and demanded oxycodone 30 milligram pills. He repeatedly told pharmacy employees to “hurry” and several times commanded: “now, now, now!” Ellis absconded with 11 bottles of oxycodone.
Steven C. Chaput committed the robberies with Ellis. He has pled guilty and awaits sentencing.The investigation was conducted by the Augusta and Gardiner Police Departments and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
New York Man Pleads Guilty to Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Contact: Halsey B. Frank
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Thomas P. Cortez, of College Point, New York and Portland, Maine, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to failing to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, Cortez was convicted in Maine in 1989 of unlawful sexual contact with a minor under 14 years old. As a result, Cortez is required to register as a sex offender for life. In 1996, Cortez was living in New York when it instituted a sex offender registry. Between about 1996 and about March of 2003, Cortez was registered in New York. In 2003, Cortez gave New York notice that he was moving back to Maine. Between 2006 and 2015, Cortez registered in Maine. After March 2015, Cortez moved to College Point, New York, where he lived with his father and stepmother. He did not inform Maine that he had moved to New York and he did not register in New York. In December of 2015, Cortez was arrested in New York and told arresting officers, among other things, that he had been living in New York for about eight months.
Cortez faces up to 10 years in jail 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. Marshals Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, the Maine and New York Sex Offender Registries, and the Portland Police Department.
Three Plead Guilty in Portland Area Drug Conspiracy CaseRead the Press Release
Contact: Daniel J. Perry
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Scot Stolkner, 42, of Gray, Maine, Angela Green, 34, of South Portland, Maine, and Jonathan Day, 41, of Portland, pleaded guilty on April 1, 2016 in U.S. District Court to conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, including heroin, fentanyl, and alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (a-PVP), commonly known as a “bath salt.”
According to court records, from about August through late December 2014, Stolkner obtained heroin from out-of-state sources and had others transport it to Maine and sell it to his customers. During the conspiracy, Green transported heroin and fentanyl for Stolkner and she, Day, and others sold it for Stolkner.
In about April 2015, Stolkner began obtaining a-PVP from a Chinese source. Stolkner placed online orders and wired money to the supplier. The supplier sent a-PVP to the addresses Stolkner provided. Once the a-PVP was in Maine, Green, Day, and others sold it for Stolkner.
The defendants face up to 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine and between three years and life on supervised release. They will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.
Blaine Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Transporting Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Contact: Chris Ruge
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Robert Kinney, Jr., 41, of Blaine, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 15 years in prison and 15 years of supervised release for transporting child pornography. The defendant was also ordered to pay $6,000 in restitution. He pled guilty on September 2, 2015.
According to court records, on about August 20 and 21, 2014, Kinney emailed at least nine videos and 15 images of child pornography as he traded with others over the internet. The defendant’s trade in child pornography supported, and was supported by, his personal collection of images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of young children.
In announcing the sentence, Judge Woodcock described the defendant’s conduct as “chilling to any parent, grandparent, or anyone who cares about children.”
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Maine State Police.
Sabattus Man Sentenced to over 11 Years for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Contact: Craig M. Wolff
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Jody G. Moczara, 35, of Sabattus, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge George Z. Singal to 135 months in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release for receiving child pornography. Moczara pleaded guilty to the charge on October 14, 2015.
According to court records, in June of 2015, Moczara used the internet and a file sharing program to download several child pornography videos to his computer. Information obtained from his computer showed that he used the file-sharing program to search for child pornography. The computer contained large numbers of child pornography video files and still images, including images depicting children in bondage, in pain or discomfort, and engaging in bestiality.
The investigation was conducted by the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
Bangor Resident Pleads Guilty to Distributing Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
Contact: Joel B. Casey
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Antonio Gordon, 32, of Bangor pleaded guilty today U.S. District Court to distributing cocaine base, commonly known as “crack cocaine.”
According to Court records, on three occasions between December 2014 and January 2015, the defendant distributed crack cocaine in Bangor to a witness working with federal and state law enforcement authorities.
The defendant faces up to 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine and from three years to life on supervised release.
The case was investigated by the U.S Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.Rhode Island Man Pleads Guilty to Interstate Travel to have Sex with a MinorRead the Press Release
Contact: Michael J. Conley
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that William McNeill, 23, of Cumberland, Rhode Island, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to travelling in interstate commerce to engage in sexual conduct with a minor.
According to court documents, in the fall of 2014, McNeill met a 14 year-old girl from Cumberland County online. On about October 18, 2014, following several weeks of communicating with the juvenile in a sexually explicit manner, McNeill travelled from North Carolina to Maine to meet and have sexual relations with her.
McNeill faces up to 30 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 resulted from a joint investigation between the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Bridgton, Maine Police Department.
Bangor Resident Pleads Guilty to Maintaining a Drug Involved PremisesRead the Press Release
Contact: Joel B. Casey
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Daniel Lyons, 42, of Bangor pleaded guilty today U.S. District Court to maintaining a drug involved premises.
According to court records, in 2014, the defendant maintained a residence on Essex Street in Bangor where he allowed dealers to store and sell heroin to customers on a daily basis and for which he was compensated in heroin.
The defendant faces up to 20 years in prison, a $500,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the U.S Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.Bangor Man Sentenced to over 12 Years for Possessing Child Pornography and Violating Release ConditionsRead the Press Release
Contact: Chris Ruge
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Joshua Dunston, 38, of Bangor, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 121 months in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for possessing child pornography and a consecutive term of two years for violating his conditions of supervised release, also followed by a lifetime of supervised release. In addition, the defendant was ordered to pay $13,000 in restitution. He pled guilty on October 29, 2015.
According to court records, from about March 17 to about May 5, 2015, Dunston uploaded multiple images of child pornography to online accounts he controlled, and kept scores of additional images depicting the sexual exploitation of young children on his cell phone. At the time of these acts, Dunston was on supervised release for a 2006 child pornography conviction.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit, the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office and the Bangor Police Department.
Portland Man Sentenced to over 12 Years on Armed Bank Robbery and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact: Jamie Guerrette
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Francis J. Ready, 59, of Portland, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge D. Brock Hornby to 147 months in prison and five years of supervised release for armed bank robbery and using a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence.The charges arose out of the armed bank robberies of TD Bank in Portland on October 3, 2015 and of Bangor Savings Bank (“BSB”) in Portland on October 12, 2015. In both instances, the defendant used a firearm to rob the banks. He absconded with $2,846 from TD Bank and with $14,189 from BSB. Following the BSB robbery, he was apprehended by a Portland Police officer in a nearby parking area and found to be in possession of a silver Harrington and Richardson revolver.
The investigation was conducted by the Portland Police Department and the Southern Maine Gang Task Force comprised of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation; 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.Canadian Man Sentenced to 3½ Years for Benefit Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Contact: Chris Ruge
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Robert Jerome Bond, 47, recently of Gardiner, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 1½ years in prison for theft of public money and an additional two years for aggravated identity theft. He was also ordered to pay $5,923 in restitution. The defendant pled guilty on October 8, 2015.
According to court records, on about January 19, 2011, Bond applied for and was granted Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”) benefits using the name of an actual U.S. citizen. SNAP offers nutrition assistance to eligible, low-income individuals. Bond, a Canadian citizen, was not eligible for SNAP benefits at the time of the application and improperly received over $5,900 in SNAP benefits.
The benefit fraud was discovered when the real owner of Bond’s assumed identity applied for benefits in another state. That application led to an investigation by the Office of the Maine Attorney General that Judge Woodcock described as “most impressive.” It revealed Bond’s true name and citizenship and his 20-year-history of criminal activity under false identities. Judge Woodcock pointed out that the use of those false identities helped Bond avoid detection and deportation.
In imposing sentence, Judge Woodcock said that Bond had “cynically betrayed the trust of the people of this country” and told the defendant that “when you return to Canada after your prison sentence, you will leave behind in this country countless victims of the crimes you have committed.”
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Office of the Maine Attorney General, and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.
Bangor Resident Pleads Guilty to Distributing CocaineRead the Press Release
Contact: Joel B. Casey
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Kliton Xhemali, 32, of Bangor pleaded guilty today U.S. District Court to distributing cocaine.
According to court records, on April 2, 2015, from his Bangor residence, the defendant sold about one ounce of cocaine for $1,550 to a cooperating witness and federal agent working in an undercover capacity.
The defendant faces up to 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine and between three years and life on supervised release.
The case was investigated by the U.S Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.
Saco Man Sentenced to over Four Years for Pharmacy RobberyRead the Press Release
Contact: Jonathan R. Chapman
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that William C. Day, 40, of Saco, Maine was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Chief Judge Nancy Torresen to 51 months in prison and three years of supervised release for pharmacy robbery. Day pleaded guilty to the charge on November 20, 2015.According to court documents, on August 10, 2015, Day entered the Community Pharmacy on Main Street in Saco, vaulted the counter at the back of the store and demanded that employees give him narcotic drugs. Officers of the Saco Police Department responding to a silent alarm spotted Day running away from the pharmacy with the drugs and chased him to a location near School Street. There, the officers arrested Day and recovered most of the stolen drugs.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Saco Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Harpswell Woman Sentenced to Three Months for Bank EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
Contact: Michael J. Conley
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: The United States Attorney’s Office announced that Cecile Roux, 41, of Harpswell, Maine was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Chief Judge Nancy Torresen to three months in prison and three years of supervised release, including three months of home confinement, for embezzlement by a bank employee. She was also ordered to pay $107,995.84 in restitution. Roux pled guilty on November 20, 2015.
According to the government’s evidence, between April 2012 and August 2015, Roux, while serving as the head bank teller at a Bank of Maine branch located in Brunswick, Maine, transferred $107,995.84 in 92 unauthorized transactions from a customer’s account into her own account.
In pronouncing sentence, Judge Torresen noted that the amount of money embezzled and the lengthy period of time over which the criminal activity occurred caused great harm to the bank, the bank customer and the public’s trust. In determining the sentence, Judge Torresen also considered Roux’s lack of criminal history, her prompt admission to wrongdoing, her level of remorse and her particular family circumstances.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Brunswick Police Department.
Stonington Man Pleads Guilty to Arson of Lobster BoatRead the Press Release
Contact: James M. Moore
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Jeremy Eaton, 39, of Stonington, Maine, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to setting fire to a lobster boat.
Court records reveal that on the evening of April 16, 2014, Eaton walked to Stonington Harbor, removed gasoline cans from a skiff docked in the harbor and then used a small boat to transport himself and the gas cans to a fiberglass lobster boat which was moored in the harbor. Eaton then emptied the cans of gasoline into the lobster boat and started a fire which destroyed the boat. Eaton later admitted that he had burned the boat.
Eaton 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 Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Sanford Man Sentenced to Eight Months for Distribution of OxycodoneRead the Press Release
Contact: Julia M. Lipez
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced today that James Levesque, 55, of Sanford, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Chief Judge Nancy Torresen to 8 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release for distribution of oxycodone. Levesque pleaded guilty to the charge on September 28, 2015.
Court records reveal that on March 7, 2014, in Sanford, Levesque sold forty 80-milligram oxycodone pills, through a middleman, to a cooperating source working with law enforcement.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the York County Sheriff’s Office.
South Portland Man Sentenced to 16½ Years for Sexually Exploiting a MinorRead the Press Release
Contact: Craig M. Wolff
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Wayne Niski, 29, of South Portland, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge Jon D. Levy to 16½ years in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release for sexually exploiting a minor. Niski pleaded guilty to the charge on September 10, 2015.
According to court records, in 2013, Niski took several sexually explicit photographs of an eight-year-old girl. In March 2015, investigators executed a search warrant at Niski’s residence in South Portland. Among the items found in the residence was a USB flash drive that contained copies of the images that Niski had taken in 2013.
The investigation was conducted by the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
Mars Hill Woman Pleads Guilty to Bath Salts Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Contact: Andrew McCormack
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Leda Giggey, 45, of Mars Hill, Maine, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute bath salts.
According to court records, between about January 2012 and June 2014, Giggey conspired with others in Aroostook County to obtain and distribute bath salts. On multiple occasions, Giggey ordered bath salts over the internet from China for personal use and to sell to other conspirators.
The defendant faces up to 20 year in prison and a $1,000,000 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 U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency with assistance from the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Maine Roofing Company Pays $439,500 to Settle False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
Contact: Andrew K. Lizotte
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II today announced that Belcon Enterprises, formerly Roof Systems of Maine (“Belcon”), has entered into a civil settlement agreement with the United States in which it will pay $439,500 to resolve allegations that it violated the federal False Claims Act.
Belcon is based in Bangor, Maine. As part of its business, Belcon provided roofing and siding services to commercial and industrial installations throughout the state of Maine, including as subcontractor on prime Government construction contracts. The settlement resolves allegations by the Government that Belcon knowingly caused false and fraudulent claims to be submitted in connection with roofing and siding work it performed as a subcontractor on three prime Government construction contracts between 2010 and 2014.
The Government alleged that Belcon knowingly billed and was paid for metal wall panel installation work which did not conform to applicable contract requirements and specifications at the Army National Guard’s Armed Services Reserve Center in Brunswick, Maine. Specifically, it was alleged that Belcon improperly directed and/or permitted the panels to be re-sized and altered, installed the panels at incorrect locations, and did not use sealant throughout the panel installation. The Government also alleged that Belcon knowingly used non-specified, off-contract materials on two roofing and siding projects for the Navy. For the Navy’s Power Plant Building in Cutler, Maine, it was alleged that the materials used by Belcon for flashing and trim on the project were thinner, less-expensive, and made by a different manufacturer than required by the contract. For the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Building 86 in Kittery, Maine, it was alleged that Belcon used plain carbon steel screws rather than the required copper, brass or Series 300 stainless steel fasteners on a copper installation, which will result in galvanic corrosion and safety and structural issues.
The allegations of fraud stated in the action were first brought to the attention of the Government by Brian Emery, who filed a lawsuit in late 2014 as a relator under the False Claims Act’s qui tam provisions. See United States ex rel. Emery v. Roof Systems of Maine, et al., 14-cv-00483-DBH (D. Me.). The Government will pay Mr. Emery a share of the settlement proceeds pursuant to the False Claims Act’s qui tam provisions.
The False Claims Act permits the Government to recover up to three times the amount of damages incurred by the United States, in addition to civil penalties ranging from $5,500 to $11,000 per violation. Private parties who have knowledge of fraud committed against the Government may file suit on behalf of the Government and share in any recovery. The United States may also intervene and file its own lawsuit for treble damages and penalties, as it did in this case.
The federal government was represented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. Belcon cooperated throughout the Government’s investigation.
Biddeford Man Sentenced to over Four Years for Interstate Transportation for ProstitutionRead the Press Release
Contact: Julia M. Lipez
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Leo Grondin, 49, of Biddeford, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Chief Judge Nancy Torresen to 51 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release for transporting an individual in interstate commerce with the intent that she engage in prostitution. Grondin pleaded guilty on September 29, 2015.
Court records reveal that on July 15, 2015, Grondin drove a woman from southern Maine to Dover, New Hampshire, where the woman performed sexual services for clients for money. On July 17, 2015, law enforcement officers located an online advertisement for escort services that listed a contact phone number associated with Grondin and a location in Dover, New Hampshire. Law enforcement tracked Grondin and the woman to the Comfort Inn in Dover, where Grondin was arrested on a pending state warrant.
The defendant was subject to an enhanced sentence because Chief Judge Torresen found that he coerced the woman into the prostitution activity. Chief Judge Torresen called the defendant’s conduct “reprehensible.”
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Human Trafficking Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Biddeford and Dover, New Hampshire Police Departments.
Presque Isle Man Pleads Guilty to Bath Salts Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Contact: Andrew McCormack
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Andrew Grivois, 34, of Presque Isle, Maine, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute bath salts.
According to court records, between about June 2012 and June 2014, Grivois conspired with others in Aroostook County to obtain and distribute bath salts. On multiple occasions, Grivois ordered bath salts over the internet from China for personal use and to sell to other conspirators.
The defendant faces up to 20 year in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency with assistance from the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department and the United State Postal Inspection Service
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to StalkingRead the Press Release
Contact: Julia M. Lipez
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Charles Mack, 51, of Clearwater, Florida, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to stalking.
Court records reveal that between January 2014 and May 2015, Mack sent a series of harassing emails and text messages to his ex-wife, who was living in Maine, despite her repeated requests that he stop the communications. Mack’s conduct caused the victim substantial emotional distress.
Mack faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Woodland Man Sentenced to 36 Months for Bath Salts Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Contact: Andrew McCormack
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Preston Brown, Sr., 51, of Woodland, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 36 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute bath salts and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.
According to court records, between about June 2012 and June 2014, Brown conspired with others in Aroostook County to obtain and distribute bath salts. On multiple occasions, Brown ordered bath salts over the internet from China for personal use and to sell to other conspirators.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maine
Drug Enforcement Agency with assistance from the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.Sex Offender Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Failure to RegisterRead the Press Release
Contact: Halsey B. Frank
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that on February 26, United States District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Clyde M. Hall Jr., to 24 months incarceration followed by 10 years of supervised release.
According to court documents, Clyde M. Hall Jr. is required to register as a sex offender because of three previous convictions for sex offenses in Maine and New York. After serving a sentence on a New York conviction, Hall was released from prison there in March, 2012. Hall failed to report as required to a halfway house upon his release and failed to register as a sex offender in New York. In October, 2013, Hall was arrested in Portland, Maine, where he had also failed to register. He was transported to New York to serve a sentence there for violating his probation. Hall was returned to Maine upon the completion of that sentence and pleaded guilty in federal court on October 20, 2015.
United States Attorney Delahanty said that the investigation of the case was conducted by the United States Marshals Service.