District of Maine
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Florida Man Sentenced to Probation for Failure to Pay Child SupportRead 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 Glen S. Caristinos, 49, of Safety Harbor, Florida, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Chief Judge Nancy Torresen to five years of probation for failure to pay child support. He was also ordered to pay $117,601.38 in restitution. Caristinos pled guilty on July 3, 2015.
According to court documents, on October 31, 2001, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services ordered Caristinos to pay his ex-wife $248.16 per week toward the support of their minor child. That support order was increased to $303.20 per week on October 10, 2003. The court ordered that such payments continue until the minor reached the age of 18. The defendant made inconsistent payments between 2001 and 2005. In December 2005, he moved to Florida and virtually ceased making payments. The court-ordered restitution amount represents his total arrearage to date.
The conditions of Caristinos' probation include that he pay his restitution obligation and his court-ordered child support. In explaining the sentence, Chief Judge Torresen observed that Caristinos had obtained full-time employment enabling him to make his payments through a wage garnishment and explained that the statutory purposes of criminal punishment include getting defendants to pay restitution and getting parents to pay child support.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General and the Maine State Department of Health and Human Services, Child Support Enforcement Unit.
Massachusetts Man Convicted of Heroin and Crack Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Contact: David B. Joyce
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Jean Valbrun, 27, of Mattapan, Massachusetts, was found guilty by a jury today in U.S. District Court of possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base, commonly known as, crack cocaine.
According to court records, on March 16, 2014, law enforcement officers seized 225 grams of heroin and 106 grams of crack cocaine from a vehicle driven by Valbrun. The seizure occurred at a gas station in Auburn, Maine.
Valbrun faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the preparation of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Auburn and Lewiston Police Departments. 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.
Saco Man Pleads Guilty to Pharmacy RobberyRead the Press Release
Contact: Jonathan R. Chapman
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that William C. Day, 40, of Saco, Maine pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to pharmacy robbery.
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.
Day faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced after completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A sentencing date has not been set. He has been held without bail since the date of his arrest.
The investigation was conducted by the Saco Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Harpswell Woman Pleads Guilty to Bank EmbezzlementRead 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 Cecile Roux, 38, of Harpswell, Maine, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to embezzling bank funds.
According to court records, between April 12, 2012 and August 14, 2015, Roux, while serving as the head bank teller at the Bank of Maine in Brunswick, Maine, transferred $107,000 in a series of transactions from a customer’s account into her own account without authority.
Roux faces up to 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. She will be sentenced after completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Brunswick Police Department.
Bath Man Sentenced to Three Years for Being a Felon in Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
Contact: Darcie N. McElwee
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced today that Johnny Ray Johnson, 58, of Wiscasset, Maine was sentenced today by in U.S. District Court by Chief Judge Nancy Torresen to three years in prison and three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of firearms. He pled guilty on July 14, 2015.
According to court documents, on October 13, 2013, while Johnson was on probation for a 2013 felony domestic assault conviction in Maine state court, his probation officers conducted a home visit and found him in possession of three firearms.
The investigation was conducted by the Maine Probation and Parole Office; the Bath Police Department; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Windham Man Pleads Guilty to 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 pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to failing to present at a border crossing point when he entered the United States from Canada.
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 had previously been refused entry into the country as result of his criminal history.
U.S. Attorney Delahanty said 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 the United States present themselves for inspection at designated crossing points and ports of entry.
Mayberry faces up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine. He will be sentenced after completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Border Patrol.
South Portland Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Contact: David B. Joyce
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Wayne Sunderland, a/k/a "Sean Johnson," a/k/a "Thomas Butler," 32, of South Portland, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Chief Judge Nancy Torresen to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Sunderland pleaded guilty on July 9, 2015.
According to court records, on May 23, 2015, Johnson pulled alongside another vehicle with two occupants stopped at a traffic light located at the intersection of Payne Road and the Maine Turnpike Approach/Connector Road in Scarborough. Johnson fired a shot into the vehicle missing both occupants and lodging in the driver side door. He fled down Payne Road. A passing motorist reported the incident by calling 9-1-1. Scarborough police officers responded and located Johnson’s vehicle parked in a driveway a short distance away. Johnson was found and arrested hiding in nearby woods. A police K-9 led officers to Johnson’s firearm, a Glock nine millimeter semi-automatic pistol that was buried under leaves near his vehicle. Johnson was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2013 felony drug trafficking conviction in Maine.
The case was investigated by the Scarborough 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.
Portland Man Pleads Guilty to 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 today that Francis J. Ready, 59, of Portland, pled guilty in U.S. District Court to 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.
Ready faces up to 25 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine on the armed bank robbery charges and a mandatory consecutive seven years in prison for using a firearm to commit the robberies.
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.
Portland Man Charged with Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Contact: David B. Joyce
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced today that Moses Okot, 27, of Portland has been charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm.The charge arises out of a shooting that took place on November 16, 2015 in the vicinity of Fore and Market Streets in Portland’s Old Port district. According to the complaint, Okot possessed a Springfield Armory USA Model SA XD-9 subcompact handgun that was recovered from a vehicle that he drove that day. Okot was prohibited from possessing the firearm because of a 2011 conviction for felony murder.
If convicted, Okot faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
It is expected that Okot will make an initial appearance in federal court today at noon.
The investigation is being 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.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.Augusta Woman Sentenced to More Than Five Years for Making False Tax Claims and Identity TheftRead 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 Joann C. Rittall, 45, of Augusta, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 63 months in prison and three years of supervised release for making false claims against the United States and identity theft. She was also ordered to pay restitution of $219,065 to the U.S. Treasury and $19,896 to the State of Maine. The defendant pleaded guilty to the charges on August 15, 2013.
According to court documents, the defendant offered to assist individuals in filing tax returns and claims under Maine’s Residents Property Tax and Rent Refund "Circuit Breaker" Program. Partly as a result of these efforts, the defendant acquired the names, dates of birth and social security numbers of those individuals. Between 2007 and 2012, she used that personal information to prepare and file electronically from Maine dozens of false income tax returns
seeking $435,298 in federal and state tax refunds without the authority or knowledge of the individuals whose identities she had stolen.The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and Maine Revenue Services.
Waldoboro Resident Pleads Guilty to Crack 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 Jeremy Ingersoll-Meserve, 38, of Waldoboro, Maine pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine base, commonly known as, crack cocaine.
Between about January 2010 and August 2013, the defendant conspired with others to distribute over 280 grams of crack cocaine throughout the greater Bangor area. The drugs were obtained in the New Haven, Connecticut area and transported to the Bangor area by others. The defendant obtained the drugs from other conspirators and sold it for $100 per gram and $50 per half-gram.The defendant faces up to 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine and supervised release of between three years and life. 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 Drug Enforcement Agency; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (New Haven office); and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.Portland Man Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement and Making False Entries in Credit Union RecordsRead 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 John C. Barry, 69, of Portland, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to embezzlement and making false entries in credit union records.
According to court records, the defendant was the manager of the Portland Police Department Federal Credit Union (“PPDFCU”), a federal credit union whose deposits were federally insured. In that capacity, the defendant had access to PPDFCU bank accounts and was responsible for managing the activities of the credit union. Between 2009 and December 2013, the defendant embezzled more than $400,000 from credit union accounts by transferring the funds into his and his family members’ accounts for his and their personal use. Over that period of time, the defendant was also responsible for preparing and submitting certified quarterly call reports to the National Credit Union Administration (“NCUA”). The defendant caused false quarterly call reports to be filed that overstated the PPDFCU’s net worth to make it appear that PPDFCU was sufficiently capitalized, when in truth and in fact, as he well knew, the PPDFCU was not sufficiently capitalized. As a result, on December 1, 2014, the NCUA facilitated the acquisition of the PPDFCU by a much larger federal credit union.
Barry faces up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Bangor Man Sentenced to 10 Years on Drug Trafficking and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact: Chris Ruge
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Terrance Douglas, 35, of Bennettsville, South Carolina and Bangor, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 10 years in prison and eight years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, commonly known as crack cocaine, and heroin; possession with intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin; and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Douglas pleaded guilty on April 3, 2015.
According to court records, from April to October, 2014, Douglas imported drugs from out of state and then prepared, packaged, and distributed them in the Bangor area. Douglas, who had a previous felony conviction for distributing crack cocaine, was also found in possession of a loaded Smith & Wesson .44 magnum pistol at the time of his arrest.
The investigation was conducted by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; the Bangor Police Department; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.
Bangor Resident Pleads Guilty to Drug 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 Mark Wood, 56, of Bangor pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute bath salts.
According to court records, between about January 2012 and March 2014, the defendant conspired with others to distribute the bath salts MDPV and Alpha-PVP in Penobscot County. He obtained drugs from other conspirators and delivered them to friends and associates who paid for them. He was also paid in drugs for driving his supplier on drug deliveries and by other users and dealers who were buying drugs from his supplier.The defendant faces up to 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine and supervised release of between three years and life. 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 Drug Enforcement Agency; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.North Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to 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, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to stealing and embezzling funds from the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point.
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 about $25,000 from the tribe by submitting fraudulent travel expense reports and supporting documentation.
The defendant faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Inspector General.Milford Resident Pleads Guilty to Drug and Gun ChargesRead 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 Edwin Hamel, 59, of Milford, Maine pleaded guilty today U.S. District Court to conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute bath salts and to being a felon in possession of firearms.
According to court records, between about January 2012 and March 2014, the defendant conspired with others to distribute the bath salts MDPV and Alpha-PVP in Penobscot County. He obtained the drugs from China by ordering them over the internet. He and others following his instructions wired payments for them to China. The drugs were shipped by U.S. International Express Mail to the defendant and others where they were re-packaged for distribution and sold for $100 or more per gram.
In addition, the defendant possessed two Remington Model 700LH Bolt Action rifles which he acquired in exchange for bath salts. They were recovered by law enforcement agents on March 11, 2014 when the defendant was arrested. The defendant was prohibited from possessing the firearms because he had a prior felony marijuana trafficking conviction.
The defendant faces up to 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine and supervised release of between three years and life on the drug conspiracy charge. He faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the gun charge. 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 Drug Enforcement Agency; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.Verona Island Man Sentenced to Almost Seven Years on Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
Contact: Jim Moore
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Oscar Nunez, 28, of Verona Island, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 82 months in prison and three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Nunez pleaded guilty on January 20, 2015.
Court records reveal that on July 23, 2012, investigators found a High Point .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun during the execution of a search warrant at the defendant’s Verona Island residence. A Maine State Police Crime Lab forensic analyst found the defendant’s DNA on the handgun. The defendant was prohibited from possessing the handgun because of a prior felony conviction in New York for the criminal sale of a controlled substance. Nunez’s sentence was longer because he used the handgun in connection with other crimes and he had a history of drug trafficking and possessing explosive devices.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office; the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; the Maine State Police; and the Hancock and Penobscot County Sheriffs’ Departments.
Westbrook Man Pleads Guilty to Bath Salt Distribution and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
Contact: David B. Joyce
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Christopher Coombs, 43, of Westbrook, Maine, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to possession with intent to distribute alpha-PHP (a bath salt) and obstruction of justice.
According to court records, on October 31, 2015, law enforcement officers conducted a controlled delivery of about 500 grams of alpha-PVP to Coombs at his residence in Westbrook. This package originated from China and was intercepted by customs officials in New York. After Coombs accepted the package, he was arrested. Following his arrest, he directed his wife to delete certain emails that were relevant to the investigation.
At the plea hearing, Coombs also admitted to a violation of his supervised release. Coombs was on supervision from a 2008 conviction for conspiracy to distribute cocaine base.
Coombs faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine on the drug charge; up to 20 years and a $250,000 fine on the obstruction charge; and up to three years for violating supervised release. He will be sentenced after completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Westbrook Police Department, and the U.S. Postal Service.
Former Canaan Man Sentenced to over Six Years for Cocaine and Oxycodone DistributionRead 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 Frank Curtis, 35, formerly of Canaan, Maine, was sentenced today U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr., to 80 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine and oxycodone.
According to court records, between January 2010 and March 2012, Curtis conspired with Maurice McCray, William Waters and others in Waterville, Maine and surrounding communities. Curtis, McCray and Waters would obtain the drugs from out of state sources, have them transported to Central Maine, and then distribute the drugs. Curtis is the twenty second person to be convicted and sentenced in the federal investigation into drug distribution in the Waterville, Maine area.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency with assistance from the Waterville Police Department.
Portland Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Crack Conspiracy and 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 Marco Gordon, 34, of Portland was sentenced today to 11 years in prison and five years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute cocaine base, often referred to as crack cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. He was also ordered to forfeit $4,415. He pleaded guilty to the charges on July 7, 2015.
Court records reveal that between December 2013 and January 2015, Marco Gordon conspired with others, including, Russell Gordon and Robert Joiner, to sell crack cocaine in Portland. Members of the conspiracy would arrange for the acquisition of drugs out of state. Once the drugs were transported to Maine, they were provided to retail distributors, including Marco Gordon, who would sell the drugs in the Portland area, and then return the cash proceeds to Russell Gordon. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers conducted controlled purchases of crack cocaine from several members of the conspiracy. Marco Gordon was arrested on January 9, 2015, and found to be in possession of over 180 grams of crack cocaine and over $4,000.
Robert Joiner was previously sentenced to three years in prison. Russell Gordon has entered a guilty plea and awaits sentencing.
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; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s 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.
Harrison Man Sentenced to Three Years for Possession of Child PornographyRead 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 Wayne Pike, 38, of Harrison, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge George Z. Singal to three years in prison and 10 years of supervised release for possession of child pornography. He also was ordered to pay $10,320 in restitution to victims of the offense. He pleaded guilty to the charges on May 28, 2015.
Court records reveal that in July 2014, investigators with the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit (“MSPCCU”) downloaded via a peer-to-peer file sharing program hundreds of images that depicted minors engaged in sexually explicit activity. Investigators determined that the files were being made available by a computer at a home in Harrison where Pike was living. On October 10, 2014, investigators conducted a search warrant at the home, and found multiple electronic devices that contained child pornographic images. Pike claimed ownership of the devices and admitted that he was responsible for possessing the images the investigators found.
This case was investigated by the MSPCCU and the U.S. Secret Service.
Rhode Island Man Arrested for 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, was arrested yesterday in Massachusetts following his indictment in Maine on October 21, 2015 for travelling interstate on October 18, 2014 to have sex with a minor.
McNeill faces up to 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The joint investigation was conducted by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Bridgton, Maine Police Department.
An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Pembroke Woman Sentenced to Two Years Probation for Making False Statements to Obtain Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
Contact: Andrew McCormack
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Rosemary Peterson, 29, of Pembroke, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to two years of probation for making false statements to obtain Social Security Disability Insurance ("SSDI") benefits. She was also ordered to pay $11,874 in restitution. SSDI benefits are paid by the Social Security Administration ("SSA") to people with disabilities. Peterson pleaded guilty on May 8, 2015.According to court records, from April 2011 until November 2012, the defendant was designated as the representative payee for her boyfriend’s SSDI benefits. During this period of time, her boyfriend received over $10,000 in SSDI benefits. In November 2011, the defendant's boyfriend was required to undergo a Continuing Disability Review to determine if he was still disabled. During this review, the defendant claimed that her boyfriend did not work outside the house and required someone to clean, bathe, dress and cook for him. In fact, the defendant had lived with her boyfriend for several years and was well aware that he did not have disabilities that required her to clean, bathe, dress and cook for him. She was also aware that her boyfriend did a significant amount of work outside the house including working as a scrap metal dealer, carpenter and woodcutter.
The investigation was conducted by the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General.
Milford Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Contact: Jody Mullis
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Anthony Parent, 22, of Milford, Maine, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to possessing child pornography.
According to court records, from about October 31, 2013 to about July 17, 2014, Parent kept images and videos of child pornography on his personal computer, uploaded them to online accounts, and used electronic mail services to trade child pornography with others.
He 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 Investigation.
Bangor 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 Joshua Dunston, 37, of Bangor, Maine, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to possessing child pornography.
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.
Dunston faces between 10 and 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and between five years and a lifetime of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit, the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bangor Police Department.
Lincolnville Medical Practice Settles Federal Health Care Billing ComplaintRead the Press Release
Contact: John G. Osborn
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II today announced that Maine Dermatology, LLC, a dermatology practice with an office in Lincolnville, Maine, has agreed to pay $629,816 to settle claims involving false billings to the Medicare federal health care program. Medicare provides health insurance primarily to disabled and elderly Americans.
The United States filed a civil complaint on October 26, 2015, alleging that Maine Dermatology violated the federal False Claims Act between June 2010 and August 2013 by billing Medicare for providing evaluation and management services to patients in violation of applicable Medicare billing guidelines. The complaint alleged that Maine Dermatology submitted $314, 908 in false claims to Medicare. The complaint sought damages equaling double the full amount of the false claims. Maine Dermatology cooperated in the investigation.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, led by Health Care Fraud Investigator Richard Fairfield.Portland Woman Sentenced to 1½ Years for Mail and Wire 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 Beth M. Rogers, 46, of Portland, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Chief Judge Nancy Torresen to 1½ years in prison and six years of supervised release for mail and wire fraud. She was also ordered to pay almost $209,000 in restitution. She pleaded guilty on March 17, 2015.
Court records show that Rogers operated TravelWise Cruises & Tours, a travel agency in Saco. Beginning in late 2011, Rogers began taking client money without making travel reservations for the clients who had provided the funds. She instead used the money to pay for the travel of other individuals who had booked travel through TravelWise. She misapplied money from more than 50 clients in this fashion until mid-2012, when her scheme was discovered.
The investigation was conducted by the Saco Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.Augusta Man Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Contact: Jim Moore
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Jacob Choate, 27, of Augusta, Maine, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to bank fraud.
Court records reveal that in July and August, 2014, Choate defrauded more than ten banks in central and southern Maine by negotiating nine counterfeit checks and eight altered checks. U.S. Postal Inspectors uncovered Choate’s involvement in the scheme after receiving complaints of stolen mail and reports of cashed stolen checks. Video surveillance cameras at the banks recorded Choate cashing or attempting to cash each check.
Choate faces up to thirty years 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 investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service as well as the Augusta, Portland, Saco, and Scarborough, Maine Police Departments.
Winslow Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Contact: Jody Mullis
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Darrin Cates, 46, of Winslow, Maine, pleaded guilty today in U.S District Court to possession of child pornography.
According to court records and proceedings, between September 15, 2014, and October 30, 2014, the defendant used a computer and peer-to-peer software to make available for sharing videos of child pornography. In January of 2015, a search warrant was executed at Cates’s residence. Cates’s computer equipment was seized and examined and investigators found over 800 images and 290 videos of child pornography.
Cates faces up to twenty 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 Police Computer Crimes Unit and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
Lyman Man Sentenced to over a Year for Social Security FraudRead 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 Mark J. LaPierre, 55, of Lyman, Maine, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge Jon D. Levy to one year and one day in prison and two years of supervised release for social security fraud. He was also ordered to pay $38,212 in restitution. LaPierre pleaded guilty on April 22, 2015.
According to court documents, after LaPierre’s father’s death, LaPierre’s mother received Social Security survivor benefits. When LaPierre’s mother died in November of 2010, those survivor’s benefits continued to be deposited into LaPierre’s and his mother’s joint account at Biddeford Savings Bank. LaPierre did not notify the Social Security Administration of his mother’s death or that survivor benefits continued to be deposited into the joint account. LaPierre used the benefits to pay his own personal bills and expenses. On April 4, 2014, the Social Security Tele-Service Center in Boston, Massachusetts received an anonymous tip about the fraud and terminated the survivor benefits.
In pronouncing sentence, Judge Levy observed that LaPierre’s crime was a serious offense that continued for 3½ years and netted significant money. It was a negative influence on others. A sentence of imprisonment was necessary to deter him and others in the public who might be similarly inclined.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General.Sabattus Man Pleads Guilty to 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, 34, of Sabattus, Maine pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to receiving child pornography.
According to court records, in June 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. Many child pornography video files and still images were found on the computer.
He 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 investigation was conducted by the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.Detroit Man Sentenced to Three Years for Crack Distribution and ConspiracyRead 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 Robert Joiner, Jr., 30, of Detroit, Michigan was sentenced today to three years in prison and five years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, often referred to as crack cocaine, and distribution of crack cocaine. Joiner entered a guilty plea to the charges on May 29, 2015.
Court records reveal that between December 2013 and January 2015, Joiner conspired with others, including Russell Gordon and Marco Gordon, to sell crack cocaine in Portland. Russell Gordon would arrange 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, and then return the cash proceeds to Russell Gordon. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers conducted controlled purchases of crack cocaine from Joiner and other members of the conspiracy.
Russell Gordon and Marco Gordon have both entered guilty pleas and await sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Southern Maine Gang Task Force, which is comprised of investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Portland Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Biddeford and Lewiston Police Departments, 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.
Bangor 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 Clyde M. Hall Jr., 50, most recently of Bangor, Maine, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court for failing to register as a federal sex offender.
According to court documents, the defendant was required to register as a sex offender because of a 1989 Maine state conviction for unlawful sexual contact and gross sexual misconduct, a 1999 New York state conviction for endangering the welfare of a child, and a 2000 federal conviction in New York for possession of child pornography.
In March 2012, Hall was released from federal prison, but failed show up at an Albany, New York halfway house as he was directed. A warrant issued for his arrest.
On October 3, 2013, Deputy U.S. Marshals arrested Hall on Congress Street in Portland. He told the marshals that he had been in Maine for the previous 18 months, mostly in the Bangor-Orono area, and that knew he was supposed to register, but did not.
Hall faces up to ten years in jail and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced after completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service.
Camden Man Sentenced to Four Years for Mail and Tax 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 Russell W. Brace, a/k/a “Rusty,” 82, of Camden, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge George Z. Singal to four years in prison and two years of supervised release for mail and tax fraud. He was also ordered to pay full restitution. He pled guilty on May 29, 2015.
According to court records, between about July 1999 and September 25, 2014, Brace, the president and director of United Mid-Coast Charities, Inc. (“UMCC”), fraudulently obtained $4,646,636.45 by claiming that monies donated to UMCC, would be used for UMCC’s charitable purposes and not diverted for the defendant’s personal expenses or benefit. In fact, Brace diverted the funds into his own accounts and used them for his benefit and to pay personal expenses. To execute the scheme, he used the U.S. Postal Service to mail donation request letters, UMCC brochures, self-mailer remittance envelopes and thank-you letters. The investigation also revealed that he failed to report the money he obtained as income on annual federal tax returns thus failing to pay almost $390,000 in taxes and that he also filed false non-profit income tax returns for UMCC in which he failed to disclose the funds he illegally obtained.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.
York County Men Plead Guilty to Conspiracy and Firearms 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 Robert Pinkham, 20, of Buxton, Maine, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to conspiracy to possess stolen firearms and possession of stolen firearms. On Monday, October 5, 2015, co-defendants Dale Pinkham Jr., 25, and Raymond Pinkham, 21, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess stolen firearms. In addition, Raymond pled guilty to possessing stolen firearms and Dale Jr. pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin and illegally possessing firearms while a drug user.
According to court records, from around November 2012 until November 2014, Dale Jr. conspired 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. 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.
The defendants face up to five years in prison on the firearms conspiracy charge and up to 10 years on the firearms possession charges. They also face fines of up to $250,000 on each charge. Dale Jr. faces up to twenty years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine on the drug conspiracy charge. They will be sentenced after the completion of presentence investigation reports by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; the Maine State Police; and the Office of the Maine Attorney General; with assistance from the Buxton Police Department and Cumberland and York County Sheriff’s Offices.
Oakland Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Contact: Andrew McCormack
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Daniel Lajoie, Jr., 46, of Oakland, Maine, pleaded guilty today in U.S District Court to possession of child pornography.
According to court records and proceedings, between April 29, 2012 and June 3, 2012, the defendant used a computer and peer-to-peer software to make available for sharing videos of child pornography. A federal agent, acting in an undercover capacity, downloaded seven of those videos and eventually traced the online activity to a computer Lajoie possessed at a residence in Randolph, Maine. Lajoie’s computer was seized and examined and investigators found over 50 images and 110 videos of child pornography.
Lajoie 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 investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Task Force.
Canadian Man Pleads Guilty to 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, 46, recently of Gardiner, Maine, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to theft of public money and aggravated identity theft.
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 application and improperly received over $5,900 in SNAP benefits.
Bond faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine for benefit fraud and a mandatory additional two years in prison for aggravated identity theft.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Maine Office of the Attorney General, and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.
Portland Man Sentenced to 13 Months for Immigration Fraud and False StatementsRead 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 Adam Mack, 39, of Portland, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge D. Brock Hornby to 13 months in prison and three years of supervised release for aiding and abetting visa and marriage fraud and making false statements. The defendant pleaded guilty on March 30, 2015. He was also sentenced to a consecutive 4 months in prison for violating the terms of supervised release imposed on him following a 2013 federal conviction for equity skimming.
According to court records, between October 2009 and January 2012, Mack unlawfully assisted foreign nationals who were seeking to become lawful permanent residents, or green card holders, by engaging in marriage and visa fraud and he made false statements regarding his employment of them to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.
In imposing sentence, Judge Hornby said: "You have been cheating the system all along consistently. It's the deterrence, both general and specific, and just punishment that I think are critical."
"It's always sad to see a former public servant fall so far from the path of public service," said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Etre of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Boston. "But today's sentencing shows that no matter who you are, what position in the community you've held or what influence you thought you had, we will not hesitate to bring you to justice. HSI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to stop marriage and visa fraud."
The investigation was conducted by HSI and the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security.Media Notice – Press ConferenceRead the Press Release
Contact: Donald E. Clark
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: Thomas E. Delahanty II, United States Attorney for the District of Maine, Janet T. Mills, Maine Attorney General, and John E. Morris, Maine Commissioner for the Department of Public Safety, will host a press conference to discuss the new Anti-Heroin Opiate Initiative on Thursday, October 8, 2015 at 11:15 a.m. at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Munjoy Hill Conference Room, 7th Floor, 100 Middle Street, Portland.
U.S. Attorney Delahanty, Attorney General Mills and Commissioner Morris will introduce individuals who have agreed to serve as team leaders and members of three working groups to address issues concerning: law enforcement, public education/harm reduction and treatment/rehabilitation.
Members of the media should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled conference time, entering the office on the 6th Floor to proceed through security screening.
The press conference will be video-conferenced to the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 202 Harlow Street, Bangor and media members can view it there.Biddeford Man Sentenced to Probation for Mail DestructionRead 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 Jason A. McIntyre, 41, of Biddeford, Maine was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge Nancy Torresen to one year of probation for destruction of mail. He was also fined $500. McIntyre pleaded guilty on June 16, 2015.
According to court documents, in September 2013, the United States Postal Service (USPS) hired McIntyre to be an Assistant City Letter Carrier working out of the Saco Annex in Saco, Maine. On November 19th, 21st, 23rd and 25th, 2013, instead of delivering all of the mail on his route, McIntyre threw 576 pieces of mail addressed to 115 addresses into the trash at the Saco Valley Shopping Center where it was discovered by a maintenance man. When confronted, McIntyre admitted to throwing out the mail to avoid having to bring it back to the Annex and face management.
In pronouncing sentence, Judge Torresen observed that McIntyre made a poor decision that caused a lot of inconvenience and could have been worse being that the mail sometimes contains irreplaceable items.
The investigation was conducted by the USPS’s Office of Inspector General.Brunswick Man Sentenced to Four Months for Tax ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Contact: Karen E. Kelly
Assistant Chief, U.S Department of Justice, Tax Division
James W. Chapman, Jr.
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II and Acting Assistant Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice, Tax Division, Caroline D. Ciraolo, announced that David E. Robinson, 79, of Brunswick, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge D. Brock Hornby to four months in prison and one year of supervised release, including four months of home confinement, for conspiracy to defraud the U.S. by impeding and impairing the Internal Revenue Services (IRS). The defendant and co-conspirator F. William Messier were convicted on April 3, 2015, after a five-day jury trial.
According to trial testimony, Messier, doing business as Oak Hill Communications, earned substantial income on leases from telecommunication towers located on his Brunswick property. In 2012, after the IRS assessed taxes and interest against Messier totaling $172,094 for the tax years 2000 to 2004, Messier enlisted the help of Robinson who had written several books promoting anti-government and "sovereign citizen" theories. According to the testimony of witnesses, after the IRS sent Notices of Levy to Messier's customers, Robinson and Messier took a number of steps to obstruct and impede the IRS in the collection of the assessment against Messier, including presenting the IRS with a fake and worthless money order for the amount due by Messier. They also sent harassing and misleading correspondence to Messier's customers falsely stating that the customers would be breaking the law if they cooperated with the IRS. In addition, Robinson, who claimed to be "Interim Attorney General" of the "Maine Republic Free State," drafted and filed two frivolous lawsuits on behalf of himself and Messier against some of Messier's customers and against employees of the IRS. These lawsuits were dismissed in separate proceedings.
In imposing sentence, Judge Hornby said that the notion that people do not have to pay federal taxes "is a fantasy."
On August 27, 2015, Judge Hornby sentenced Messier to one year and one day in prison, a fine of $15,000, and ordered Messier to file all delinquent returns and pay any taxes owed to the IRS.
The case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney James W. Chapman, and Karen E. Kelly, Assistant Chief at the Tax Division prosecuted the case.Houlton Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening a Foreign Official and is Sentenced to Six MonthsRead the Press Release
Contact: Andrew McCormack
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Dushko Venelinov Vulchev, 38, of Houlton, Maine, and originally from Bulgaria, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to threatening a foreign official and was sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge John C. Nivison to time-served. The defendant was arrested on March 29, 2015 and has been detained since that date.
According to court records, on February 5, 2015, the defendant sent an email from his home in Houlton to a Bulgarian Vice-President of the European Commission, and others at the European Commission. The European Commission is located in Brussels, Belgium. The email was written in Bulgarian and made certain demands. The defendant wrote that if those demands were not met he would physically harm the Bulgarian Vice-President of the European Commission and others at the European Commission.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Houlton Police Department. The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs and the government of Bulgaria provided substantial assistance.Gray Man Pleads Guilty to Making False Entries in Credit Union RecordsRead 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 WILLIAM J. MURPHY, 75, of Gray, Maine, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to making false entries in credit union records.
According to court records, the defendant was the chief financial officer, a loan officer, the bookkeeper and an employee of the Portland Police Department Federal Credit Union ("PPDFCU"), a federal credit union whose deposits were federally insured. In that capacity, the defendant had access to PPDFCU bank accounts and was responsible for drafting and auditing the general ledger and preparing and submitting certified quarterly call reports to the National Credit Union Administration ("NCUA"). Between 2009 and 2013, the defendant filed false quarterly call reports in which he overstated the PPDFCU’s net worth to make it appear that PPDFCU was sufficiently capitalized, when in truth and in fact, as he well knew, the PPDFCU was not sufficiently capitalized. As a result, on December 1, 2014, the NCUA facilitated the acquisition of the PPDFCU by a much larger federal credit union.
Murphy faces up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Rumford Woman Sentenced to Six Months of Home Confinement for Social Security FraudRead 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 Marie Angel Michaud, formerly Marie Angel Broad, 43, of Rumford, Maine, was sentenced in U.S. District Court by Judge Jon D. Levy to three years of probation with six months of home confinement for Social Security fraud. She was also ordered to pay $19,978 in restitution. Michaud pleaded guilty on April 22, 2015.
According to court documents, in January 2002, Michaud was granted and began receiving Social Security Supplemental Security Income ("SSI") benefits. SSI pays benefits to persons who are aged, blind or disabled and who have proven financial need. Recipients of SSI are responsible for reporting material changes in their situation such as changes in their household composition and marital status. In November of 2010, Broad married but did not report that change to the Social Security Administration ("SSA"). Thereafter, during periodic redeterminations for continued eligibility for benefits, Michaud did not disclose her marital status and falsely stated that she was not married. As a result of her concealment, Broad received benefits to which she was not entitled.
In pronouncing sentence, Judge Levy observed that Social Security fraud is a serious crime that is difficult to detect and that is costly for the public and for government.
The case was investigated by the SSA’s Office of Inspector General.New York Man Found Guilty of 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 found guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge D. Brock Hornby of possession with intent to distribute heroin and distributing cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine, 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.
Winbrone faces up to 30 years in prison and a $2,000,000 fine. Based on prior convictions for drug trafficking, he may also be subject to an enhanced sentence as a career offender.
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.Biddeford Man Pleads Guilty to 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, pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court to transporting an individual in interstate commerce with the intent that she engage in prostitution.
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 a hotel in Dover, where Grondin was taken into custody on a pending state warrant.
Grondin 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.
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 Police Departments.
York County Men Plead Guilty to Conspiracy and Firearms 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 Chris Michaud, 23, of Limerick, Maine, and Cole Meserve, 21, of Standish, Maine, pled guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court to conspiracy to possess stolen firearms and possession of stolen firearms.
According to court records, between about May and November 2014, Michaud and Meserve engaged in a series of burglaries in which they stole items to sell for cash or trade for drugs. Beginning on October 1, 2014, Michaud, Meserve and another conspirator committed burglaries in which they stole firearms that they sold for cash and illegal drugs. On November 21, 2014, during the execution of search warrants, agents recovered several stolen firearms at a storage unit in Limerick that was rented by Michaud.
The defendants face up to five years in prison on the conspiracy charge and up to 10 years on the firearms charge. They also face fines of up to $250,000 on each charge. They will be sentenced after the completion of presentence investigation reports by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; the Maine State Police; and the Office of the Maine Attorney General; with assistance from the Buxton Police Department and Cumberland and York County Sheriff’s Offices.
Sanford Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin and Cocaine TraffickingRead 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 Adam Hill, 34, of Sanford, Maine, pled guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court to possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine.
According to court records, on April 10, 2015, Hill was arrested while in possession of about 43 grams of heroin and 20 grams of cocaine.
Hill faces up to 20 years 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 Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Sanford Police Department, and the Office of the Maine Attorney General, with assistance from the Maine State Police and South Berwick Police Department.
Sanford Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing 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 that James Levesque, 54, of Sanford, Maine pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court to distribution of oxycodone.
Court records reveal that on March 7, 2014, in Sanford, Levesque sold forty 80-milligram oxycodone pills, through a middleman, to an individual working with law enforcement.
Levesque faces up to 20 years 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.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the York County Sheriff’s Office.
Pennsylvania Man Pleads Guilty to Interstate StalkingRead 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 Makwan Jaff, 35, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to interstate stalking.
According to the criminal complaint affidavit and evidence introduced at the plea hearing, Jaff previously attended medical school in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis (“St. Kitts”). Between February 11, 2014 and June 25, 2014, with the intent to harass or intimidate a female former medical school classmate, Jaff created about five Facebook accounts in the victim’s name (or variations of her name with added words, such as “slut” and “whore”) and put pictures of her in them without her knowledge or permission. Once the Facebook accounts were deleted by the victim, Jaff sent threatening email and Facebook private messages to her and her immediate family. During these communications from St. Kitts, Jaff threatened to harm the victim and another classmate who were attending school in Scarborough, Maine from May 2014 until June 2014.
During some of the communication sent to the victim while she was in Maine, Jaff threatened: “Let me tell you what I am gonna do when I get home; rent a car first thing and come to [M]ain[e]….It is only a 24 hours drive...I won’t stop believe me I will f**k your world upside down!...I will turn your life in to a living hell…I will not go away I will f**k with you for the rest of your f**ken life…Keep thinking I am playing game till I hit where it f**ken hurts!”Jaff’s conduct caused substantial emotional distress to the victim and her immediate family. Jaff also sent hundreds of email messages to the classmate about the victim, many of which were similarly threatening and harassing.
Jaff faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced after completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.