District of Maine
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Richmond Man Sentenced for Theft of Copper from VARead 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 Derek
Less, 26, of Richmond, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to time
served, up to six months of community confinement and three years of supervised release for
stealing copper from facilities operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in
Togus, Maine. He was also ordered to pay $2,590.30 in restitution. The defendant has been
detained since his arrest on November 19, 2013.According to court records, in July and August 2012, the defendant stole over 400 pounds
of copper wire and pipe fittings from the VA and sold them to Clark’s Cars & Parts, Inc. to
support his drug addiction.The investigation was conducted by the VA’s Criminal Investigation Division, Office of
Inspector General.Portland Man Pleads Guilty to Crack Cocaine ConspiracyRead 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 Biniam
Tsegai, 26, of Portland, pled guilty today in United States District Court before Judge Nancy
Torresen to conspiring to distribute cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine.According to court records, in 2011 and 2012, the defendant was part a drug trafficking
conspiracy that acquired cocaine in Boston and distributed crack cocaine in the greater Portland
area. He prepared crack cocaine for sale and distribution after it had been brought to Maine and
he took orders for and delivered user-level quantities of crack cocaine to customers.
He faces up to 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine. He will be sentenced after
completion of a pre-sentence investigation report by the United States Probation Office.The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the
Portland Police Department, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Maine State Police and
the Southern Maine Gang Task Force, which is a task force comprised of agents and officers
from FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Department of Homeland
Security, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Portland and Biddeford Police
Departments.Lewiston Man Sentenced to 20 Years for 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
Fredrick W. Butler, Jr., 44, of Lewiston, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge
Nancy Torresen to 20 years in prison, to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for
transporting child pornography. Butler pled guilty to the offense on December 20, 2013.According to court records, in April of last year, Butler sent an email message to an
individual in Oregon attaching 19 images, most of which depicted minors engaged in sexually
explicit conduct. Court records also show that in 2001, Butler was convicted in federal court for
receiving child pornography; in 1995, he was convicted in state court of gross sexual assault. As
a result of his prior convictions, Butler was subject to an enhanced sentence of at least 15 years
in prison.The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s
Homeland Security Investigations.Connecticut Man 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 Richard
A. Kincaid, III, of Waterbury, Connecticut pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor
to distributing cocaine.According to court records, on March 25, 2014, the defendant drove from Connecticut to
a residence in Bangor to deliver seven ounces of cocaine and to collect about $3,000 from his
customer for a prior drug delivery. He was arrested a week later when he returned to Bangor.
The defendant faces up to 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, or both. 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.Rangeley Man Sentenced to Almost Four Years on Firearms ChargeRead 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 Frank
J. McConnell, III, a/k/a “Frank Thompson,” 23, of Rangeley, Maine, was sentenced today in
U.S. District Court in Bangor to almost four years (46 months) of imprisonment, three years of
supervised release and a $500 fine for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The defendant
pleaded guilty on November 13, 2013.Court records reveal that on July 13, 2013, law enforcement officers responded to a
complaint that an intoxicated man was at a home in Dallas Plantation shooting a gun. When the
officers arrived, the defendant was standing outside the home firing a handgun toward the
woods. The defendant was intoxicated and prohibited from possessing firearms because of prior
felony convictions for domestic violence assault and a bail violation.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and
Explosives, the Rangeley Police Department, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Maine
State Police, and the U.S. Border Patrol.Portland Man Pleads Guilty to Pharmacy RobberyRead 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 Jason
Campbell, 39, of Portland, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court before Judge Jon D. Levy to
pharmacy robbery.According to court records and evidence introduced at the plea hearing, on April 11,
2014, Campbell entered the CVS pharmacy, located on Congress Street in Portland, carrying a
backpack. As he approached the pharmacy counter, he opened the backpack, said he had a
“bomb,” displayed what appeared to be a soda bottle with wires attached to it, and told the
pharmacist to evacuate the CVS and to close the gate in front of the store. He demanded the
opioid pain medications Duragesic (fentanyl), demerol and dilaudid and absconded after being
given the narcotics. He disposed of his outer clothing and the backpack in a nearby trash
can. He was located a short time later in the vicinity of his Portland residence and some of the
stolen narcotics were recovered. The investigation revealed that the bomb was not an explosive
device.
Campbell faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or both. He will be
sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.The investigation was conducted by the Portland Police Department and the Federal
Bureau of Investigation.Bradley and Old Town Residents Plead Guilty to Bath Salt Distribution ConspiracyRead 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 Gina
Nelson, 31, of Bradley, Maine and Michael Tardiff, a/k/a “Bub”, 54, of Old Town, Maine
pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to conspiracy to possess with the intent to
distribute and to distribute MDPV, a chemical compound commonly referred to as “bath salts” or
“monkey dust”.According to court records, the members of the conspiracy illegally distributed MDPV in
Penobscot County and elsewhere between April and December 2011. The defendants obtained
MDPV from other members of the conspiracy and traded, sold or otherwise distributed it using
cellular telephones and other means of communication.
The defendants face up to 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, or both. They will be
sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The defendants are two of fourteen defendants charged by indictment as part of the
conspiracy. An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed to be innocent
until proven guilty in a court of law.
Co-defendants Elizabeth Mikotowicz, a/k/a “Beth,” Steven Orosco, a/k/a “Pablo,” Alan
Alan Ketchen, a/k/a “AJ,” Daniel Hines, Adam Hathorn, and Tina Keaton, a/k/a “Fumble,” all of
Bangor; Jessica Bryden, of Greenbush, Maine; and Matthew Tardiff, of Old Town, Maine;
previously pled guilty to the conspiracy charge and await sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency with assistance from
the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bangor Police Department.Two Bangor Residents Plead Guilty to Bath Salt Distribution ConspiracyRead 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
Elizabeth Mikotowicz, a/k/a “Beth,” 27, and Steven Orosco, a/k/a “Pablo,” 23, both of
Bangor, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to conspiracy to possess with the
intent to distribute and to distribute MDPV, a chemical compound commonly referred to as “bath
salts” or “monkey dust.”According to court records, the members of the conspiracy illegally distributed MDPV in
Penobscot County and elsewhere between April and December 2011. The defendants obtained
MDPV from other members of the conspiracy and traded, sold or otherwise distributed it using
cellular telephones and other means of communication.
The defendants face up to 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, or both. They will be
sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
Defendants are two of fourteen defendants charged by criminal complaint as part of the
conspiracy. A criminal complaint is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed to be
innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Co-defendants Alan Ketchen, a/k/a “AJ,” Daniel Hines, Adam Hathorn, and Tina Keaton,
a/k/a “Fumble,” all of Bangor; Jessica Bryden, of Greenbush, Maine; and Matthew Tardiff, of
Old Town, Maine; previously pled guilty to the conspiracy charge and await sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency with assistance from
the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bangor Police Department.Virginia Man Sentenced to 12 1/2 Years for 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
Stewart Thornton Reed, 50, of Virginia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge
George Z. Singal to 12½ years in prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, for
transporting child pornography. Reed pled guilty to the offense on December 20, 2013.According to court records, in September of last year, Reed sent an email message to an
undercover email account of a Special Agent with Homeland Security Investigations. Attached
to the email were image files depicting a young girl displaying her genitals. When the agent
asked the girl’s age, Reed replied that she was two years old. Reed was arrested near
Fredericksburg, Virginia in October. A cell phone in Reed’s possession when he was arrested
was later found to contain a number of images depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit
conduct, including the images that he had sent to the agent in September.The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s
Homeland Security Investigations.South Portland Man Sentenced to More than Four Years for Heroin 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 that
Nicholas Schwarz, 26, of South Portland, Maine was sentenced in United States District Court
by Judge George Z. Singal to more than four years (53 months) in prison and four years of
supervised release for conspiracy to distribute heroin. Schwarz pleaded guilty to the offense on
May 14, 2013.
According to court records, from 2011 until February 2013, the conspirators, led by
Mitch Merritt, obtained kilogram quantities of heroin in Lawrence, Massachusetts that was
distributed to customers in Maine and New Hampshire by Merritt, Schwarz, and
others. Numerous home burglaries and shoplifting crimes were committed by customers to pay
for that heroin.This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration; the
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency;
the New Hampshire and Maine State Police; the York County Sheriff’s Office; and the
Rochester, New Hampshire Police Department; and 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.New Hampshire Men Sentenced for Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Contact: Daniel J. Perry
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Mitch
Merritt, 30, of Rochester, New Hampshire and Scott Woodman, 29, of Farmington, New
Hampshire were sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge George Z. Singal for their
involvement in a heroin distribution conspiracy. Merritt was sentenced to over 12½ years (151
months) in prison and five years of supervised release. Woodman was sentenced to over 5 years
(65 months) in prison and three years of supervised release. The defendants pleaded guilty to the
offense on May 7, 2013.
According to court records, from 2011 until February 2013, Merritt led a group of
individuals who obtained kilograms quantities of heroin in Lawrence, Massachusetts that was
distributed to customers in Maine and New Hampshire by Merritt, Woodman, and
others. Numerous home burglaries and shoplifting crimes were committed by customers to pay
for that heroin.This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration; the
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency;
the New Hampshire and Maine State Police; the York County Sheriff’s Office; and the
Rochester, New Hampshire Police Department; and 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 Resident Pleads Guilty to Bath Salt Distribution 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 Alan
Ketchen, a/k/a “AJ”, 42, of Bangor pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to
conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute MDPV, a chemical compound
commonly referred to as “bath salts” or “monkey dust” and to maintaining a drug-involved
premise.According to court records, the members of the conspiracy illegally distributed MDPV in
Penobscot County and elsewhere between April and December 2011. Prior to October 21, 2011,
MDPV was classified as a controlled substance analogue. On that date, it was reclassified as a
Schedule I controlled substance. The defendant packaged and distributed MDPV from his
residence on Blackstone Street in Bangor and collected payments for the drug sales. On
November 10, 2011, law enforcement agents searched the residence and seized a large quantity
of MDPV and other controlled substances, cash, drug records, and drug paraphernalia.
On the conspiracy charge, the defendant faces up to 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine,
or both. For maintaining a drug-involved premise, he faces up to 20 years in prison, a $500,000
fine, or both. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by
the U.S. Probation Office.
Ketchen is one of six defendants charged as part of the conspiracy. Co-defendants Daniel
Hines, of Bangor; Jessica Bryden, of Greenbush, Maine; Matthew Tardiff, of Old Town, Maine;
Adam Hathorn, of Bangor; and Tina Keaton, a/k/a “Fumble”, of Bangor previously pled guilty to
the conspiracy charge and await sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency with assistance from
the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bangor Police Department.Bangor Man Sentenced to Four Months for Mail TheftRead the Press Release
Contact: Gail Fisk Malone
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that David
Blaine Fisher, 47, of Bangor, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge Nancy
Torresen to four months in prison, three months in community confinement and three years of
supervised release for stealing U.S. mail. Fisher was also ordered to pay $3,194 in restitution.According to court records, between October 9 and December 24, 2012, Fisher stole 12
checks that had been set out for pick-up by the U.S. Postal Service at eight residences in Bangor,
Ellsworth and Trenton. Fisher altered the check amounts, forged endorsements and used them to
buy merchandise at local stores, including Home Depot and Hannaford.The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Ellsworth
and Bangor Police Departments.Lisbon Man Sentenced to Ten-Year Maximum on Firearms ChargeRead 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 Robert
Kelly Carter, 50, of Lisbon, Maine, (formerly of Madison, Indiana) was sentenced today in U.S.
District Court by Judge Nancy Torresen to ten years in prison and three years of supervised
release for possession of a firearm by a felon. Carter pleaded guilty to the charge on December
12, 2013.Court records reveal that on September 18, 2013, Carter, who was on probation for a
2007 sexual abuse in the first degree conviction in Kentucky, was found in possession of a
loaded .38 special revolver and a pistol when his supervising Maine probation officer searched
his Lisbon residence. Carter also had felony convictions in Indiana in 2001 and 2004.Judge Torresen said she imposed the maximum statutory sentence of ten years because
she believed Carter was a danger to the community, particularly to the women with whom he
shares personal relationships.The investigation was conducted by the Maine Department of Corrections (Probation and
Parole), the Lewiston and Lisbon Police Departments, the Central Maine Violent Crime Task
Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.Andover Man Sentenced to 6 Years for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Contact: Andrew McCormack
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Jason
Littlehale, 42, of Andover, Maine, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge
Nancy Torresen to 6 years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, for
possession of child pornography. Littlehale pled guilty on September 30, 2013.According to court documents and records, in March of 2012, law enforcement obtained
information that Littlehale was sharing images of child pornography over the internet from his
workplace in Mexico, Maine. Agents met with Littlehale at his home in Andover. A forensic
examination of his computers and computer equipment revealed thousands of child pornography
images and videos.The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s
Homeland Security Investigations and the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit.Windham Man Pleads Guilty to Passing $18,000 Worth of Counterfeit Traveler’s ChecksRead 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 Keith
A. Coleman, 48, of Windham, Maine, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to passing $18,000
worth of counterfeit $100 American Express traveler’s checks.According to court records, between December 17, 2013 and January 10, 2014, the
defendant passed 180 counterfeit $100 American Express traveler’s checks at Applebee’s, Best
Buy, CVS Caremark, Denny’s, TGI Fridays, Longhorn Steakhouse, Olive Garden, Radio Shack,
Rite Aid, Ruby Tuesday, Staples, Target and Toys ‘R Us in Maine and elsewhere.Coleman faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. He will be sentenced
after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Auburn, Augusta,
Biddeford, South Portland and Topsham, Maine and the Everett, Massachusetts Police
Departments.Connecticut Man Sentenced to More than 16 Years on Crack Cocaine ChargesRead 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
Markevin Faucette, 41, of Hartford, Connecticut, was sentenced today in United States District
Court by Judge D. Brock Hornby to more than 16 years in prison and 8 years of supervised
release for conspiracy to distribute cocaine base, that is, crack cocaine, and possession with
intent to distribute cocaine base. Faucette pleaded guilty to the charge on October 2, 2013.According to court records, on January 9, 2013, Faucette, Margoliz Velazquez, and
Amanda Rodriguez transported about 47 grams of cocaine base from Connecticut to Auburn,
Maine where it was seized by police. Based on that seizure and on other drug trips made
between Connecticut and Maine, Faucette was held responsible for over 500 grams of cocaine
base.Faucette received an enhanced sentence as a “career offender” because he had five prior
felony drug trafficking convictions in Connecticut, Virginia, and North Carolina.This case was investigated by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency with assistance from
the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lewiston, Auburn, and Lisbon
Police Departments.Saco Attorney Pleads Guilty to $177,500 Money Laundering 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 that Gary
Prolman, Esq., 52, of Saco, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to conspiracy
to launder $177,500 worth of marijuana trafficking proceeds.According to court records, between 2011 and October 2013, David Jones and others
illegally distributed hundreds of pounds of marijuana in Maine and elsewhere. Between June and
September 2012, Prolman laundered about $177,500 worth of those drug proceeds by: (1) taking
cash from Jones to purchase an interest in Prolman’s sports agency business; (2) illegally
structuring cash deposits and cashier’s check purchases to avoid federal currency reporting
requirements; and (3) using structured cashier’s checks to jointly purchase real estate with Jones
in a transaction where only Prolman’s name appeared on the deed as the owner.Prolman received three separate $50,000 cash installment payments, largely consisting of
low denomination bills delivered in a backpack. When Prolman attempted to deposit more than
$10,000 from the first $50,000 installment into bank accounts he controlled, a bank teller advised
him of the federal currency reporting requirement for deposits exceeding $10,000. Under federal
law, financial institutions that receive more than $10,000 in cash from a customer are required to
report the transaction to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Structuring occurs when a customer
breaks up cash transactions into multiple increments of less than $10,000 to avoid this cash
transaction reporting requirement. Structuring is illegal under federal law and is commonly
associated with the laundering of drug proceeds. After being advised of the reporting
requirement by the bank teller, Prolman structured numerous cash deposits and paid $60,409 to
close the joint real estate purchase using seven structured cashier’s checks.
Prolman faces up to 20 years in prison, a $500,000 fine, or both. 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 IRS,
and resulted 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.Caribou Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Transportation 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
Christopher Hitchcock, 26, of Caribou, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by
Chief Judge John A. Woodcock., Jr. to 20 years in prison, to be followed by 20 years of
supervised release, for transportation of child pornography. Hitchcock pled guilty on November
13, 2013.According to court documents, Hitchcock emailed images of child pornography to
several individuals from his parent’s residence in Fort Fairfield, Maine. In imposing the
sentence, Judge Woodcock noted Hitchcock’s lengthy criminal record, including convictions for
assault and domestic violence, and unrelated charges pending against him in state court in
Aroostook County for attempted gross sexual assault and visual sexual aggression against a
child.The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Presque
Isle Police Department.Bangor Resident Pleads Guilty to Bath Salt Distribution ConspiracyRead 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
Hines, 38, of Bangor pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to conspiracy to
possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute MDPV, a chemical compound commonly
referred to as “bath salts” or “monkey dust.”According to court records, the members of the conspiracy illegally distributed MDPV in
Penobscot County and elsewhere between April and December 2011. Prior to October 21, 2011,
MDPV was classified as a controlled substance analogue. On that date, it was reclassified as a
Schedule I controlled substance. The defendant obtained MDPV from other members of the
conspiracy and traded, sold or otherwise distributed it. In November 2011, following a search of
a co-conspirator’s residence and the seizure of a large amount of MDPV, the defendant and
another person removed MDPV that the police did not find during their search. That MDPV was
later seized by police from another individual.
The defendant faces up to 20 year in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, or both. He will be
sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
Hines is one of five defendants charged as part of the conspiracy. Co-defendants Jessica
Bryden, 22, of Greenbush, Maine; Matthew Tardiff, 27, of Old Town, Maine; and Adam
Hathorn, 36 and Tina Keaton, a/k/a “Fumble,” 32, both of Bangor, previously pled guilty to the
conspiracy charge and await sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Bangor Police Department and the Maine Drug
Enforcement Agency with assistance from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.Vermont Man Convicted of Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Contact: Gail Fisk Malone
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Craig
Sanborn, age 64, of Maidstone, Vermont, was found guilty today of wire fraud in U.S. District
Court after a week-long jury trial in Bangor.In 2005, Sanborn received a $300,000 federally-funded Community Development Block
Grant to renovate the former rail terminal in Brownville, Maine, into a facility to manufacture
ammunition for black powder rifles. The grant entitled him to reimbursement for machinery
purchases and certain other expenses, provided he had invested $300,000 of his own funds
towards the project. The indictment against him, returned in December 2012, charged him with
submitting false invoices to the Town of Brownville and receiving funds to which he was not
entitled.Sanborn faces up to 20 years prison and a $250,000 fine, or both. He will be sentenced
after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. He was
returned to the custody of the State of New Hampshire, where he is serving a sentence for
manslaughter associated with a fatal explosion at a Colebrook ammunition-making facility in
May 2010.The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Office of
Inspector General, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the Brownville
Police Department.Hudson Woman Sentenced to Three Years on Drug, Money Laundering and Firearms 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 Alyssa
Farrington, 21, of Hudson, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A.
Woodcock, Jr. to three years in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to
possess with intent to distribute and to distribute bath salts, money laundering conspiracy, and
aiding and abetting a felon’s possession of firearms.According to court records, between mid-2011 and April 4, 2012, Farrington assisted her
boyfriend, Ryan Orton, in illegally obtaining and distributing six kilograms of methylone, over
two kilograms of methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), two of the most commonly abused
“bath salts,” and other drugs. Orton ordered the substances over the internet from China and had
them delivered to associates working with him. He paid for the shipments through wire transfers
made by Farrington and other associates. Once Orton obtained the drugs he and Farrington
distributed them throughout the Bangor area. On April 4, 2012, Orton and Farrington were
arrested and their residence, a storage unit and vehicle searched. Investigators seized, among
other things, drugs, firearms, a ballistic vest, night vision goggles, stun guns, and other
weapons. Orton was prohibited from possessing firearms because of prior felony drug
convictions. Farrington purchased several of the firearms for Orton who, as a felon, was
prohibited from purchasing them himself.The investigation was conducted by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.Greenbush Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing Postal FundsRead the Press Release
Contact: Jim Moore
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Nicole
Dumond, 33, of Greenbush, Maine, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to stealing postal
funds.According to court records, between November 2012 and January 2013, Dumond was
employed by the U.S. Postal Service as Postmaster Relief in Greenbush, Maine. Postmaster
Relief performs as a relief or leave replacement during the absence of a postmaster. In that
capacity, Dumond stole over $1,000 she received from customers for money orders and postage
stamps.Dumond faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or both. She will be
sentenced after completion of a pre-sentence report by the United States Probation Office.The investigation was conducted by the Office of Inspector General of the United States
Postal Service.Gardiner Man Pleads Guilty to Pharmacy RobberyRead 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 Ryan
McLaughlin, 26, of Gardiner, pled guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court in Bangor to pharmacy
robbery.According to court records, on November 13, 2013, McLaughlin entered the Shaw’s
Osco pharmacy in Augusta and handed a note to a pharmacy employee demanding two bottles of
Oxycodone. He was agitated as he spoke with the pharmacy staff, stating that he was in a hurry
and demanding that they move faster. He also kept one of his hands in his pocket during the
incident, as if he were concealing something. Pharmacy personnel provided him with two bottles
of Oxycodone and he left the store. In an interview after his arrest, McLaughlin admitted robbing
the store, and said he had committed the robbery to obtain pills to feed his severe addiction.McLaughlin faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. He will be
sentenced after completion of a presentence report by the United States Probation Office.The investigation was conducted by the Augusta Police Department and the Federal
Bureau of Investigation.Stockton Springs Woman Sentenced to Eight Months for Bank EmbezzlementRead 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 Brittany
A. Mace, 24, of Stockton Springs, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor
by Judge D. Brock Hornby to eight months of imprisonment for bank embezzlement. The court
directed that seven months of the sentence be satisfied by home detention, imposed five years of
supervised release and ordered the defendant to pay almost $26,000 in restitution. The defendant
pleaded guilty to the charge on November 14, 2013.Court records reveal that the defendant was a teller at Bangor Saving Bank. From about
August 23, 2010, to about November 3, 2011, the defendant stole almost $26,000 from the
accounts of 48 bank customers, many of whom were elderly and some of whom had dementia.
The bank discovered the embezzlement in 2011 and reimbursed customers for their losses.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.Rockland Man Pleads Guilty to Pharmacy RobberyRead 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 Elbert
Ranquist, 43, of Rockland, Maine, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to interfering with
commerce by robbery.
According to court documents, on the evening of August 5, 2013, Ranquist drove to
Jensen’s Pharmacy in Rockland in his wife’s distinctive vehicle. He entered the pharmacy
wearing sunglasses, a hooded sweatshirt pulled tight around his face, a small blue backpack and
blue surgical gloves. He went to the counter holding a knife in his left hand and demanded
oxycodone from the pharmacist. The pharmacist, who recognized the defendant as a regular
customer, asked out loud if he was really being robbed by “Elbert Ranquist.” The defendant
absconded with 10 5mg oxycodone pills.Ranquist faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or both. He will be
sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Rockland Police
Department and the Maine State Police.Greenbush Resident Pleads Guilty to Bath Salt Distribution ConspiracyRead 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 Jessica
Bryden, 22, of Greenbush, Maine, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to
conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute MDPV, a chemical compound
commonly referred to as “bath salts” or “monkey dust.”According to court records, the members of the conspiracy illegally distributed MDPV in
Penobscot County and elsewhere between April and December 2011. Prior to October 21, 2011,
MDPV was classified as a controlled substance analogue. On that date, it was reclassified as a
Schedule I controlled substance. The defendant packaged and distributed MDPV to other
members of the conspiracy who were selling the drug in the Bangor area. She also collected
payments for the drug from other members of the conspiracy.
The defendant faces up to 20 year in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, or both. She will be
sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
Bryden is one of four defendants charged as part of the conspiracy. Co-defendants
Matthew Tardiff, 27, of Old Town, Maine, and Adam Hathorn, 36, and Tina Keaton, a/k/a
“Fumble” 32, both of Bangor, previously pled guilty to the conspiracy charge and await
sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency with assistance from
the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.Massachusetts Man Convicted of Federal Firearm ChargeRead 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
Jermaine Whindleton, 28, formerly of Worcester, Massachusetts, was found guilty yesterday in
U.S. District Court in Portland, following a two-day jury trial, of being a felon in possession of a
firearm.According to trial evidence and court documents, in 2009, Whindleton was convicted in
Massachusetts of felony drug and assault charges. Several years earlier, he had also been
convicted in New York of felony drug and assault charges. On June 12, 2012, Whindleton used a
Mossberg 16 gauge pump-action shotgun in Porter, Maine to assault a drug associate by striking
him on the back of his head with the butt end of the firearm during an argument over a drug debt
owed to Whindleton.Whindleton is subject to an enhanced sentence as an Armed Career Criminal. He faces a
mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. 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 and the Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.Westbrook Man Convicted of PerjuryRead 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 Joel
Dudley, 29, of Westbrook, was convicted yesterday after a two-day jury trial in U.S. District
Court in Portland of making a false declaration to a federal court.According to court records and evidence introduced at trial, in April of 2013, Dudley
testified at a hearing on a motion to suppress statements he made during an interview with law
enforcement agents in connection with an investigation of him for possession of child
pornography. At the suppression hearing held in U.S. District Court in Portland, Dudley falsely
testified that he repeatedly invoked his right to counsel during the interview, but that agents
continued to question him in violation of his constitutional rights. Today’s guilty verdict
reflected the jury’s conclusion that Dudley’s suppression hearing testimony was knowingly false
and material to, or capable of influencing the outcome of, the hearing at which he testified.
On February 25, 2014, Dudley was convicted of possession of child pornography after a
two-day jury trial in U.S. District Court. Dudley will be sentenced on both cases after completion
of a pre-sentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. He faces a maximum
sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000 on the child pornography charge, and a
maximum sentence of up to 5 years and a fine of up to $250,000 on the false declaration charge.The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s
Homeland Security Investigations and the Westbrook Police Department.Kenyan Woman Sentenced to One Year for Marriage Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Contact: Gail Fisk Malone
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that
Margaret Kimani, 30, of Worcester, Massachusetts, was sentenced today to one year in prison
and three years of supervised release for conspiring to defraud the United States by seeking to
become a lawful permanent resident, or green card holder, by engaging in a marriage fraud
conspiracy. She was convicted after a jury trial in December 2013.According to court documents, in 2001, Kimani, a Kenyan national, came to the United
States on a visitor’s visa. In 2003, after her visa expired, Kimani came to Maine and paid a U.S.
citizen from Maine to marry her. She and the Maine resident then filed documents with U.S.
immigration authorities to adjust her immigration status so she could stay permanently in the
country. After the U.S. citizen backed out of the scheme, Kimani filed a petition under the
Violence Against Women Act, which allows aliens who are subject to abuse to apply for
permanent residence without the knowledge or consent of their U.S. spouse. In support of that
petition, she filed false documents to make it appear that her U.S. citizen spouse had abused
her. Relying on her false claims, immigration authorities granted her petition and awarded her
lawful permanent resident status.Other than cases against fugitives, Kimani’s sentencing brings to a close a major
marriage fraud conspiracy investigation that resulted in felony convictions against 28 defendants
in Maine since 2010. Launched in 2005 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the investigation identified more than 40 sham
marriages in the Lewiston/Auburn and Newport areas between U.S. citizens from Maine and
nationals of Kenya, Uganda, Zambia and Cameroon. The Maine residents were paid to marry
the foreign nationals and assist them in seeking a green card.
In addition to Kimani, three other defendants -- Emmanuel Musiitwa, Grace Nyaga and
Jecinta Wambui Ngige -- all filed false claims of spousal abuse with U.S. immigration
authorities. These were the first prosecutions in the United States for fraudulently misusing the
immigration provisions of the Violence Against Women Act. Emmanuel Musiitwa was
sentenced to four months in January 2014. Grace Nyaga was sentenced to three months in
September 2013. Jecinta Wambui Ngige was sentenced to four months in January 2014.
Others who were convicted include ringleader Rashid Kakande, who was sentenced to 19
months in prison in April 2012; and Maine organizers Angela Roy, who was sentenced to 10
months in April 2011, and Torri Patterson, who was sentenced to six months in April
2011. James Mbugua, the other ringleader, fled after being charged in the case and released on
bail conditions, and remains a fugitive.Also convicted were:
Name
Sentence
Month/Year of Sentence
Catherine Nantume
one year
December 2012
183 days
May 2012
Thomas Taylor
six months
July 2011
Henry Swan
four months
June 2011
Heather Dugas
three months
July 2011
Paula German
three months
April 2011
Thomas Patrick Hanson
three months
May 2011
Simon Kihugu
three months
July 2013
Albert White
three months
April 2011
June Roy White
three months
May 2011
Samuel Paradis
three months
October 2011
Susan Wambui Kimani
three months
December 2011
Lucy Kubai
two months
February 2012
James Muhoro
two months
March 2012
Jason Neas
two months
July 2012
Janet Wanjiru Thumi
two months
March 2013
Annie Njoroge
45 days
February 2013
Edward Kizito
one month
December 2011
Christine Njoroge
one month
October 2012
Beth Stewart
3 years probation
November 2012
Kelly Rider
1 year probation
June 2011
"America's legal immigration system is not for sale and we will move aggressively
against those who willfully compromise the integrity of that system simply to enrich
themselves," said Bruce Foucart, Special Agent in Charge for HSI in Boston. "Immigration
benefit fraud is a serious crime. Not only does it potentially rob deserving immigrants of benefits
they rightfully deserve, it also creates a security vulnerability that could be exploited by
criminals and others who pose a danger to our community. People who use ruses like this in an
attempt to obtain a green card should be forewarned, if you commit marriage fraud, there isn't
going to be a honeymoon."
The case was investigated by HSI and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in
Portland and Boston, with the assistance of the Lewiston Police Department.New Jersey Man Convicted of ExtortionRead the Press Release
Contact: Gail Fisk Malone
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Patrick
M. Curley, 50, of Passaic, New Jersey, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to
extortion. Curley was indicted on March 21, 2013.According to court documents, in March 2010, Curley applied on-line for a job with
Vescom, a Hampden, Maine-based security firm. On April 21, 2010, Curley met Vescom’s
Senior Vice President for a job interview in New York. In e-mails and a voice message left after
the interview, he expressed ongoing interest in the job. On April 27, however, he e-mailed
Vescom’s Senior Vice President and falsely accused her of sexual harassment and discrimination
and threatened to sue. In the months that followed, both he and an attorney representing him
contacted Vescom employees and staff counsel threatening to sue and take his claims to the
media if they could not reach a financial settlement. Curley’s claims of sexual harassment and
discrimination were false and were intended to extort money from Vescom.Curley faces up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or both. He will be sentenced
after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Kenyan Woman to be Sentenced for Marriage Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Contact: Gail Fisk Malone
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II and Bruce Foucart, Special
Agent in Charge for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security
Investigations (HSI) in Boston will hold a joint press conference on April 8, 2014, at 3:30 p.m. at
the U.S. Attorney’s Office, located at 202 Harlow Street, Room 111, in Bangor, regarding the
sentencing of Margaret Kimani, 30, of Worcester, Massachusetts, and the marriage fraud
conspiracy investigation that has resulted in felony convictions of 28 defendants in Maine since
2010. Launched in 2005 by HSI, the investigation identified over 40 sham marriages in the
Lewiston/Auburn and Newport areas between U.S. citizens from Maine and nationals of Kenya,
Uganda, Zambia and Cameroon. The Maine residents were paid to marry the foreign nationals
and to assist them in fraudulently seeking to obtain a marriage-based change in their immigration
status to that of a lawful permanent resident, or green card holder.The press conference will be video-conferenced to the U.S. Attorney’s Office located at
100 Middle Street, East Tower, 6th Floor, in Portland. Members of the press in the southern part
of the State may attend in Portland.Englishman Sentenced to 17 Years on Child Exploitation and Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
Contact: Gail Fisk Malone
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that
Nicholas Cheese, 27, of Oxford, England, was sentenced today to 17 years in prison and 5 years
of supervised release for producing child pornography. He pled guilty to the charge on October
18, 2013.Court documents reflect that in 2012, Cheese developed an on-line relationship with a 12-
year-old girl from Maine, chatting and e-mailing with her and exchanging photographs. In June
2013, he traveled from England to Bangor and sexually assaulted her at a Bangor hotel. He
recorded one of the assaults.The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland
Security Investigations, in Bangor and London, England; the Bangor Police Department; the
Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office; and the Thames Valley Police in Oxford, England.East Central Franklin Woman Sentenced to More Than Four Years for Pharmacy RobberyRead 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 Michelle
L. Wilcox, 28, of East Central Franklin, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to
51 months in prison and three years of supervised release for robbing the Western Maine
Pharmacy in Kingfield, Maine. She was also ordered to pay $1,153 in restitution. She pled
guilty to the crime on October 18, 2013.Court records reveal that on June 3, 2013, the defendant, wearing a gray hooded
sweatshirt and sunglasses, entered the pharmacy and passed a note to a technician demanding all
of the Suboxone strips and stating that she had “a weapon and will use it.” She absconded with
85 8mg Suboxone strips. A Franklin County Deputy Sheriff identified the defendant from
detailed witness descriptions and review of a surveillance video. Within hours of the robbery,
the defendant was arrested and confessed.The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Franklin
County Sheriff’s Department and the Maine State Police.Two Bangor Residents Plead Guilty to Bath Salt Distribution ConspiracyRead 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 Adam
Hathorn, 36, of Bangor and Tina Keaton, a/k/a “Fumble” 32, of Bangor pleaded guilty today
in U.S. District Court in Bangor to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to
distribute MDPV, a chemical compound commonly referred to as “bath salts” or “monkey
dust.”According to court records, the defendants illegally distributed MDPV in Penobscot
County and elsewhere between April and December 2011. Prior to October 21, 2011, MDPV
was classified as a controlled substance analogue. On that date, it was classified as a Schedule I
controlled substance. The defendants obtained quantities of MDPV from other members of the
conspiracy in the Bangor area and then traded, sold, or otherwise distributed them to others.
The defendants face up to 20 year in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, or both. They will be
sentenced after the completion of presentence investigation reports by the U.S. Probation Office.
Hathorn and Keaton are two of 14 defendants charged as part of the conspiracy. A third
defendant, Matthew Tardiff, 27, of Old Town, Maine, pled guilty to the conspiracy charge on
January 27, 2014 and awaits sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency with assistance from
the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.New Hampshire Residents Sentenced on Armed Bank Robbery ChargesRead 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 Daniel
Barry, 38, of Pembroke, New Hampshire, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 63
months in prison and 5 years of supervised release for armed bank robbery. He was also ordered
to pay $15,471 in restitution. The charges arose from the October 19, 2013 armed bank robbery
of Kennebunk Savings in Eliot, Maine and the October 26, 2013 armed bank robbery of the
Ocean Communities Federal Credit Union (OCFCU) in Sanford, Maine.Brianne Mone, 27, of Dover, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 45 months in prison and
3 years of supervised release for aiding and abetting armed bank robbery. The charges arose
from the August 21, 2013 armed bank robbery of Citizen’s Bank in Somersworth, New
Hampshire and the October 2013 armed bank robbery of OCFCU. She was also ordered to pay
$10,708 in restitution.According to court records, during the Kennebunk Savings robbery, Barry vaulted over
the teller counter and took $7,896 from the teller drawers, while an associate, Philip Gage,
pointed a Ruger Red Hawk .44 Magnum revolver at tellers. Barry was the source of the .44
Magnum revolver used by Gage during the robbery as well as the source of a Dan Wesson .22
caliber revolver that was used by Gage to rob $8,574 from OCFCU. Both firearms we recovered
during a search of Barry’s residence.Mone was the getaway driver for the Citizen’s Bank and OCFCU armed bank
robberies. During the Citizen’s Bank robbery, Gage gave a teller a handwritten demand note that
read, in part, “I have a bomb and a gun if you say a word you will die” and absconded with
$3,132.This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Maine State
Police, and the Eliot, Kittery, Sanford, Berwick, York, Maine and Exeter, Somersworth, Alton
and Pembroke, New Hampshire police departments. U.S. Attorney Delahanty praised the
cooperation among these law enforcement agencies noting that “these armed bank robberies
were quickly solved because local, state, county and federal law enforcement agencies across
two states worked closely together.”Milo Man Sentenced to 1½ Years for Damaging Energy FacilitiesRead 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 Michael
J. Weston of Milo, Maine was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court in Bangor to 1½ years
in prison and 3 years of supervised release for damaging property of an energy facility. He was
also ordered to pay $43,236 in restitution. The charges arose out of Weston’s theft of copper
wire from substations owned by Emera Maine, formerly known as Bangor Hydro Electric
Company.
According to court records, in 2010 and 2011, Weston cut holes in fencing or cut locks to
break into substations at Brooksville, Derby, Enfield, Milo and Orrington and stole hundreds of
pounds of copper ground wire from the facilities. Over that period, Bangor Hydro was the
victim of theft at about 19 of its substations. According to Bangor Hydro officials, it is
extremely dangerous for anyone without experience with electricity to enter the fenced areas of
its transmitting substations and remove wire. Weston sold the stolen copper wire to Chester
Gray’s Salvage Yard in Corinth, Maine.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Maine State
Police and the Maine Fire Marshal’s Office.Texas Man Sentenced for Theft of SSDI BenefitsRead 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 Carroll
Freemont Pennell, 69, currently of Cushing, Texas and formerly of Brunswick, Maine, was
sentenced in U.S. District Court by Judge George Z. Singal to 2 years of probation and ordered
to pay $29,512 in restitution for stealing Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.According to court documents, Pennell was pastor, president and spiritual leader of the
Word of God Fellowship Church in Brunswick for which he was paid a salary. In 1997, Pennell
applied for and obtained SSDI benefits after injuring his back while working in the shipping
department at Grumbacher Brush Company. To get those benefits, Pennell concealed his church
salary from the Social Security Administration by having the church pay it to his wife. As a
result, Pennell received $146,829 worth of SSDI benefits to which he was not entitled. The
court’s ability to award full restitution was limited by the five-year statute of limitations.
In fashioning his sentence, Judge Singal observed that Mr. Pennell was as much a thief as
someone who pickpockets parishioners. He corrupted his church and contributed to the public’s
cynical belief that its leaders are hypocrites. Nevertheless, Judge Singal found that probation
was appropriate for Mr. Pennell given his advanced age and serious health problems.
The investigation was conducted by Office of the Inspector General for the Social
Security Administration.New York City Man Pleads Guilty to Oxycodone Distribution 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 William
Waters, 32, of Bronx, New York, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor to possession
with the intent to distribute oxycodone.Court records reveal that on March 15, 2013, Waterville Police Department officers
encountered the defendant and Ebony Howard who they believed to be body-carrying a large
quantity of oxycodone tablets. Howard and Waters were taken to police headquarters where
Howard ultimately surrendered a package containing 645 oxycodone 30 mg tablets. Waters
admitted that he obtained the tablets in New York City and gave them to Howard who was doing
him a favor. Waters planned to distribute the drugs to Maine customers.
Waters 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 United States Probation Office.The case was investigated by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Waterville
Police Department.Massachusetts Fugitive Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms and Identity Theft ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact: Darcie N. McElwee
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Gary
Irving, a/k/a “Gregory Irving” and “Gregg Irving,” 53, of Gorham, Maine, pleaded guilty
yesterday in U.S. District Court to being a fugitive in possession of firearms and aggravated
identity theft.Court records reveal that Irving was arrested on March 27, 2013 on an outstanding
fugitive warrant from Massachusetts for a 1979 conviction for violent rape and other
crimes. Irving had been living under a false identity in Maine since 1981, had been fraudulently
using his brother’s name and social security number, and used an incorrect date of birth to renew
his driver’s license. At the time of Irving’s apprehension, he had nine firearms in his home.He faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the firearms charge and a
consecutive 2 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the identity theft 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 Massachusetts and Maine State Police, the
Gorham Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector
General.South Portland Man Sentenced to 16 Months for Possessing a Stolen 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
Bahman Habibi, 28, of South Portland, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by
Judge D. Brock Hornby to 16 months in prison and three years of supervised release for
possessing a stolen firearm. Habibi was found guilty of the charge on October 30, 2013,
following a jury trial.Court records reveal that a Glock pistol and a badge belonging to a law enforcement
detective were stolen from a motor vehicle in South Portland on September 21, 2012. On April
17, 2013, Joseph Morrill used the stolen pistol to rob Cumberland Farms on Cottage Road in
South Portland. Five days later, Morrill used the pistol to rob TDBank on Market Street in South
Portland. Morrill then hid the stolen pistol. On March 25, 2013, the stolen pistol was taken to
the basement of Habibi’s residence in South Portland. Habibi knew the pistol was concealed
there and that it was stolen. On June 14, 2013, the firearm was recovered during the execution of
a federal search warrant at Habibi’s residence.
The investigation was conducted by the South Portland Police Department and the
Federal Bureau of Investigation.Former Wells Resident Sentenced to 18 Months for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Contact: James W. Chapman, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Robert
Wayne Lyon, age 27, formerly of Wells, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Portland by
Judge Nancy Torresen to eighteen months in prison, followed by five years of supervised
release, for failing to register as a sex offender. Lyon pled guilty to this offense on October 29,
2013.According to court records, in 2007 the defendant pled guilty in Arizona to Sexual
Conduct with a Minor, a crime that required him to register as a sex offender under state and
federal law upon his release from jail. In 2009, when he updated his registration in Arizona, he
acknowledged that he understood that his obligation to register as a sex offender was a lifetime
requirement and that if he moved to another state, he had to comply with the registration
requirements of that state. Soon thereafter, Lyon left Arizona and moved to Arkansas and then
Missouri before arriving in Maine in 2012 without ever registering as a sex offender in any of
those states. Federal authorities arrested Lion on July 2, 2013.This case was investigated by the Wells Police Department and the U.S. Marshals
Service.Fairfield Woman Sentenced to 14 Months on Immigration, Money Laundering and Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact: Donald E. Clark
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Mei
Juan Zhang, 31, of Fairfield, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Chief Judge
John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 14 months of imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release for
harboring undocumented aliens for commercial advantage and private financial gain, money
laundering conspiracy, and conspiracy to file false employer's quarterly federal tax returns. She
was also ordered to pay restitution of $54,288 to the Internal Revenue Service. Zhang pled
guilty to the charges on April 18, 2013.According to court records, between 2009 and 2011, the defendant was the manager of
the Grand Asian Buffet and the Super China Buffet, located on Kennedy Memorial Drive in
Waterville. In that capacity, she managed a Chinese buffet restaurant that brought
undocumented aliens into Maine to work, had them work six to seven days per week, twelve
hours per day, housed them in a cramped residence on Oak Street in Waterville, transported them
back and forth each day to work, paid them under the table with cash generated illegally by the
employment of undocumented aliens, and filed numerous false quarterly employment tax returns
in which the undocumented aliens were not disclosed and employment taxes were not properly
withheld or paid. The investigation revealed that about half of the employees at the buffet over
that period were undocumented, and that the defendant’s activities concealed about $250,000 in
wages and thwarted the collection of about $55,000 in employment taxes.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s
Homeland Security Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, the U.S.
Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering & Fraud
Investigations, with assistance from the Waterville Police Department.Massachusetts Man Sentenced to Almost 4 Years on Federal Firearm ChargeRead 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 Jamie
Figueroa, 22, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge
D. Brock Hornby to 46 months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised
release for possession of a firearm by a felon. Figueroa pled guilty to the charge on November
26, 2013.According to court records, on September 2, 2013, Figueroa, a convicted felon since
2012, was arrested by Windham, Maine police officers. The police officers had responded to a
call regarding a residential disturbance and had obtained a description of the vehicle used by the
suspects. Officers located the vehicle, which had been reported stolen in New Hampshire,
stopped in the driveway of another residence in Windham. At gunpoint, officers ordered
Figueroa, who was the driver, out of the vehicle and removed a loaded revolver from his coat
pocket.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and
Explosives and the Windham, Maine Police Department.Hudson Man Sentenced to More Than 15 Years on Drug, Money Laundering and Firearms 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 Ryan
Orton, 29, of Hudson, Maine, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court to 15 years in
prison and six years supervised release for conspiracy to import bath salts, conspiracy to launder
money, and being a felon in possession of firearms. The court also ordered the forfeiture of seven
firearms, more than $10,000, and other property connected to the commission of the offenses.According to court records, between mid-2011 and April 4, 2012, Orton illegally
obtained methylone and methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), two of the most commonly
abused “bath salts.” Orton ordered the substances over the internet from China and had them
delivered to associates working with him. He paid for the shipments through wire transfers made
by associates. On April 4, 2012, he was arrested and his residence, a storage unit and his vehicle
were searched. Investigators seized, among other things, drugs, firearms, a ballistic vest, night
vision goggles, stun guns, and other weapons. Orton was prohibited from possessing firearms
because of prior felony drug convictions. The investigation revealed that Orton imported and
distributed throughout Penobscot County, six kilograms of methylone, over two kilograms of
MDPV, and other drugs.The investigation was conducted by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations.New York Man Sentenced to More Than 3 Years for Failing 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 Jose L.
Velazquez, 34, of Falconer, New York, was sentenced in United States District Court by Judge
D. Brock Hornby to 37 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release for failing
to register as a sex offender. On September 23, 2014, he pled to the charge.According to court documents, on January 16, 2009, Velazquez was convicted in Maine
state court of 2 counts of gross sexual assault and one count of furnishing liquor to a minor. He
was sentenced to 8 years of imprisonment with all but 3 years suspended, followed by 4 years of
probation, and he was informed that he would have to register as a sex offender for life.
On March 1, 2011, Velazquez was released on probation and reminded of his obligation
to register as a sex offender, which he did. On September 19, 2011, Velazquez gave written
notice that he was changing his address to Biddeford, Maine and then stopped registering in
Maine.In fashioning his sentence, Judge Hornby observed that Velazquez was a high risk
individual who had blatantly failed to register as he was required, and that the sentence was
necessary to promote respect for the law.
The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.Bangor Man Sentenced to 18 Years as an Armed Career CriminalRead 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 Lauren
MacArthur, 29, of Bangor, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to 18 years in
prison and five years of supervised release for possessing stolen firearms. Because the defendant
possessed the firearms after having been convicted of at least three violent felonies, he was
sentenced as an Armed Career Criminal under federal law and faced a mandatory minimum
prison term of 15 years. He pleaded guilty to a two-count indictment on November 26, 2012.Court records reveal that on the evening of January 20, 2012, a Maine State Police
trooper was traveling southbound on I-95 in Old Town. He drove up behind a grey sedan and
noticed that the license plate was covered with dirt and difficult to read. When the trooper
activated his emergency lights, the defendant accelerated away at a high rate of speed, passing
several vehicles. The trooper activated his siren and a prolonged chase followed during which
the defendant drove at speeds of up to 90 miles per hour, ran red traffic lights, and crossed
intersections at high rates of speed. At one point, the defendant crossed over an oncoming lane
of traffic and drove into a bridge guardrail. The vehicle returned to its proper travel lane and the
chase continued for a short distance before the trooper was able to ram it off the road. The
defendant fled, but the trooper caught and arrested him. Law enforcement officers recovered two
loaded rifles that the defendant had thrown from the vehicle during the chase. Their
investigation showed that the defendant had stolen those firearms on the day of the chase from a
home in Medway.
The investigation was conducted by the Maine State Police, the Penobscot County
Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.Massachusetts Man Sentenced for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Contact: Daniel J. Perry
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced today that Efrain
Urena, a/k/a “Cheech”, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced by United States District Judge
George Z. Singal to 12 years in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release for conspiracy
to distribute heroin. Urena pleaded guilty to the offense on October 9, 2013.
In late 2012 and early 2013, law enforcement agents learned that Urena supervised a family
drug trafficking operation in Lawrence that, from 2011 until Urena’s arrest in February 2013,
distributed heroin to customers in Maine and New Hampshire. On April 24, 2013, a superseding
indictment was returned charging Urena and thirteen other people with conspiracy to distribute
heroin. The investigation revealed that numerous home burglaries and shoplifting crimes were
committed by Urena’s heroin customers in order to pay for the heroin Urena was supplying.
This case results from a joint investigation conducted by agents with the United States Drug
Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Maine
Drug Enforcement Agency; New Hampshire and Maine State Police; the York County Sheriff’s
Office; the Rochester, New Hampshire Police Department; and 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.
U.S. Attorney Delahanty praised the cooperation among these law enforcement agencies
noting that “this heroin trafficking operation was brought to justice because federal, state, county and
local law enforcement agencies across two states worked closely together.”Scarborough Man Sentenced for Benefits 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
Lawrence E. Moody, 63, of Scarborough, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by
Judge Nancy Torresen to five months in prison, five months of home detention and three years of
supervised release for federal workers’ compensation fraud. He was also ordered to pay
$120,000 in restitution. Moody pled guilty to the charge on September 30, 2013.According to information presented in court, in January 2001, Moody worked as a tractor
trailer driver for the U.S. Postal Service in Portland when he injured his back loading
mail. Moody filed a claim for workers’ compensation benefits and was granted medical benefits
and income replacement benefits at a rate of 75% of his salary. Between 2006 and 2013, Moody
received about $272,000 worth of income replacement benefits. Moody was required by the
workers’ compensation program to promptly report to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of
Workers Compensation Programs (OWCP) any improvement in his health, a return to work, and
any income he earned. He was also required to periodically certify the same information in
writing.From 2007 to 2013, Moody operated a car hauling business known as “Snowbird
Express.” Using a pickup truck and 47-foot enclosed trailer, he hauled cars for customer to
various locations. Many customers had the defendant transport their cars to Florida for the
winter and back to Maine in the spring. Moody conducted business on a cash basis and charged
his customers by the mile. During that period, he failed to report the income he earned from
Snowbird Express to the U.S. Postal Service, OWCP, or the Internal Revenue Service.In fashioning her sentence, Judge Torresen found that Moody fraudulently obtained
$120,000 in worker’s compensation benefits to which he was not entitled, said that her sentence
was intended to have a deterrent effect because it is difficult to detect these types of crimes, and
noted that taxpayers pay because these crimes go undetected.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General and the
U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering and
Fraud Investigations.Lewiston Man Pleads Guilty to Theft and Drug ChargesRead 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 Nathan
K. Brown, 24, of Lewiston, Maine, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to theft
from interstate shipments and possession of controlled substances charges.According to court records, in 2013, Brown worked for the United Parcel Service (UPS)
loading trucks at a UPS facility in Auburn, Maine. On four occasions between March 29 and
June 19, 2013, Brown stole packages containing prescription pain relief medications, including
Percocet and Oxycodone , from UPS trucks that he was loading. The medications in those
packages had been shipped from a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pharmacy to
patients of the VA. On July 2, 2013, agents of the VA Office of Inspector General and the
Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, with the assistance of UPS personnel, caught Brown as he
attempted to steal a fifth package containing VA medications.
Brown faces up to three years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or both, on the theft charge
and not more than one year and a $1,000 fine, or both, on the possession of a controlled
substance charge. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation
report by the U.S. Probation Office.This case was investigated by the VA, Office of Inspector General, the Maine Drug
Enforcement Agency, and the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.