District of New Hampshire
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Manchester Man Arrested on Drug Distribution ChargesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Manchester man was arrested for distributing fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Thomas Holland, 37, was indicted on three counts of distribution of fentanyl. Holland was arrested this afternoon in Manchester. He will make an initial appearance in federal court in Concord tomorrow.
The charge of drug distribution provides for a sentence up to 20 years in prison, at least a three-year term of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The Drug Enforcement Administration is leading the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department and the Nashua Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather A. Cherniske is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Manchester man pleaded guilty today in federal court to producing visual depictions of four different minor survivors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Chad Lawlor, 48 pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty scheduled sentencing for February 29, 2024. Lawlor was charged on October 12, 2021.
Lawlor was identified during an online undercover investigation as being the administrator of an online chat group that was devoted to the exchange of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Lawlor used the chat group to both send and receive images of CSAM with other users. Lawlor is a registered sex offender based on a 2005 Massachusetts conviction for indecent assault and battery on a person over 14.
In April 2021, federal agents seized and examined two cell phones belonging to Lawlor, one of which contained numerous videos Lawlor created while engaged in online video chats with minors. During the chats, Lawlor directed the minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct while livestreaming the video feed. Lawlor used the screen recording function of his cell phone to create videos of the minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct from the livestream video chats. Lawlor pled guilty to charges relating to four identified minor survivors ranging in age from 8 to 13 years old.
The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 30 years in prison, a minimum of 5 years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and other monetary assessments, including restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Nashua Police Department, the Manchester Police Department, the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing with Intent to Distribute More Than 2 Pounds of CocaineRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Manchester man pleaded guilty today in federal court to possessing with intent to distribute a kilogram of cocaine in New Hampshire, First Assistant Jay McCormack announces.
Michael Francis, 36, pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance. U.S. District Court Judge Steven McAuliffe scheduled sentencing for February 20, 2024. The defendant was charged by superseding indictment on December 13, 2021.
On September 1, 2021, law enforcement conducted a search of the defendant’s vehicle and found a gift bag containing a brick of cocaine that weighed 1000.5 grams and $10,000 in cash. The defendant intended to distribute the cocaine for profit.
The charging statute provides a sentence of no less than 5 years and no greater than 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a fine of no greater than $5,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Gingrande, Charlie Rombeau, and Jarad Hodes prosecuted the case.
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Felon Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing Fentanyl, Crack Cocaine, Firearms, and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A former Manchester man was sentenced in federal court for drug trafficking and firearm offenses, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
John Rivera, Jr., 24, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante to 96 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On April 14, 2023, Rivera plead guilty to unlawfully possessing fentanyl and crack cocaine with the intent to distribute and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
On September 16, 2021, the New Hampshire State Police, working in conjunction with the Manchester Police Department, conducted a traffic stop on Rivera’s vehicle in Manchester. During the stop, officers observed a firearm under the driver’s seat. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, officers found approximately 1.2 kilograms of fentanyl, approximately 19.68 grams of crack cocaine, a stolen firearm, a loaded magazine, loose ammunition, drug packaging materials, and a digital scale. Rivera was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition based on a prior felony conviction.
“The defendant was a felon that had lost his right to carry firearms and ammunition, and even worse, he illegally possessed a stolen gun while also in the possession of dangerous narcotics,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “This Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to thwart efforts to distribute drugs, which often includes enforcing the laws that keep the tools of the trade, like guns, out of drug dealer’s hands.”
“I am very encouraged by this sentence,” says Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg. “John Rivera, Jr represents the dangerous offenders we are targeting in Manchester. Drug sales and associated gun violence are a top priority for this agency. I would like to commend the Manchester detectives and our law enforcement partners on their commitment to this case. The positive outcome is a testament to their hard work.”
This investigation was led by the Manchester Police Department and the New Hampshire State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Davis prosecuted the case.
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Manchester Man Arrested for Defrauding State and Federal TaxpayersRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Manchester man was arrested for his involvement in a scheme to fraudulently obtain CARES Act funds from the United States government and the State of New York, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Kyereem Sackey, 23, was indicted on October 25, 2023, on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of bank fraud. Sackey was arrested this morning and released on conditions.
According to the charging documents, Sackey used social media to conspire with others to file false and fraudulent unemployment insurance claims. Sackey filed unemployment insurance claims in the State of New York on behalf of a co-defendant, of which he was not entitled. When the money was deposited into the co-defendant’s bank account, a portion of the money was sent to Sackey and another co-defendant. The indictment alleges that Sackey and his co-defendants filed approximately $50,000 in fraudulent unemployment insurance claims.
Sackey also used a co-defendant’s information to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan using a false and fraudulent business that did not exist. Sackey provided the bank with false documents, including fabricated tax documents. The indictment alleges that Sackey fraudulently applied for approximately $13,000 in PPP loans.
The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Kennedy is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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New York Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing $200k in Products from Home Depot and Lowe’sRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A New York man was sentenced today in federal court in Concord for transporting stolen goods from Home Depot and Lowe’s across state lines, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Jalil McIntyre, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Paul J. Barbadoro to 24 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. McIntyre was also ordered to pay $204,969.02 in restitution, of which $179,606.25 is payable to Lowe’s and $25,362.77 is payable to Home Depot. On July 31, 2023, McIntyre pleaded guilty to Transportation of Stolen Goods. McIntyre’s co-defendant, Dushun Jackson, pled guilty on September 15, 2023, and is currently in federal custody. Jackson is scheduled to be sentenced on December 28, 2023.
“Organized theft rings cause significant financial losses to the retail industry, which ultimately impacts consumers,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “Today’s sentence sends a strong message that federal law enforcement will enforce laws protecting the retail industry from organized theft, with federal felony convictions and imprisonment as a consequence.”
“Jalil McIntyre didn’t think twice about stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in high-end merchandise from home improvement retailers all over New England to pad his pockets, and today, he learned there are serious consequences for such brazen criminal conduct,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Organized retail theft costs businesses, retailers, and consumers—and puts the public at risk—which is why the FBI and our law enforcement partners are doing everything we can to combat it.”
McIntyre and Jackson traveled to Lowe’s and Home Depots across the northeastern United States, including New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. They stole high-value commercial items, such as circuit breakers. They were seen on surveillance footage grabbing products off shelves, placing them into large plastic bags, and walking out of the stores. In total, they stole $204,969.02 worth of products across 24 separate thefts. They also attempted to steal another $46,619.07 worth of products during 11 additional unsuccessful thefts. The stolen products were brought back to New York, where both McIntyre and Jackson lived.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office, the Rockingham County Attorney’s Office, the Rochester Police Department, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office in New York, the Seabrook Police Department, the Nashua Police Department, the Windham Police Department, and the Derry Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.
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Federal Jury Convicts Georgia Man of Bank Fraud Conspiracy and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Georgia man was convicted today by a federal petit jury in Concord for bank fraud conspiracy and identity theft after a five-day trial, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Lestor Aceituno, 40, of Atlanta, Georgia was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft. Chief Judge Landya B. McCafferty scheduled sentencing for February 12, 2024.
“Today’s swift verdict by the jury sends a clear message to fraudsters like the defendant that these crimes will be prosecuted and will result in convictions,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. "This office and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate those that brazenly steal and use other identities for their personal gain.”
Between June of 2016 and October of 2017, Aceituno and others used stolen identities to open accounts at banks in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Georgia. Aceituno opened or accessed post office boxes in Massachusetts and Georgia to receive debit cards and pin numbers to access these accounts. Aceituno’s co-conspirators then deposited fraudulent checks totaling more than $119,000. After the money was credited to the accounts, but before the bank determined the checks were false, one of Aceituno’s co-conspirators withdrew the money and gave it to another co-conspirator, the leader of the scheme.
The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 30 years in prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and a mandatory consecutive 2-year sentence for aggravated identity theft. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Brockton, Massachusetts Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew T. Hunter and Geoffrey W.R. Ward are prosecuting the case.
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International Fugitive Wanted for Embezzling Approximately $10 Million Arrested by the FBI in MiamiRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Guatemalan man has been arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) following an international manhunt, announces U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, Boston Division.
Roberto Montano, a/k/a Jorge Roberto Montano Midence, a/k/a Roberto Pellegrini, a/k/a Alberto Yardi, 57, was arrested yesterday at the Miami International Airport. He will make an initial appearance in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida at a later time.
Montano was charged with wire fraud by complaint in 2015 and indictment in 2021 by the District of New Hampshire. According to the charging documents, Montano is a citizen of Guatemala who managed two forestry projects in Guatemala for a New Hampshire-based investment adviser between 2007 and 2014. Beginning in approximately late 2009, Montano’s management company, Green Millennium, embezzled the projects' funds by (1) diverting cash and concealing the diversions using altered bank and financial statements; (2) mortgaging the Projects' properties without authorization and investing the proceeds in business ventures; and (3) stealing teak forestry subsidies paid by the Guatemalan government. Authorities believe the total loss of this fraud may be approximately $10 million.
After Montano was alerted to an investigation into the fraud in 2014, he fled the United States for Guatemala. Eventually, he moved to Nicaragua, where he has been living for several years under an alias. Since 2014, the FBI has been actively engaged in efforts to locate and arrest Montano and his wanted poster has now been updated to reflect his capture: https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/wcc/jorge-roberto-montano-pellegrini/download.pdf. Montano is also wanted in Guatemala for an alleged embezzlement scheme.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the amount stolen, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The FBI is leading the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), Republic of Guatemala, the FBI’s Legal Attaché in Panama City, Panama, the FBI Miami Field Office, Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. State Department, specifically the U.S. Embassy in Managua, Nicaragua and the Embassy of Italy in Managua, Nicaragua. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young Announces the Appointment of a Domestic Terrorism and Violent Crime Assistant U.S. AttorneyRead the Press Release
CONCORD – U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces the appointment of Tiffany Scanlon as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. AUSA Scanlon will handle domestic terrorism and other violent crimes in the District of New Hampshire.
Since 2012, AUSA Tiffany Scanlon served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office in the Major Felony Unit, the Motor Vehicle Homicide Unit, Gang Unit, and the District Court and Juvenile Court Units. Over the last decade, AUSA Scanlon prosecuted numerous criminal cases, including homicides, armed robberies, non-fatal shootings, firearm offenses, and aggravated assaults.
“Assistant U.S. Attorney Scanlon is a veteran violent crime prosecutor,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “The District of New Hampshire is fortunate to have gained an attorney with the breadth of Tiffany’s experience in prosecuting violent crimes coupled with her outlook and tenacious approach to investigating and prosecuting complex cases.”
In May 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of New Hampshire was allocated two new attorney positions to address civil rights, domestic terrorism, and violent crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is still in the hiring process for an Assistant U.S. Attorney that will focus on Civil Rights.
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Arizona Company and CEO Plead Guilty to the Distribution of Drugs Not Approved by the FDA and Will Pay $2.4 MillionRead the Press Release
CONCORD – An Arizona company and CEO pleaded guilty today in federal court in Concord for distributing drugs into the interstate commerce that were not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Centera Bioscience, d/b/a Nootropics Depot, and its CEO, Paul Eftang, 38, pleaded guilty to the introduction of misbranded drugs into interstate commerce. U.S. Magistrate Judge Talesha Saint-Marc scheduled sentencing for February 5, 2024.
Between April 2017 and December 2021, Centera Biosicence and Mr. Eftang marketed pharmaceutical drugs, including tianeptine, adrafinil, phenibut, and racetams, on Nootropicsdepot.com and online platforms like Facebook and Google. They sold the drugs to customers across the United States. Centera Bioscience employees and Mr. Eftang also regularly made representations about the company’s drugs through a Reddit forum dedicated to Centera Bioscience products. As part of the plea, Centera Bioscience has agreed to forfeit $2.4 million. Centera Bioscience has also agreed to forfeit all tianeptine, adrafinil, phenibut, and racetams seized by the FDA and Customs and Border Protection.
FDA has not approved drugs containing tianeptine, adrafinil, phenibut, and racetams for use in the United States. Racetam drugs include piracetam, aniracetam, and coluracetam, and phenylpiracetam.
The Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations and U.S. Postal Inspection Service led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander S. Chen and Geoffrey W.R. Ward, and FDA Special Counsel Sarah Hawkins are prosecuting the case.
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Littleton Man Sentenced in Federal Court for Trafficking Methamphetamine in New HampshireRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Littleton man was sentenced today in federal court for trafficking methamphetamine in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Eric Briggs Jr., 33 was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Steven J. McAuliffe to 42 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. Mr. Briggs pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances on June 20, 2023.
“Federal law enforcement’s partnership with the Littleton Police Department on this case sends a strong message that there will be consequences for trafficking drugs to the North Country,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “This office will continue to aggressively prosecute those trafficking dangerous drugs in all corners of the Granite State.”
“DEA stands committed to keeping highly addictive drugs like methamphetamine off the streets of New Hampshire,” said Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Briggs accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are contributing to the drug crisis. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
“The Littleton Police Department remains committed to working with our federal and state law enforcement partners in the ongoing effort to curb the trafficking of illicit drugs to the Town of Littleton and Northern New Hampshire," said Chief Paul Smith of the Littleton Police Department.
On April 1, 2021, law enforcement conducted a motor vehicle stop of Mr. Briggs while he was driving in Carol, New Hampshire. Upon a search of his vehicle, investigators located approximately 43 grams, or 1.5 ounces, of methamphetamine, which Mr. Briggs admitted he possessed.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the New Hampshire State Police and the Littleton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather A. Cherniske prosecuted the case.
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Dover Man Pleads Guilty to Two Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Dover man pleaded guilty in federal court to possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Evan Gadarowski, 29, waived indictment and pleaded guilty to an information charging one count each of possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott scheduled sentencing for February 2, 2024.
Between 2018 and 2021, Gadarowski solicited, received, and disseminated sexually explicit images and videos depicting numerous minor survivors. Gadarowski posed as a teenage girl using sexually explicit images and videos of one minor survivor and adopting them as part of a fictious online persona, a practice sometimes referred to as “catfishing.” Using this fictious persona, Gadarowski posed as a bisexual female and pursued online relationships with high-school aged girls. Gadarowski sent sexually explicit images and videos depicting one minor survivor to others and induced unsuspecting minor survivors to send him sexually explicit images and videos of themselves in return. The investigation also revealed that Gadarowski sold collections of sexually explicit images depicting some of the minor survivors to others online.
The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, a minimum of 5 years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 and mandatory restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Nashua Police Department and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Sanbornville Man Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering Charges in Connection to Romance Scams Targeting the ElderlyRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Sanbornville man pleaded guilty today in federal court in connection to his role in a romance-scam money laundering scheme, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Steven Ferrill, 72, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty to an information charging one count of concealment money laundering. U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante scheduled sentencing for January 26, 2024.
In October 2019, federal agents approached Ferrill to question him about financial transactions totaling more than $1 million involving his bank accounts. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) provided the defendant a “money mule” warning letter, which explicitly warned him that engaging in wire transfers on behalf of people he did not know could facilitate fraudulent schemes and expose him to criminal liability. Despite the warning, the defendant continued to engage in transactions involving victims of romance scams. For example, in February 2020, Ferrill facilitated a wire transfer to his bank account from a victim, which he then re-routed overseas.
The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 and restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau is prosecuting the case.
The case is part of the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD- 11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
More information about the Department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at https://www.ovc.gov.
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Manchester Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Trafficking Cocaine Through the U.S. Postal ServiceRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Manchester man was sentenced today in federal court for trafficking cocaine through the United States Postal Service (USPS), U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Bryam Toribio Frias, age 24, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On June 27, 2023, Frias pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances, namely, cocaine.
“The United States Postal Inspection Service’s proactive work intercepting shipments of narcotics through the mail kept these drugs out of our communities,” United States Attorney Jane E. Young stated. “It is a priority of this office to prevent individuals like the defendant from using USPS as a means to traffic dangerous drugs, and today’s sentence sends a deterrent message that drug traffickers will be apprehended, prosecuted, and incarcerated.”
"The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and our law enforcement partners will continue to dedicate the resources necessary to keep drug traffickers out of our communities,” said Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division. “Today’s sentencing demonstrates our commitment to keeping these and other highly addictive drugs from destroying lives. Combatting illicit drugs in the mail is a top priority and we will continue to prioritize our resources in areas with high levels of illicit drug activity.”
On December 15, 2021, the defendant signed for and accepted a Priority Mail package addressed to him, which contained approximately four kilograms of cocaine. The defendant was arrested shortly after he received the package. A later search of the defendant’s phone showed communications he sent about the package, and a search of his residence revealed additional cocaine.
The United States Postal Inspection Service led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande prosecuted the case.
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Felon Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison for the Illegal Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Vermont man was sentenced today in federal court in Concord for the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.
Brian Woodburn, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha D. Elliott to 48 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On May 11, 2023, Woodburn pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
“The defendant’s previous felony conviction took away his right to own a gun,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. McCormack. “Our office will continue to enforce the laws that keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of those who are prohibited from having them.”
“Today’s sentence makes it clear that criminals who repeatedly break the law and continue to possess illegal firearms and ammunition, will be held accountable,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Our Major Offender Task Force and our law enforcement partners are hard at work every day, sharing resources and intelligence with the goal of making our communities safer.”
Woodburn was found passed out in the driver’s seat of a car on a campground in Lancaster, New Hampshire. He consented to a search of his car, and law enforcement recovered a 9 mm pistol, ammunition, brass knuckles, and drug paraphernalia, including substances that tested positive for suboxone, buprenorphine, and fentanyl.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Lancaster Police Department led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Felon Pleads Guilty to the Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Rhode Island man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Concord to the unlawful possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.
Garrito (“Tony”) Fort, 39, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante scheduled sentencing for January 25, 2024. Fort was charged on August 1, 2022.
According to court documents, on the morning of November 1, 2021, Fort believed a man had scratched his car the night before, so he left a residence in Seabrook to confront him. Armed with a Taurus 9 mm pistol, Fort confronted the man for approximately three minutes. During the confrontation, two witnesses tried separating Fort and the man. One of the witnesses also told Fort to “put that gun away.” Fort fired two shots. The first shot seriously injured another man, and the second shot killed the man that Fort thought scratched his car. The shooting was captured on video camera.
The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Seabrook Police Department, and New Hampshire State Police led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander S. Chen and Charles L. Rombeau are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam T. Le also previously worked on this matter.
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Alexandria Man Pleads Guilty to Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
CONCORD – An Alexandria man pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of failing to register as a sex offender in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Rex Jason Sumner, 52, pleaded guilty to failure to register as a sex offender. U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty scheduled sentencing for January 22, 2024. Sumner was charged on July 19, 2023.
Sumner is a Tier III sex offender with a duty to register for life. Sumner was released from prison in Oklahoma in 2018 and had been registering with Oklahoma authorities at an address in Oklahoma despite residing in New Hampshire since early 2023. Sumner would return to Oklahoma periodically to update his registration and continued to represent to authorities that he still resided in Oklahoma.
The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, a minimum of 5 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Marshals Service led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Alexandria Police Department, the Plymouth Police Department, the Meredith Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, the New England State Police Information Network, the Garvin County (OK) Sherriff’s Office, and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Concord Man Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Concord man pleaded guilty in federal court in connection to the exploitation of a minor in New Jersey and possession of child sexual abuse material in Concord, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young and U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger announce.
Scott Wilkinson, age 38, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and possession of child sexual abuse material. U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante scheduled sentencing for January 22, 2024. Wilkinson was charged by complaint on November 14, 2022, and indicted December 5, 2022.
Wilkinson traveled from New Hampshire to New Jersey in April 2022, where he engaged in sexual acts with a 12-year-old child. Wilkinson had been corresponding with the child online for approximately one year prior to traveling to New Jersey to meet the child. A video that Wilkinson created of himself engaged in sexual acts with the child was found on his cell phone in Concord, as were other images and videos of child sexual abuse material.
Wilkinson faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, up to lifetime supervised release, a fine of $250,000 and mandatory restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The Egg Harbor Township Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Concord Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland from the District of New Hampshire and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Harteis from the District of New Jersey are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Keene Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening to Kill a Member of CongressRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Keene man pleaded guilty in federal court to threatening to kill a member of Congress, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Allan Poller, 24, pleaded guilty to transmitting in interstate commerce a threat to injure the person of another. U.S. District Court Judge Landya B. McCafferty scheduled sentencing for January 18, 2024. Poller was arrested on April 3, 2023.
On March 29, 2023, Poller called the Washington, D.C. office of a member of the United States House of Representatives and left a voicemail message stating the following:
Hi, my name is Allan Poller, A-L-L-A-N P-O-L-L-E-R, phone number []
8931. And I just want to let you know, Representative [Name], if you keep on
coming for the gays, we’re gonna strike back and I guarantee you, you do not want
to f**k with us. We will kill you if that’s what it takes. I will take a bullet to your
f**king head if you fuck with my rights anymore. And then if you want to keep
going down that path, you know who’s next.
Poller later admitted to placing the call and leaving the message. He stated that he had been drinking and left the message after becoming angry while watching videos on the social media application TikTok.
The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 5 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Capitol Police led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Keene Police Department and Springfield, Vermont Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarad E. Hodes and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Chen are prosecuting the case.
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Manchester Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Manchester man was sentenced in federal court for possessing with intent to distribute cocaine in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Emilio Flores, 31, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Steven McAuliffe to 48 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. On April 12, 2022, Flores pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances.
“The defendant trafficked significant quantities of cocaine in New Hampshire,” said United States Attorney Jane E. Young. “The lengthy sentence imposed by the Court reflects that dealing drugs will not be tolerated in the Granite State, and that defendants who assault other inmates will face longer sentences.”
"Today’s sentence is a reminder to those who harm our communities – your criminal activity will not be tolerated, and you will be held accountable,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.
“Let this sentencing be a strong message, the Manchester Police Department does not tolerate this criminal behavior, and this agency along with our law enforcement partners will continue to work tirelessly to get these repeat offenders behind bars,” said Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg, “I am very encouraged by this outcome, and I believe it is strong proof that collaboration works.”
On September 1, 2021, Flores was arrested on an outstanding violation of state parole. A search of his Manchester residence yielded approximately 2 kilograms of cocaine. After pleading guilty to the drug charge in this case and awaiting sentencing, while incarcerated at the Strafford County House of Correction, Flores assaulted another inmate. An addendum to the plea agreement increased the length of his imprisonment by 12 months to take this conduct into account.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Manchester Police Department jointly led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the State of New Hampshire Probation and Parole Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Gingrande and Charles Rombeau prosecuted the case.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Fentanyl, Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Weare man was sentenced today to ten years in federal prison for possessing firearms and ammunition as a prohibited person, and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Brian Elliott, age 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Landya McCafferty to 120 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release. On June 8, 2023, Elliott pled guilty to one count of possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, and two counts of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
“The lengthy sentence imposed by the Court on the defendant is just punishment for the egregious nature of his conduct,” U.S. Attorney Young stated. “The defendant was a convicted felon who possessed multiple firearms and ammunition, and attempted to poison our community with large amounts of fentanyl. He pointed a weapon at a police officer, and later engaged in a standoff with police officers in Manchester during his flight from his crime spree. The message from the courthouse today was clear: this dangerous conduct will not be tolerated in New Hampshire.”
On May 22, 2021, Elliott fled on foot following a vehicle stop by a Goffstown Police Department officer. Elliott drove his vehicle at a high rate of speed on the wrong side of the road prior to jumping from his moving vehicle in order to flee from the pursuing officer. During a subsequent foot chase, he pointed a gun at the officer and threatened to shoot the officer. As described in the plea agreement, Elliott dropped a backpack containing approximately 138 grams of fentanyl and over 100 rounds of various types of ammunition. A loaded firearm was also recovered from the scene the next day. On May 24, 2021, Elliott was apprehended at a Holiday Inn in Manchester, after negotiators succeeded in getting him out of his room. A subsequent search of his hotel room yielded additional fentanyl, as well as another firearm and ammunition. Elliott was a convicted felon and was thus legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Goffstown Police Department and Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Gingrande and Cam Le are prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
15 Defendants Indicted in Connection with Lawrence-Based Drug Trafficking OperationRead the Press Release
CONCORD – 15 defendants have been indicted in connection with a Lawrence-based drug trafficking enterprise, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Over the past day and a half, law enforcement arrested nine of these defendants on conspiracy to distribute controlled substances charges, namely fentanyl and cocaine, while two others were in state custody, serving prison sentences in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
The defendants are scheduled to appear in federal court at various times this week.
The following defendants have been indicted in connection with these charges:
- Melvin Villar-Lugo, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts.
- Felix Manuel Mejia-Gonzalez, 32, of Lawrence, Massachusetts.
- Yonathan Elias Baez-Santos, 22, of Methuen, Massachusetts. Baez-Santos is in custody.
- Elaine Soto-Villar, 25, of Methuen, Massachusetts. Soto-Villar is in custody, serving a Massachusetts state prison sentence for a felony drug conviction.
- Candido Armando Diaz-Fernandez, 30, Dedham, Massachusetts. Diaz-Fernandez is in custody.
- Julio Rafael Mejia-Baez, 23, of Boston, Massachusetts. Mejia-Baez is in custody.
- Alexander Lechappelle, 26, of Lawrence, Massachusetts.
- Aaron Loew, 44, of Litteton, New Hampshire. Loew is in custody.
- Benjamin Conkright, 28, of Whitefield, New Hampshire. Conkright is in custody.
- Johnnie Boynton, 51, of Littleton, New Hampshire. Boynton is in custody.
- Anthony Monbleau, 32, of Brookline, New Hampshire. Monbleau is in custody.
- Erika Barlow, 32, of Nashua, New Hampshire. Barlow is in custody.
- Cody Stanford, 29, of Pembroke, New Hampshire. Stanford is in custody, serving a New Hampshire state prison sentence for a felony drug conviction.
- Dylan Painter, 26, of Nashua, New Hampshire. Painter is in custody.
- Benjamin Bryant, 33, of Manchester, New Hampshire. Bryant died on September 16, 2023, three days after the indictment was issued by the Grand Jury.
According to the court documents, the alleged leader of the drug trafficking enterprise used a social media messaging application and other means to coordinate narcotic transactions with customers in New Hampshire via “runners” in Massachusetts, from October 2021 through August 2023. During the investigation, law enforcement seized more than one kilogram of fentanyl. The investigation also involved a review of pertinent text messages over the social media account managed by the drug trafficking enterprise, which showed a total of more than 14 kilograms of fentanyl negotiated with various large-scale drug dealers in New Hampshire and a gun-for-drug trade.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Manchester District Office Group 2, led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Nashua Police Department, the Salem Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, the Whitefield Police Department, the Littleton Police Department, the Methuen Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police and the Lawrence Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cesar Vega and Jarad Hodes are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. Each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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15 Defendants Indicted in Connection with Lawrence-Based Drug Trafficking OperationRead the Press Release
CONCORD – 15 defendants have been indicted in connection with a Lawrence-based drug trafficking enterprise, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Over the past day and a half, law enforcement arrested nine of these defendants on conspiracy to distribute controlled substances charges, namely fentanyl and cocaine, while two others were in state custody, serving prison sentences in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
The defendants are scheduled to appear in federal court at various times this week.
The following defendants have been indicted in connection with these charges:
- Melvin Villar-Lugo, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts.
- Felix Manuel Mejia-Gonzalez, 32, of Lawrence, Massachusetts.
- Yonathan Elias Baez-Santos, 22, of Methuen, Massachusetts. Baez-Santos is in custody.
- Elaine Soto-Villar, 25, of Methuen, Massachusetts. Soto-Villar is in custody, serving a Massachusetts state prison sentence for a felony drug conviction.
- Candido Armando Diaz-Fernandez, 30, Dedham, Massachusetts. Diaz-Fernandez is in custody.
- Julio Rafael Mejia-Baez, 23, of Boston, Massachusetts. Mejia-Baez is in custody.
- Alexander Lechappelle, 26, of Lawrence, Massachusetts.
- Aaron Loew, 44, of Littleton, New Hampshire. Loew is in custody.
- Benjamin Conkright, 28, of Whitefield, New Hampshire. Conkright is in custody.
- Johnnie Boynton, 51, of Littleton, New Hampshire. Boynton is in custody.
- Anthony Monbleau, 32, of Brookline, New Hampshire. Monbleau is in custody.
- Erika Barlow, 32, of Nashua, New Hampshire. Barlow is in custody.
- Cody Stanford, 29, of Pembroke, New Hampshire. Stanford is in custody, serving a New Hampshire state prison sentence for a felony drug conviction.
- Dylan Painter, 26, of Nashua, New Hampshire. Painter is in custody.
- Benjamin Bryant, 33, of Manchester, New Hampshire. Bryant died on September 16, 2023, three days after the indictment was issued by the Grand Jury.
According to the court documents, the alleged leader of the drug trafficking enterprise used a social media messaging application and other means to coordinate narcotic transactions with customers in New Hampshire via “runners” in Massachusetts, from October 2021 through August 2023. During the investigation, law enforcement seized more than one kilogram of fentanyl. The investigation also involved a review of pertinent text messages over the social media account managed by the drug trafficking enterprise, which showed a total of more than 14 kilograms of fentanyl negotiated with various large-scale drug dealers in New Hampshire and a gun-for-drug trade.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Manchester District Office Group 2, led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Nashua Police Department, the Salem Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, the Whitefield Police Department, the Littleton Police Department, the Methuen Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police and the Lawrence Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cesar Vega and Jarad Hodes are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. Each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Inmate at FCI-Berlin Sentenced to an Additional 30 Months for Assaulting Another InmateRead the Press Release
CONCORD – An inmate at FCI Berlin was sentenced in federal court in Concord for assaulting another inmate, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Aniel Gomez, 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Steven McAuliffe to an additional 30 months in prison. Gomez was also ordered to pay $1,392 in restitution to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. On June 14, 2023, Gomez pleaded guilty to assault.
“The defendant’s attack not only caused significant harm to another inmate, but it risked the safety of the entire community including the prison’s staff,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “The U.S. Department of Justice considers the custody and care of federal inmates to be a serious responsibility and we will continue to support our partners at the Federal Bureau of Prisons to accomplish this mission.”
“Today’s sentence makes it clear that prison is not a place to continue committing crimes,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Aniel Gomez brutally beat a fellow inmate and will now spend more time behind bars for jeopardizing that inmate’s safety and the safety of the prison’s staff. This case demonstrates how the FBI will not hesitate to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that anyone who engages in violence will be brought to justice.”
On December 19, 2022, Gomez beat another inmate with a homemade weapon consisting of two padlocks strapped together. Prison video footage showed Gomez waiting for the victim. After the victim exited a shower, Gomez followed him and beat him with the homemade weapon. As a result, the victim suffered head trauma including the loss of teeth and lacerations above the right eyebrow and back of the head.
At the time of the assault, Gomez was serving a 365-month imprisonment for conspiracy to maintain a residence for manufacturing and distributing marijuana, and conspiracy to manufacture and distribute 100 or more marijuana plants. Gomez’s sentence will be consecutive to his current sentence.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and FCI-Berlin Special Investigative Services led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter prosecuted the case.
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Ian Freeman Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Operating a Bitcoin Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Ian Freeman was sentenced today in federal court for laundering over ten million dollars in proceeds from romance scams and other internet fraud, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Ian Freeman, 43, of Keene was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante to 96 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release, and a fine of $40,000. Freeman was ordered to pay restitution to victims in an amount to be determined on a later date. Freeman was convicted by a federal jury on December 22, 2022.
“The defendant’s criminal conduct devastated many vulnerable people,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “Dozens of victims were identified during the investigation. Many of them lost their life’s savings by way of Freeman’s bitcoin money laundering scheme. The Court recognized that an important part of this sentence was for the defendant to provide restitution to the victims. In financial crimes cases such as this, providing restitution to victims is one of the highest priorities of the U.S. Department of Justice and this Office.”
“Ian Freeman catered to fraudsters. He played a shell game with other people’s hard-earned money, turned a blind eye to the scam artists who were ripping them off, and walked away with millions, depriving their victims of their life’s savings. Today’s sentence is a significant step toward justice for the dozens of victims all over the country who have suffered significant financial losses and heartbreak as a result of this man’s criminal conduct,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “In addition to our efforts to disrupt outrageous schemes like this one, we must also work to raise public awareness to prevent them. Last year, New Hampshire residents reported losing almost $33 million due to internet-related crimes. So we caution everyone to be wary of people you meet online - especially when it comes to cryptocurrency.”
“Ian Freeman’s sentencing shows that IRS Criminal Investigation is working vigorously to stop internet fraudsters like Ian Freeman,” said Harry T. Chavis Jr, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Boston Field Office. “Not only did Freeman launder millions of dollars, but he also provided a conduit for other scammers to leave countless victims destitute in their wake. The role of IRS Criminal Investigation becomes even more important in internet fraud cases due to the complex financial transactions that can take time to unravel so that fraudsters like Ian Freeman can be brought to justice.”
Freeman laundered over ten million dollars in proceeds of romance scams and other internet frauds by exchanging U.S. dollars for bitcoin. By failing to register his business with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network as required by law, disabling “know your customer” features on his bitcoin kiosks, and ensuring that bitcoin customers did not tell him what they did with their bitcoin, among other things, Freeman created a business that catered to fraudsters. By charging exorbitant fees, Freeman made more than a million dollars.
Records and exhibits in the 10-day trial proved that as part of the conspiracy, Freeman and his co-conspirators opened and operated accounts at financial institutions in the names of various churches including the Shire Free Church, the Church of the Invisible Hand, the Crypto Church of New Hampshire, and the NH Peace Church. Freeman instructed bitcoin customers, who were often victims of scams, to lie to the financial institutions and describe their deposits as church donations. From 2016 to 2019, he paid no taxes, and concealed his income from the Internal Revenue Service.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, and the United States Postal Inspection Service led the investigation. The National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team and the Department of Justice, Tax Division, provided valuable assistance in the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana L. MacDonald, John Kennedy, and Seth R. Aframe.
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Rochester Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting a MinorRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Rochester man was sentenced today in federal court for sexually exploiting a minor, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Richard Crispin, 26, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty to 15 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release. Crispin plead guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor on June 15, 2023
“Sexually exploiting children is a particularly heinous crime,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “Thanks to the survivor’s courage, the defendant will no longer be able to abuse other vulnerable minors. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to prevent the production of child sexual abuse material and ensure that those who produce such material are prosecuted and sentenced to long periods of incarceration.”
“Crispin abused and exploited a minor for years, creating videos documenting his abuse and soliciting her to send him even more. It takes real bravery to come forward to report an abuser, and HSI commends this survivor for speaking up. Today’s sentence ensures Crispin will be behind bars and unable do harm for a long time,” said Michael Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England.
According to documents and statements made in Court, the defendant engaged in sexual acts with a minor beginning when the minor was fourteen years old. The defendant made videos depicting some of these sexual acts, which are the subject of the federal charges. The defendant also requested that the survivor send him sexually explicit images via text message. The offense took place over an extended period of time and came to light when the survivor disclosed her contacts with the defendant to a school resource officer. The defendant has pending state charges in both New Hampshire and Maine related to the same survivor.
Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by Somersworth Police Department, Stratford County Sheriffs Office, Rochester Police Department and North Berwick, Maine Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cam Le and Kasey Weiland prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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U.S. Attorney Young Announces $736,842 in U.S. Department of Justice Grant Funding to Support the Accessibility of Criminal Justice Information to Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
CONCORD – The U.S. Department of Justice has awarded $736,842 to improve the accuracy, utility, and interstate accessibility of criminal records in the District of New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Specifically, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office has received the FY2023 National Criminal History Improvement Program Supplemental Funding to support the New Hampshire State Police’s (NHSP) efforts to:
1) Increase the functionality, speed and dissemination of shared criminal justice records and information among law enforcement partners.
2) Enhance the state’s records systems to include data for boat information, such as New Hampshire Marine Patrol vessel stops, search capabilities, and the creation and printing of Marine Patrol e-Tickets.
3) Fund equipment purchases for 10 New Hampshire law enforcement agencies to connect to the State Message Platform, which is a telecommunication service operated by the NHSP.
“Today’s grant award supports the U.S. Department of Justice’s mission to reduce violent crime by further connecting law enforcement partners to vital criminal justice intelligence and capabilities that will aid in critical public safety services,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to support information sharing between federal, state, and local agencies.”
The FY2023 National Criminal History Improvement Program Supplemental Funding aims to further the U.S. Department of Justice’s mission to reduce violent crime and address gun violence by improving the accuracy, utility, and interstate accessibility of criminal-history and related records in support of national record systems and their use for name- and fingerprint-based criminal history background checks.
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
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Two Manchester Residents Arrested for Conspiring to Manufacture Methamphetamine in Their ResidenceRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Two Manchester residents have been charged for conspiring to manufacture methamphetamine and possessing the necessary chemicals and equipment to do so within their home, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Charles Winchell and Catherine Quinn, both 42 years old, were charged with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and possession of equipment, chemicals, products, and materials to manufacture methamphetamine. Winchell will make an initial appearance in federal court in Concord today at 2:30 p.m., and Quinn will appear at 3:00 p.m.
According to the charging documents, Quinn and Winchell purchased pseudoephedrine, an over-the-counter medication and the primary ingredient used for the manufacturing of methamphetamine, dozens of times over the past few months. Most recently, Winchell purchased pseudoephedrine yesterday. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at their residence this morning and found pseudoephedrine and other ingredients used to manufacture methamphetamine, such as lighter fluid, drain cleaner, and batteries, which contain lithium strips used to create a chemical reaction.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Manchester Police Department are investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather A. Cherniske is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Colombian National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Reentry into the United StatesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A previously removed Colombian national pleaded guilty in federal court in connection to his illegal reentry into the United States after being deported in 2013, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Jheisson Rizo Suarez, 39, pleaded guilty to one count of reentry after deportation. U.S. District Court Judge Landya B. McCafferty scheduled sentencing for January 4, 2024. Suarez was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 21, 2023.
On July 9, 2021, the defendant was arrested by the Dover Police Department in connection with a residential burglary in progress. A juvenile female, who was home alone and hiding under a bed, called 911 and whispered that an unknown number of individuals had forced entry into her home. The subsequent investigation revealed that the defendant was illegally in the United States, after having been previously deported on or about January 28, 2013.
The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The Dover Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement led the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Ward.
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New Hampshire Doctor Indicted for Unlawfully Distributing Opioids and BenzodiazepinesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A doctor practicing in the north country of New Hampshire was indicted in connection with his unlawful distribution of opioids and benzodiazepines, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Robert G. Soucy Jr., D.O., 70, of Columbia, New Hampshire, was indicted on 12 counts of distribution of controlled substances. Soucy made his initial appearance in federal court today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Dr. Soucy allegedly distributed fentanyl, oxycodone, hydromorphone, methadone, lorazepam, and diazepam to individuals outside the usual course of professional practice, and without a legitimate medical purpose. He recently surrendered his Drug Enforcement Administration registration and also did not renew his medical license, and, therefore, is no longer permitted to prescribe controlled substances.
If convicted, Dr. Soucy faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count.
The New England Prescription Opioid (NEPO) Strike Force led the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey W.R. Ward of the District of New Hampshire’s United States Attorney’s Office and Trial Attorney Patrick J. Queenan of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Fraud Section.
The NEPO Strike Force is a joint law enforcement effort that brings together the resources and expertise of the Health Care Fraud Unit in the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for three federal districts, as well as law enforcement partners at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the FBI. The mission of the NEPO Strike Force is to identify and investigate health care fraud schemes in the New England region, and to effectively and efficiently prosecute individuals involved in the illegal distribution of prescription opioids and other prescribed controlled substances. The NEPO Strike Force primarily targets criminal conduct by physicians, pharmacists, and other medical professionals, focusing upon both health care fraud and drug diversion offenses, as relevant based upon the facts of the particular case.
Medications obtained illicitly are very dangerous as they are often not what they appear, and frequently contain contaminants and extremely potent substances such as fentanyl that greatly increase the risk of overdose and death.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Maine Man Indicted for Threatening to “Shoot up” the Portsmouth High SchoolRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Kyle Hendrickson, 25, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Concord for threatening the Portsmouth High School on SnapChat, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Hendrickson was charged with one count of interstate threatening communications and one count of possessing a firearm in a school zone. He was previously arrested on a criminal complaint.
According to the charging documents, Hendrickson posted a video to his SnapChat account on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, in which he brandished a handgun while in a vehicle outside of the Portsmouth High School. The video includes a text overlay that reads “imma shoot up the school.” School surveillance footage placed Hendrickson’s vehicle outside the high school at the time of the video. Law enforcement recovered an AR-15 rifle, a shotgun, camouflage body armor, a handgun holster, a red-dot sight, and numerous rounds of ammunition from Hendrickson’s vehicle. A handgun that resembles the one used in the SnapChat video was also recovered near a motel where Hendrickson had stayed on April 12, 2023.
Each charge provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, and the Portsmouth Police Department led the investigation. The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Somersworth Police Department, the Portland (Maine) Police Department, and the Berwick (Maine) Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Antrim Man Indicted for Faking Disability to Get Veterans Benefits for Almost 20 YearsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – An Antrim man was indicted in connection to fraudulently receiving veteran disability benefits, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Christopher Stultz, 49, was indicted on one count of making False Statements to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Stultz will appear in federal court in Concord at a later date.
According to the charging documents, between January 2003 and December 2022, Stultz falsely represented to the Department of Veterans Affairs that he was unable to use both his feet, thus obtaining veteran disability benefits that he was not entitled to for almost two decades.
The charge of False Statements provides for a sentence of up to 5 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of the Inspector General led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Methuen Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Steal Firearms from Second Amendment Outdoors in DerryRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Methuen, Massachusetts man was sentenced in federal court in Concord for his role in a conspiring to steal firearms from a federal firearms licensee, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Jaythean Diaz, 20, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante to 24 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release. Diaz was also ordered to pay $5,100 in restitution. On April 13, 2023, Diaz pleaded guilty to conspiring to steal firearms from a federal firearms licensee. One of Diaz’ co-conspirators, Gary Ortiz, pleaded guilty to similar charges on May 1, 2023 and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 22, 2023.
“It is criminals, like the defendant and his co-conspirators, that put illegal guns on our streets and often into the hands of dangerous people,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “Their crime also has a direct financial impact on legitimate firearm commerce and our federal firearms licensees, like the victim in this case, Second Amendment Outdoors in Derry. The defendant’s lengthy incarceration sends a strong message that the illegal firearm market will not be tolerated in the Granite State.”
“Diaz and his co-conspirators targeted a local gun dealer in order to steal and resell guns on the street. This sentence is proof of ATF’s relentless resolve to bring to justice anyone who would victimize members of our community and put illegal guns into circulation,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division. “Federal firearms licensees are law-abiding citizens who make their livelihood providing a safe and legal means to responsibly bear arms, criminal acts against these businesses will be met with the full weight of the law.”
On December 8, 2021, the Diaz and his co-conspirators broke into Second Amendment Outdoors in Derry, New Hampshire and stole 12 firearms—11 pistols and one rifle. Videos recovered from the phone of a co-conspirator show Diaz holding the stolen firearms, and messages recovered in another search show attempts by Diaz to sell at least one of the stolen firearms.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (“ATF”) led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lawrence Police Department, Methuen Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, Derry Police Department, Atkinson Police Department, Plaistow Police Department, Kingston Police Department, Windham Police Department, Hooksett Police Department, and Salem Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Kennedy is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities; supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place; setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities; and measuring the results.
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NuDay Charity Pleads Guilty in Connection with the Illegal Export of Goods to SyriaRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A New Hampshire charity pleaded guilty today in federal court to export offenses, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
NuDay, a/k/a NuDay Syria, pleaded guilty to three counts of Failure to File Export Information. U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante scheduled sentencing for December 28, 2023.
NuDay was founded by Nadia Alawa as a non-profit charity in 2013 and is headquartered in Windham, New Hampshire. Alawa served as NuDay’s President. Between 2018 and 2021, NuDay made over 100 shipments to Syria, a country that was subject to sanctions and export restrictions. NuDay had the items shipped to Mersin, Turkey, where another company would transship them into Syria. U.S. Department of Commerce regulations require exporters, such as NuDay, to report true and accurate information about the items being exported, including the shipment’s description, end user, and monetary value. However, NuDay falsely reported that the end destination of the shipments was Turkey and not Syria, and artificially deflated the value of the goods to be below the $2,500 reporting threshold. For example, on May 5th, 2019, NuDay falsely reported that their shipment was intended for Turkey and that the value of the container was less than $2,500. NuDay now admits that this container was actually intended for Syria and claims its true value was $8.3 million.
For an organizational defendant, the charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than five years of probation and a fine of $10,000 per count. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. As a condition of the plea, Nadia Alawa and her family members will have no further involvement with NuDay.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement, Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations division, and Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.
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New York Woman Arrested for Trafficking Methamphetamine, Heroin, and "Tranq"Read the Press Release
CONCORD – A Bronx, New York, woman has been charged in connection with trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl combined with xylazine from New York to New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Katherine Sanchez Lugo, 33, was arrested today in Nashua on a criminal complaint of possessing with intent to distribute and distributing controlled substances. Sanchez Lugo will make an initial appearance in federal court in Concord on September 7, 2023.
According to the charging documents, Sanchez Lugo trafficked controlled substances on three occasions from New York to New Hampshire. Sanchez Lugo distributed a 200-gram mixture of fentanyl, heroin and xylazine, and 55-grams of methamphetamine on June 14, 2023. The defendant also trafficked more than half of a kilogram of substances allegedly containing fentanyl on July 12th, 2023 and August 10th, 2023.
Xylazine, also known as “Tranq,” is a powerful non-opiate sedative that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved for veterinary use only. Because xylazine is not an opioid, naloxone (Narcan) does not reverse its effects. Xylazine and fentanyl drug mixtures place users at a higher risk of suffering a fatal drug poisoning. People who inject drug mixtures containing xylazine also can develop severe wounds, including necrosis—the rotting of human tissue—that may lead to amputation. The combination is referred to on the street as the “zombie drug.”
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently issued a public safety alert warning the American public of a sharp increase in the trafficking of fentanyl mixed with xylazine and the drug’s deadly effects. The FDA also published an alert to health care providers about the risks to patients exposed to xylazine in illicit drugs.
The charge of possessing with intent to distribute and distributing controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
DEA led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Nashua Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar A. Vega is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Mexican National Charged with Human Smuggling and Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A previously removed Mexican national has been charged in connection with a human smuggling incident along the New Hampshire-Canada border, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Reynaldo Velasco-Velasco, 36, was charged by criminal complaint with illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326 and unlawful transportation of certain aliens in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1324. Velasco-Velasco made an initial appearance in federal court in Concord on September 5, 2023.
According to the charging documents, on the evening of September 2, 2023, a group of individuals wearing backpacks were observed crossing the international border from Canada near Canaan, Vermont. At approximately 5:30 a.m. the next morning, a U.S. Border Patrol agent observed two vehicles traveling away from the same area. The agent stopped the lead vehicle and determined that all five of its occupants were citizens of Mexico with no lawful authority to be present in the United States. All four passengers had backpacks with them, and their pants appeared wet and dirty from their shins down. The driver was subsequently identified via biometric databases as Velasco-Velasco, a Mexican citizen who was previously removed from the United States in 2011.
The illegal reentry charge provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The alien smuggling charge provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison per count, up to three years of supervised release per count, and a fine of up to $250,000 per count. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Border Patrol led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarad Hodes is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Merrimack Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing More than $100,000 from Confluence MedicalRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Merrimack man pleaded guilty today in federal court to charges in connection with his theft of funds from his previous employer, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Scott Dulac, 40, pleaded guilty to one count of federal wire fraud charges. U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott scheduled sentencing for December 14, 2023. Defendant was indicted on March 7, 2022.
Dulac worked as the manager of Confluence Medical, a radiologist staffing and recruiting company. He had access to and signatory authority on the company’s bank accounts in order to manage payroll, pay company bills, and arrange for payments to contracted radiologists. On numerous occasions, between early 2019 and early 2020, Dulac made unauthorized fund transfers and cash withdrawals for his own personal benefit in excess of $100,000.
The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000. The plea agreement additionally requires Dulac to pay restitution in the amount of $135,000 to the victim company. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau is prosecuting the case.
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Massachusetts Man Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Massachusetts man was sentenced today in federal court in Concord for his role as a drug runner in a conspiracy to distribute internationally sourced fentanyl operating out of Lawrence, Massachusetts., U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Ramon Jaquez Diaz, 52, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Paul Barbadoro to 36 months in prison and three years of supervised release. The defendant was convicted by a federal jury for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl on April 6, 2023.
“For an international drug conspiracy to function, criminals perform various jobs- including delivering the drugs to suppliers and customers. Regardless of the role, those involved in conspiracies to distribute fentanyl will be prosecuted and punished,” U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young said. “Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s crime and should serve as a deterrent to those who pollute our communities with this deadly poison.”
“New Hampshire is in the midst of a devastating opioid crisis, as deaths from fentanyl soar. The DEA will continue to use every resource available to identify those, like Mr. Diaz, who are contributing to the crisis,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Today’s sentence holds Mr. Diaz accountable for his crimes, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to put other callous distributers like him behind bars.”
At trial, the government introduced transcripts from recorded telephone conversations between Jaquez Diaz and his co-conspirators, wherein the co-defendants discussed Jaquez Diaz’s role as the runner in the New England area. The evidence against the defendant also included law-enforcement surveillance.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth R. Aframe, Heather A. Cherniske, and John Kennedy are prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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New York Man Sentenced in Connection with the Illegal Export of WeaponsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A New York man was sentenced today in federal court in Concord for operating an unlicensed money transmitting business that was used to export weapons to Pakistan, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Muhammad Mohsin Raja, 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Paul J. Barbadoro to 24 months in prison and 1 year of supervised release. On May 25, 2022, Raja pleaded guilty to conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business.
“The defendant facilitated the export of weapons, and weapon components, to foreign national organizations that threaten U.S. security interests abroad,” U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young said. “This case underscores the importance of our banking laws and regulations in protecting our national security interests.”
“Raja over multiple years engaged in money facilitation in order to evade export restrictions and ultimately enabled the shipment of weapons overseas,” said James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office. “This case highlights the important role that enforcement of financial laws plays in our national security. The FBI is committed to ensuring that anyone who engages in criminal activity in order to elude laws and regulations is held accountable in the criminal justice system.”
“Preventing parties on the Bureau of Industry and Security’s (BIS) Entity List from acquiring items that contribute to programs of national security concern, such as components for use in cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), is a shared U.S. Government priority,” said Rashel D. Assouri, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Boston Field Office, Office of Export Enforcement. “The Office of Export Enforcement, in coordination with our law enforcement partners, will continue to vigorously pursue, dismantle, and disrupt illicit networks that violate U.S. law.”
For several years, Raja operated a “hawala” based out of New York and worked with individuals in Pakistan to coordinate the transfer of money between parties in the United States and Pakistan. A hawala is a type of informal money transfer system that uses a network of agents to transfer money across international borders without using the banking system, typically to circumvent banking laws and regulations.
The defendant transmitted approximately $4.7 million to Pakistan in 2021 alone. As part of the hawala, he made multiple payments for products intended for an organization on the Commerce Department’s Entity List, Pakistan’s Advanced Engineering Research Organization (AERO). AERO was added to the Entity List, which imposes export restrictions for organizations whose activities threaten U.S. national security or foreign policy interests, for procuring items for use in Pakistan’s cruise missile and strategic UAV programs. For example, the defendant made payments for a blade antenna manufactured by a New Hampshire defense contractor. Those antennas are typically used in UAVs, tactical missiles, helicopters, and aircraft. The defendant also made payments to a Florida defense contractor for rotary pumps and a solenoid valve. The rotary pumps were designed for use in M110 self-propelled howitzers, and the solenoid valve was designed for use in an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile or an AGM-86B air-launched cruise missile.
The defendant also made payments to a Florida firearms manufacturer on behalf of a Pakistani company called Al-Akbar Arms. The payments were for two shipments of assault weapons. The defendant messaged another individual suggesting they disguise the purpose of the payments as “purchasing watches as sports equipment.” However, law enforcement successfully intercepted the assault weapons.
In operating the hawala, the defendant used multiple cell phones to coordinate with other individuals, used multiple bank accounts, and enlisted the assistance of at least 10 friends and family members to visit banks and check cashing businesses to help cash checks, place money orders, and deposit funds.
Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement and Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen prosecuted the case.
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Nashua Man Indicted for Firearm Straw PurchasingRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Nashua man was indicted for making false statements during the acquisition of firearms, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Charles Stone, age 23, was indicted on five (5) counts of making false statements to federally licensed firearms dealers during the purchase of firearms. Stone will appear in federal court in Concord at a later date.
According to the charging document, between September and November of 2021, Stone purchased a total of six firearms on five separate occasions from federally licensed firearms dealers in New Hampshire. When he completed the firearm purchase forms, he stated that he was the actual buyer or transferee of the gun, when in fact he was buying the guns for someone else.
The charges provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes, which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Manchester Man Indicted for Fentanyl and Crack Cocaine Distribution OffensesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Manchester man was indicted in connection with the distribution of fentanyl and crack cocaine, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Walter Velez, 41, was indicted on four counts of distribution of controlled substances in connection with the sale of fentanyl and crack cocaine to a confidential informant. Velez will appear in federal court at a later date.
According to the charging documents, Velez sold fentanyl and crack cocaine at his business, Velez Alignment & Auto Services, LLC, in Manchester on four separate occasions. The four sales totaled over 200 grams of fentanyl and over 20 grams of crack cocaine.
These charges of distribution of a controlled substance provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, at least 6 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Ward is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Franklin Man Indicted for Threatening to Kill a U.S. SenatorRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Franklin man has been indicted for threatening to kill a United States Senator, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Brian Landry, 67, was charged with threatening to assault, kidnap or murder a United States official in connection with the official’s performance of official duties and with transmitting a threat in interstate commerce. Landry was originally arrested by complaint on June 2, 2023. He is scheduled for an initial appearance in federal court on September 14, 2023.
According to the charging documents, Landry called a district field office of a United States Senator on May 17, 2023 and left a voicemail, stating:
“Hey stupid. I’m a veteran sniper. And unless you change your ways, I got my scope pointed in your direction and I’m coming to get you. You’re a dead man walking, you piece of f*****g sh*t.”
Investigators identified the phone call as coming from a number associated with Landry. When they interviewed Landry, he admitted to having called the Senator’s office but did not initially recall exactly what he said in the voicemail.
The charges provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Capitol Police led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the New Hampshire State Police, the Franklin Police Department, and the Manchester Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young Announces Project Safe Neighborhoods Selection Committee AppointmentsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces that Bradley J. Russ, Maureen Sullivan, and former Major Joseph M. Ebert have been appointed to serve as the Project Safe Neighborhood’s (PSN) Selection Committee.
“These three individuals will serve as the members of an external panel that will review applications for subawards under the PSN Program,” U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young said. “I am thankful for their willingness to contribute their valuable expertise and perspectives to this process.”
Bradley J. Russ is the Executive Director of the National Criminal Justice Training Center (NCJTC) of Fox Valley Technical College. He previously served as the Chief of Police of the Portsmouth Police Department and the Commander of the Northern New England Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. He has over 35 years of experience as a national instructor for U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) funded training programs, and as a member of national DOJ task forces and commissions. Brad Russ holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Hampshire and is a graduate of the FBI’s National Academy and Law Enforcement Executive Development training programs.
Maureen “Moe” Sullivan is the Executive Director of the Child Advocacy Center of Rockingham County (CACRC). Maureen serves on a variety of committees, including the state advisory committee for the New Hampshire Police Academy and the Rockingham County Chiefs Association (RCCA). She is a former adjunct instructor at the University of New Hampshire’s Peter T. Paul School of Business and Economics, a 2004 graduate of Leadership Seacoast, and former board member of the Portsmouth Rotary Club. She also volunteers with local organizations to include the Rotary District 7780 Opioid Recovery Initiative and Portsmouth Community Coordinated Response to Substance Misuse Disorder. Maureen holds a Doctorate of the Arts in Leadership Studies from Franklin Pierce University, a Master’s in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.
Former Major Joseph M. Ebert served in the New Hampshire State Police from 2002-2023. During his time in the State Police, Joe served in a variety of roles to include as: a Trooper assigned to Troop-A; a Field Training Officer; a Drug Recognition Expert; a member of the Crisis Negotiation Team; a Sergeant, Lead Homicide Detective, and Commander in the Major Crime Unit; Director of the New Hampshire Information and Analysis Center; and a Captain in the Investigation Services. In 2022, he was promoted to Major and Commander of the Investigative Services Unit (ISB). As the Commander of the ISB, Major Ebert oversaw the Narcotics Investigations Unit, the Major Crime Unit, the Polygraph Unit, the Special Investigations Unit and the Terrorism and Intelligence Unit. During his tenor as Major, he also acted as, among other roles, a legislative liaison and grant overseer. Joe earned his Master of Science degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Springfield College in 2001.
PSN is a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement officials, prosecutors, community-based partners, and other stakeholders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. PSN is coordinated by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in the 94 federal judicial districts throughout the 50 states and U.S. territories.
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Lee Man Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Prison for Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Lee man was sentenced today in federal court for possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Joshua Olsen, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Steven J. McAuliffe to 136 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release. Olsen was also ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution.
“Our office, together with our state and federal law enforcement partners, remains dedicated to ensuring the protection of our children and communities from predators like the defendant,” U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young said. “Today’s lengthy sentence sends a strong message that the sexual exploitation of children in New Hampshire will not be tolerated.”
“The sexual exploitation of children by predators like Joshua Olsen requires decisive action which is why the FBI acted so quickly in this case,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Today’s sentence certainly does not erase the harm Mr. Olsen inflicted upon his victims, but it does ensure that others will be protected from his abuse.”
Olsen engaged in sexually explicit online chats with an undercover federal agent in November of last year. During the chats, Olsen distributed images of prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct to the undercover officer. A phone later seized from Olsen was found to contain additional CSAM. Olsen also made admissions during a voluntary interview with law enforcement regarding his sexual abuse of an eight-year-old child. This conduct is the subject of separate state charges.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lee Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Boston Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and CocaineRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Boston man was sentenced today in federal court in Concord for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Anthony Govan, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante to 24 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release.
“The defendant trafficked lethal narcotics to the Granite State,” U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “His sentence serves as a warning that trafficking, any amount of fentanyl and crack cocaine to New Hampshire, will have consequences.”
According to Court documents and statements made in Court, Govan’s charges stem from a 2019 traffic-stop along I-95 in Portsmouth. Govan was a passenger in the vehicle and was found to be in possession of distribution quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine. Govan has been in state custody in Massachusetts on unrelated charges since August 2021.
United States Attorney Jane E. Young made the announcement today. The New Hampshire State Police led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland prosecuted the case.
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Derry Man Indicted in Connection with Importing, Manufacturing, and Distributing SteroidsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Derry man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in connection with importing, manufacturing, and distributing steroids, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Ralph Cardarelli, 44, was indicted with distribution or possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and causing a drug to become misbranded after shipment in interstate commerce. Cardarelli was charged by complaint on July 17, 2023.
According to the charging documents, during the execution of a search warrant at Cardarelli’s residence on March 23, 2023, federal investigations discovered over 4800 vials and bottles of suspected controlled substances and prescription drugs, including: Nandrolone Phenylpropionate; Trenbolone Acetate; Dromostanolone Propionate; Boldenone Undecylenate; Testosterone Propionate; Trenbolone Enanthate; Nandrolone Decanoate; Testosterone Enanthate; and Testosterone Cypionate. These drugs are commonly known as steroids. Evidence was also discovered through the search warrant that Cardarelli was importing these drugs, manufacturing, and packaging them in his residence, and dispensing the drugs without requiring a prescription.
The charge of distribution or possession with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, at least 2 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $500,000.00. The charge of causing a drug to become misbranded after shipment in interstate commerce provides for a sentence of up to 1 year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.00. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Derry Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey W.R. Ward is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Convicted Felon Indicted for Possessing Four FirearmsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A former Dover man was indicted in connection with illegally possessing four firearms, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Christopher T. Brown, 37, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Brown was arrested in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, on Saturday, August 12, 2023, and was ordered detained by a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Alexandria, Virginia. Law enforcement will transport Brown to appear in federal court in Concord at a later date.
According to the charging documents, Brown is a convicted felon and was legally prohibited from possessing firearms. However, on January 9, 2023 in Dover, Brown possessed four firearms, including two 9 mm pistols, a .40 caliber rifle, and a 12-gauge sawed-off shotgun with no serial number.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Dover Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Reentry into the United StatesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A man pleaded guilty in federal court in connection to his illegal reentry into the United States after being deported twice, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Luis Aragon-Lara, 40, pleaded guilty to one count of reentry after deportation. U.S. District Court Judge Steven J. McAuliffe scheduled sentencing for November 28, 2023. Lara was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 29, 2023.
On October 26, 2022, the Keene Police Department arrested the defendant in connection with the passing of counterfeit currency at retail stores in the area. A subsequent investigation revealed that the defendant was again illegally in the United States, after having been previously deported on or about June 9, 2009 and April 3, 2020.
The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The Keene Police Department and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement led the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey W.R. Ward.
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Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute More Than 20 Pounds of FentanylRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Massachusetts man was sentenced in federal court in Concord for drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Johan M. Rodriguez, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante to 60 months in prison. On March 28, 2023, Rodriguez plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
“The defendant traveled into New Hampshire for the sole purpose of selling more than twenty pounds of fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “The magnitude of harm this quantity of fentanyl could have caused the citizens of New Hampshire if it had reached the streets is unfathomable, and for that the defendant will be imprisoned for a lengthy period of time. The tireless efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement officers safeguarded countless members of our communities from the poison the defendant was intending to pollute into our communities.”
“Johan Rodriguez headed to New Hampshire intending to sell an alarming amount of fentanyl,” said Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Thankfully, the FBI’s Major Offender Task Force stopped him before he could flood our streets with this poison. Today’s sentence removes Rodriguez from our community and sends a strong message that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to identify and bring to justice drug dealers who seek to profit from the misery of others.”
On September 26, 2022, Rodriguez took a rideshare from Lawrence, Massachusetts to a residence in Dover to deliver approximately ten kilograms of fentanyl for a Lawrence-based drug supplier. Law enforcement surveilled Rodriguez as he removed a toolbox and tool bag from the vehicle’s trunk and carried them to the door of the residence. A search of the toolbox resulted in the seizure of approximately ten kilograms of fentanyl, which was separated into individual bundles ready for distribution.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Hampshire Major Offender Task Force led the investigation. The Strafford County Sheriff ‘s Office’s Problem Solving Oriented Policing Unit, the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office’s Drug Task Force, and the Dover Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Davis prosecuted the case.
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Second Manchester Man Charged on Drug Distribution OffensesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A second Manchester man has been charged in connection with the distribution of fentanyl in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announced.
Joseph Goffinet, Jr., 53, was arrested and charged with distribution of controlled substances and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances in connection with the sale of fentanyl. Goffinet, Jr. made an initial appearance in federal court in Concord on Friday, August 4, 2023, and was detained. According to the charging documents, on one occasion Goffinet, Jr. conspired with Walter Velez to distribute fentanyl. Velez was charged with the distribution of fentanyl and crack cocaine on July 26, 2023.
The charges of distribution of a controlled substance and conspiracy each provide for a sentence of at least 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, at least 4 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Department of Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Ward is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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