District of New Hampshire
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Laconia Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. –United States Attorney Jane E. Young announces that Dylan Miles, 29, previously of Laconia, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment today following his sentencing for participating in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy and for his unlawful possession of firearms.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the defendant and others were involved in a conspiracy to ship methamphetamine from Arizona to New Hampshire. In May of 2019, Drug Enforcement Administration agents were alerted to suspicious parcels sent from co-defendants Heather Dubeau and Gary Sewell in Arizona to two different addresses in New Hampshire. Investigators obtained a warrant to open the packages and found that one contained over 336 grams of methamphetamine and the other contained over 665 grams of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine was intended for further distribution. Investigators learned that the package containing 665 grams of methamphetamine was intended for Miles. Law enforcement searched Miles’s home pursuant to a warrant and seized drug distribution paraphernalia and multiple firearms. Miles was legally prohibited from possessing firearms by virtue of a prior felony conviction.
All of Miles’s co-defendants previously pleaded guilty. Andrew Hutchins pleaded guilty on May 5, 2022, and was sentenced on August 30, 2022 to time served and 3 years supervised release. Sewell pleaded guilty on May 5, 2022, and was sentenced on February 7, 2023 to 72 months in prison. Dubeau pleaded guilty on May 4, 2022, and was sentenced on February 16, 2023 to 40 months in prison. Chad Rombow pleaded guilty on January 26, 2022 and was sentenced on February 21, 2023 to 72 months in prison. Eli Margolis pleaded guilty on May 27, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 6, 2023.
After completion of his prison sentence, Miles will be under four years of supervised release.
After the sentencing, USA Young said “Mr. Miles was another conspirator in a scheme to obtain methamphetamine from Arizona for distribution into our communities. In addition to his drug trafficking, he unlawfully possessed firearms as he was a convicted felon. As evidenced from the sentences imposed in this investigation, such brazen criminal conduct will vigorously be prosecuted so that dangerous criminals like the defendant will be removed from our communities for significant periods of time.”
“As methamphetamine seizures are on the rise, DEA stands committed to keeping this highly addictive drug out of New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Drugs and guns are a deadly combination. Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Miles accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those who attempt to bring this poison to the Granite State. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts in New Hampshire.”
This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anna Krasinski.
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Concord Man Sentenced to 78 Months for Child Sexual Exploitation CrimeRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Marc Pulsifer, 45, of Concord, was sentenced to 78 months in prison for the federal charge of transportation of child pornography, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement officers learned that Google had detected potential child exploitation materials on Google Photos accounts with an IP address that resolved to Concord, New Hampshire, at various times in 2020. Through their investigation, officers determined that Pulsifer had uploaded child sexual abuse images and child erotica images to Google Photos from his apartment in Concord. On June 3, 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the defendant’s apartment where they discovered child sexual abuse images actively displayed on various electronic media, including two large-screen televisions. Based on the forensic review of electronic media seized from the defendant’s residence, investigators confirmed that the defendant possessed thousands of child sexual abuse images and videos, which he organized in designated folders with descriptive names and stored across multiple devices. The defendant maintained multiple backup digital copies of his child sexual abuse images and child erotic collection, and he used cloud storage services to store and stream these images on his televisions and other electronic media.
Pulsifer previously pleaded guilty on October 5, 2022. In addition to the prison sentence, Pulsifer must spend five years on supervised release, pay $9,000 in restitution.
“Child sexual abuse image crimes exploit innocent children and cause immeasurable harm thus warranting significant federal prison time,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “In order to protect children, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit crimes involving child sexual abuse images in the Granite State.”
This matter was investigated by the Concord Police Department, with assistance from U.S. Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam Le.
In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Barnstead Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing over $130,000 from Barnstead and Hampton School DistrictsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Amy Burley, 47, of Barnstead, pleaded guilty in federal court today to embezzling more than $130,000 from both the Barnstead and Hampton School Districts, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Burley was employed as a bookkeeper for Barnstead School District and then Hampton School District. In her role, Burley processed payroll and handled the payment of invoices.
Burley used her access at Barnstead School District to alter her payroll information, make student loan payments and payments to personal creditors, and pay for an Amazon account charged to Barnstead but controlled by Burley, totaling $110,295.26. Following her termination from Barnstead, Burley was hired as a bookkeeper at Hampton School District, where she used her position to use district funds to pay student loans and credit cards belonging to her or her family members, totaling $20,966.52.
Burley is scheduled to be sentenced on June 1, 2023.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Education Office of the Inspector General, and the Barnstead Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Kennedy.
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Grafton Man Sentenced to 72 Months in Prison for Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. –United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced that Chad Rombow, 47, previously of Grafton, was sentenced to 72 months of imprisonment today following his sentencing for participating in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the defendant and others were involved in a conspiracy to ship methamphetamine from Arizona to New Hampshire. In May of 2019, Drug Enforcement Administration agents were alerted to suspicious parcels sent from co-defendants Heather Dubeau and Gary Sewell in Arizona to two different addresses in New Hampshire. Investigators obtained a warrant to open the packages and found that one contained over 336 grams of methamphetamine and the other contained over 665 grams of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine was intended for further distribution. Investigators learned that the package containing 336 grams of methamphetamine was intended for the defendant, and that the defendant planned to further distribute the methamphetamine.
All of Rombow’s co-defendants previously pleaded guilty. Andrew Hutchins pleaded guilty on May 5, 2022, and was sentenced on August 30, 2022 to time served and 3 years supervised release. Sewell pleaded guilty on May 5, 2022, and was sentenced on February 7, 2023 to 72 months in prison. Dubeau pleaded guilty on May 4, 2022, and was sentenced on February 16, 2023 to 40 months in prison. Eli Margolis pleaded guilty on May 27, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 23, 2023. Dylan Miles pleaded guilty on February 15, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 24, 2023.
“The defendant was part of a conspiracy to ship methamphetamine from Arizona for distribution into our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “Such criminal conduct will not be tolerated and when caught, this office will seek significant periods of incarceration to punish the defendants and to deter others from polluting our communities with poison such as methamphetamine.”
“As we all know, drug trafficking in our communities, along with the gun and physical violence that often accompanies it, is a serious threat to our families and communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “These crimes rob the neighborhoods of safety and hold law abiding citizens of New Hampshire hostage to drug fueled lawlessness. This is unacceptable and will not be allowed to happen. DEA and its local, state and federal partners are dedicated to bringing to justice those that commit these crimes.”
This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anna Krasinski.
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Rochester Man Indicted for Attempting to Fraudulently Obtain More Than $1 Million in CARES Act FundsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Heath Gauthier, 46, of Rochester, New Hampshire, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Wednesday and charged with multiple counts of wire fraud, attempted wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
Gauthier was arrested this morning and has been temporally detained pending trial.
The indictment alleges that, between February 2020 and March 2021, Gauthier fraudulently applied for more than a dozen loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs. Congress had authorized the PPP and EIDL relief programs to help the millions of Americans and many small businesses adversely affected by the early stages of the COVID pandemic. PPP loans were issued by private lenders but fully guaranteed by the government, and EIDL funds were issued by the Small Business Administration.
According to the indictment, Gauthier applied for loans for non-existent companies and used the identities of deceased individuals in his applications, listing them in some applications as owners or employees of the fictitious companies. He also submitted false documents, including fabricated tax documents and counterfeit driver’s licenses, in support of the applications. In total the indictment alleges that Gauthier applied for more than $1 million in CARES Act loan funds.
The charges in the indictment are only allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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New Hampshire Man Pleads Guilty to Theft of a Firearm from a Federal Firearm LicenseeRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Ryan Woods, 33, of Concord, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court to theft of a firearm from a federal firearm licensee, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Woods entered a federal firearms licensee in New Hampshire and stole a firearm and a firearm safe. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 6, 2023.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather A. Cherniske.
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Lebanon Woman Sentenced to 40 Months in Prison in Connection with Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. –United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced that Heather Dubeau, 38, previously of Lebanon, was sentenced to 40 months of imprisonment today following her conviction for participating in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the defendants were involved in a conspiracy to ship methamphetamine from Arizona to New Hampshire. In May of 2019, Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) agents were alerted to suspicious parcels sent from Dubeau and co-defendant Gary Sewell in Arizona to two different addresses in New Hampshire. Investigators obtained a warrant to open the packages and found that one contained over 336 grams of methamphetamine and the other contained over 665 grams of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine was intended for further distribution.
All of Dubeau’s co-defendants previously pleaded guilty. Andrew Hutchins pleaded guilty on May 5, 2022, and was sentenced on August 30, 2022. Sewell pleaded guilty on May 5, 2022, and was sentenced on February 7, 2023 to 72 months of imprisonment. Eli Margolis pleaded guilty on May 27, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 16, 2023. Chad Rombow pleaded guilty on January 26, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 21, 2023. Dylan Miles pleaded guilty on February 15, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 24, 2023.
“This investigation demonstrates the efforts we will take to address the public safety issues presented by the distribution of methamphetamine into our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “We will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to vigorously investigate and prosecute those who traffic methamphetamine into New Hampshire.”
“As methamphetamine seizures are on the rise, DEA stands committed to keeping this highly addictive drug out of New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Today’s sentence not only holds Ms. Dubeau accountable for her crimes but serves as a warning to those who attempt to bring this poison to the Granite State. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anna Krasinski.
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Justice Department Awards over $1 Million to New Hampshire for Extreme Risk Protection Order Programs and Gun Violence Related InitiativesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – On February 14, 2023, the Justice Department announced 49 awards to states, territories and the District of Columbia as part of the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program. This investment of over $231 million will fund state crisis intervention court proceedings, including but not limited to, extreme risk protection order (ERPO) programs that work to keep guns out of the hands of those who pose a threat to themselves or others.
The New Hampshire Department of Justice Office of the Attorney General was awarded $1,306,219.00. This investment in community safety is authorized by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022, historic legislation to address and reduce gun violence.
“These funds will be instrumental in combating violent crime and keeping guns out of the hands of those who pose the greatest threat to the ever-increasing fragile safety of our communities,” said United States Attorney Jane E. Young.
The award, administered by the Department’s Office of Justice Program’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), provides funding for the creation and implementation of extreme risk protection order programs, state crisis intervention court proceedings, and related gun violence reduction initiatives. Extreme risk protection order programs empower family members, health care providers, school officials and law enforcement officers to petition a court to temporarily prevent a person from accessing firearms if they are found to be a danger to themselves or others. Funds can also support interventions like drug, mental health and veterans’ treatment courts, gun violence recovery courts, behavior health deflection and outpatient treatment centers.
Signed into law by President Biden in June 2022, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act is the most significant piece of federal gun safety legislation in almost three decades and comes as a response to recent mass shootings and to the far more common, but no less tragic, incidents of community gun violence.
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Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Traffick FirearmsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Julius Clemente, 25, of Brockton, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Clemente and another individual agreed to purchase firearms from federal firearms licensees in New Hampshire and sell them to persons who lived outside of New Hampshire or were otherwise ineligible to purchase firearms. Clemente and the other person texted to coordinate the purchase of particular firearms and discuss estimated profits, pricing for resale, and method of payment. Over 20 firearms were purchased over the course of the conspiracy in New Hampshire, and some of the firearms were later recovered by law enforcement in Massachusetts. Clemente also solicited a third individual to purchase additional firearms on his behalf to work off a drug debt.
Clemente is scheduled to be sentenced on May 18, 2023.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander S. Chen and Seth R. Aframe.
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Enfield Man Sentenced to 72 Months for Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. –United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced that Gary Sewell, 41, previously of Enfield, was sentenced to 72 months in prison for participating in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the defendants were involved in a conspiracy to ship methamphetamine from Arizona to New Hampshire. In May of 2019, Drug Enforcement Administration agents were alerted to suspicious parcels sent from Sewell and co-defendant Heather Dubeau in Arizona to two different addresses in New Hampshire. Investigators obtained a warrant to open the packages and found that one contained over 336 grams of methamphetamine and the other contained over 665 grams of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine was intended for further distribution.
All of Sewell’s co-defendants previously pleaded guilty. Andrew Hutchins pleaded guilty on May 5, 2022, and was sentenced on August 30, 2022. Dubeau pleaded guilty on May 4, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 16, 2023. Eli Margolis pleaded guilty on May 27, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 16, 2023. Chad Rombow pleaded guilty on January 26, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 21, 2023. Dylan Miles pleaded guilty on February 15, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 27, 2023.
“The distribution of methamphetamine is a major concern in the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “We will be aggressive in our efforts to address the public safety issues presented by this dangerous drug.”
U.S. Attorney Jane Young stated after the conviction: “The defendant actively engaged in a conspiracy to ship methamphetamine from Arizona to New Hampshire, such conduct will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted.”
This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anna Krasinski.
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California Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Trafficking in California and New HampshireRead the Press Release
CONCORD –Robert Perez, Jr., 33, of Perris, California pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in California and New Hampshire, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in late-2020 or early 2021, Perez conspired with individuals in California and New Hampshire to ship a total of approximately 30 pounds of methamphetamine through the U.S. Postal Service from California to several individuals in New Hampshire for distribution. In August 2022, United States Drug Enforcement agents from New Hampshire travelled to Riverside, California, and arrested Perez, Jr. Thereafter, Perez, Jr. appeared before a federal magistrate judge in the Central District of California and was ordered detained pending his transfer to New Hampshire.
Perez, Jr. is scheduled to be sentenced on May 24, 2023.
This matter was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Nashua, New Hampshire Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Davis.
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Possessing Stolen TrailersRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Robert Gramolini, 64, of Malden, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for possession of stolen goods, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Gramolini was seen on video driving a gray Dodge pickup stealing a black enclosed trailer from a business in Hampton, New Hampshire. Law enforcement located the stolen trailer at a storage lot in Brentwood. The owner of the storage lot confirmed Gramolini rented space on his lot to store trailers and other items and gave the officers permission to inspect the lot. Police uncovered other stolen items in his possession, including additional trailers and motorcycles. Gramolini then arrived at his storage lot driving the same gray Dodge pickup seen earlier in security footage. After being questioned, Gramolini admitted to taking the trailer from the Hampton business and that he took another trailer “off the side of the road” in Massachusetts that contained approximately $64,000 in heavy equipment. In total, the value of the stolen property exceeded $150,000.
“The defendant traveled across state lines to steal tens of thousands of dollars of property from others,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “Through the hard work of our local and federal law enforcement officers we stopped this defendant’s criminal activities and held him accountable for his actions.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Hampton Police Department, and the Brentwood Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew T. Hunter and Alexander S. Chen.
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California Man Who Made Lavish Purchases with CARES Act Funds Sentenced to 41 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Pierre Rogers, 44, of Irvine, California, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, United States Attorney Jane E. Young, William A. Kalb, Special Agent in Charge, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Northeast Field Division, and Timothy R. Benitez, Resident Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service, announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to help businesses and individuals adversely affected by the COVID pandemic. The CARES Act created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which offered low-interest loans to employers. Private lenders could participate in the PPP program. The loans, which were supposed to be used for payroll, were fully guaranteed by the government. If borrowers used the PPP loans for payroll and other approved expenses as intended, they could apply for loan forgiveness. The CARES Act also opened up the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. As with PPP loans, EIDL loans were to be used for payroll and other business expenses such as rent and mortgage.
Rogers and his co-defendant, Joshua Leavitt, applied for dozens of PPP and EIDL loans for several companies they owned, including Puro Trader (doing business as Yahyn) and Sunju. The applications inflated the companies’ revenues and number of employees, and provided false supporting documents, including tax filings purportedly filed with the IRS. In total, the defendant participated in 22 fraudulent loan applications and modification requests totaling over $4.8 million. Rogers obtained $803,756 in CARES Act funds.
The defendant also misused a significant portion of the CARES Act funds. For example, he spent $107,780 to purchase a 2011 Rolls Royce Ghost and approximately another $56,000 to purchase a Porsche. He also spent CARES Act funds on clothing and jewelry from luxury retailers such as Bottega Veneta, Cartier, and Bulgari; on resort stays; and on high-end meals such as sushi and steak.
“The CARES Act was passed during a particularly vulnerable moment in our history to help everyday Americans who were struggling to put food on the table. The defendant took advantage of the COVID crisis by spending fraudulently obtained taxpayer-backed funds on luxury items, while those who were truly entitled to the funds struggled to keep their businesses open and their employees paid.” said U.S. Attorney Young. “Working together with our law enforcement partners, we will vigilantly work to prosecute those who defraud pandemic relief programs.”
“The U.S. Secret Service is committed to investigating those individuals that took advantage of COVID-19 relief programs to ensure they are held accountable for the fraudulent activity,” stated Timothy Benitez, Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service. “This outcome is a direct result of the coordination between federal partners at TIGTA, USPIS and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
Leavitt previously pled guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 6, 2023.
The case was investigated by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and Secret Service, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen.
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Plaistow Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine ChargesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Corey Buckley, 42, formerly of Plaistow, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement officers investigated leads into the defendant’s alleged drug trafficking and ultimately obtained a federal search warrant for his Plaistow residence. During the May 2022 search, investigators found approximately 1.1 kilograms of a substance that as later confirmed to be cocaine in the kitchen of the residence. Other indicia of drug trafficking, including a ledger, a scale, approximately $50,000 and two firearms was also located. Buckley has been detained since his arrest following the execution of the search.
Buckley is scheduled to be sentenced on May 18, 2023.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Massachusetts State Police and the Haverhill Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles L. Rombeau, with assistance from Assistant United States Attorney Robert Rabuck on the forfeiture portion of the case.
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Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Access Device Fraud in Connection with Transfer of Stolen DataRead the Press Release
CONCORD – David Wiley, 53, of Georgia, pleaded guilty in federal court to access device fraud, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 16, 2022, Wiley participated in a recorded phone call with an individual cooperating with law enforcement. During the call, Wiley offered to sell stolen data, including victims’ names, credit card numbers, card expiration dates, and card verification value (CVV) codes. Wiley also discussed pricing and the best way to transfer the stolen data. Over the next few weeks, Wiley and the individual cooperating with law enforcement exchanged text messages discussing the transfer of an initial set of sample data.
On March 8, 2022, Wiley uploaded a password-protected spreadsheet containing the names, addresses, email addresses, credit card numbers, card expiration dates, CVV codes, and phone numbers of 200 victims to a secure File Transfer Protocol (FTP) website. Wiley then emailed the password to the individual cooperating with law enforcement to access the spreadsheet.
Wiley is scheduled to be sentenced on May 9, 2023.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander S. Chen and Matthew T. Hunter.
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Salem Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud Related to the COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Michael Rosa, 62, of Salem, pleaded guilty in federal court to wire fraud, First Assistant United States Attorney Jay McCormack announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Rosa defrauded New Hampshire Employment Security (NHES), which administers the unemployment insurance program in New Hampshire.
In March 2020, Congress passed legislation providing additional unemployment benefits to individuals who lost their jobs because of the economic upheaval caused by the coronavirus pandemic. At the time, Rosa controlled several companies located in Plaistow, including Enviromart and KSC Industrial. In late March 2020, Rosa and his co-defendant, George Adyns, directed company employees to file for unemployment benefits with NHES while continuing to work. This caused the unemployment system to effectively pay the employees’ salaries. As a result, NHES paid out almost $50,000 in fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits.
Rosa is scheduled to be sentenced on May 10, 2023.
Adyns previously pled guilty on May 25, 2022 and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 15, 2023.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the U.S. Labor Department’s Office of the Inspector General, New Hampshire Employment Security and the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office with assistance from the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew T. Hunter and Alexander S. Chen.
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Rochester Man Sentenced to 70 Months for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Justin Smith, 34, of Rochester was sentenced today to 70 months in federal prison for one count of distributing 40 grams and more of fentanyl, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 27, 2019, at the direction of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents, a cooperating individual (CI) met with the defendant, Justin Smith, to purchase 200 grams of fentanyl. Smith explained that he had just sold off some of his supply and only had 100 grams available, which he agreed to sell to the CI the following day.
On August 28, 2019, at the direction of the FBI, the CI drove to Smith’s apartment wearing a recording device. After approximately 20 minutes, surveillance units observed Smith leave his apartment and enter the CI’s car with a second individual. Once inside the car, Smith produced the fentanyl from a pocket and completed the deal. The CI noticed that Smith had a firearm in another pocket. Smith explained that he had just obtained the gun prior to the deal. Smith handed the firearm to the second individual who unloaded it prior to handing it to the CI. After handling the gun briefly to examine it, the CI handed the gun back to Smith. The defendant and the other individual then left the car. After they departed, the CI provided the drugs to a control agent. Laboratory analysis later confirmed the drugs to be 100.8 grams of fentanyl.
“This office will prosecute criminals who carry guns and deal drugs to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “This defendant sold over 100 grams of fentanyl. Thanks to the efforts of the FBI, we were able to bring the defendant to justice.”
“Criminals like Justin Smith have no business possessing deadly firearms for any reason, let alone to facilitate trafficking deadly fentanyl,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Today’s sentence is another example of the FBI’s commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to take back our communities from violent drug traffickers and make our streets safer.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande.
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Dover Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Sex Trafficking of a MinorRead the Press Release
CONCORD –Tyler Townsend, 28, of Dover was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison today for one count of sex trafficking of a minor, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2017 Townsend posted online advertisements offering a minor female for commercial sex acts on a now-defunct website. The online account used to post the advertisements was linked to Townsend through email and phone records. Townsend often dealt directly with prospective individuals who responded to the advertisements, negotiating terms and discussing prices. He also frequently accompanied the minor female and collected the money that was paid by the individuals in exchange for sex with the minor female.
“Preying on our community’s most vulnerable members—our children—is a horrific crime that we will not tolerate,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “Our office will devote every available resource to stopping the sexual exploitation of children and pursuing justice on behalf of victims.”
“Townsend trafficked a minor, turning a profit on the exploitation of a young life. He orchestrated meetings with strangers for commercial sex, placing her in incredibly dangerous situations for his own monetary enrichment without concern for her welfare,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “HSI continues in our commitment to pursue human traffickers and to connect survivors with the services they deserve. This outcome could not be achieved without the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Task Force and partnerships of the New Hampshire Division of Child, Youth and Family Services and the Manchester Police Department.”
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations in collaboration with the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force, the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Manchester Police Department and the Dover Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kasey Weiland and Anna Dronzek.
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Former Jefferson Resident Pleads Guilty to Firearm Charges After Illegally Possessing Eight Firearms and over 600 Rounds of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Hunter Ramsay, 29, formerly of Jefferson, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of possession of firearms by a previously convicted person, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Ramsay was wanted on outstanding state warrants for probation violations in both New Hampshire and Vermont when he was observed by New Hampshire State Police driving a truck in Bethlehem, NH on July 7, 2021. After Ramsay initially fled, his vehicle was disabled by the law enforcement’s employment of spike strips in Littleton, NH. Ramsay was taken into custody, and a total of eight firearms and over 600 rounds of ammunition were recovered from his person and vehicle following the later execution of a state search warrant. At the time, Ramsay was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law as a result of a prior felony conviction in Vermont state court. Ramsay has been detained since his arrest.
Ramsay is scheduled to be sentenced on May 1, 2023.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Littleton, NH Police Department. The Coos County Attorney’s Office and New Hampshire Department of Corrections provided additional assistance. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.
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Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 12 Months for Conspiracy to Steal FirearmsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – William Guerrero, 21, of Brighton, Massachusetts was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison today for conspiring to steal firearms from a New Hampshire Federal Firearm Licensee, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 23, 2022, Guerrero drove a stolen vehicle into the parking lot of Shooters Outpost, a Federal Firearm Licensee in Hooksett, New Hampshire. Surveillance footage shows Guerrero and three other men attempting to get into the store by smashing a window by the rear door. The previous day, using the same stolen vehicle, three of the four men attempted to gain access to three other Federal Firearm Licensees in New Hampshire. Following his arrest, a search of Guerrero’s telephones revealed a conversation in which he and his co-conspirators discussed breaking into gun stores.
“Those who conspire to come to New Hampshire to commit serious crimes such as these involving firearms, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “Stopping the flow of stolen firearms into our communities remains a priority for this office.”
“When criminals break into licensed gun dealers, or even attempt to break into a licensed gun dealer, so that they can steal firearms, ATF will laser focus on these criminals to ensure that they are brought to justice. These stolen firearms are often used to fuel the gun violence in our communities and ATF, along with its partner agencies, will do whatever it takes to end the cycle of violence.”, said ATF Special Agent in Charge James Ferguson.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Andover Police Department, the Brentwood Police Department, the Haverhill Police Department, the Lawrence Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, the Methuen Police Department, the Milford Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, the Salem (NH) Police Department, the Somersworth Police Department, the Saugus Police Department, the Wellesley Police Department, and the Windham Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Z. Krasinski and John J. Kennedy
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Rochester Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Jennelle Brown, 38, of Rochester, pleaded guilty in federal court today to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Brown and her co-defendant sold drugs multiple times from their hotel room in Portsmouth. Law enforcement then searched their room and uncovered large quantities of money, drugs, and drug ledgers. A search of two vehicles the defendants used in their drug operations uncovered more currency and drugs. Officers also searched storage units and safety deposit boxes the defendants controlled and discovered additional money and drugs. In total, law enforcement seized over $130,000, 1.3 kilograms of fentanyl, almost 650 grams of methamphetamine, and smaller amounts of cocaine.
Brown is scheduled to be sentenced on April 27, 2023.
Brown’s co-defendant has pleaded not guilty. The charges in the indictment are only allegations. The co-defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration and Strafford County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander S. Chen and Jarad Hodes.
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Salem Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of MachinegunsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Kyle Morris, 23, of Salem, pleaded guilty in federal court today to the unlawful possession of machineguns, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 16, 2022, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Morris’ home in Salem. During the search, agents seized multiple firearms, including a Palmetto State Armory rifle and a Brownells Inc. rifle. Both firearms had been converted into machineguns. Evidence obtained during the investigation, including from a search of the defendant’s cellphone, showed that Morris had researched how to convert firearms into machineguns.
Morris is scheduled to be sentenced on April 6, 2023.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and New Hampshire State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski.
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Nashua Man Sentenced to 72 Months for Possession of Methamphetamine and Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute and Carrying a Firearm While Dealing DrugsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – David Lamoureux, 34, of Nashua was sentenced today to 72 months in federal prison for two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 18, 2021, Hudson Police Detectives initiated a vehicle stop to execute an arrest warrant for Mr. Lamoureux. Upon interacting with officers, Mr. Lamoureux continuously placed his hand in a front pocket despite repeated orders not to do so. When he removed his hand, it was covered in powder. Mr. Lamoureaux admitted the powder was “dope.” During the booking process, detectives preserved the drugs by cutting the pocket from his pants. A search of Lamoureux’s person also revealed baggies of powder stuffed in his socks. A lab test confirmed the drugs to be fentanyl. A subsequent search of his car yielded scales, and roughly 20 grams of methamphetamine and additional fentanyl. A search of his cell phone revealed various texts evidencing his drug trafficking.
Later, on October 6, 2021, Nashua Police Detectives conducting surveillance observed Mr. Lamoureux ride into a parking lot on a motorcycle, approach a building known for drug activity, and return to the lot accompanied by two known drug users. Law enforcement officers detained Mr. Lamoureux and searched him, whereupon they discovered three baggies of methamphetamine, two baggies of fentanyl, a digital scale, $362 in cash, and a stolen firearm in his backpack. Evidence from his phone revealed he had been involved in dealing drugs for months.
“Criminals who carry guns and deal drugs pose a dual threat to the safety of our communities: with the deadly drugs they traffic coupled with the actual threatened violence they use in conducting drug deals,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “Due to the efforts of the Nashua and Hudson Police Departments, the defendant was stopped in his tracks attempting to distribute dangerous narcotics while carrying a stolen gun. His conduct certainly warrants the significant sentence imposed by the court.”
This matter was investigated by the Hudson and Nashua Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande.
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Pennsylvania Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution and Transportation of Child Exploitation MaterialRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Michael Wilcox, 33, of Philadelphia, PA, pled guilty in federal court today to distribution and transportation of child sexual abuse material, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Wilcox engaged in sexually explicit online chats with an undercover law enforcement officer on various social media platforms. In the course of those chats, Wilcox offered to sell child sexual abuse material to the undercover in exchange for payment via CashApp. Wilcox sent various images of child sexual abuse material to the undercover as “samples” of material that he had available for sale. He later sent the undercover links to online cloud storage folders that contained hundreds of additional images, many of them depicting child sexual abuse material.
The plea agreement filed in court recommends that Wilcox be sentenced to 5-10 years in federal prison. Sentencing is set for April 17, 2023.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Nashua Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland.
In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Steal FirearmsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Johariel Quezada, 19, of Methuen, pleaded guilty in federal court today to conspiring to steal firearms from federal firearms licensees, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between August 29, 2021 and October 4, 2021, Quezada conspired with others to steal firearms from three New Hampshire Federal Firearms Licensees. During the course of the conspiracy, more than 40 firearms were stolen from Milford Firearms in Milford, Second Amendment Arms in Windham, and MacPhearson Firearms in Brentwood. Multiple stolen firearms were recovered from Quezada’s residence. Videos recovered from Quezada’s phone showed numerous stolen firearms and admissions of his involvement in the conspiracy.
Quezada is scheduled to be sentenced on April 13, 2023.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Andover Police Department, the Brentwood Police Department, the Haverhill Police Department, the Lawrence Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, the Salem (NH) Police Department, the Somersworth Police Department, the Saugus Police Department, the Wellesley Police Department, and the Windham Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Z. Krasinski and John J. Kennedy.
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Wilmot Man Sentenced to 115 Months in Prison on Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. – United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced that Corey Donovan, 40, previously of Wilmot, was sentenced to 115 months of imprisonment on Tuesday following his conviction at trial last year for the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.
According to trial exhibits and witness testimony presented during the four-day jury trial in October 2021, Donovan was prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions. In March 2021, law enforcement received a tip that Donovan possessed firearms. After analyzing the information received and employing other investigative techniques, search warrants were obtained to search Donovan’s property and vehicles associated with him. Located in Donovan’s Jeep, strapped to the Jeep’s roll bar, was a loaded 20-gauge shotgun, with several rounds of ammunition on and in the weapon. Additional ammunition was located in the Jeep’s center console. In addition, a companion 20-gauge shotgun barrel, several shotgun parts, multiple rounds of ammunition, two homemade silencers and various gun accessories were located in other locations on Donovan’s property.
Donovan has been detained since his March 2021 arrest. He was on supervised release at the time of the offense following an earlier federal conviction for conspiracy to commit bank robbery and related firearms charges arising out of the February 2007 armed robbery of the Franklin Savings Bank where he and several compatriots initially escaped by snowmobile. The sentence imposed by the Court consists of 110 months for the new firearms offense and 5 months for the violation of supervised release, to be served consecutively. Donovan will be on a new term of supervised release of 3 years following his release from Bureau of Prisons custody.
After the sentencing, U.S. Attorney Young stated, “Convicted felons, like the defendant, who illegally possess weapons and ammunition will be prosecuted and upon conviction, the government will seek significant periods of incarceration to ensure the safety of our communities and to deter felons from committing these crimes.”
“ATF will continue the fight against violent crime in our communities.” Said James M. Ferguson Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Boston Field Division. “We will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners keeping guns out of the hands of convicted of felons.”
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, United States Marshals Service, New Hampshire State Police, New Hampshire Information and Analysis Center, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, and Andover Police Department. Special assistance was also provided by the Somersworth Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anna Krasinski and Charles L. Rombeau.
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Former Portsmouth, New Hampshire Man Sentenced to 84 Months for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Robert Corson, 34, formerly of Portsmouth, New Hampshire was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for drug trafficking, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in April and May 2021, Corson sold quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl to an undercover New Hampshire State Police Trooper and a cooperating individual. In July 2021, the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested Corson for the drug sales outside of a storage unit Corson rented in Portsmouth. A search of the storage unit resulted in the seizure of approximately 200 grams of fentanyl and “ice” methamphetamine, small quantities of other narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm.
“The sentence imposed on the defendant sends a strong message that those who sell drugs will be vigorously prosecuted and the government will seek significant periods of incarceration,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “Fentanyl kills members of our communities daily and the United States Attorney’s Office along with our federal partners will employ every asset available to stop the flow of these poisons onto our streets.”
“DEA is committed to investigating and dismantling Drug Trafficking Organizations and individuals like Mr. Corson who are responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine to the citizens of New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Corson accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are fueling the opioid epidemic with deadly drugs in order to profit and destroy people’s lives. DEA’s top priority is combatting this epidemic by working with our local, county, state and federal partners to bring to justice anyone who distributes this poison.”
“Robert Corson has repeatedly demonstrated a lack of respect for the law with his lengthy record of criminal convictions and numerous violations of bail, probation, and parole. In fact, he was on parole when an undercover officer with the FBI’s Major Offender Task Force bought deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine from him,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Mr. Corson’s criminal conduct is well deserving of today’s significant prison sentence because trafficking in fentanyl and methamphetamine not only destroys lives and families but causes countless deaths of the very people ensnared in their addictions to these dangerous drugs.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Hampshire Major Offender Task Force, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad, New Hampshire State Police, and the Portsmouth Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer C. Davis.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Connecticut Man Sentenced to Additional Time for Threatening to Kill a Federal Judge, a Federal Prosecutor, and Other IndividualsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Devin James Melycher, 30, of Danbury, Connecticut, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release for threatening to kill a federal judge, a federal prosecutor, and other individuals, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today. Melycher previously pled guilty to three counts of mailing threatening communications, one count of threatening to murder a federal law enforcement officer, and two counts of threatening to murder a federal judge.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between May and September 2022, Melycher sent numerous letters threatening to kill a federal judge, a prosecutor, his court-appointed counsel, a retired U.S. magistrate judge, and a federal law enforcement officer involved in his then-pending criminal matter, Docket No. 2:21-CR-169, in the District of Maine, for travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. Melycher’s 18-month sentence will run consecutive to a 135-month sentence of imprisonment previously imposed in Docket No. 2:21-CR-169.
“Threatening to kill federal officials is a serious crime, not protected speech,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “My office will work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who seek to harm or intimidate public servants are brought to justice for their criminal conduct.”
The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service, with assistance by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office in Portland, Maine. It is being prosecuted by United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire, by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cam T. Le and Matthew T. Hunter, acting under authority conferred by 28 U.S.C. § 515.
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Ian Freeman Convicted on All Counts Relating to Bitcoin Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Jane E. Young, announced that a federal jury convicted Ian Freeman, 42, of Keene, on all counts of money laundering, conspiracy to launder money, operation of an unlicensed money transmitting business, and tax evasion (four counts).
According to trial exhibits and witness testimony during the ten-day trial, 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 in excess of a million dollars.
Records and exhibits 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.
Freeman is scheduled to be sentenced on April 14, 2023.
“The culture of scamming through the internet has become a pervasive societal problem. These scammers get away with their crimes, which often victimize some of our most vulnerable citizens, by hiding their tracks, including the money trail,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “Money launderers such as Ian Freeman are the ones who help hide the money for these scammers. Today’s swift verdict sends a strong message that this type of money laundering will not be tolerated. Stopping scammers by disrupting their methods for hiding their tracks is an important federal objective. This prosecution is an important step in meeting that objective.”
“Today’s verdict proves Ian Freeman operated a large-scale multi-million-dollar virtual currency business under the guise of a religious organization receiving charitable contributions that broke numerous laws to evade detection. As a member of this criminal conspiracy, Mr. Freeman took advantage of the emotions and bank accounts of unwitting victims to line his own pockets,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Make no mistake, the FBI will continue its longstanding tradition of following the money, whether physical, or digital, to expose criminal schemes like this one, and the fraudsters behind them. We thank the jury for its service and its decision to hold Mr. Freeman accountable.”
"Today, Ian Freeman became another example of an individual who attempted to conceal the true source of his money and was caught,” said Joleen Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS- Criminal Investigation’s Boston Field Office. “Federal laws that regulate the reporting of financial transactions are in place to detect and stop illegal activities and the IRS will continue to take every step necessary to ferret out those who attempt to avoid their reporting obligations under the law.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team and the Department of Justice, Tax Division, provided substantial assistance in the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana L. MacDonald, John Kennedy, and Seth R. Aframe.
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East Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Elderly Woman of over $83,000Read the Press Release
CONCORD – Craig Corriveau, 51, of East Rochester, pleaded guilty in federal court to wire fraud, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Corriveau knew the elderly victim maintained a checking and savings account and had at least two credit cards. He was also aware that the victim had physical limitations.
Between March 2019 and July 2021, Corriveau used the victim’s credit cards to make unauthorized purchases totaling at least $83,628.69. He spent over $30,000 alone at a firearms store to purchase firearms and ammunition. Corriveau also used the victim’s credit cards to purchase goods from retailers such as Dick’s Sporting Goods, Target, Home Depot, Bob’s Discount Furniture, Wayfair, Etsy, and Amazon. Records from those companies showed the name, delivery address, e-mail address, and phone number associated with the purchases belonged to Corriveau. During a search of Corriveau’s home, police found some of the goods Corriveau bought using the victim’s credit cards.
To facilitate the scheme, Corriveau used the victim’s personal identifying information, including the victim’s Social Security number, maiden name, and date of birth, to add himself as an authorized user on the victim’s credit card account. Corriveau had a credit card in his name but under the victim’s account mailed to his address. Corriveau was able to access the victim’s bank accounts and used the victim’s funds to make payments on his credit card purchases.
Corriveau is scheduled to be sentenced on March 29, 2023.
The case was investigated by the Rochester Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen.
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Somersworth Man Sentenced to 66 Months for Distribution and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Mark E. Butler, 46, of Somersworth, was sentenced to 66 months in federal prison for distribution and possession of child sexual abuse materials, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between June and September 2021, federal and state law enforcement officers investigated the online child sexual exploitation activities of the defendant, Mark E. Butler, who used various social media applications to share child sexual abuse materials. For example, on September 23, 2021, Butler distributed a one-minute video depicting a prepubescent child engaged in sexual conduct to an undercover agent. On October 13, 2021, investigators executed a federal search warrant to seize electronic devices used by Butler to distribute and possess child sexual abuse materials. Butler admitted that he used the internet to obtain child sexual abuse materials. Subsequent forensic analysis of Butler’s Apple iPhone and evidence obtained from a cloud storage service provider confirmed Butler’s use of several social media applications, emails, and text messages to send child sexual abuse materials to other individuals.
In addition to his sentence, Butler was sentenced to five years of supervised release following his release from prison and a $6,000 restitution payment.
“Protecting children is a paramount priority and those who engage in child exploitation will be prosecuted and we will seek significant sentences as demonstrated in this case,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “This case is another example of the collaborative work our law enforcement partners engage in to identify and prosecute those who possess and distribute child sexual abuse materials.”
“Butler possessed and distributed child exploitation materials and his sharing of this material perpetuates a cycle of abuse. Homeland Security Investigations and our partners will continue to pursue individuals who are involved in any part of the child exploitation cycle,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the New Hampshire State Police, the Strafford County Sheriff’s Office, the Somersworth Police Department, the Salem Police Department, the Rochester Police Department, and the Manchester Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam T. Le.
In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Sanbornton Man Charged with Possession of Child Exploitation MaterialRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. – Timothy Ryan, 34, of Sanbornton, New Hampshire, was charged via complaint in federal court with possession of child sexual abuse material, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
Ryan was arrested without incident on Tuesday, December 13, after investigators executed a search warrant and seized Ryan’s electronic devices. According to court documents and statements made in court, Ryan was identified as a suspect in an online investigation related to the distribution of child exploitation material on a peer-to-peer file-sharing network. Agents reviewing the contents of Ryan’s cell phone confirmed the presence of child exploitation material on his cell phone. He appeared for an initial appearance today and is temporarily detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for December 21, 2022.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, U.S. Secret Service New England Cyber Fraud Task Force, Grafton County Sheriff’s Department, Nashua Police Department and the Sanbornton Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kasey Weiland.
In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
A complaint is merely an allegation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Nashua Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
CONCORD –Philip Wetmore, 32, of Nashua, pleaded guilty in federal court to drug trafficking and possessing firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on two occasions in February 2022, Wetmore sold approximately 81 grams of crystal methamphetamine to an individual who was cooperating with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) at a residence and in a retail store in Nashua, New Hampshire. After the second drug sale, the FBI arrested Wetmore, who had a loaded firearm on his person, as he drove out of the store parking lot. The FBI subsequently executed a search warrant on Wetmore’s vehicle and seized approximately 671 grams of crystal methamphetamine, a second loaded firearm, and other items associated with drug trafficking. Wetmore is legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
Wetmore is scheduled to be sentenced on March 22, 2023.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Major Offender Task Force with the assistance of the Nashua Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Davis.
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Lee Man Charged with Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. – Joshua Olsen, 30, of Lee, New Hampshire, was charged in federal court with distribution of child sexual abuse materials, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
Olsen was arrested without incident on Friday, December 9, after investigators executed a search warrant at his residence in Lee. According to court documents and statements made in court, in November, Olsen distributed child pornography to an undercover FBI agent through on-line chat platforms.
Olsen had an initial appearance hearing in federal district court last Friday. At that time, the Court ordered him detained pending a detention hearing that was scheduled for today. At today’s detention hearing the Court ordered Olsen detained pending trial.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Lee Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kasey Weiland.
A complaint is merely an allegation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Former Manager of West Alton Marina Pleads Guilty to Federal Sex Trafficking and Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – John E. Murray, III, 56, of Alton Bay pled guilty in federal court today to twelve counts of production of child sexual abuse materials and four counts of sex trafficking of a minor, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
Murray was a manager at the West Alton Marina on Alton Bay, where he was responsible for hiring and supervising seasonal employees, many of whom were minors. According to court documents and statements made in court, Murray solicited minor employees of the marina for sexually explicit images and videos of themselves, often in exchange for cash. Murray directed the victims to send him the videos via Snapchat, and videos of the victims were found on Murray’s cell phone and in his Snapchat account. Murray also subjected minor employees to unwanted sexual contact and sexual acts, to include fondling and oral sex. With respect to two minor victims, Murray made cash payments to the victims in exchange for allowing Murray to perform sexual acts on the victims. The conduct took place over the course of several years and dates back to at least 2015. Murray has been in state custody since August 2021 on related charges. The binding plea agreement filed in federal court recommends that Murray be sentenced to 300 months—or 25 years—of imprisonment.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 22, 2023.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Alton Police Department, with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police, the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force, and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland.
In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Connecticut Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Jabreel A. Amir, 41, of Waterbury, Connecticut, pleaded guilty in federal court to drug trafficking charges, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2022, Amir arranged with an individual who was cooperating with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) to deliver a quantity of cocaine to this individual in New Hampshire. On May 9, 2022, law enforcement officers surveilled Amir as he travelled from Waterbury, Connecticut to New Hampshire to conduct the drug sale and stopped Amir’s vehicle in Concord, New Hampshire. A search of Amir’s vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately more than 2 kilograms of cocaine.
Amir is scheduled to be sentenced on March 22, 2023.
This matter was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the New Hampshire State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Davis.
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Concord Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Brandon Dumont, 30, of Concord, pleaded guilty in federal court to making a false statement in connection with the attempted acquisition of a firearm, and possession of firearms and ammunition by a prohibited person, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to statements made in court, Dumont is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition by virtue of a prior felony conviction. On April 2, 2022, Dumont attempted to purchase a rifle from Wal-Mart, a federally licensed firearms dealer, in North Conway, New Hampshire. Dumont falsely represented that he had never been convicted of a felony when, in fact, he had previously been convicted of a felony. On April 8, 2022, Dumont purchased over 400 rounds of ammunition from a gun store in Hooksett, New Hampshire. On April 11, 2022, Dumont possessed three firearms, including a revolver and a .45 caliber pistol
Dumont is scheduled to be sentenced on March 21, 2023.
The case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Concord Police Department, and the Londonderry Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande.
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Manchester Man Sentenced to 57 Months for Robbing Six Banks Across New Hampshire and MassachusettsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Eric Mohan, 48, of Manchester, was sentenced today to 57 months in federal prison for a string of bank robberies in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Mohan’s three-month robbery spree began on February 11, 2022, when he robbed a Triangle Credit Union in Manchester, New Hampshire using a demand note, and stealing $2070. Subsequently, Mohan twice robbed a Salem Five Bank in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, an Align Credit Union in Danvers, Massachusetts, a Northeast Credit Union in Lee, New Hampshire, and a Service Federal Credit Union in Hampton, New Hampshire. Unbeknownst to Mohan, on April 4, 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation had identified his vehicle, tracked him to Hampton, and arrested him as he was leaving the Service Federal Credit Union. While being arrested, Mohan dropped a bag containing $10,659 in currency and a demand note.
“Bank robbers, like the defendant, endanger the safety of the bank employees, the public and law enforcement officers who respond to these robberies,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “As evidenced by the diligent investigation in this case, law enforcement will prioritize apprehending bank robbers and the United States Attorney’s Office will prosecute bank robbers and seek lengthy periods of incarceration to protect the public and to deter others from committing this dangerous crime.”
“Eric Mohan is a serial bank robber who terrorized innocent bank tellers and bystanders just trying to go about their daily lives, and his actions will no doubt have a lifelong impact on those involved,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Today’s sentence should send a clear message that if you rob a bank in this state, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will find you, arrest you, and ensure you go to federal prison for a long time.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, with valuable assistance from the Tewksbury Police Department and the Danvers Police Department.
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Nashua Woman Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Obtaining Food Stamps and Medicaid BenefitsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Kaylie Esquivel Arizmendi, 32, of Nashua, pleaded guilty in federal court to making false statements, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Arizmendi was receiving Supplemental Nutritional Agricultural (SNAP) benefits, better known as food stamps, and Medicaid benefits. In New Hampshire, the state Department of Health and Human Services administers the food stamp and Medicaid programs. Because eligibility is tied to household resources, applicants are required to provide truthful information to the state and timely notify the state if their household’s composition or income changes.
Arizmendi married her spouse in February 2015. On March 3, 2015, she applied to the Department of Health and Human Services for food stamps and Medicaid benefits. She claimed under penalty of perjury that she was unmarried. Between March 2015 and November 2020, Arizmendi continued to falsely represent to the state that she was unmarried and claimed she and her spouse had no personal relationship to one another. For example, she provided a fraudulent “Rental Verification Request” identifying her spouse as a “Landlord, Manager or Housing Official.”
If Arizmendi truthfully disclosed her marital status, her spouse’s income would have reduced her eligibility for benefits. In total, Arizmendi obtained $64,401 in food stamps and Medicaid benefits she was not entitled to receive.
Arizmendi is scheduled to be sentenced on March 13, 2023.
This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of the Inspector General and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of the Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen.
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Concord Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Jerry S. Roberts, Jr., 38, of Concord, was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison and lifetime supervised release for exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 15, 2019, the Concord Police arrested Roberts, a convicted sex offender, following his assault of another individual. The victim of the assault advised that Roberts and a minor (Child Victim A) had left their personal property in the victim’s apartment. Pursuant to a search warrant, detectives searched the bags and recovered assorted electronic media, including a digital camera. Detectives obtained an additional search warrant for the electronic media. From the digital camera, detectives identified two videos that Roberts filmed depicting Child Victim A engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
“Roberts is a repeat and dangerous sex offender against children. The sentence handed down in this case reflects the serious nature of the crimes committed by this defendant, which are particularly troubling given his multiple prior convictions for sexual abuse of young children,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “This office is committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society—our children—and to bringing sexual predators like Roberts to justice.”
“Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of the crimes Roberts committed and damage he has done to the children he harmed. He will now be behind bars, unable to reoffend, while those he victimized can begin to heal and look to the future. Homeland Security Investigations is proud to provide assistance and expertise to our local partners in the Concord Police Department, working together to ensure predators like Roberts are brought to justice,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England.
“The Concord Police Department remains committed to investigating crimes against children in an effort to protect such a vulnerable population,” said Lt. Marc P. McGonagle, Criminal Investigations Division. “We are thankful for the hard work that was put in by all investigators from the Concord Police Department, Homeland Security and staff from the US Attorney’s Office on this case.”
This matter was investigated by the Concord Police Department, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cam T. Le and Alexander S. Chen.
In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Lisbon Man Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Prison for Production and Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Dennis Michael Bousquet, 32, of Lisbon, NH, was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison and 20 years of supervised release for production and distribution of child sexual abuse material, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Bousquet was observed by an undercover FBI agent in an online chat group devoted to child exploitation, to include the exchange of child sexual abuse material. During a chat with the undercover agent, Bousquet sent several sexually explicit images of a prepubescent child. Upon receiving these images, the FBI submitted emergency legal process to obtain subscriber information related to the target account. A review of this information and the associated IP address logs led federal agents to Bousquet’s residence. During the execution of a federal search warrant, Bousquet admitted to taking the images and disseminating them online. Bousquet further admitted to having engaged in similar conduct with another child several years ago.
“Protecting children from sexual predators is a paramount priority for this office and for our law enforcement partners who work tirelessly to ferret out such predatory actions,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “The sentence imposed on the defendant demonstrates the grievousness of his criminal conduct. Those who engage in such depraved actions will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law”.
“Dennis Bousquet’s actions were atrocious and what he subjected his young victims to will likely have untold ramifications for years. Today’s sentence ensures he will not be able to subject another child to sexual abuse and exploitation for quite some time,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Make no mistake, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to work hard every day to put predators like him who harm children behind bars.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police, the Lisbon Police Department, and the Littleton Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey A. Weiland.
In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Merrimack Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Leith Sukkar, 22, of Merrimack, pleaded guilty in federal court to engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license and making false statements during the acquisition of firearms, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to statements made in court, between September 2021 to May 3, 2022, Sukkar purchased 22 firearms from four federally licensed dealers in New Hampshire. Sukkar falsely represented that he was the actual purchaser of the firearms when, in fact, he was purchasing the firearms for other people. On May 3, 2022, Sukkar made a false statement during the purchase of a Glock model 29, 10mm pistol and a Glock model 43, 9mm pistol from Shooter’s Outpost, a federally licensed firearms dealer, located in Hooksett, New Hampshire. Similarly, on April 27, 2022, Sukkar made a false statement during the purchase of a Taurus model G2S, 9mm pistol, from Shooter’s Outpost. Other evidence obtained during the investigation showed that he was charging $900 for firearms and accepted drugs as payment for at least one firearm. Sukkar does not have a license to sell or deal in firearms.
Sukkar is scheduled to be sentenced on February 23, 2023.
The case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Manchester Police Department Special Investigations Unit, and the New Hampshire State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski and Assistant U.S. Attorney Deb Walsh.
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Former Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Sell FentanylRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Craig Wiggin, 44, formerly of Rochester, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to one count of conspiracy to sell fentanyl, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2021, Wiggin conspired with other individuals to sell approximately 225 grams of fentanyl to an individual cooperating with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) and to an FBI Task Force Officer, who was acting in an undercover capacity as a drug customer. The drug sales occurred at various locations in Rochester, New Hampshire.
Wiggin is scheduled to be sentenced on February 23, 2023.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s New Hampshire Major Offender Task Force and the New Hampshire State Police’s Narcotics Investigations Unit. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer C. Davis.
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Concord Man Arrested for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Scott Wilkinson, 38, of Concord, New Hampshire, was charged in a criminal complaint today with one count of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
Wilkinson was arrested on Friday, November 11, 2022, and made an initial court appearance in the District of New Hampshire today at 3:00 pm. The defendant was detained and a detention hearing has been scheduled for November 17, 2022 at 2:30 pm.
The criminal complaint filed in court alleges that Wilkinson traveled from New Hampshire to New Jersey to engage in sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old female victim and used his phone to video the act which occurred in the back of his car. In addition, internet activity reported by Google, Inc. indicated that files depicting apparent child sexual abuse materials were uploaded to Wilkinson’s Google Drive account from the IP address associated with his residence in Concord.
The charges in the criminal complaint are only allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Concord Police Department and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Zuckerman and Kasey Weiland.
In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Manchester Man Sentenced to 72 Months for Possession of Powder and "Crack" Cocaine with Intent to Distribute and Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Kevin Scott, 46, of Manchester was sentenced today to 72 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute powder cocaine and cocaine base (“crack” cocaine), and for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced.
According to court documents and statements made in court, officers of the Litchfield Police Department received information from a confidential source that the defendant, Mr. Scott, was using an apartment in Litchfield to cook crack cocaine. Surveillance revealed Mr. Scott coming in and out of the apartment, carrying a fanny pack from the apartment into his car. A traffic stop of Scott’s car was conducted, and a subsequent search of his car revealed a Glock 9 mm pistol, lactose powder (a known cutting agent for cocaine), and $10,982 in cash inside the fanny pack. Litchfield police officers also found a baggie near where Mr. Scott had been standing prior to his arrest, which contained 5.83 grams of crack cocaine and 5.86 grams of powder cocaine. Text messages from Mr. Scott’s phone confirmed his involvement in drug trafficking.
“Felons like the defendant who carry guns and deal drugs pose a unique threat to the safety of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “Due to the efforts of the Litchfield Police Department, working in collaboration with ATF and the DEA, the defendant’s efforts to distribute dangerous narcotics were thwarted and he has been held accountable for his crimes.”
“DEA is committed to investigating individuals involved in drug trafficking like Mr. Scott in Litchfield, New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “As we all know, drug trafficking in our communities, along with the gun violence that often accompanies it, is a serious threat to our families and communities. DEA and its local, state and federal partners are dedicated to bringing to justice those that commit these crimes.”
“ATF remains dedicated in our efforts to keep firearms out of the hands of those who are prohibited from possessing them” said James M. Ferguson Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Boston Field Division. “ATF will continue to work with our state, local and federal, law enforcement partners to combat violent crimes that occur within our communities.”
This matter was investigated by the Litchfield Police Department in conjunction with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Gingrande and Cam Le.
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Hampton Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft in Connection with Multiple Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Anthony Silva, 37, of Hampton, pleaded guilty in federal court to wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and mail fraud, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Silva orchestrated two different fraud schemes. First, in late 2021, he used stolen personal identifying information of victims, including their names, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth, to apply for 15 different credit cards from American Express. Silva sometimes also submitted fake driver’s licenses with the victims’ names and other personal identifying information, but with his own photograph. Silva used the credit cards to make personal purchases at retailers like Walmart, Victoria’s Secret, and Home Depot, and was recorded on store security footage making the purchases.
Second, between April 2020 and May 2021, Silva submitted unemployment insurance applications to Vermont and Massachusetts using the identities of many individuals. He typically had the unemployment insurance payments mailed as checks to addresses he controlled or had access to. He then deposited the checks into one of 32 different trust accounts he opened at Citizens Bank, which were in the names of purported charitable causes.
Silva will be required to pay restitution of $699,496.14 and forfeit the trust accounts he controlled at Citizens Bank. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 13, 2023.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of the Inspector General, and Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Kennedy.
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Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 24 Months for Selling Fentanyl in Salem, New HampshireRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Juan Veras-Marcano, 29, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced today to 24 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute more than 170 grams of fentanyl, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the defendant sold over 170 grams of fentanyl over the course of eight controlled purchases to a confidential source and an undercover agent. In addition, he was attempting to sell another 20 grams of fentanyl to an undercover agent at the time of his arrest. The defendant made the sales in the parking lots outside various retail stores in Salem, New Hampshire. The defendant took measures to avoid law enforcement detection before selling the drugs by secreting baggies of fentanyl in his mouth and working with a conspirator who conducted countersurveillance techniques. In a subsequent search of the defendant’s phone, law enforcement viewed photos of large stacks of cash, and the defendant’s texts reveal that he sent large amounts of money to the Dominican Republic during the time he was dealing drugs.
“This case demonstrates the law enforcement efforts expended to stop deadly narcotics like fentanyl from flooding our streets,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “Despite the defendant’s covert attempts to avoid law enforcement detection, through the use of confidential sources and undercover agents, law enforcement was able to apprehend the defendant in the act of dealing fentanyl. Bringing the defendant to justice was the result of a collaboration among state law enforcement in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, working in partnership with the DEA and our office.”
This matter was investigated by the Salem Police Narcotics Unit in conjunction with the Massachusetts State Police Attorney General’s Task Force, with the assistance of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande.
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Rochester Man Indicted for Child Sexual ExploitationRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Richard J. Crispin, 26, of Rochester, NH, was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 24, 2022 and charged with sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
Crispin has been in custody since April 2021 on related charges in Maine. He had an initial appearance on Tuesday, and he will remain in custody pending resolution of his federal and state criminal matters.
The charges in the indictment are only allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Somersworth, NH Police Department, the Strafford County Sheriff’s Office, the North Berwick, ME Police Department, and the Rochester, NH Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam T. Le.
In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Tilton Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Jared Stottlar, 43, of Tilton, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking offense, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 8, 2019, law enforcement obtained a search warrant to search Stottlar’s truck and found two firearms, $54,000, drug packaging materials, and over 500 grams of methamphetamine. A search of Stottlar’s bedroom also uncovered six additional firearms and more drug packaging materials.
Stottlar is scheduled to be sentenced on February 6, 2023.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Tilton, Franklin, and Sanbornton Police Departments. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth R. Aframe.
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Former Manager of West Alton Marina Indicted for Federal Sex Trafficking and Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – John E. Murray, III, of Alton Bay was indicted by a federal grand jury on Monday and charged with twelve counts of production of child pornography and four counts of sex trafficking of a minor, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
Murray was a manager at the West Alton Marina on Alton Bay, where he was responsible for hiring and supervising seasonal employees, many of whom were minors. The indictment alleges that Murray solicited minor employees of the marina for sexually explicit images and videos of themselves, often in exchange for cash. He is also accused of subjecting minor employees to unwanted sexual contact and sexual acts. The offenses alleged in the indictment took place over the course of several years and date back to at least 2015. Murray has been in state custody since August 2021 on related charges.
The charges in the indictment are only allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Alton Police Department, with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police, the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force, and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland.
In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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