District of New Hampshire
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Colebrook Man Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
CONCORD - William Hill, 26, of Colebrook, New Hampshire pleaded guilty in federal court to bank fraud, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2018 and October 2021, Hill’s co-defendant Katie Ricker was employed in various positions by a company in Sugar Hill, New Hampshire. In or about October 2021, Ricker stole blank checks belonging to the company. She wrote fraudulent checks addressed to herself, Hill and others to transfer funds from the company’s account to her joint bank account with Hill. Ricker forged the signature of the employee authorized to sign on the company’s account. The defendants were caught on camera cashing some of the fraudulent checks. In total, the defendants stole more than $51,000 from the company.
Hill is scheduled to be sentenced on October 6, 2022.
Ricker has pleaded not guilty. The charges in the indictment are only allegations. She is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Sugar Hill Police Department and Lisbon Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen.
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U.S. Attorney Young Taps Veteran Homicide and Fraud Prosecutor Jay Mccormack as First Assistant U.S. AttorneyRead the Press Release
CONCORD – U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young has announced that Jay McCormack has been appointed to serve the District of New Hampshire as the First Assistant United States Attorney, the office’s second-ranking position. As the First Assistant U.S. Attorney, McCormack will supervise the Criminal and Civil Divisions, and the overall operations of the office.
“Mr. McCormack is a seasoned and dedicated prosecutor, who has demonstrated great leadership throughout his career in public service,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “His vast array of experiences and national contacts will be a tremendous asset to the people of New Hampshire. I am confident that he will continue to lead by example.”
Mr. McCormack is a career prosecutor with over a dozen years of state and federal prosecutorial experience, and most recently prior to his appointment was a Trial Attorney in the Health Care Fraud Unit of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. In that position, Mr. McCormack specialized in white-collar and complex investigations involving health care fraud, opioid diversion, securities fraud, COVID-19 and Paycheck Protection Program loan fraud.
Previously, Mr. McCormack was an Assistant Attorney General in the Medicaid Fraud Division of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, where he specialized in criminal and civil health care fraud investigations. Prior to that, Mr. McCormack served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Bureau of the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office where he investigated and prosecuted homicide and public integrity matters statewide.
Mr. McCormack graduated from Suffolk University Law School in 2009. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with Concentrations in Finance and Economics from the University of Richmond in 2004.
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Massachusetts Men Indicted for Conspiracy to Steal FirearmsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Ethan Ayala, 20, of Methuen, William Mejia, 19, of Lawrence and Johariel Quezada, 18, of Methuen, were indicted by a federal grand jury on June 13, 2022, and charged with one count of conspiracy to steal firearms from New Hampshire Federal Firearm Licensees, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
Ayala was arrested in Methuen on June 16, 2022, and today was released to a third-party custodian on conditions of electronic monitoring and a 6:00pm to 8:00am curfew.
Mejia was arrested in Lawrence today and released on conditions of home detention with electronic monitoring.
Quezada has not yet been arrested but is currently in custody in the Essex County House of Corrections on Massachusetts charges.
The indictment filed in court alleges that between on or about August 29, 2021 and on or about October 4, 2021, in the District of New Hampshire and elsewhere, the three men conspired to steal firearms from three New Hampshire Federal Firearms Licensees, those being: Milford Firearms, Second Amendment Arms and MacPherson Firearms. During the course of the conspiracy, the group stole over 40 firearms. Some of the stolen firearms have been recovered in Massachusetts.
The charges in the indictment are only allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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.
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Salem Man Indicted for Possession of a MachinegunRead the Press Release
CONCORD –Kyle Morris, 22, of Salem was indicted by a federal grand jury on Monday and charged with one count of possession of a machinegun, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
Morris was arrested in Salem on Thursday, June 16, 2022 and will have his initial court appearance at 3:45 pm today.
The indictment alleges that on February 16, 2022, Morris possessed two machineguns in violation of federal law.
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 the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Hampshire State Police and the Salem Police Department.
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Merrimack Man Indicted for Making a False Statement During the Acquisition of a FirearmRead the Press Release
CONCORD –Leith Sukkar, 22, of Merrimack was indicted by a federal grand jury on Monday and charged with one count of making a false statement during the acquisition of a firearm, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
Sukkar was arrested in Manchester on Thursday, June 16, 2022 and will have his initial court appearance at 3:30 pm today.
The indictment filed in court alleges that 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. Sukkar falsely represented that he was the actual purchaser of the firearms, when, in fact, he was purchasing the firearms for another person.
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 the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Manchester Police Department Special Investigations Unit and the New Hampshire State Police.
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Maine Man Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Sean Crockett, 40, of Lebanon, Maine, pleaded guilty on Monday in federal court to bank fraud, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Crockett used other people’s identities to open merchant accounts and used those accounts to process fraudulent credit card payments. Merchant accounts are bank accounts for businesses that allow them to accept payments by debit or credit card.
In 2015, Crockett used altered bank and incorporation records, false tax documents, and other persons’ identities to apply for and open merchant bank accounts for companies Crockett controlled. Crockett paid some of these persons to use their identities to open these accounts. Others did not know Crockett and never gave permission to him to open the merchant accounts.
Crockett then used stolen credit card information to process fraudulent transactions. Crockett withdrew the funds soon after they were deposited. Later the credit card holders disputed the transactions, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars of “chargebacks” to those merchant accounts. Normally, when chargebacks occur the funds are withdrawn from the merchant account. In this case, however, because Crockett had already withdrawn the funds, the bank was forced to pay the chargebacks. Because of this, the bank routinely closed Crockett’s merchant accounts. To continue the scheme, Crockett opened new merchant accounts using other peoples’ identities.
Crockett is scheduled to be sentenced on September 29, 2022.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen.
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Derry Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Jason Ellis, 45, of Derry, pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor and possession of child sexual abuse material, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in October 2020, an online covert employee (OCE) working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began corresponding with Ellis through a social media platform known for sharing child sexual abuse material. From approximately October 5, 2020 to September 8, 2021, Ellis engaged in graphic, sexually-oriented conversations pertaining to minors with the OCE and the OCE’s fictitious 13-year-old daughter (OCE2). Eventually, Ellis began engaging in sexually explicit chats directly with OCE2. Ellis described specific sexual acts he wanted OCE2 to engage in and sent images of his erect penis to OCE2.
In January 2022, the same OCE was operating a different online undercover persona when he received a message from a user in Rockingham County. After some communication, the OCE realized that these communications also appeared to be from Ellis. During this communication, Ellis sent the OCE an image of child sexual abuse material. Ellis’ cell phone was later seized during the execution of a search warrant at his residence. The contents of Ellis’ cell phone confirmed he was the user of the online accounts that the OCE had previously communicated with. Portions of the OCE chats were located on Ellis’ phone, as were several images that were sent by Ellis to the OCE during the chat conversations. Ellis also appeared to be corresponding through social media platforms with other users purporting to be as young as 14 years old. These chats were frequently sexual in nature and sometimes including Ellis soliciting and sharing nude images.
Ellis is scheduled to be sentenced on September 26, 2022.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Derry 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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Manchester Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Trafficking Fentanyl and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Justin Stilson, 38, of Manchester, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for possessing fentanyl and methamphetamine with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 25, 2019, Hooksett police officers were at a local motel to arrest a woman. Stilson was located in the bathroom of the motel room. Based on evidence obtained during the incident, officers applied for a search warrant for the motel room. During the execution of the warrant, a backpack belonging to Stilson was located. The backpack contained 122 grams of fentanyl and 102 grams of methamphetamine, as well as other evidence of drug distribution.
“Fentanyl and methamphetamine are drugs that have decimated thousands of lives in communities across our state,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “To protect our communities, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug traffickers who flood our state with these deadly substances. This federal prison sentence not only holds Mr. Stilson accountable for his conduct but also sends a message that there are substantial penalties for drug dealing in the Granite State.”
This matter was investigated by the Hooksett Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.). In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts. The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua.
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Four Individuals Plead Guilty to Participating in Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Heather Dubeau, 38, of Enfield, Andrew Hutchins, 43, Lebanon, Eli Margolis, 40, of Grantham, and Gary Sewell, 40, of Enfield have pleaded guilty this month in federal court to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, methamphetamine, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
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 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.
After obtaining an anticipatory search warrant for the New Hampshire addresses, investigators conducted controlled deliveries of each package with the drugs removed from the package. Investigators observed Margolis collect one package after it was delivered. Investigators learned that Hutchins provided co-defendants Sewell and Dubeau with an address to ship the methamphetamine. The methamphetamine was intended for further distribution.
Dubeau pleaded guilty on May 4, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 20, 2022. Hutchins pleaded guilty on May 5, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 30, 2022. Margolis pleaded guilty on May 27, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 17, 2022. Sewell pleaded guilty on May 6, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 24, 2022.
Two other co-defendants previously pleaded guilty. Dylan Miles pleaded guilty on February 15, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 3, 2022. Chad Rombow pleaded guilty on January 26, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 25, 2022.
This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.
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Four Individuals Indicted for Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD –Sunna Sepetu, 35, of Nashua, Nafis Quaye, 45, most recently of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, Stella Osabutey, 36, of Worcester, Massachusetts and Samuel Ansah, 31, whose whereabouts are currently unknown, were indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with participating in a conspiracy to commit money laundering, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today. Ansah was also charged with five counts of wire fraud in the indictment.
Quaye and Sepetu were arraigned on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, and were released on personal recognizance. Osabutey waived arraignment and Ansah remains at large. Anyone with information about Ansah’s whereabouts is asked to contact their nearest Homeland Security Investigations field office or U.S. Embassy or consulate.
The indictment, which was unsealed on May 25, 2002, alleges that Ansah, and other unknown individuals, assumed false identities which were then used to establish relationships online with two victims. Through deceptive and false pretenses over many years, Ansah directed the victims to transfer large sums of United States currency to companies controlled by the other defendants who then conducted additional financial transactions designed to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the proceeds. According to statements made in court, the victims in this case were victims of elder fraud.
The charges in the indictment are only allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. The case is part of the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative, which supports and coordinates the Department’s enforcement and programmatic efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial fraud and scams that target our nation’s older adults. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed 7 days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. eastern time. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
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Former Vermont Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Escape from CustodyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Jaimour Anderson, 36, formerly of Vermont, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of attempted escape from custody, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Anderson was sentenced to 139 months on drug charges in November 2012 in the District of Vermont. On or about November 16, 2021, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) transferred Anderson from a correctional facility in Louisiana to a half-way house located in Manchester, New Hampshire to start his pre-release programming in advance of his then-projected release date of May 9, 2022.
Following some infractions at the half-way house, the BOP decided to bring Anderson back into custody. On December 31, 2021, a deputy U.S. Marshal and two sheriffs arrived at the half-way house to take custody of Anderson. As Anderson came into the front desk area on the first floor, he proceeded to move quickly past the deputy marshal and out the front door. Anderson made it onto the street where he was then restrained by the deputy marshal and taken into custody.
Anderson is scheduled to be sentenced on September 18, 2022.
This matter was investigated by the United States Marshals Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Rombeau.
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Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Raheem Tyler, 23, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on three separate occasions in July, 2021, Tyler posted selfie-style videos of himself on his Snapchat account in which he lifted his shirt to reveal a pistol in his waistband. One video depicted Tyler lying on a bed in what appeared to be a room that belonged to a female based upon the décor. Investigators identified a residence associated with Tyler’s girlfriend and approached the residence to determine if Tyler was present. Tyler was at the apartment and wearing the same clothing observed in the video posted earlier in the day. Tyler acknowledged that he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his previous felony convictions and directed officer to the location of the firearm. Officers then located and seized the gun along with 15 rounds of ammunition.
Tyler is scheduled to be sentenced on August 30, 2022.
“To protect our community from violent crime, it is vital that we keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Young. We will continue to work in partnership with our law enforcement colleagues to keep enhance public safety in the Granite State.”
“As the Chief of Police, I have made it a priority for the Manchester Police Department that we will aggressively investigate and appropriately charge individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms,” said Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg.
This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.
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Concord Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Jerry S. Roberts, Jr., 37, of Concord, pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to sexual 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 additional search warrants 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 scheduled to be sentenced on August 30, 2022.
“It is a paramount obligation of law enforcement to protect children from sexual exploitation crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “Thus, my office is committed to working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the criminals who prey on young children.”
This matter was investigated by the Concord Police Department, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations. 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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Sandown Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud Related to the COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
CONCORD - George Adyns, 51, of Sandown, 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, Adyns executed two schemes to defraud government programs that were intended to provide economic assistance related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
New Hampshire Employment Security (NHES) 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 this time, Adyns was the Chief Financial Officer of several companies located in Plaistow, including Enviromart and KSC Industrial, that were controlled by his co-defendant. In late-March 2020, Adyns and his co-defendant 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 more than $49,000 in fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits.
In response to the pandemic, Congress also passed other economic measures designed to help small businesses, such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Under that program, businesses could obtain low-interest loans to meet payroll during the first few months of the pandemic. The SBA also opened up its Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program to businesses. Under the program, businesses could obtain loans for working capital and normal operating expenses. Adyns made false representations to lenders to fraudulently obtain a PPP and EIDL loan for KSC Industrial. For example, he certified that KSC Industrial was not engaged in illegal activity. However, when making that certification, he knew that he and his co-defendant were fraudulently using the unemployment benefits system to pay their employees’ salaries. Through this scheme, Adyns fraudulently obtained loans totaling more than $135,000.
Adyns is scheduled to be sentenced on August 31, 2022.
Adyns’s co-defendant has pleaded not guilty. Charges in an indictment are only allegations. All defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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 Attorney Matthew T. Hunter and Special Assistant United States Attorney Alexander S. Chen.
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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Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Zachary McInerney-Jones, 26, of Manchester, pleaded guilty on Monday in federal court to drug trafficking and firearm charges, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 7, 2021, police investigating a potential shooting in Manchester were requested to stop a vehicle associated with McInerney-Jones. After locating and stopping the vehicle the next morning, the vehicle was towed to the Manchester police station to be searched pursuant to a warrant. During the search, officers located a pay stub and other documents associated with McInerney-Jones, as well as two handguns and ammunition. Officers also found evidence of drug trafficking, including fentanyl, marijuana, and $1,494.66 in cash.
McInerney-Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on August 29, 2022.
“Armed drug dealers present a serious threat to public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “As part of our effort to protect the community from violent crime, we are working closely with the Manchester Police Department to identify and prosecute drug dealers who possess guns in the Queen City.”
“Guns and illegal drugs are a bad combination that has often led to violence in our city,” said Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg. “I am grateful for the diligent investigation that was completed by the Manchester Police Detectives which culminated in the arrest of the defendant.”
This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.). In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts. The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua.
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Manchester Man Sentenced to 70 Months for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Christopher Yule, 30, of Manchester, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for drug trafficking and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 29, 2020, Manchester police detectives received information that a female would be traveling from Manchester to Lawrence, Massachusetts to obtain a significant amount of drugs for redistribution in New Hampshire. Surveillance officers observed her drive to Lawrence and park in an area known as a distribution “hot spot.” A vehicle registered to Yule parked close by and turned off its lights. Within a minute, the cars departed. Surveillance units followed both vehicles.
When Yule’s vehicle returned to Manchester, it was stopped by the police for a traffic violation and suspicion of drug activity. Jacob Brady was the driver of the vehicle and Yule was a passenger. Yule and Brady both engaged in furtive movements within the vehicle as officers approached. Both individuals were instructed to step out of the vehicle. Brady explained that he and Yule traveled to Lawrence so Yule could meet with his drug source and purchase drugs. He further disclosed the drugs were in the glove compartment.
During the encounter, an officer observed through the window a tied-off glassine baggie of suspected fentanyl protruding from a side compartment area. Yule consented to a search of the vehicle and officers located over 78 grams of fentanyl and over six grams of cocaine base (crack).
On March 27, 2021, Hooksett police officers responded to a call reporting a male “passed out” in a rental van in a hotel parking lot known as a “hot spot” for drug activity in Hooksett. The caller stated a needle and firearm were visible in the vehicle. Officers found Yule slumped over in the driver’s seat with a needle and tourniquet visible next to him. Officers also saw a firearm in the open driver’s door compartment. After securing the firearm, they awakened Yule.
Officers learned that Yule was a convicted felon and he was placed under arrest for being a felon in possession of a firearm. During a search incident to arrest, officers located syringes in Yule’s pockets, $3,170 in his wallet and two small bags of suspected drugs, which Yule identified as “crack.”
On March 30, 2021, pursuant to a search warrant, officers searched the van and found over 58 grams of methamphetamine and over five grams of fentanyl. They also located holsters, loaded 9mm magazines, and other firearm accessories.
Yule previously pleaded guilty on January 7, 2022. Brady previously pleaded guilty on January 7, 2022, and was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison on April 15, 2022.
“By trafficking in methamphetamine and fentanyl, this defendant was endangering the community,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “The dangerous nature of his drug trafficking was enhanced not only by his possession of a gun, but by possessing a gun after having been convicted of a felony. As this sentence demonstrates, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to protect public safety and hold armed drug traffickers accountable for their illegal conduct.”
This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Hooksett Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.). In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts. The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua.
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Center Ossipee Man Sentenced to 19 Years for Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Kyle Amaral, 29, of Center Ossipee, was sentenced to 19 years in federal prison for the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in February of 2021, through an online undercover operation, federal investigators identified Amaral as an active trader of child exploitation images and a member of an online community devoted to the sexual exploitation of children. Investigators obtained search warrants for his residence and a social media company, which confirmed that Amaral sexually abused a child entrusted to his care and produced videos and images of that abuse, which he actively traded with other individuals over the internet.
Amaral previously pleaded guilty on February 15, 2022. After serving his sentence, he will be on supervised release for ten years.
“Protecting children from harm is a paramount obligation of the law enforcement community,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “As this case demonstrates, we will aggressively investigate and prosecute child exploitation crimes. When a child predator is convicted, my office will seek substantial prison sentences as children are among the most vulnerable members of our communities. I am grateful for the hard work of our law enforcement partners who assisted us in holding this defendant accountable for his utterly reprehensible criminal conduct.”
“Today’s sentence reflects the gravity of the crimes Amaral committed. The abuse and exploitation of children leaves deep scars on the victims and on our community and with this sentence, we remove one more perpetrator from the streets,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for the Homeland Security Investigations’ New England Field Office. “HSI is proud to work with the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task to detect crimes against children and hold the perpetrators to account.”
“The New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is happy with the outcome of this investigation,” said Lieutenant Eric Kinsman, Commander of the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. “We are proud to work with our local and Federal law enforcement partners and will continue to aggressively investigate these crimes and protect the children of New Hampshire."
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. 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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Former Mont Vernon Attorney Sentenced to 48 Months for Engaging in Multi-Million Dollar Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
CONCORD –Joseph A. Foistner, 68, of Mont Vernon, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison for his involvement in a fraud and money laundering scheme, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
Following a two-week trial in December of 2021, U.S. District Judge Paul Barbadoro found Foistner guilty of four counts of bank fraud, as well as charges of wire fraud, money laundering, and making misrepresentations during bankruptcy proceedings.
According to exhibits and witness testimony during the trial, Foistner used fraudulent means to apply for over $8 million in loans from five different financial institutions, laundered money, and made material misrepresentations during bankruptcy proceedings between 2015 and 2018. Foistner, at the time of the scheme, was a licensed attorney in Massachusetts who did not have any paying clients and earned no income through his law firm. In order to obtain millions of dollars in loans from multiple financial institutions, Foistner provided banks with misleading documents that suggested that he was operating a lucrative law firm. For example, he claimed that he was a “seasoned attorney” with international clients and that his firm earned over a million dollars in annual income. In fact, all the firm’s purported income was based upon bogus, unpaid invoices the firm submitted to entities that the defendant controlled, including bankrupt entities.
The defendant also made other false statements to obtain bank loans, including lying about whether he was involved as a party in any lawsuits and denying that he had an interest in other companies. He also falsely represented that he had a salary by mischaracterizing loan proceeds as a salary. In one of the bank fraud schemes, the defendant submitted false information to obtain a loan by claiming that his wife was earning over $200,000 per year as a paralegal. The loans made to Foistner were backed by either the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Small Business Administration.
The evidence further showed that Foistner committed several crimes during Chapter 7 bankruptcy court proceedings in 2017 and 2018. He made false representations by denying that he held or controlled property owned by others when he actually controlled funds that were held in the name of a business. He also made false statements under oath by lying about what happened to the proceeds of one of the fraudulent loans and lying about not knowing the location of a piece of real estate that had been purchased in part with funds he borrowed and had subsequently funneled into bank accounts not in his name.
After his conviction, Foistner was disbarred by order of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in January 2022.
The financial institutions affected by Foistner’s scheme were Merrimack Valley Credit Union, North American Savings Bank, Celtic Bank, Newtek, and St. Mary’s Bank. A further hearing will be held to determine the restitution amounts owed by Foistner.
In addition to his prison sentence, Foistner was ordered to forfeit his interest in a residential property in Mont Vernon that was purchased with proceeds from his fraud scheme.
“As the evidence at trial established, Foistner used brazen fraud schemes to obtain millions of dollars and undermined the integrity of bankruptcy proceedings by making repeated misrepresentations,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “His illegal conduct was even more disturbing because he was a licensed attorney – an officer of the court. This substantial prison sentence finally holds Foistner accountable for his serious crimes and sends a deterrent message to potential white-collar criminals that they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and, upon conviction, will face serious prison sentences for their crimes. I am grateful for the dedicated efforts of our law enforcement partners who worked so hard to ensure that justice was done in this case.”
“Joseph Foistner stole millions of dollars from entities he thought would never notice. In doing so, he took advantage of programs that were designed to help veterans and small businesses, and today, he was held accountable for his disgraceful conduct,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The FBI is committed to working with our partners in unraveling fraudulent schemes like this one to ensure those behind them are brought to justice.”
“OIG is committed to bring fraudsters to justice who seek to use falsified information to exploit vital economic programs,” said SBA OIG’s Eastern Region Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite. “OIG continues to root out fraud and protect the integrity of SBA’s programs. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and commitment to seeing justice served.”
“The defendant fraudulently exploited VA’s loan guaranty program meant to help service members, veterans, and eligible surviving spouses become homeowners,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher F. Algieri of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northeast Field Office. “The sentence today reflects the VA OIG’s commitment to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who defraud VA programs.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Office of Inspector General of the Small Business Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles L. Rombeau and Seth R. Aframe and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Kinsella, Assistant U.S. Attorneys John S. Davis and Kasey Weiland previously worked on this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Rabuck is assisting with the forfeiture aspects of this case.
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Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Maintaining Drug-Involved PremisesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Michael Cicciu, 42, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to one count of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 31, 2020, Manchester police detectives obtained a state search warrant for Cicciu’s residence based on surveillance and post-arrest statements from both buyers and suppliers of drugs. After executing the warrant, officers located a baggie of fentanyl and an apparent drug ledger.
In 2018, Cicciu purchased a residential building in Manchester. The premises were managed and controlled by Cicciu and made available for others to unlawfully store, distribute, and use controlled substances. Specifically, on eight separate occasions between October 22, 2019 and November 20, 2020, Manchester police detectives executed search warrants at the residence that resulted in the arrests of people renting rooms from Cicciu who were distributing and using heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine and crack cocaine. On one of these occasions, officers also located several assault-style weapons, a handgun, and brass knuckles.
Cicciu is scheduled to be sentenced on August 25, 2022. As part of his plea agreement, he has agreed to forfeit his interest in the property, which is located on East High Street in Manchester.
“Drug trafficking endangers our community in many different ways,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “Not only do drug traffickers sell deadly substances, but their unlawful activities damage the peace and security of our neighborhoods. By allowing dangerous drug dealers to do business inside his building, this defendant jeopardized public safety and broke the law. Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement partners, he has now been held responsible for his crimes.”
This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Rabuck assisted with the forfeiture portion of the case.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.). In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts. The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua.
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Manchester Man Sentenced to 70 Months for Five Robberies in Manchester and GoffstownRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Jonathan McKnight, 39, of Manchester, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for interference with commerce by threats and violence by committing five robberies, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 25, 2020, McKnight robbed a convenience store in Manchester by passing a note to the clerk indicating he had a gun and wanted money. On March 28, 2020, McKnight robbed another convenience store in Manchester by again passing a note to the clerk ordering the clerk to give him the money. On this occasion, he gestured toward his back waistband while lifting up his sweatshirt. An officer who reviewed the store video footage recognized McKnight as the person in the video. On March 30, 2020, Manchester police officers conducted a post-arrest interview with McKnight. He admitted to committing both robberies and passing the same note at each robbery. While acknowledging he had claimed to have a gun during the robberies, he stated he did not possess a gun during the robberies.
On July 7, 2020, Manchester police officers responded to another robbery. The cashier gave the officers a description of the robber and told them that the robber had placed a note on the counter. The cashier gave the robber approximately $100-$150 from the drawer, mostly $1.00 bills. After reviewing the store video footage, officers located McKnight wearing the same clothing worn by the robber. He had approximately $60, including approximately 25 $1.00 bills.
On March 7, 2021, and March 10, 2021, McKnight committed additional robberies at two separate locations in Goffstown. Investigators received a tip that McKnight committed both robberies and McKnight later admitted that he committed both robberies.
McKnight previously pleaded guilty on November 29, 2021.
“Robberies and other violent crimes not only endanger lives but also spread fear throughout the community,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “Thanks to excellent police work in this case, Mr. McKnight has been held responsible for his criminal conduct. This successful prosecution is an example of how local and federal law enforcement partners work collaboratively and diligently to protect public safety and keep our citizens safe from violent crime.”
“Jonathan McKnight has repeatedly demonstrated why he is a serious threat to the community, confessing to a string of robberies during which he threatened to use a firearm,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Today’s sentence should be a reminder to everyone of the serious consequences that come with putting people in danger. New Hampshire is much safer with him behind bars.”
These matters were investigated by the Manchester Police Department and Goffstown Police Department with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Walsh.
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U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young Recognizes Police WeekRead the Press Release
CONCORD - In honor of National Police Week, United States Attorney Jane E. Young recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Wednesday, May 11 through Tuesday, May 17, 2022.
“This week, we gather to pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who sacrificed their lives in service to our country,” said Attorney General Garland. “We remember the courage with which they worked and lived. And we recommit ourselves to the mission to which they dedicated their lives. On behalf of a grateful Justice Department and a grateful nation, I extend my sincerest thanks and gratitude to the entire law enforcement community.”
“During National Police Week, we all must reflect, with gratitude, on those officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. We also must remember the families and loved ones left behind,” said United States Attorney Young. “Each day the dedicated men and women who protect our communities encounter significant risks, yet they bravely face those risks to fearlessly protect our communities, state and nation. And for that, we extend our heartfelt thanks.”
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), 472 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2021. Of that number, 319 succumbed to COVID-19.
On October 28, 2021, New Hampshire State Police Staff Sgt. Jesse E. Sherrill died in the line of duty in the District of New Hampshire.
Additionally, according to 2021 statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 73 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2021 were killed as a result of felonious acts, whereas 56 died in accidents. Deaths resulting from felonious acts increased in 2021, rising more than 58 percent from the previous year. In 2021, unprovoked attacks[1] were the cause of 24 deaths significantly outpacing all other line of duty deaths resulting from felony acts and reaching the highest annual total in over 30 years of reporting. Additional LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website for the LEOKA program.
The names of the 619 fallen officers added this year to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Friday, May 13, 2022, during a Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C., starting at 8:00 PM EDT. Those who wish to view the vigil live online, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://www.youtube.com/TheNLEOMF. The schedule of National Police Week events is available on NLEOMF’s website.
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Reference to any specific organization or service(s) offered by an organization is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Department of Justice.
[1] An unprovoked attack is defined as an attack on an officer not prompted by official contact at the time of the incident between the officer and the offender. Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program.
Rochester Man Sentenced to 72 Months for Drug Trafficking and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Zachary Poisson, 27, of Rochester, was sentenced on Friday to 72 months in federal prison for drug and firearm charges, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 27, 2020, Somersworth police officers were dispatched to a local store for a report of an attempted theft. One of the suspects, Poisson, who was on probation at the time, was placed under arrest. A satchel strapped across his body was searched incident to arrest and revealed $4,304 and a bag containing over 67 grams of fentanyl.
Officers later searched Poisson’s vehicle, where they found a 9mm handgun and a quantity of crack cocaine. As a convicted felon, Poisson was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
“Armed drug traffickers present a significant threat to public safety in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “By dealing fentanyl, this defendant was profiting from the sale of a deadly substance. This danger was further enhanced by his unlawful possession of a firearm. As this case demonstrates, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to hold armed drug dealers accountable for their unlawful conduct.”
“Removing armed drug dealers from our streets has an immediate impact on the safety of our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge James M. Ferguson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “ATF is absolutely committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who bring dangerous drugs and firearms into our neighborhoods are held accountable for their actions.”
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Somersworth Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande.
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Massachusetts Woman Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Donna Silva, 44, of Lowell, Massachusetts pleaded guilty in federal court to bank fraud, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in February of 2019, Silva was involved in a scheme to defraud several financial institutions. The defendants in the scheme applied for and obtained multiple loans to purchase cars purportedly sold by Allied Imports, a Manchester car wholesaler, and Cap’s Auto Sales, a Manchester car retailer. The sales were fraudulent because the defendants never owned or greatly inflated the value of the cars. In total, the defendants defrauded the financial institutions of several hundred thousand dollars.
Silva signed a fraudulent purchase contract and Assignment of Title with Cap’s Auto Sales purporting to state that she would buy a car sold by the company. She then used the documents to apply for and obtain a car loan secured by the vehicle, which Cap’s Auto Sales did not own or have the title to.
Silva is scheduled to be sentenced on August 15, 2022.
“By submitting false documents to obtain fraudulent loans, the defendant participated in a substantial criminal scheme,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “As this case demonstrates, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit fraud. By working together, we strive to hold these criminals accountable for their unlawful conduct and seek justice for victims.”
This matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Rombeau and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen.
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Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 37 Months for Arranging Straw Purchases of FirearmsRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Ariel Toribio, 22, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for aiding and abetting the making of a false statement during the acquisition of a firearm, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on five separate occasions in November and December 2019, Toribio’s co-defendant, Samantha Sicard, purchased 11 firearms for Toribio and others. Toribio solicited Sicard to buy the firearms, instructed her about which firearms to purchase and paid for the firearms. Toribio traveled with Sicard to a federally licensed firearms dealer where she would fill out the necessary paperwork and falsely state she was the actual purchaser of the firearms when she was in fact purchasing them for Toribio and others.
Toribio previously pleaded guilty on November 8, 2021. Sicard pleaded guilty on November 9, 2021 and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 8, 2022.
“Criminals who use lies and deception to obtain guns are often planning to use those firearms to commit crimes of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “In order to protect the public from violent crime, we work closely with the ATF to identify and prosecute those who are involved in the straw purchases of firearms. As this sentence demonstrates, those who commit federal gun crimes will be held accountable for their unlawful conduct.”
“Firearms trafficking continues to be a top priority for ATF and our law enforcement partners,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol Firearms and Explosives Boston Field Division. “ATF is committed to identifying and disrupting the sources of illegal firearms which jeopardize the safety of our communities.”
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Walsh.
The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes.
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Maine Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Sean Chaput, 34, of Bangor, Maine, pleaded guilty on Monday in federal court to conspiracy to possess fentanyl with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 27, 2020, a New Hampshire state police trooper stopped Chaput’s car for a traffic violation. Over the course of the encounter, the trooper developed suspicions that the car contained evidence of drug trafficking. The trooper obtained a search warrant for the vehicle, and subsequently located cylinders of pressed powder hidden in the car that contained 762 grams of fentanyl. The defendant later admitted to driving to Massachusetts to purchase the fentanyl found in the vehicle so he could bring it to Maine to be sold.
Chaput is scheduled to be sentenced on August 11, 2022.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office works closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug dealers who are distributing fentanyl and other deadly drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “I am grateful to the New Hampshire State Police for stopping the distribution of this very substantial amount of fentanyl that could have endangered many lives.”
This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Dronzek.
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Jane E. Young Sworn in as United States Attorney for the District of New HampshireRead the Press Release
CONCORD – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire announced that the Honorable Jane E. Young was sworn in on Monday as the United States Attorney for the District of New Hampshire. Chief U.S. District Judge Landya McCafferty administered the oath of office at the federal courthouse in Concord.
U.S. Attorney Young is the 58th U.S. Attorney for the District. She was nominated by the President on January 26, 2022 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on April 27, 2022. As the U.S. Attorney, Ms. Young is the chief federal law enforcement officer in New Hampshire.
Jane E. Young served as the Deputy Attorney General for the New Hampshire Department of Justice from 2018 to 2022. She has held various leadership positions in the office since she joined in 1992, including Director of the Division of Public Protection from 2017 to 2018, Chief of the Criminal Justice Bureau from 2007 to 2017, and Chief of the Drug Unit from 2006 to 2007. From 1990 to 1992, Ms. Young served as an Assistant County Attorney in the Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office.
Ms. Young received her J.D. from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law in 1989 and her B.A. from Saint Anselm College in 1986.
“I thank President Biden and the Senate for the privilege to serve the State of New Hampshire as the United States Attorney,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “I also thank Senator Shaheen and Senator Hassan for recommending me to the President. I look forward to serving the people of New Hampshire in my new role and will work tirelessly to ensure that the federal laws are enforced and that those who violate those laws are held accountable.”
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Two Keene Residents Charged in Superseding Indictment with Additional Charges Related to Virtual Currency Exchange BusinessRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A federal grand jury returned a 33-count superseding indictment on Monday charging Ian Freeman, 41, and Aria DiMezzo, 35, both of Keene, with a variety of financial and fraud crimes, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to the superseding indictment, Freeman, DiMezzo, and others operated a business that enabled customers to exchange fiat currency for virtual currency. The superseding indictment alleges that the unlicensed business violated federal anti-money laundering laws and regulations. Among other things, the superseding indictment alleges that the defendants opened bank accounts at financial institutions while deceiving financial institutions about the nature of the business being transacted through the accounts. The superseding indictment alleges that some of the transactions conducted by Freeman facilitated the transfer of the proceeds of scams, such as “romance scams.”
Freeman and DiMezzo are charged with participating in a conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business.
Freeman also is charged with: (1) operating an unlicensed money transmitting business; (2) conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud; (3) twelve counts of wire fraud; (4) four counts of money laundering; (5) conspiracy to commit money laundering: (6) four counts of attempting to evade taxes; and (7) operating a financial crimes enterprise.
DiMezzo also is charged with (1) operating an unlicensed money transmitting business; (2) four counts of wire fraud; and (3) three counts of money laundering.
Freeman and DiMezzo, along with four others, were previously arrested on March 16, 2021.
Three co-defendants, Nobody F/K/A Richard Paul, of Keene, and Andrew and Renee Spinella of Derry, have pleaded guilty. The government has moved to dismiss the charges against the fourth co-defendant without prejudice.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, and the United States Postal Inspection Service in coordination with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Georgiana L. MacDonald, Seth R. Aframe, and John Kennedy.
The charges in the superseding indictment are only allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of CocaineRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Kermit Ceasar, 45, of Manchester, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in federal court to six counts of distribution of cocaine, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in mid-April 2021, Ceasar’s cocaine base dealing was brought to the attention of the Manchester Police Department. Working with law enforcement officers, a cooperating individual (CI) arranged for controlled purchases from Ceasar between April 22, 2021, and August 13, 2021. During a total of six hand-to-hand drug transactions, Ceasar sold over 86 grams of cocaine base and over 341 grams of cocaine.
Ceasar is scheduled to be sentenced on July 27, 2022.
“Drug traffickers in New Hampshire are seeking to profit from the sale of dangerous substances in our state,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “As part of our ongoing effort to improve public safety, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug dealers who are damaging our communities. By working together, we are holding drug dealers like Kermit Ceasar accountable for their dangerous and unlawful conduct.”
“On at least six occasions, we caught Kermit Ceasar dealing cocaine or crack cocaine out of his vehicle in the city of Manchester, in exchange for thousands of dollars in cash, and today, he finally admitted to committing these crimes,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Targeting illegal drug traffickers like him who degrade the quality of life in our communities and bring with them unacceptable levels of violence will continue to be a collective focus of the FBI and our law enforcement partners because no one should have to live in fear of this activity in their neighborhoods.”
“Individuals like this defendant are a danger to society. I am grateful for the detectives who dedicated a great deal of time and effort to this lengthy investigation,” says Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg. “This case is an excellent example of the partnership that we have with the FBI. We will continue to collaborate with them as we target the drug trade within Manchester and also work to reduce the associated violence.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth Aframe and Jennifer Cole Davis.
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Massachusetts Woman Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Niurka Lebron, 45, of Dorchester, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court to bank fraud on Wednesday, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2019, the defendant was involved in a scheme to defraud several financial institutions. The defendants in the scheme applied for and obtained multiple loans to purchase cars purportedly sold by Allied Imports, a Manchester car wholesaler, and Cap’s Auto Sales, a Manchester car retailer. The sales were fraudulent because the defendants never owned or greatly inflated the value of the cars. In total, the defendants defrauded the financial institutions of several hundred thousand dollars.
Lebron participated in the scheme by signing a fraudulent car purchase contract from Allied Imports. She then used the contract to apply for a car loan secured by the vehicle, which Allied Imports did not own or have the title to.
Lebron is scheduled to be sentenced on August 22, 2022.
“Criminals use a wide variety of schemes to commit financial crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “We work closely with our law enforcement partners to uncover fraud schemes in the Granite State and to hold wrongdoers accountable for their unlawful activities.”
This matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.
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Three Plead Guilty to Wire Fraud in Connection with Unlawful Virtual Currency Sales BusinessRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Andrew Spinella, 36, of Derry, Renee Spinella, 24, of Derry, and Nobody, a/k/a Richard Paul, 53, of Keene, pleaded guilty last week in federal court to wire fraud, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately 2016 and 2021, the defendants opened and operated accounts at financial institutions as personal accounts in their names or as business accounts in the names of churches in order to allow their co-defendant, Ian Freeman, to use them to sell virtual currency.
Andrew Spinella pleaded guilty on April 12, 2022. He admitted to opening personal accounts in his name for Freeman to use to sell virtual currency. He signed blank checks and gave Freeman the login information for those accounts.
Renee Spinella pleaded guilty on April 14, 2022. She admitted that she opened a business account in the name of Crypto Church of NH, which she told the bank was an international ministry. She opened the account in person at a bank branch in New Hampshire where she was accompanied by Freeman. Although the account was purported to be for the receipt of church donations, the account was used almost exclusively to support Freeman’s virtual currency exchange business.
Nobody pleaded guilty on April 15, 2002. He admitted that he opened accounts in his name and in the name of the Church of the Invisible Hand. At the time he opened the accounts or provided Freeman with access to the accounts, he knew they would not be used as personal accounts or for a church, but instead would be used by Freeman to trade virtual currency.
Each of the defendants was aware that banks would close these accounts if the banks knew the accounts were used to operate an unlicensed virtual currency business.
Andrew and Renee Spinella are scheduled to be sentenced on July 26, 2022. Nobody is scheduled to be sentenced on July 28, 2022.
A total of six individuals have been charged in this case. Freeman and two other co-defendants are scheduled to go to trial on November 1, 2022.
“By using fraudulent means to mislead banks about the true purpose of these bank accounts, the defendants assisted in the operation of an unlawful virtual currency business,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “To protect the integrity of our financial system, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute individuals who participate in fraud schemes involving virtual currency.”
“Andrew and Renee Spinella, along with Nobody, confessed to opening and operating bank accounts, using their names or the names of religious organizations, to help their co-defendant run his virtual currency business. They knew it was wrong and they continued their conduct anyway," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. "Last week’s court proceedings show such criminal actions have serious consequences. The FBI is uniquely situated to investigate and dismantle these elaborate schemes, and we urge folks, whether investing in cash or virtual currency, to exercise due diligence and report suspicious activity to us.”
“This investigation and the subsequent admissions by the defendants are a clear reminder that IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to following the money trail and will not be deterred by sophisticated financial transactions,” said Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office. “These federal felony convictions have effectively shut down this scheme and should serve as a stark warning to those engaged in similar criminal activities.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana L. MacDonald, John Kennedy, and Seth R. Aframe.
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Manchester Man Sentenced to 84 Months for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Jacob Brady, 30, of Manchester, was sentenced on Friday to 84 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 29, 2020, Manchester police detectives received information that a female would be traveling from Manchester to Lawrence, Massachusetts to obtain a significant amount of drugs for redistribution in New Hampshire. Surveillance observed her drive to Lawrence and park her car in a lot known as a distribution “hot spot.” A vehicle registered to Brady’s co-conspirator, Christopher Yule, parked close by and extinguished its lights. Within a minute, the cars departed. Surveillance units followed both vehicles.
When Yule’s vehicle entered Manchester, it was stopped by police for a traffic violation and suspicion of drug activity. Brady, the driver of the vehicle, and Yule both engaged in furtive movements within the vehicle as officers approached. Both individuals were instructed to step out of the vehicle. Brady explained that he and Yule traveled to Lawrence so Yule could meet with his source and purchase illegal drugs.
During the stop, an officer observed a tied-off glassine baggie of suspected drugs inside the vehicle. Yule consented to a search of the vehicle and officers found over 78 grams of fentanyl and over six grams of cocaine base (crack).
Brady previously pleaded guilty on January 7, 2022. Yule also has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
“Fentanyl and other dangerous drugs continue to cause serious damage to communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “We are working closely with the Manchester Police Department to identify the drug traffickers who are bringing fentanyl into Manchester and endangering the lives of the city’s citizens. As this case demonstrates, fentanyl dealers in the Granite State will be held accountable for their dangerous and unlawful conduct.”
This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.). In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts. The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua.
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Newton Man Sentenced to 9 Years for Receipt of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Anthony Rimas, 48, of Newton, was sentenced on Monday to 108 months in federal prison for receipt of child sexual abuse material, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2020, law enforcement officers with the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (NHICAC) were conducting online investigations into individuals using digital applications that share images of child sexual abuse material. During the investigation, investigators uncovered evidence that Rimas received and possessed images and video files of child sexual abuse materials.
“Those who obtain and view child sexual abuse material are further victimizing the innocent children whose abuse is depicted in these images,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “To protect young people from exploitation, we will continue to seek substantial penalties for those who commit crimes related to child sexual abuse material. Along with the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and our other law enforcement partners we are working tirelessly to hold these criminals accountable for their unlawful actions.”
Rimas previously pleaded guilty on September 2, 2021. After completion of his prison sentence, Rimas will be under 8 years of supervised release.
This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Nashua Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.
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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Nashua Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Michael Dukette, 31, of Nashua, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in federal court to possession of child sexual abuse material, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in June of 2018 an individual reported potential child exploitation images to the Hudson Police Department. The individual had lent an iPhone to another person and after it was returned, the woman found an email containing four videos that showed Dukette masturbating while standing over a sleeping child. Dukette subsequently admitted to police during voluntary interviews that he made and kept the videos. Further investigation revealed the child in the videos was five years old at the time the videos were made.
Dukette currently is scheduled to be sentenced on August 23, 2022.
“Protecting children from exploitation is an important priority of the law enforcement community in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement partners, this individual is being held accountable for his disturbing and illegal conduct. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit crimes related to sexual abuse material.”
“Cases like this emphasize how critical the community is in our investigations. Without the assistance of the citizen who brought this material to police attention, the evidence of this exploitation may have gone unnoticed and unreported,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for the Homeland Security Investigations’ Boston Field Office.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Hudson Police Department and the Nashua Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Dronzek.
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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Somersworth Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of an Unregistered FirearmRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Ryan Cortina, 34, of Somersworth, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of an unregistered firearm, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 23, 2019, the Somersworth Police Department received information from a confidential information (CI) that Cortina possessed destructive devices at his Somersworth residence. The CI claimed Cortina showed him a “grenade” he had built. Officers applied for a search warrant for Cortina’s residence. While executing the warrant on September 27, 2019, officers located five suspected destructive devices in a duffle bag. Further analysis showed that one of the devices was an improvised explosive bomb which therefore should have been registered in accordance with Federal Firearms Registrations
Cortina is scheduled to be sentenced on July 18, 2022.
“By possessing an improvised bomb, the defendant placed residents of Somersworth in danger,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “Had the device been detonated, it could have threatened the lives of innocent people. Thanks to the hard work and responsiveness of law enforcement officers, a potential tragedy was averted. This case provides an example of how law enforcement officers are working each day to protect public safety in the Granite State.”
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Somersworth Police Department with the assistance of New Hampshire State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra M. Walsh.
The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes.
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Maine Woman Sentenced to 37 Months for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Deborah Cross, 65, of Sanford, Maine was sentenced on Thursday to 37 months in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 4, 2018, a cooperating individual purchased over 60 grams of methamphetamine from Cross at a residence in Franklin, New Hampshire. The cooperating individual made the purchase while working with law enforcement agents and wearing a video and audio recording device.
Cross previously pleaded guilty on December 8, 2021.
“Methamphetamine is a dangerous drug that is causing tremendous harm in communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “To protect our citizens, we are working closely with the FBI and all our law enforcement partners to identify traffickers who are distributing this deadly substance and hold them accountable for their crimes.”
“Today, Deborah Cross learned that there are serious consequences to distributing methamphetamine out of your home, and endangering your community,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Given the horrific impact this drug has on its users, the FBI will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to keep it, and other dangerous drugs, out of New Hampshire.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.
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Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Robesteur St. Felix, 47, of Manchester, pleaded guilty on Monday in federal court to bank fraud, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between February and July of 2019, the defendant was involved in a scheme to defraud several financial institutions. The defendants in the scheme applied for and obtained multiple loans to purchase cars purportedly sold by Allied Imports, a Manchester car wholesaler, and Cap’s Auto Sales, a Manchester car retailer. St. Felix was the CEO of Cap’s Auto Sales. The sales were fraudulent because the defendants never owned or greatly inflated the value of the cars. In total, the defendants defrauded the financial institutions of several hundred thousand dollars.
St. Felix participated in the scheme by fabricating three purchase contracts which were used to apply for three fraudulent loans. On August 20, 2020, St. Felix entered into a consent order with the New Hampshire Banking Department in which he admitted to falsifying the purchase contracts for two of the vehicles in question.
St. Felix is scheduled to be sentenced on June 29, 2022.
A total of six defendants were charged in this case. Four defendants are awaiting trial and one has not yet been arrested.
“By submitting false documents to obtain fraudulent loans, the defendant participated in a substantial criminal scheme,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “As this case demonstrates, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit fraud. By working together, we strive to hold these criminals accountable for their unlawful conduct and seek justice for victims.”
“The U.S. Secret Service is committed to investigating complex fraud schemes in New Hampshire.” stated Timothy Benitez, Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s New Hampshire Office. “The success of this investigation is due to the collaboration between the U.S. Secret Service, New Hampshire Banking Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.”
This matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.
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Maine Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing over $500,000 from New Hampshire CompanyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Jessica Pechtel, 35, of Springvale, Maine pleaded guilty in federal court to wire fraud, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Pechtel was the office manager for a company in Somersworth, New Hampshire. In that role, she had full access to the company’s finances, including its accounting records, bank accounts, and company credit card.
Between January 2019 and March 2021, Pechtel used her access to the company’s finances to make unauthorized purchases and transfers of funds to accounts that she controlled. This scheme had four distinct components. First, she transferred funds from the company’s bank accounts to her own accounts. Second, she used the company’s credit card to make unauthorized purchases from retailers such as Amazon or make payments via the online payment transfer system Venmo. Third, she drafted 17 unauthorized checks payable to herself that were drawn on the company’s bank account. And fourth, she stole almost $44,000 in COVID-19 relief funds that were intended for the company. Overall, Pechtel fraudulently obtained at least $587,219 from her employer.
Pechtel is scheduled to be sentenced on July 7, 2022.
“This defendant stole a significant amount of money and betrayed the trust of her employer,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “As this case demonstrates, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute white collar criminals to ensure they are held accountable for their crimes.”
“The U.S. Secret Service is committed to investigating complex fraud schemes especially those that involve the exploitation of New Hampshire based businesses.” stated Timothy Benitez, Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s New Hampshire Office. “The success of this investigation is due to the collaboration between the U.S. Secret Service, Somersworth Police Department, and Nashua Police Department.”
This matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Somersworth Police Department and the Nashua Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Hunter and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen.
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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Rochester Man Sentenced to 78 Months for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Michael A Clemence, 36, of Rochester, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in February of 2020, the Homeland Security Investigations New Hampshire office received information that on April 28, 2019, an individual originating from an IP address at a Rochester residence had accessed a website known for sharing child sexual abuse and exploitation material. Clemence was identified as the subscriber of the target IP address.
On May 26, 2021, agents conducted a consensual interview with Clemence. They advised him they were investigating internet activity associated with child exploitation material and that some of the activity occurred in April of 2019 from the IP address associated with his previous address. After further investigation, a search warrant was executed at Clemence’s residence, which resulted in the seizure of numerous electronic devices. Forensic examination of the devices confirmed the presence of child exploitation material. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children identified 1,351 images as depicting known minor victims. It was determined by law enforcement that no other household members were involved in Clemence’s criminal activity.
Clemence previously pleaded guilty on December 7, 2021. In addition to his sentence, Clemence was ordered to pay $52,000 in restitution and will be under supervised release for 10 years after his release from prison.
“Innocent children are exploited and harmed during the creation of child sexual abuse material,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “By amassing a significant quantity of graphic images of minors, this defendant furthered the exploitation of these youthful victims. To protect innocent children from harm, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who possess or distribute these horrific images of sexual abuse.”
“Clemence downloaded material that depicted the horrific abuse of children. HSI is proud to work alongside our partners at the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force to investigate and seek prosecution of those who download child exploitation material,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for the Homeland Security Investigations’ Boston Field Office. “We are grateful for the additional assistance of the Rochester Police Department and Merrimack County Sheriff’s Office in this case.”
This matter was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, with assistance from the Rochester Police Department and Merrimack County Sheriff’s Office. The case was 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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Salem Man Sentenced to 63 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Brian Perez, 31, of Salem, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 11, 2021, agents opened a suspicious package sent via UPS from the greater Los Angeles, California area to an apartment at an address in Salem. The box contained over two kilograms of methamphetamine. Additional shipping records revealed that since April 10, 2021, this was the ninth package sent from the Los Angeles area to the same address in Salem.
On May 19, 2021, investigators intercepted another suspicious UPS package destined for the Salem address. After obtaining a search warrant, they discovered over 2.2 kilograms of 100 percent pure methamphetamine. The contents were replaced with an innocuous filler and an undercover officer delivered the package to the front foyer of the Salem address. Later that day agents observed a van arrive at the Salem address. Perez entered the foyer and examined the package. Perez then left the foyer and entered the van. Investigators detained Perez and his passenger and observed the package in the van. Perez had a receipt for parcel that was sent to Miami Beach. The parcel was located and searched pursuant to a warrant. Inside the package were orange pills containing approximately 363 grams of methamphetamine.
Perez previously pleaded guilty on December 6, 2021.
“Methamphetamine is a dangerous drug that is causing increasing harm in communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “When methamphetamine is distributed in counterfeit pills it creates an even greater risk to public health and safety. We are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify methamphetamine traffickers in the Granite State and hold them responsible for their unlawful conduct.”
“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 Mr. Perez accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those who attempt to ship this poison to the Granite State.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New Hampshire State Police, and Salem Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.
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Derry Man Indicted on Child Sexual Abuse Image ChargesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Jason Ellis, 45, of Derry was indicted by a federal grand jury on Monday and charged with one count of attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
Ellis was arrested on a criminal complaint on February 16, 2022, and is being detained pending trial. The original complaint filed in court alleges that on February 12, 2021, Ellis engaged in sexually graphic online chats with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 13-year-old girl. During those chats, Ellis sent an image of an erect penis to the officer. In another online chat in January of 2022, Ellis sent to the undercover officer an image of a nude, prepubescent female child engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
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 the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Derry Police Department.
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 Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Trafficking and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Patrick R. Baker, 32, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 23, 2020, Hooksett police officers were surveilling a local motel generally associated with drug use and distribution. After an encounter with Baker, additional investigation revealed that Baker’s girlfriend was the subject of several outstanding warrants and was likely inside the motel with Baker. Officers went to the motel room and located Baker and his girlfriend. Baker was located in the bathroom where officers observed evidence of drug use in plain view. The room was secured and officers obtained a search warrant. While executing the warrant, officers seized Baker’s wallet and ID as well as a backpack belonging to Baker which contained a ledger consistent with drug activity, $1,951 in cash, a loaded 9mm handgun, and various baggies containing 112 grams of methamphetamine.
Baker is scheduled to be sentenced on June 22, 2022. In addition to his sentence, Baker will forfeit $1,951 in cash and the handgun.
“Armed drug traffickers pose a substantial threat to our community,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “By selling a dangerous and addictive drug while armed, this defendant’s actions endangered public health and safety. We are working closely with our law enforcement partners to prevent violent crime by holding armed drug dealers responsible for their dangerous and illegal conduct.”
This matter was investigated by the Hooksett Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth. The forfeiture portion of the case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Rabuck.
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Hooksett Man Receives Prison Sentence for Attempting to Send Obscene Material to a MinorRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Stuart Adams, 61, of Hooksett, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison for attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in August, 2020, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) received information pertaining to a mobile application that allows users to exchange materials over the internet. The information provided that a particular user, later identified as Adams, expressed interest in and was attempting contact with underage females. Adams established contact with an undercover FBI agent (UC) with an online persona portraying a 13-year-old girl. The two maintained contact throughout the month of October 2020.
On October 19, 2020, Adams sent the UC sexually explicit pictures and a video of himself and engaged the UC in a sexually explicit conversation. A federal search warrant was executed at Adams’ home and many electronic devices were seized. Forensic review revealed Adams was engaged in sexually-oriented chats with numerous minor females. Adams denied ever meeting in person anyone he has chatted with online.
Adams previously pleaded guilty on November 23, 2021.
“The defendant’s conduct in this case was appalling,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “By seeking out young females for sexual conversations and sending explicit photographs to an individual that he believed to be a 13-year girl, the defendant engaged in unacceptable and illegal behavior. Although this case is a painful reminder to parents of the dangers that lurk on the internet, it also demonstrates our ongoing commitment to working with the FBI and our other law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the predators who seek to use the internet to exploit children.”
“Stuart Adams admitted to sending sexually explicit images of himself to underage girls over the course of several years and while today’s sentence doesn’t erase the harm he inflicted upon his victims, it does hold him accountable for engaging in criminal conduct,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “This case is another example of how easy it is for young people to become victims, and how the FBI’s Child Exploitation-Human Trafficking Task Force will do everything it can to protect them from predators.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was 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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Dover Man Sentenced to 72 Months for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Dylan Greene, 40, of Dover, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 11, 2020, a Dover police officer observed Greene conduct what appeared to be a drug transaction between two buildings in Dover. Greene was subsequently stopped for a traffic violation. The officer learned Greene had a warrant for theft and he was arrested. During a search incident to the arrest, the officer located 20 grams of fentanyl in Greene’s possession.
On September 15, 2020, law enforcement officers received information that Greene would be traveling from Hampton to Dover transporting drugs. After observing Greene and another male interact in Hampton and then depart in a truck, officers made a traffic stop. A later search of the truck pursuant to a search warrant yielded approximately 361 grams of fentanyl, $2,190 in cash, and various items indicative of drug trafficking, including drug ledgers.
“Despite fentanyl’s deadly impact in our state, heartless drug dealers continue to sell this dangerous drug in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “Drug traffickers who choose to do business in New Hampshire should understand that there will be significant penalties for their unlawful conduct. We are working closely with our law enforcement partners to protect public safety by holding drug dealers responsible for their crimes.”
“Dylan Greene will now spend the next six years behind bars after being caught red-handed trafficking fentanyl, furthering the scourge of opioids in our communities, for his own personal profit,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “This case is a testament to the strength of our law enforcement partnerships in New Hampshire and illustrates how there really is no such thing as a routine traffic stop.”
This matter was investigated by the Dover Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande.
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Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Edwin Quezada, 33, of Lawrence, Massachusetts pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to transfer firearms to an out-of-state resident by unlicensed persons, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, a New Hampshire resident agreed to sell firearms to a resident of Massachusetts. Quezada agreed to act as an intermediary for the Massachusetts resident. On multiple occasions, Quezada traveled to New Hampshire to pick up firearms to deliver to the Massachusetts resident. None of the individuals involved were licensed importers, manufacturers, dealers or collectors of firearms. As part of the scheme, Guzman obtained at least six handguns.
Quezada is scheduled to be sentenced on June 15, 2022.
“To protect citizens from violent crime, it is important to enforce federal laws regarding firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “Those who seek to buy guns unlawfully often are planning to use them to commit crimes. In our effort to protect public safety and prevent violence, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who participate in unlawful gun trafficking.”
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Walsh.
The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes.
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Court of Appeals Upholds 300-Month Sentence for Former Resident of PlainfieldRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit has rejected Edward Brown’s appeal of his 300-month prison sentence.
Brown, 79, formerly of Plainfield, was convicted in 2009 of a series of offenses arising from his role in leading an armed standoff with the United Marshals Service after his conviction and sentencing for tax-related charges. Brown was initially sentenced to 444 months of imprisonment for his role in the standoff. Because of new legal precedent from the United States Supreme Court, one of Brown's convictions was no longer valid and he was entitled to be resentenced. At his resentencing, the court imposed a 300-month prison sentence.
In a 45-page opinion issued on Wednesday, the Court of Appeals rejected Brown’s argument that the district judge erred by imposing a 300-month sentence.
“Thanks to this decision, Edward Brown will remain in federal prison, which is exactly where he belongs,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “Brown’s dangerous and reckless actions could have led to an extensive loss of life. This lengthy sentence holds him accountable for his criminal conduct and ensures that he cannot endanger lives in the Granite State again.”
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service with substantial assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service, the New Hampshire State Police, the Plainfield Police Department, the Lebanon Police Department, and the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office. The appeal was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth R. Aframe.
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Laconia Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Trafficking and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Dylan Miles, 28, of Laconia, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in federal court to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 9, 2019, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents received information about a suspicious parcel sent from Phoenix, Arizona, to New Hampshire addressed to Miles in Laconia. After obtaining a warrant to open the package, investigators found a stereo system with vacuum-sealed bags containing over 665 grams of methamphetamine.
Investigators obtained an anticipatory search warrant for Miles’ residence and on May 10, 2019, conducted a controlled delivery of the package with the drugs removed. Once Miles took the package into the residence, agents executed the warrant and located methamphetamine, drug distribution materials, and firearms. Miles is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction.
Miles is scheduled to be sentenced on May 24, 2022.
“Methamphetamine is an extremely dangerous drug that is threatening large and small communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “When methamphetamine traffickers are armed, the risk to public safety is greatly increased. Good law enforcement work prevented this large quantity of methamphetamine from being sold in the Granite State and put this armed drug dealer out of business.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the New Hampshire State Police, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Drug Task Force, the Hartford, Vermont Police Department, and the Lebanon Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.
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Center Ossipee Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Kyle Amaral, 29, of Center Ossipee, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in federal court to sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2021, investigators identified a series of chats involving images and videos of child sexual abuse that were posted by Amaral over a social networking platform. Evidence obtained through the execution of search warrants at his residence and the social networking platform confirmed that Amaral created images and videos of child sexual abuse at his residence, which he later distributed to other individuals over the social networking platform.
Amaral is scheduled to be sentenced on May 24, 2022.
“Sexual exploitation of children is a horrific crime,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “By sexually abusing minors and distributing videos of these terrible acts, this defendant stole the innocence of his victims and caused immeasurable harm. To protect the safety of our community’s children, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who victimize young people in the Granite State.”
"The NH Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is proud to work with our local and federal law enforcement partners in an effort to fight child exploitation,” said Lt. Eric Kinsman, Commander, NH ICAC Task Force. “NH ICAC urges parents to talk to their kids about internet safety and to not hesitate to reach out to law enforcement for help. Helpful resources can be found at nhicac.org."
“The abuse and exploitation of a child is among the cruelest and most heinous crimes our agents investigate. The children who are preyed upon will live with the effects of this trauma for the rest of their lives,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for the Homeland Security Investigations’ Boston Field Office. “HSI is proud to work with the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force to detect crimes like these and hold the perpetrators to account to prevent them from inflicting more harm.”
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case is being 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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Gonic Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Christopher Kelley, 45, of Gonic, pleaded guilty in federal court to three counts of bank robbery and one count of attempted bank robbery, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between September 11, 2020, and October 9, 2020, Kelley committed three bank robberies in Rochester. He attempted to rob another bank in Wolfeboro on October 13, 2020. In each of the incidents, Kelley claimed to have a bomb.
Kelley is scheduled to be sentenced on May 23, 2022.
“Bank robberies are violent crimes that endanger innocent people and cause untold emotional damage to bank employees and bystanders,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “By robbing multiple banks while claiming to have a bomb, this defendant left behind victims in each location who may be affected by these incidents for years to come. As this case demonstrates, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to fight back against violent crime and to hold violent criminals accountable for their unlawful and dangerous conduct.”
“Today, Christopher Kelley finally admitted to putting innocent bystanders in fear for their lives when he walked into four different banks in Rochester and Wolfeboro, claiming he had a bomb, and demanding cash from the tellers,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “While no one was physically injured, Mr. Kelley’s actions have had a lasting impact on everyone who was there. That’s why the FBI and our law enforcement partners will do everything possible to seek justice for the victims and protect the public from violent criminals like him.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Rochester Police Department and Wolfeboro Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Krasinski and Aaron Gingrande.
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Maine Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of FentanylRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Christopher R Ross, a/k/a Chris R. Ross, 41, of Waterboro, Maine pleaded guilty in federal court to distribution of fentanyl, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 2, 2020, and July 8, 2020, at the direction of agents, a cooperating individual arranged through text and phone conversations to purchase fentanyl from Ross at two separate locations in Rochester.
Ross is scheduled to be sentenced on May 24, 2022.
“To protect our community from harm, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify the criminals who are distributing fentanyl and other deadly drugs in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “By prosecuting the drug traffickers who are seeking to profit from drug sales, we are helping to improve the quality of life in the Granite State.”
“Fentanyl is a deadly drug that continues to cause significant harm in communities throughout New Hampshire,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “In identifying and disrupting dealers like Mr. Ross, the FBI and our law enforcement partners are able to prevent traffickers like him from continuing to endanger public health and safety.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.
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Former Professional Football Player Sentenced to Probation for Using a Telephone to Facilitate Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Jeffrey Paul Hatch, 42, of Savannah, Georgia, formerly of Manchester, was sentenced to three years of probation for using a telephone to facilitate drug trafficking, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, federal, state and local law enforcement officers conducted an investigation in 2017 of fentanyl traffickers, including an individual in Lawrence, Massachusetts who provided quantities of fentanyl to a Manchester-based fentanyl trafficker. Couriers assisted the Manchester-based trafficker by transporting drugs and money. On July 25, 2017, Hatch used his cellular telephone to arrange to pick up fentanyl from the Massachusetts-based trafficker on behalf of the Manchester-based trafficker.
From 2002 to 2005, Hatch played in the National Football League for the New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Hatch previously pleaded guilty on August 1, 2019. In addition to his probationary sentence, Hatch was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
“Fentanyl is a deadly drug that has been responsible for hundreds of overdose deaths and has damaged countless individuals and their families in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “As this case demonstrates, people from all walks of life can end up participating in the illegal drug trade. As a result of his illegal conduct, this professional athlete is now a convicted felon. I hope that his experience serves as a lesson to young people about the dangers of fentanyl and the consequences of drug trafficking.”
“Homeland Security Investigations is proud to work closely with our law enforcement partners to uncover and disrupt trafficking networks that bring fentanyl and other deadly drugs into New England,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for the Homeland Security Investigations’ Boston Field Office.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Portsmouth Police Department, New Hampshire State Police, and Manchester Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Cole Davis and Seth R. Aframe.
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