District of New Hampshire

CONCORD – A Goffstown man has been sentenced to 102 months in prison and four years of supervised release for firearm and narcotics charges, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. 

Mark Williams, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante today.  According to the charging documents and statements made in court, in the early morning hours on October 27, 2023, Williams was driving a borrowed vehicle when he became involved in a single-car accident in Goffstown, New Hampshire.  Williams walked away before Goffstown Police arrived.  The unoccupied vehicle sustained disabling damage and was later towed. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a loaded 9mm handgun and distribution-level quantities of methamphetamine (41 grams), cocaine (73 grams), and fentanyl (452 grams).   Williams was later arrested on November 13, 2023 and has been in custody since that date. 

“Mr. Williams illegally armed himself and was prepared to use violence to further his drug dealing operation,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan.  “Today’s sentence reflects the serious threat posed by those who mix firearms with dealing dangerous drugs like fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine.”

“The combination of a loaded firearm and significant quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl posed a serious threat to public safety,” said Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division. “This sentence reflects the commitment of the DEA and our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who traffic dangerous drugs while armed. We will continue working to disrupt the criminal activity that fuels addiction, violence, and harm in communities across New Hampshire.”

The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Goffstown Police Department, and the Manchester Police Department.  Valuable assistance was additionally provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau is prosecuting the case. 

This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). 

CONCORD – A citizen of the Dominican Republic and former Boston resident was sentenced today in federal court to 10 years in prison for distributing almost 700 grams of fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Niulmi Baez, 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Landya B. McCafferty to 120 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release.  On April 6, 2026, Baez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl.   

“Fentanyl has been identified by the President as a weapon of mass destruction; it is a drug that has wreaked havoc across communities in New Hampshire and states all over the country. Working with our law enforcement partners, we are doing everything in our power to disrupt the illicit drug trade and hold those who traffic this deadly substance accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “This sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime committed, and the need to protect the public.” 

“Today’s sentence reflects the serious consequences for those who profit from distributing fentanyl, a drug that continues to devastate families and communities across New England,” said Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division.  “By trafficking this deadly poison, the defendant placed countless lives at risk in pursuit of financial gain.  The DEA, alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, remains steadfast in our commitment to disrupting the criminal organizations responsible for the flow of fentanyl and ensuring those who endanger public safety are brought to justice.”

In late 2021 law enforcement learned that Baez was selling drugs.  Between November 2021 and June 2022, an undercover officer engaged in a series of controlled purchases of drugs from Baez.  Sometimes Baez delivered the drugs in person, while other times he used a drug runner, including his co-defendant Hamet Badia. For example, in June 2022, the undercover officer arranged to purchase 400 grams of fentanyl and 200 oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl from Baez.  Baez responded that his “brother” would arrive in an Uber rideshare, and that Baez himself would arrive a few minutes later.  Badia arrived at the designated meeting spot carrying a green shoe box containing the drugs.  Badia gave the drugs to Baez, who exchanged the drugs for a bag containing fake U.S. currency.

Baez then returned to the Dominican Republic.  Law enforcement learned he planned to return to the United States and arrested him at Logan Airport on October 2, 2025.  Baez has been detained since. 

Badia was previously sentenced to a term of 18 months’ imprisonment for his role in the offense.

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation.  The U.S. Marshals and Hampton Police Department provided valuable assistance.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

CONCORD – A New York man has been sentenced to 36 months in prison and three years of supervised release for his role in a 2025 armed robbery in Londonderry, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Zaire Braddock, 21, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Steven J. McAuliffe yesterday. According to the court documents and statements made in court, Braddock, along with four co-conspirators, traveled together from New York to Londonderry, New Hampshire, for the purpose of robbing a local business. Upon arriving at the business, the five individuals entered the premises, where Braddock threatened the victim with a box cutter and the crew restrained the victim. Braddock and his co-conspirators then proceeded to steal merchandise and goods from the business, placing those items in a truck driven by a sixth co-conspirator. Afterwards, Braddock and his co-conspirators fled the scene in their vehicle and returned to New York.

“This individual traveled from New York to Londonderry to terrorize others with violence and threats,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan.  “This sentence shows that actions have consequences, and we will continue to coordinate with our federal and state law enforcement partners to quickly and decisively investigate and prosecute violent crimes and hold lawbreakers accountable.”

“Anyone willing to victimize another person by brandishing a boxcutter and threatening to kill them, in broad daylight. is a clear threat to our community. The FBI is grateful to see Zaire Braddock will spend the next three years behind bars for his role in this brazen act of violence,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “No one who lives, works, or visits New Hampshire should have to fear violent criminals targeting them. That’s why the FBI and our partners will continue to work in lockstep to crush violent crime in our neighborhoods and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. The Londonderry Police Department, New Hampshire State Police, Massachusetts State Police, and New York Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Vicinanzo, Michael Shannon, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski prosecuted the case. 

CONCORD – Daris Rafael Melo Vittini, age 40, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced in federal court yesterday to 18 months of imprisonment followed by 1 year of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. 

According to court documents and statements, on June 30, 2025, police stopped Vittini in Manchester in a car connected to a larger drug conspiracy. During a search of Vittini’s person, police found two plastic bottles containing approximately 60 plastic baggies of crack cocaine and fentanyl packaged for sale. Inside a hidden compartment in the car were approximately 60 more baggies crack cocaine and fentanyl packaged for sale and around $1,500 cash. 

The FBI’s Major Offender Task Force led the investigation with valuable assistance from the DEA and the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon prosecuted the case.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Hampshire comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS, DEA, ATF, USMS, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire. 

CONCORD – Alexander German, 28, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced yesterday in federal court for fentanyl trafficking conspiracy in a case brought by New Hampshire’s Homeland Security Task Force, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

German was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty to 38 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.  German previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.

“Mr. German was a critical link in a drug trafficking operation that moved dangerous drugs into New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan.  “This years-long sentence makes clear that if you traffic fentanyl, you will be held accountable.”   

“This sentence sends a clear message to those who profit from poisoning our communities with fentanyl: there are serious consequences for fueling this deadly epidemic,” said Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division. “Every dose of fentanyl trafficked into New Hampshire puts lives at risk and leaves families devastated. Thanks to the relentless work of the New Hampshire Homeland Security Task Force and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, another drug trafficker has been held accountable. DEA remains committed to identifying, investigating, and dismantling the criminal networks responsible for bringing fentanyl into New England, and we will continue working alongside our partners to protect the public and save lives.” 

According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in the fall of 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated a Lawrence-based organization that distributed fentanyl across New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The organization used social media, mobile messaging apps, and a dedicated phone line to take drug orders and send runners to make deliveries. German served as a runner for the organization, conducting multiple hand-to-hand drug sales of fentanyl in Lawrence, Massachusetts, with a DEA undercover officer. German also facilitated the preparation of an additional fentanyl destined for an undercover officer in Nashua, New Hampshire.

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cesar A. Vega and Mike Shannon are prosecuting the case.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Hampshire comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS, DEA, ATF, USMS, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire.

CONCORD – U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces that a Concord man was sentenced today in federal court for drug trafficking,

Zachary Albert, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Steven McAuliffe to 37 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.  In July 2025, Albert pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, specifically methamphetamine. 

“The defendant conspired with others to distribute dangerous drugs in our state,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “Today’s sentence reflects the serious threat posed by those who deal in dangerous drugs like methamphetamine. Our office will continue to pursue individuals and organizations who profit from drug trafficking in our communities.” 

“Zachary Albert profited from selling methamphetamine, a highly addictive and dangerous drug that’s plagued communities here in New Hampshire,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “Putting him out of business and behind bars can’t make up for the damage he and his drugs have done, but it does make our communities safer.”

According to the court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2022, the FBI Major Offender Task Force and the New Hampshire State Police began investigating a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy in New Hampshire. Phone calls and text messages intercepted during the investigation revealed that the defendant worked as a methamphetamine distributer, obtaining methamphetamine from one of his co-conspirators then selling the drugs to others. On March 16, 2023, the defendant arranged to purchase methamphetamine to sell to two of his customers. Thereafter, law enforcement stopped and searched the defendant’s vehicle, where they found 9.4 grams of fentanyl and 26.9 grams of methamphetamine.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation Major Offender Task Force in partnership with the New Hampshire State Police led the investigation. The Concord Police Department, Franklin Police Department, and New Hampton Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherniske prosecuted the case. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

Rochester Man Indicted for Production, Distribution  and Possession of Child Sex Abuse Materials

CONCORD – A Rochester man was indicted this week for production, distribution, and possession of child sex abuse materials (CSAM), U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Jeremy Brooks, 33, was indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of production of CSAM involving two different minor victims, one count of distribution of CSAM, and one count of possession of CSAM.  Brooks is currently detained in state custody on related assault charges and will make an initial appearance in federal court on July 28 at 2:30pm.

The details contained in the indictment are allegations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Each charge of production of CSAM carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum prison term of 30 years.  The charge of CSAM distribution carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum prison term of 20 years.  The charge of CSAM possession carries a maximum prison term of 20 years. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Homeland Security Investigations, the Rochester Police Department and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force are leading the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau is prosecuting the case.

The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.

Nashua Man Indicted for Possession With Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine

CONCORD – Juan Nolasco Batlle, age 42, of Nashua, New Hampshire, was indicted by a federal grand jury for possession with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. He will appear in federal court in Concord on a later date. 

If convicted, Batlle faces a mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years and a maximum prison term of life, a maximum fine of $10,000,000, or both. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes that govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation with valuable assistance provided by the Hillsborough County Street Crimes Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon is prosecuting the case.

Dominican National Sentenced to 7 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy Coordinated from Abroad

CONCORD – A Dominican man was sentenced today in federal court to 7 years in prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl to New Hampshire residents while operating from abroad, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.  

Starlin Alexander Valdez De Los Santos, 35, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante to 84 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release.  Valdez De Los Santos pleaded guilty on January 5, 2026, to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl. 

“This defendant believed that operating from abroad and communicating through encrypted platforms would place him beyond the reach of U.S. law enforcement, but this sentence demonstrates otherwise,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan. “This outcome reflects sustained coordination between the DEA, our partners in the Dominican Republic, and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, whose work led to this defendant’s extradition and prosecution.”

“This case demonstrates that drug traffickers operating beyond our borders are not beyond the reach of U.S. law enforcement,” said Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division. “Those who choose to supply fentanyl into the United States, regardless of where they hide, should know that the DEA and our law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue them and hold them accountable. The fentanyl distributed by this defendant made its way into communities in New Hampshire, putting countless lives at risk. Every kilogram of fentanyl trafficked into our country has the potential to cause devastating loss, and we remain committed to dismantling the international criminal networks responsible for fueling this public safety crisis.”

“Fentanyl trafficking is a serious threat to the safety and well-being of our community,” said Chief David Cayot of the Hudson, New Hampshire Police Department. “This case reflects the effective partnership between the Hudson Police Department and our federal partners at the Drug Enforcement Administration. We remain committed to identifying and holding accountable those who distribute dangerous narcotics in Hudson.”

According to the charging documents, relevant pleadings, and statements made in court, during an August 2021 fentanyl overdose death investigation conducted by the Hudson Police Department, detectives collected evidence of the overdose victim’s phone communications with a source of narcotics supply that used a Facebook account and an encrypted messaging mobile app with a Dominican Republic-based phone number to advertise drugs for sale and coordinate drug transactions locally. As a result, in July 2022, the DEA initiated an investigation into the user of these accounts.  The investigation ultimately showed that the defendant operated a significant drug distribution network that involved coordination of suppliers and local distributors over an extended period and utilized sophisticated communication methods to avoid detection, all while residing outside the United States.  The years-long investigation into the defendant’s activities resulted in the total seizure of more than 750 grams of fentanyl during eight undercover purchase operations in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and approximately 220 grams during additional undercover purchase operations in 2025. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation.  The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the Hudson, New Hampshire Police Department, and the Massachusetts State Police provided valuable assistance.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar A. Vega is prosecuting the case. 

This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

Chinese National Indicted for Role in Gift Card Fraud Conspiracy, in New Hampshire Homeland Security Task Force Investigation

CONCORD – A Chinese national was indicted for his alleged role in an international conspiracy to defraud victims of millions of dollars’ worth of gift cards, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. 

Jinbin Ren, 38, a Chinese national and resident of Lynnfield, Massachusetts, was charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.  He will appear in federal court at a later date. 

According to the indictment and public record, the defendant is originally from China. He and several Chinese nationals working in the United States and abroad acquired gift cards stolen from victims through romance fraud, elder fraud, hacking, and other scams.  The conspirators then used the gift cards to purchase Apple products and other high-value electronics and had them shipped to New Hampshire due to the state’s lack of a sales tax.  The defendant operated a warehouse in Salem which was used to consolidate and ship the electronics to China and Hong Kong.  Law enforcement searched the defendant’s warehouse in 2024 and found iPhones purchased with gift cards stolen from American victims.  The conspirators used WeChat, a Chinese messaging app, to coordinate purchases, sales, shipments, and payments through cryptocurrency. 

The charge of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud provides a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Homeland Security Investigations, IRS Criminal Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Concord Police Department are leading the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire and Trial Attorneys Emily Cohen and Madison Albrecht of the Department of Justice’s Money Laundering, Narcotics, and Forfeiture Section are prosecuting the case.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion.  The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad.  Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders.  In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children.  The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.  HSTF New Hampshire comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS, DEA, ATF, USMS, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire.

Federal Jury Convicts Honduran Man for Possession of a Fraudulent Green Card

CONCORD – After a trial, a Honduran national was convicted by a federal jury for the unlawful possession of a fraudulent green card yesterday, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Hector Ariel Ortiz-Guillen was convicted of knowingly possessing a fraudulent or forged Permanent Resident card, more commonly called a green card.  U.S. District Judge Steven J. McAuliffe scheduled sentencing for July 28, 2026.  Ortiz-Guillen has been detained since December 5, 2025.

“It is a privilege to live and work in the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “We expect all persons who come to the United States to follow the rules and laws for entry.  This verdict shows we will continue to protect the integrity of our immigration system.” 

The evidence introduced at trial showed that on December 5, 2025, Border Patrol investigated a tip that there was a work crew of three illegal aliens in Colebrook, New Hampshire.  Border Patrol saw them enter a truck and tried stopping the vehicle.  The truck sped off, and after a chase, the truck crashed into a snowbank.  Ortiz-Guillen then fled on foot.  After a pursuit, Border Patrol and other law enforcement personnel detained Ortiz-Guillen and searched him.  Border Patrol found a wallet on him which contained a fraudulent green card which showed Ortiz-Guillen’s name and face, but an alien number belonging to a Canadian citizen.

The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, and up to 3 years of supervised release.  After serving his sentence, Ortiz-Guillen is subject to removal from the United States.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

U.S. Border Patrol led the investigation and was assisted on December 5 by personnel from the New Hampshire State Police, New Hampshire Fish and Game, the Colebrook Police Department, and the Coos County Sheriff’s Office.  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services also provided valuable assistance.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles L. Rombeau and Alexander S. Chen are prosecuting the case. 

A federal grand jury in the District of New Hampshire returned an indictment yesterday charging a Chinese national and resident of Lynnfield, Massachusetts, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his role in an international gift card fraud conspiracy.

According to the indictment, Jinbin Ren, 38, and co-conspirators, acquired gift cards stolen from victims through romance fraud, elder fraud, hacking, theft, and other scams. The conspirators then used the gift cards to purchase and ship high-value electronics to Ren’s warehouse in Salem, New Hampshire. These electronics were then consolidated and reshipped to China. The conspirators used WeChat, a Chinese messaging application, to coordinate purchases, sales, shipments, and payments through cryptocurrency. Electronics found in Ren’s warehouse were traced to fraudulently obtained gift cards from American victims across multiple states.

The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan for the District of New Hampshire, Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Grimming of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Acting Inspector in Charge Jason Buckley of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division. 

The case is being investigated by HSI New England, IRS Criminal Investigations Boston, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Boston, and the Concord, NH Police Department.

Trial Attorneys Emily Cohen and Madison Albrecht of the Justice Department’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Chen for the District of New Hampshire are prosecuting the case.

The Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section’s (MNF) mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations.

MNF’s Money Laundering and Forfeiture Unit investigates and prosecutes sophisticated money laundering schemes involving financial facilitators, gatekeepers, and other individuals and entities laundering criminal proceeds, and litigates complex civil forfeiture cases to recover assets on behalf of victims.

This prosecution is also part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Dominican National Sentenced to 5 Years of Imprisonment for Role in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy 

CONCORD – Carlo de los Santos Ruiz, a.k.a. “Julio,” 29, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Landya B. McCafferty to 60 months in federal prison and 4 years of supervised release yesterday, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. In March, Santos Ruiz pleaded guilty to a single-count Information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 or more grams of crack cocaine and 40 or more grams of fentanyl. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, between July 2024 and June 2025, law enforcement agencies began investigating a drug-trafficking organization (DTO) based in Massachusetts and operating in New Hampshire. During the course of the conspiracy, the DTO trafficked crack cocaine and fentanyl. The defendant led the DTO and operated the various dispatch lines that drug buyers called to order drugs. He also personally distributed drugs on behalf of the DTO. Last June, law enforcement arrested the defendant and one of his co-defendants at the defendant’s home in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Parked near the home was a car used to traffic drugs that contained more than 400 combined grams of crack cocaine and fentanyl. 

“Granite Staters deserve safe, drug-free communities, and I’m proud of the hard work of our state and federal law enforcement partners on the front lines. By investigating and interdicting traffickers like this defendant, we can take dangerous drugs like crack cocaine and fentanyl off our streets,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. 

“Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of Carlo Santos Ruiz’s conduct and the harm he and his drug trafficking organization inflicted on communities in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “By leading a drug-trafficking organization and personally distributing significant quantities of crack cocaine and fentanyl, he contributed directly to the dangers these drugs pose. The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to dismantle organizations that pump poison into our neighborhoods and ensure those involved with them are brought to justice.”

The FBI’s Major Offender Task Force led the investigation. The Manchester Police Department and DEA provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon prosecuted the case.

Three Nashua Residents Arrested for Trafficking Methamphetamine and Fentanyl, in New Hampshire Homeland Security Task Force Investigation 

CONCORD – Three individuals from Nashua have been charged with trafficking controlled substances, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Rony Guzman-Encarnacion, 31, and Sabrina Cespedes, 27, both of Nashua, were arrested on a complaint yesterday and charged with distribution and possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, as well as conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances. Bryan Guzman, 24, also of Nashua, was arrested yesterday and charged with distribution and possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances.

According to charging documents and statements, Guzman-Encarnacion and Cespedes sold methamphetamine to law enforcement in a controlled drug purchase. Guzman is alleged to have sold fentanyl pills to law enforcement in a controlled drug purchase.

The details in the charging documents are allegations.  The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.   

The charging statute provides a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.       

The Federal Bureau of Investigation Major Offender Task Force is leading the investigation.  Valuable assistance was provided by the Hudson Police Department, Nashua Police Department, and New Hampshire State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasir Sadat is prosecuting the case. 

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Hampshire comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS, DEA, ATF, USMS, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire. 

Three Charged in Money Laundering Conspiracy 

Using New Hampshire Business to Conceal Funds

CONCORD – An indictment unsealed yesterday charges three men with a money laundering conspiracy related to numerous business email compromise fraud schemes targeting companies throughout the United States.

Bill Ying Li, 51, Bing Xun Gong, 56, and Sabir Magdeev, 33, were indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.  Li appeared in federal court in California yesterday and will appear in New Hampshire for an initial appearance on July 29, 2026.  Gong appeared in federal court in Illinois yesterday and will appear in New Hampshire for an initial appearance on July 29, 2026.  Magdeev is currently awaiting extradition from Cyprus.

According to the charging documents and public record, the defendants are alleged to have conspired to launder proceeds derived from wire‑fraud schemes targeting compromised business email accounts.  These compromised accounts were used to change bank payment information in order to divert legitimate payments from their intended recipients to various bank accounts, shell entities, and cryptocurrency wallets controlled by the defendants to conceal the source and ownership of the funds. The charging documents further allege that, beginning in late 2022, the conspirators routed portions of these illicit proceeds through Market Shark LLC, a company registered with the New Hampshire Secretary of State, which they sought to use as an additional vehicle to receive and transfer laundered funds. The defendants are alleged to have conspired to launder more than $3 million in fraud proceeds. 

The charge of money laundering conspiracy carries a maximum prison term of 20 years. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The details contained in the indictment are allegations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys John J. Kennedy and Yasir Sadat are prosecuting the case.

This action is part of Operation Riptide, an ongoing FBI campaign targeting the criminal actors, infrastructure, and financial networks behind cybercrime, cyber-enabled crime, and fraud against the American people. Last year, Americans reported over $20 billion in losses to cybercrime, a 26 percent single-year increase. Operation Riptide is the FBI’s sustained enforcement response to that threat.

Seacoast Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Large Quantities of Methamphetamine and Fentanyl

CONCORD – Michael Michaud, 55, pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, specifically methamphetamine and fentanyl, and two counts of possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute them, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. U.S. District Court Judge Steven J. McAuliffe scheduled Michaud’s sentencing for November 4, 2026. 

According to the court documents and statements made in court, beginning in 2022, the DEA began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization that was distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine in the Seacoast region of New Hampshire. During the investigation, multiple DEA cooperating sources reported that Michaud was a significant source of narcotics, personally selling distributable quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine in the Seacoast area. The DEA conducted multiple controlled drug purchases from Michaud and his coconspirators, purchasing more than a pound of methamphetamine and more than a pound of fentanyl. In November 2025, law enforcement pulled over Michaud while he was driving with his girlfriend. Michaud possessed substantial qualities of methamphetamine and fentanyl packaged for distribution and was arrested.

The charges of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance each carry a sentence of up to 20 years’ incarceration, not less than 3 years of supervised release, and a fine up to $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter is prosecuting the case. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

Massachusetts Man Charged With Nashua Bank Robbery 

CONCORD – A Massachusetts man has been charged in federal court with bank robbery, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. He was arrested on July 8, 2026, and appears before the court this afternoon. 

Joseph Sawyer, 52, of Townsend, Massachusetts, allegedly robbed at gunpoint the St. Mary’s Bank located at 4 Northwest Boulevard in Nashua on June 12, 2026. According to the criminal complaint, the FBI identified Sawyer as the suspect after investigating a similar bank robbery that occurred two weeks later in Boonton, New Jersey. 

If convicted, Sawyer faces up to 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The details contained in the criminal complaint are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

FBI Boston is leading the investigation. The Nashua Police Department, FBI New Jersey, FBI Albany, New Jersey State Police, New York State Police, Warren County (NY) Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Attorneys’ Offices for the District of New Jersey, Northern District of New York, and District of Massachusetts provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon is prosecuting the case.

Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Failing to Register as a Sex Offender

CONCORD – Christopher Hodgeman of Manchester, 35, pleaded guilty today to one count of failing to register as a sex offender as required by the federal Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”), U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. U.S. District Court Judge Steven J. McAuliffe scheduled Hodgeman’s sentencing for October 27, 2026. 

According to the court documents and statements made in court, SORNA requires individuals convicted of certain sex offenses to register as a sex offender in the state in which they reside or work. Among other things, SORNA requires sex offenders to register their online identifiers such as email addresses and online accounts and usernames. Hodgeman is required to register as a sex offender under SORNA due to his 2021 conviction for possessing child exploitation material (also known as child pornography). In 2024, Hodgeman pleaded guilty and was sentenced in the United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire to one count of failure to register in violation of SORNA arising from his failure to register online identifiers he used in direct messaging applications. Beginning at least by December 2025, and continuing through January 2026, Hodgeman used the private direct messaging applications Signal, Zangi, and WhatsApp. For each application he had a unique online identifier. Hodgeman used these applications and online identifiers to exchange sexually explicit messages with multiple different women. Hodgeman knew he was required to register his online identifiers, yet he never reported these online identifiers in his sex offender registration paperwork.

The charge of failure to register carries a sentence of up to 10 years’ incarceration, at least 5 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The United States Marshals Service investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter is prosecuting the case. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

Convicted Felon Who Was Apprehended by U.S. Marshals After Fleeing Halfway House Pleads Guilty to Escaping Bureau of Prisons Custody 

CONCORD – A Bureau of Prisons (BOP) inmate has pled guilty for attempting to escape custody after he left a Manchester halfway house and was later apprehended by the U.S. Marshals, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Sentencing is set for November 4, 2026 before U.S. District Court Judge Steven J. McAuliffe.

Daniel Irving, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of escape from federal custody. According to court documents and statements made in court, Irving was assigned to complete his prior federal sentence at the Hampshire House in Manchester after being transferred from a BOP facility in West Virginia. In October 2025, law enforcement was alerted that Irving had removed his electronic GPS monitoring device and absconded. The United States Marshals then initiated a search for Irving, before locating him at a home in Goffstown.  

The charge of escape carries a maximum prison term of 5 years, a maximum fine of $250,000 and term of supervised release not to exceed 3 years. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The United States Marshals Service led the investigation. The Goffstown Police Department and the Manchester Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo is prosecuting the case. 

New York Man Sentenced to Nearly Four Years in Federal Prison for Armed Robbery in Londonderry

CONCORD – A New York man was sentenced today for his role in a 2025 armed robbery in Londonderry, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Isaiah Ferro, 20, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Steven J. McAuliffe to 46 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. According to the court documents and statements made in court, Ferro, along with four co-conspirators, traveled together from New York to Londonderry, New Hampshire, for the purpose of robbing a local business. Upon arriving at the business, the five perpetrators entered the premises, where Ferro threatened the victim with what appeared to be a firearm and the crew restrained the victim. Ferro and his co-conspirators then proceeded to steal merchandise and goods from the business, placing those items in a truck driven by a sixth co-conspirator. Afterwards, Ferro, and his co-conspirators fled the scene in their vehicle and returned to New York.

“This violent act involved an out-of-state crew who came to New Hampshire to steal goods and threaten lives,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan.  “We worked together with federal and state law enforcement partners in multiple jurisdictions to bring this crew to justice.”

“Isaiah Ferro made the very poor decision to come to New Hampshire and target a victim, apparently at gunpoint, and today’s sentence holds him accountable for his actions,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “No one should have to fear a roving crew of criminals targeting businesses, but that’s exactly what happened here. Rest assured, the FBI and our partners are working every day to take violent individuals like Mr. Ferro off the street, to keep them from harming anyone else.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. The Londonderry Police Department, New Hampshire State Police, Massachusetts State Police, and New York Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski prosecuted the case. 

Hinsdale Man Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Approximately $345,000 From His Employer 

CONCORD – A Hinsdale man pleaded guilty today to embezzling almost $345,000 from his employer, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Michael Darcy, 49, pleaded guilty to five counts of Bank Fraud.  U.S. District Judge Steven J. McAuliffe scheduled sentencing for October 28, 2026.

Darcy was the Operations Manager for his employer.  As Operations Manager, Darcy oversaw the day-to-day work of the company and had access to the company checkbook.  Beginning in December 2019, and continuing through December 2024, Darcy forged the owner’s signature to draft dozens of unauthorized checks on the company’s bank account.  Darcy concealed the purpose of the payments by entering them under false headings in accounting records.  He sometimes also listed false entries in the memo line on the checks.  Overall, Darcy embezzled $344,874.47 from his employer.

The charging of Bank Fraud provides a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Hinsdale Police Department, FBI, and IRS Criminal Investigations led the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.

Manchester Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Unlawful Possession of Firearms

CONCORD – A Manchester man was sentenced today in federal court for the unlawful possession of multiple firearms, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Thomas Young, 46, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Landya B. McCafferty to 28 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release.  On March 26, 2026, Young pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of firearms. 

“The defendant possessed multiple firearms capable of inflicting massive damage and enough ammunition to equip a small militia.  Today’s sentence underscores that felons are not legally allowed to possess firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan.  “We will continue to work with law enforcement to disarm felons.”

“Getting guns away from people who shouldn’t have them, like Thomas Young, is a critical part of our concerted effort to crush violent crime in this city,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division.  “If you’re in criminal possession of a firearm, the FBI and our partners will be glad to take it off your hands, in exchange for a nice pair of cuffs and time behind bars.”

Young was a convicted felon and unable to legally possess a firearm or ammunition. In September 2023, the FBI learned from a confidential source that Young was a gang member and selling firearms.  Young agreed to sell the confidential source a modified AK-47 rifle for $2,200 and gave the confidential source two boxes.  The first contained the AK-47, and the second contained magazines and ammunition.  Young later tried selling another firearm, a .40 caliber carbine-style gun, to the confidential source for $1,350.  In April 2024, law enforcement searched Young’s home and found two shotguns, shotgun shells, a silencer, and almost 500 rounds of ammunition. 

The FBI led the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen prosecuted the case.

Dominican National Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Trafficking Illegal Drugs in the New Hampshire Seacoast 

CONCORD – A citizen of the Dominican Republic, who previously lived in Massachusetts, was sentenced today in federal court for drug trafficking in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Juan De Los Santos Romero, 23, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Court Judge Samantha Elliott to 30 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.  De Los Santos Romero previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl.  De Los Santos Romero will be removed from the United States upon the completion of his prison sentence. Four co-conspirators, Jose Luis Guerrero Nunez, Carlos Alejandro Chevalier Santos, Eddy Mendez Carmona, and Luis Guerrero Cabral, have previously pleaded guilty.

“Fentanyl and methamphetamine are destructive drugs that devastate our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan.  “We will continue to pursue and hold accountable those individuals who distribute these dangerous substances in our state.”

“The defendant chose to profit from the distribution of two of the most dangerous drugs threatening our communities today—fentanyl and methamphetamine,” said Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division. “His actions contributed to the flow of deadly narcotics into New Hampshire, putting countless lives at risk. Today’s sentence demonstrates that those who traffic these poisons will be identified, investigated, and held accountable, regardless of their citizenship or where they attempt to operate. The DEA remains steadfast in our commitment to working alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to dismantle drug trafficking organizations and protect the people of New England.”

De Los Santos Romero was part of a Methuen-based drug trafficking organization that was distributing significant quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Seacoast area. He was responsible for at least four controlled drug purchases with an undercover DEA agent. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. The Seabrook Police Department, Hampton Police Department, Portsmouth Police Department, Methuen Police Department, and the New Hampshire State Police provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo prosecuted the case. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Salem Man Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Possession of Unregistered Firearms and Possession of Firearms by a Prohibited Person

CONCORD – A Salem man was sentenced today in federal court for possessing unregistered firearms in violation of the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Act and for possession of firearms and ammunition as a felon, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Daniel Fratus, age 39, who previously pleaded guilty in federal court in Concord before U.S. District Court Judge Landya B. McCafferty, was sentenced to 72-months of incarceration along with 3 years of supervised release.

According to the charging documents and statements made in court, Daniel Fratus was indicted after an investigation that began on January 23, 2024. During that investigation Salem Police Department received a call from a concerned neighbor for shots fired coming from Fratus’ residence. Salem Police Department and Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) law enforcement members later executed a search warrant and entered the residence where they observed several firearms along with approximately 12,870 rounds of ammunition. Fratus had previously been convicted of a felony for Sale of a Controlled Drug and, as such, was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

ATF led the investigation.  Salem Police Department provided valuable assistance. Special Assistant U.S Attorney Christopher Marin and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherniske prosecuted the case. 

Andy Sanborn Pleads Guilty to Misusing Over $250,000 of CARES Act Funds

CONCORD – Anthony Sanborn, a/k/a Andy Sanborn, 64, pleaded guilty today to Theft of Government Funds, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.  U.S. District Judge Landya B. McCafferty scheduled sentencing for October 15, 2026.

“This office is dedicated to combating fraud and prosecuting those who wrongfully take money from American taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan.  “Today’s conviction was the result of incredible work done by a dedicated team of agents.  We and our law enforcement partners will continue to diligently investigate those who target federal benefits programs.” 

“This casino owner must’ve thought he hit the jackpot when he got more than a quarter of a million dollars set aside to keep businesses afloat amid a pandemic battering our economy.  But the odds and the FBI finally caught up with him when he misused that money for his own financial gain,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division.  “The FBI simply won’t stand for opportunists thinking they can defraud the federal government, live large, and get away with it.  We will aggressively pursue anyone foolish enough to do so.”

“Today’s guilty plea of Andy Sanborn demonstrates IRS-CI’s continued commitment to root out fraud and theft from the United States Government at all levels,” said Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office.  “Sanborn misappropriated federal funds designated to aid small business owners in their time of need, during a global pandemic.  Instead of using these funds for their intended purpose and invest in his own business, Sanborn selfishly decided to use these funds for his own self-enrichment and to purchase luxury items.”

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service routinely seeks prosecution of individuals like Anthony Sanborn, who misused funds that were designated to provide financial relief during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Jason Buckley, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division.  “Postal Inspectors, alongside our federal partners, uncovered a scheme where Sanborn spent over a quarter of a million dollars of the funds on personal expenses.  We will continue to support and collaborate with our federal law enforcement partners to stop those who are engaged in these types of schemes.”

Sanborn owned and operated Win Win Win, a company that did business as Concord Casino. Sanborn applied for and obtained $844,000 in Economic Injury Disaster Loan funding from the Small Business Administration.  In applying for the loans, Sanborn certified that he would use the loan proceeds solely as working capital for Win Win Win.  However, Sanborn misused $255,232.72 of the funds on personal expenditures.  For example, on January 18, 2022, Sanborn used $48,750 of EIDL funds to purchase a 2006 Porsche Cayman. 

The charge of Theft of Government Funds carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigations, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service led the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (‘Fraud Division’).  The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people.  The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

United States Attorney’s Office Celebrates the Nation’s 250th Birthday

CONCORD – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire joins the nation in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the Founding of the United States of America. One of the original thirteen colonies to declare our independence from Great Britain, New Hampshire has played a central role in this country’s founding and throughout our nation’s history.

• On January 5, 1776, New Hampshire adopted the first state constitution, six months before the Declaration of Independence, laying the groundwork for democratic self-government for the 250 years to come.
• On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence is approved by the Continental Congress. The Declaration, setting forth the new nation’s foundational values, is received and read in New Hampshire on July 16, 1776. 
• On June 2, 1784, New Hampshire’s current state constitution is adopted. It remains the second oldest state constitution still in operation in the United States.
• On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the federal Constitution. With New Hampshire’s ratification, the Constitution becomes operational. Government under the Constitution begins on March 4, 1789.
• On September 24, 1789, the Judiciary Act of 1789 is signed into law by President George Washington. It establishes the original thirteen federal trial courts, and, with them, the original thirteen United States Attorneys, including the United States Attorney for the new District of New Hampshire. 
• On September 26, 1789, President George Washington’s nominee to be the first United States Attorney for the District of New Hampshire, John Samuel Sherburne, Jr., is confirmed by the United States Senate.

“From September of 1789 to the present, this United States Attorney’s Office has served the people of New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan. “It is our honor to continue the work of protecting safety and the public fisc, a calling that goes back to the earliest days of our Republic.” U.S. Attorney Creegan is the latest in a tradition of presidentially appointed and Senate-confirmed U.S. Attorneys for New Hampshire to serve over 237 years, among them New Hampshire’s only U.S. President, Franklin Pierce. U.S. Attorney Creegan was nominated by President Donald J. Trump and confirmed by the Senate in 2025.

Keene Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession 

of Firearms While on Federal Supervised Release

CONCORD – Christian Torruellas of Keene, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm as a felon, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. U.S. District Judge Steven J. McAuliffe scheduled sentencing for October 14, 2026.

According to the record, Torruellas was previously convicted of multiple felonies, including two prior federal convictions for unlawful possession of a firearm.  On October 16, 2024, a confidential informant working with law enforcement negotiated with Torruellas to purchase a .38 caliber Taurus revolver and ammunition for $1,700. The sale occurred at Torruellas’ home in Keene, where Torruellas showed the informant multiple additional firearms. Torruellas then offered to sell the informant a .22 Ruger pistol and ammunition for $2,300.  The informant left Torruellas’ home to get money from law enforcement and returned to purchase the .22 Ruger and ammunition. Torruellas was then on supervised release for his most recent federal conviction. 

The charge of felon in possession of a firearm provides a maximum prison term of 15 years, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes that govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The ATF led the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case. 

The District of New Hampshire and the New England Strike Force Charges Money Laundering Operation Tied to Nearly $3 Billion Dollar Health Care Fraud Scheme

Multi-Agency Operation Targeted International Network Accused of Laundering Proceeds from Health Care Fraud Scheme Built on Stolen Identities of Citizens from New Hampshire, Across New England, and the United States

CONCORD- U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announced today that two alleged associates of a Transnational Criminal Organization have been charged for their roles to launder proceeds of a nearly $3 billion dollar health care fraud scheme as part of the Justice Department’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. The charges are the result of the partnership between the District of New Hampshire and the New England Strike Force and represent the single largest health care fraud-related money laundering prosecution in New Hampshire history. 

 “These charges expose the staggering scale of fraud and money laundering that Transnational Criminal Organizations are willing to inflict on our health care system and the people of New Hampshire. This was not a local scheme. It was a transnational operation that stole the identities of New England patients and doctors to defraud our health care system of nearly $3 billion in intended losses and then launder those proceeds internationally to escape detection. Working alongside the New England Strike Force, we tracked that money. The people of New England deserve a health care system free from this kind of exploitation, and my Office will continue to pursue these criminal networks when they target New Hampshire,” said Erin Creegan, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Hampshire. 

According to court documents, Kakha Bendeliani, 48, and Goga Danelia, 37, both of the country of Georgia, were charged with conspiring to commit money laundering in connection with a nationwide health care fraud scheme in which nearly $3 billion in fraudulent claims were submitted to Medicare for durable medical equipment (“DME”).  As a result of the claims, Medicare and Medicare Supplemental Insurers paid at least approximately $12.5 million to Centennial Med Supply LLC (“Centennial”), a fraudulent DME company linked to Bendeliani and Danelia. 

Both Bendeliani and Danelia allegedly laundered proceeds for the Transnational Criminal Organization that perpetuated the largest health care fraud intended loss case ever prosecuted by the Department of Justice, as uncovered by Operation Gold Rush. The Organization, based in Russia and elsewhere, orchestrated a multi-billion-dollar health care fraud and money laundering scheme to target, exploit, and steal from Medicare, other government-sponsored health insurance programs, and private health insurance companies.

As alleged in charging documents, the fraudulent claims relied, in part, on the stolen identities of citizens from New Hampshire, across New England, and throughout the United States to justify the fraudulent billings. Hundreds of thousands of Americans, including the elderly and disabled Americans, reported their concerns to Medicare and its contractors after receiving explanation of benefit forms that reflected them purportedly receiving DME that they did not in fact receive, that was purportedly prescribed by doctors whom they had never visited, and purportedly delivered from DME companies with which they were unfamiliar.

As further alleged, the Organization exploited the United States’ financial system by depositing insurance reimbursement checks from the fraud. The health care fraud proceeds were particularly susceptible to laundering because they originated from legitimate sources—Medicare and established private insurance carriers—giving the funds the initial appearance of legitimacy. To gain access to the United States’ financial system, the Organization deployed a range of tactics to circumvent internal controls at multiple banks and in some cases coordinated directly with associates employed at the banks, and, in doing so, exposed United States banks to substantial compliance risk. 

As further alleged, to open financial accounts, the Organization armed its nominee owners, many of whom were not lawfully present in the United States, with false sale documentation and false corporate registration documents. This documentation falsely reflected that the nominee owners maintained beneficial ownership and control of various fraudulent DME companies. This disguised the true beneficial ownership and control of the companies and the financial accounts. Upon opening the financial accounts, the Organization funneled fraud proceeds from Medicare and other legitimate health care insurers into the accounts as seemingly “clean” money. From there, the Organization siphoned off the funds to shell companies and various banks overseas.

   Surveillance showing Goga Danelia at a financial institution during the conspiracy

 Surveillance showing Kakha Bendeliani at a financial institution during the conspiracy

“This transnational operation is accused of defrauding Medicare out of big money by using vulnerable patients, including many right here in New England, as pawns,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “The FBI would like to thank the hundreds of thousands of Americans who noticed that Medicare was being billed for catheters they either did not need, or did not receive, and reported it. By working together, we increase our chances of bringing those who fleece the U.S. government to justice.”

“Criminal efforts to steal billions from Medicare are, at their core, a direct theft from the pockets of America’s taxpayers,” said Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “As alleged, these defendants helped launder millions in fraudulent Medicare proceeds overseas, and HHS-OIG will use every tool at our disposal to bring to justice those who participate in schemes that target federal health care programs.”

“These charges demonstrate the VA OIG’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the integrity of claims submitted to VA healthcare programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Chris Algieri with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northeast Field Office. “The VA OIG thanks the US Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire, the New England Strike Force, and our law enforcement partners for their efforts in this investigation.” 

“Millions of dollars that should have gone to patients with legitimate medical needs were siphoned away and sent to overseas accounts by this wide-ranging fraud scheme,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Amanda Koldjeski. “The FBI’s health care fraud teams will continue to expose the criminals illegally taking hard-earned money from American taxpayers.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire, and Trial Attorneys Thomas D. Campbell and John W. Howard of the New England Strike Force. 

The New England Strike Force, led by DOJ Assistant Chief Kevin Lowell, is a specialized white-collar enforcement team dedicated to investigating and prosecuting complex fraud schemes impacting the New England health care market.  Leveraging sophisticated analytics and tools as well as financial-tracing techniques, the Strike Force partners with investigative agencies to target individuals and entities involved in criminal activity that undermines the integrity of the U.S. health care system and harms New England residents. Complementing its fraud-detection efforts, the Strike Force tracks and traces the flow of illicit funds laundered as a result of these schemes for seizure and forfeiture. 

These charges are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in criminal charges against 455 defendants for their alleged participation in health care fraud schemes that involved over $6.5 billion in alleged fraud. 

The charges are the result of investigations conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General. 

            The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law. 

Boston Man Sentenced for Distribution of Methamphetamine and Fentanyl

CONCORD – A Boston man was sentenced today in federal court for distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Jeison Eulogio Dume-Calderone, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Chief Judge Samantha D. Elliott to 70 months in federal prison and one year of supervised release. Dume-Calderone pleaded guilty to the charges on December 1, 2025. The Department of Homeland Security has determined that Dume-Calderon is a citizen of the Dominican Republic who is present in the United States unlawfully. 

“Today’s sentence underscores our office’s commitment to combating the flow of methamphetamine and fentanyl into our communities. This defendant chose to traffic in highly addictive and dangerous drugs and now will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan.

“Drug traffickers who move pounds of methamphetamine and fentanyl into our communities are driven by profit, with no regard for the lives they put at risk” said Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that those who traffic these deadly substances into New Hampshire will be identified, investigated, and held accountable. DEA and our law enforcement partners remain committed to disrupting the supply of illicit drugs and protecting families from the devastating consequences of addiction, overdose, and drug-related violence.”

The investigation was led by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennfer C. Davis is prosecuting the case. 

This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

Four Charged in New Hampshire as Part of National Health Care Fraud Takedown

Today, United States Attorney Erin Creegan announced criminal charges against 4 defendants as part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. The charges stem from fraudulent claims submitted to Medicare for durable medical equipment, theft of a United States citizen’s identity to obtain Medicare and Medicaid benefits, and a pharmacist who diverted controlled substances while on the job.

“Protecting the integrity of our federal health care programs is an important priority,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “The defendants charged today are alleged to have exploited systems meant to care for some of our most vulnerable community members. This conduct not only threatens the financial health of Medicare and Medicaid, it puts real people at risk. Working alongside our partners across the country, we will continue to pursue those who profit through fraud, theft, and the illegal diversion of controlled substances. Today’s cases demonstrate that we will hold accountable those who seek to abuse our health care system.”

The charges announced today by U.S. Attorney Creegan are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. Today’s Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: cases in 56 federal districts and 45 U.S. states and territories, with 50 state Medicaid Fraud Control Units participating, the most in Department history. In addition, unprecedented international cooperation over the two-week Takedown resulted in the apprehension and return to the United States of the following health care fraudsters: one defendant in Kyrenia in connection with an over $3.7 billion scheme; two defendants in Estonia in connection with a previously charged $10.6 billion scheme; and, in the Philippines, one of FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters in connection with a $1.2 billion telemedicine scheme. The Takedown involves the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; seize over $182 million in cash, houses, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and provide full spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms.

Today’s coordinated enforcement action involves a whole-of-government approach, including: 

• Actions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to suspend 1,079 providers and revoke billing privileges for 1,403 providers.
  
   
• 48 Civil Monetary Payment settlements amounting to over $73 million, over 1,400 provider exclusions, and 25 actions by HHS-OIG under the Civil Monetary Penalties Law seeking more than $10 billion in payments to the Trust Fund from payments that CMS caught and suspended due to fraud before the funds were actually paid to the fraudulent providers.
  
   
• Civil charges against 13 defendants for $14.8 million in health care fraud schemes, as well as civil settlements with 31 defendants totaling $23 million.
  
   
• 928 administrative cases by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) seeking the revocation of authority to handle and/or prescribe controlled substances since October 1, 2025.

The following individuals were charged in the District of New Hampshire: 

• Fructoso de Jesus Gomez Agudelo, a/k/a Jesus Gomez, 76, of Nashua, New Hampshire, was charged by indictment with wire fraud, false statements, false statements in health care matters, and aggravated identity theft in connection with his stealing a U.S. citizen’s identity for over 20 years to apply for and obtain over $500,000 of Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, housing, and SNAP benefits. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather M. Anderson and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen of the District of New Hampshire.  
  
   
• Kakha Bendeliani, 48, of the country of Georgia, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with a nationwide health care fraud scheme in which nearly $3 billion in claims were submitted to Medicare for durable medical equipment (“DME”)—primarily urinary catheters—that was medically unnecessary and not provided as represented. As a result of those claims, Medicare and Medicare Supplemental Insurers paid at least approximately $12,589,770 to Bendeliani’s company Centennial Med Supply LLC (“Centennial”). As alleged in the indictment, Bendeliani, the nominee owner of Centennial, allowed his personal information to be used by co-conspirators to purchase Centennial, took control of or established bank accounts for Centennial with at least six different financial institutions, and laundered the proceeds of health care fraud by withdrawing cashier’s checks that hid the source of the funds from certain Centennial bank accounts, deposited them in other Centennial bank accounts, and soon after initiated wire transfers to transfer at least approximately $12,589,770 in health care fraud proceeds overseas. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Thomas D. Campbell and John W. Howard of the New England Strike Force, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew P. Vicinanzo of the District of New Hampshire.
  
   

• Goga Danelia, 37, of the country of Georgia, was charged by complaint with conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with a nationwide health care fraud scheme in which nearly $3 billion in claims were submitted to Medicare for durable medical equipment (“DME”)—primarily urinary catheters—that was medically unnecessary and not provided as represented. As a result of those claims, Medicare and Medicare Supplemental Insurers paid the fraudulent DME company Centennial Med Supply LLC (“Centennial”). As alleged in the complaint, Danelia assisted the nominee owner of Centennial in laundering proceeds of health care fraud by providing driving and English translation services for Centennial’s nominee owner while the nominee owner (1) opened accounts for Centennial at several different financial institutions; (2) withdrew health care fraud proceeds from the banks in the form of cashier’s checks; (3) deposited those checks at other Centennial bank accounts; and (4) wired those funds to overseas entities. At least approximately $13 million was wired abroad from the Centennial accounts. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Thomas D. Campbell and John W. Howard of the New England Strike Force, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew P. Vicinanzo of the District of New Hampshire.

   

• Rima Gerges-Maalouf, 60, of Massachusetts, was charged by information with diverting controlled prescription drugs while working as a pharmacist in New Hampshire. As set forth in the plea agreement, in August 2024, Gerges-Maalouf served as a per diem pharmacist at a pharmacy in northern New Hampshire. While on duty, Gerges-Maalouf removed capsuled medication powder and prescription pills that were meant for patients and kept them for her own use. Gerges-Maalouf ingested some of the controlled substances while at work at the pharmacy. In all, Ms. Gerges-Maalouf diverted approximately 147 pills or capsules containing prescription medications during August 2024. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo of the District of New Hampshire.
  
  
   

“Today’s coordinated enforcement effort reflects our commitment to safeguarding the nation’s health care system,” said Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “The conduct alleged in these cases undermines the integrity of programs that millions of Americans rely on, and HHS‑OIG—working closely with our law enforcement partners—will continue to protect taxpayer‑funded resources and ensure accountability for those who seek to exploit them.”

“Looting money from Medicare and other federally funded health care programs strains the system and cheats the taxpayers who fund it. It isn’t ‘creative accounting,’ it’s a federal crime,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “This is not the way to increase your take-home pay. The FBI is committed to fighting health care fraud, one case at a time, and working with our partners allows us to pool our resources, intelligence, and expertise against doctors and other medical professionals who have chosen to put their own financial health ahead of their patients’ well-being.”

The cases are being prosecuted by the Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, Texas, and West Coast Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, District of Hawaii, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Iowa, Southern District of Iowa, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nebraska, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, District of New Mexico, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Pennsylvania, District of Puerto Rico, District of Rhode Island, District of South Carolina, District of South Dakota, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Virginia, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Western District of Wisconsin; and State Attorneys General’s Offices, through their MFCUs, in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. In addition, the MFCUs for Alabama, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Virigina participated in the investigation of federal cases announced today.

Descriptions of each case involved in today’s enforcement action are available on the Department’s website here.

The District of New Hampshire, in particular, worked with the Department’s Health Care Fraud Unit of the Fraud Division and the following law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute the cases filed during the Takedown: the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Inspector General (FDA-OIG); the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG); the Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General (HUD-OIG); the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General (USAD-OIG); and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG).

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Nashua Man Indicted for Bank Robbery

CONCORD – Mario Monserrate Morgan, 41, of Nashua, New Hampshire, was indicted by a federal grand jury for unarmed bank robbery, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.  According to the indictment, Morgan robbed a Citizens Bank located at 238 Main Street in Nashua on June 9, 2026. He will appear in federal court in Concord on a later date. 

If convicted, Morgan faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The Nashua Police Department led the investigation with valuable assistance provided by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon is prosecuting the case.

Manchester Resident Indicted for Attempted 

Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

CONCORD – Last week a federal grand jury indicted Eric Duran, 41, for attempting to possess a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Duran appeared before the Court last Thursday for his initial appearance and arraignment.

According to the charging document, Duran is alleged to have attempted to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. 

The charge of attempted possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine has a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison, a maximum fine of $10,000,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes that govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. 

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The United States Postal Inspection Service led the investigation. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Hampshire State Police provided valuable assistance. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Defrank is prosecuting the case.

Trail of Stolen Cigarettes Leads to Federal Conspiracy Charge in Armed Hinsdale Store Robbery

CONCORD – A New Hampshire federal grand jury has indicted two men on a charge of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, capping an investigation that began when stolen cigarettes spilled from a fleeing U-Haul, United States Attorney Erin Creegan announced today. 

Richard Conner, 64, of Greenfield, MA, and James Ferguson, 66, of Worcester, MA, are each charged one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery – Hobbs Act conspiracy – in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1951. 

According to the charging documents, on the night of March 15, 2026, at approximately 10:40 p.m., the two defendants, both masked, entered the T-Bird Mini Mart on Brattleboro Road in Hinsdale, New Hampshire. One of the men allegedly brandished a firearm at store employees while the pair stole merchandise, including cigarettes, from the store. The defendants then allegedly fled the scene in a stolen U-Haul box truck, traveling south on Interstate 91 into Vermont. As they fled, some of the stolen cigarettes fell from the vehicle and helped investigators trace their route. The stolen U-Haul was discovered abandoned, and on fire, in Orange, Massachusetts. On June 12, 2026, the ATF, and partner law enforcement agencies, executed federal search warrants at locations in Massachusetts that were associated with the defendants and found cigarettes cartons with State of New Hampshire tax stamps. Some of the cartons were stored in cardboard boxes that had a sticker affixed to the side that indicated the box originated in Hinsdale, New Hampshire or was shipped to Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Some of the visual evidence of the allegations included in the complaint appears below.

Richard Conner and James Ferguson were arrested in Massachusetts without incident. James Ferguson will make his initial appearance in District of New Hampshire federal court on June 22, 2026, while Richard Conner will make his initial appearance on June 24, 2026. 

The charge of Hobbs Act robbery provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. 

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) New Hampshire Violent Crime Task Force, with substantial assistance from, the Manchester Police Department, the Hinsdale Police Department, the Keene Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, the Massachusetts State Police, the Vermont State Police, the Greenfield Police Department, the Worcester Police Department, the Northampton Police Department, the Orange Police Department, United States Probation and Pretrial Services Office for the District of Massachusetts, Franklin County Probation, the Brattleboro Police Department, the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office, Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, and the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Marin, Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles DeJoie, paralegal specialist Hayley Orlando, and legal assistant Emily Morneau are prosecuting the case.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty. 

Indictment

Complaint

Concord Man Indicted for Child Exploitation and 

Distribution of Child Sex Abuse Materials

CONCORD – A Concord man was indicted yesterday for child exploitation and distribution of child sex abuse materials (CSAM), U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Casey Murphy, 33, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of child exploitation and one count of distribution of child sex abuse materials. Murphy is currently detained in state custody on separate CSAM possession charges and will make an initial appearance in federal court on a later date.

According to the charging documents and public record, in March 2025, Murphy had a minor child send him CSAM.  Murphy also distributed CSAM to others, including minors.  Law enforcement arrested Murphy last December and found a significant amount of CSAM on his electronic devices. 

The charge of child exploitation carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum person term of 30 years.  The charge of CSAM distribution carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum person term of 20 years.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Homeland Security Investigations and the Concord Police Department are leading the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the indictment are allegations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.

Federal and State Law Enforcement Raise Alarm About Financial Exploitation Targeting Older Adults in New Hampshire

CONCORD – In recognition of Elder Abuse Awareness Day, observed annually on June 15, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan and New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella highlight the ongoing efforts of New Hampshire’s federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to protect older adults from fraud, financial exploitation, and other forms of elder abuse.

Older adults are increasingly targeted by sophisticated scams involving imposters, investment fraud, romance scams, cryptocurrency schemes, and other forms of financial exploitation that can result in devastating losses.  Many incidents go unreported, making public awareness and prevention critical components of protecting vulnerable residents. In recent years, investigators have seen a sharp increase in fraud schemes involving cryptocurrency transactions, fraudulent investment opportunities, government imposter scams, and online relationships designed to manipulate victims into sending money. Criminals often use pressure tactics, secrecy, and urgency to convince victims to act before consulting family members, financial institutions, or law enforcement.

“Older adults throughout New Hampshire deserve to live with dignity, security, and independence,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan.  “Our Elder Justice Team works closely with law enforcement, financial institutions, victim advocates, and community partners to investigate crimes against older adults, recover stolen funds whenever possible, and hold offenders accountable.  We encourage anyone who suspects elder abuse or financial exploitation to report it immediately.  Early reporting can make all the difference.”

“Financial exploitation can rob older adults not only of their savings, but also of their sense of security and trust,” said Attorney General Formella.  “Protecting New Hampshire's older residents is a priority for the New Hampshire Department of Justice.  Through our Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Unit, we work every day to investigate reports of abuse, support victims and families, and educate communities about emerging threats.  By working together across all levels of government, we can better prevent victimization and bring offenders to justice.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office Elder Justice Team and the New Hampshire Department of Justice Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Unit collaborate regularly with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, Adult Protective Services, financial institutions, prosecutors, victim advocates, and community organizations to identify and respond to cases involving elder abuse and exploitation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and New Hampshire Department of Justice are actively taking steps to combat elder fraud, including prosecuting those who target the elderly, recovering funds stolen from victims, and participating in outreach events such as the Financial Abuse Specialty Team elder justice conference held earlier this month at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics. 

Officials encourage older adults and their loved ones to:

• Be skeptical of unsolicited phone calls, emails, text messages, and social media contacts requesting money or personal information.
• Never send money, purchase gift cards, or deposit funds into cryptocurrency kiosks at the direction of someone you do not know.
• Verify requests for money independently, even when they appear to come from a trusted person, business, or government agency.
• Consult a trusted family member, friend, financial institution, or law enforcement officer before making significant financial transactions prompted by unexpected communications.
• Report suspected scams and exploitation as soon as possible.

Anyone who believes they or a loved one may be the victim of elder abuse or financial exploitation should contact local law enforcement, the Bureau of Adult and Aging Services (nheasy.nh.gov), and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov) and report the incident promptly. Quick reporting may improve the chances of recovering stolen funds and prevent additional victimization.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day serves as a reminder that protecting older adults is a shared responsibility. Federal, state, and local partners remain committed to ensuring that New Hampshire's older residents are protected, supported, and empowered to recognize and report abuse and exploitation.

Two Men Arrested on Federal Charges in Connection with Armed Robbery of Hinsdale Convenience Store

CONCORD – Two men were arrested today, June 12, 2026, on federal charges stemming from the March 15, 2026 armed robbery of a convenience store in Hinsdale, New Hampshire, United States Attorney Erin Creegan announced today. 

Richard Conner, 64, of Worcester, MA, and James Ferguson, 66, of Greenfield, MA, are each charged by criminal complaint with interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery), in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1951.

According to the charging documents, on the night of March 15, 2026, at approximately 10:40 p.m., two masked men entered the T-Bird Mini Mart in Hinsdale, New Hampshire. One of the men allegedly brandished a firearm at store employees while the pair stole merchandise, including cigarettes, from the store. The men then allegedly fled the scene in a stolen U-Haul box truck, traveling south on Interstate 91 into Vermont. Investigators recovered stolen merchandise that fell from the vehicle along the getaway route. The U-Haul was discovered on fire and abandoned in Orange, Massachusetts. Some of the visual evidence of the allegations included in the complaint appears below.

Richard Conner and James Ferguson were arrested in Massachusetts without incident and will make their initial appearances in federal court at a future date. 

The charge of Hobbs Act robbery provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. 

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Marin, Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles DeJoie, and paralegal specialist Hayley Orlando are prosecuting the case.

Rochester Woman Pleads Guilty for Role in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

CONCORD – Tabitha O’Brien, age 46, of Rochester, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. 

According to court documents and statements, in early 2024, law enforcement began investigating a drug-trafficking organization (DTO) based in Massachusetts and operating in New Hampshire. This DTO trafficked multiple kilograms of fentanyl and methamphetamine. During the conspiracy, O’Brien bought drugs from the DTO, namely, fentanyl, which she then sold to her own customers around Rochester. O’Brien has been detained since her arrest in October 2024. Sentencing is set for September 22, 2026.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance carries a sentence of up to 20 years’ incarceration, not less than 3 years of supervised release, and a fine up to $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Department of Homeland Security led the investigation with valuable assistance from the Strafford County Sheriff’s Office and New Hampshire State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mike Shannon and Yasir Sadat are prosecuting the case.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Hampshire comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS, DEA, ATF, USMS, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire.

Kentucky Man Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine

CONCORD – A Kentucky man was sentenced today in federal court for his role in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. 

Riley Thibodeau, 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Chief Judge Samantha D. Elliott to 72 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release.  Thibodeau previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  His co-defendant Ronny Ramos was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment, on December 9, 2024.

“This defendant was the demand driving this conspiracy, pound after pound of methamphetamine ordered into New Hampshire, paid for, and delivered,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan.  “This sentence reflects the serious harm that kind of trafficking inflicts on our communities, and this office will continue pursuing the links in these deadly supply chains.”

“Methamphetamine continues to destroy lives and threaten the safety of our communities. This sentence holds a dangerous drug trafficker accountable for choosing profit over people and for helping fuel the flow of illicit drugs into our neighborhoods in New Hampshire,” said Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division. “DEA and our law enforcement partners remain unwavering in our commitment to identifying, investigating, and dismantling the criminal networks responsible for distributing these harmful substances. Today’s sentence serves as a reminder that those who engage in drug trafficking will face serious consequences.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, Thibodeau conspired to distribute a total of approximately 50 pounds of methamphetamine from Massachusetts to New Hampshire on several occasions.  From March through October 2023, Ramos received five separate orders of methamphetamine from Thibodeau, via an intermediary. The payments from Thibodeau for the methamphetamine were made via the same intermediary. The amounts per order ranged from 10-12 pounds at a price of approximately $20,000 for each order. The methamphetamine was delivered to Thibodeau in New Hampshire for redistribution.  On October 31, 2023, law enforcement agents arrested Ramos in Methuen, Massachusetts, and seized 10 pounds of methamphetamine destined for Thibodeau in New Hampshire.

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar A. Vega is prosecuting the case. 

This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

Fugitive Taiwanese National Charged with Drug Trafficking is Detained and Removed from the United States 

CONCORD –U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces the removal from the United States of Yi-Han Liou, a Taiwanese fugitive from justice with alleged ties to organized crime. Liou was unlawfully present in the United States.  

On June 4, 2026, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations removed Taiwan national Yi-Han Liou from the United States to Taiwan where she had fled charges related to drug trafficking and fraud. Liou, who overstayed her entry to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, was arrested by ICE and detained in New Hampshire pending her removal from the United States. The U.S. Attorney’s Office defended the U.S. Government in a court action filed in the District of New Hampshire by Liou seeking that she be released from detention back into the interior. 

Liou is alleged by Taiwanese authorities to have trafficked cocaine and marijuana from the United States and Canada to Taiwan by air freight. Drug smuggling allegations include Liou’s involvement in shipping 637.5 grams of cocaine concealed in candlesticks to contacts in Taiwan. Liou also faces charges in Taiwan related to alleged fraud and embezzlement. She was arrested by local authorities upon her arrival in Taiwan.

ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations detained and removed Liou following an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Taiwan National Police Agency, Criminal Investigation Bureau. This case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Martin

Claremont Man Indicted for Possession of a Firearm After Felony Conviction

CONCORD – Last week a federal grand jury indicted a Claremont man for being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Gerald Hayden, age 45, appeared before the Court this afternoon for his detention hearing.

According to court filings and statements made in court, Hayden is alleged to have been involved in a shootout with another individual during a drug dispute in Claremont, New Hampshire, in April of 2025. According to the allegations set forth in the indictment, Hayden was a previously convicted felon who was prohibited from possessing firearms at that time. 

The charge of felon in possession of a firearm provides a maximum prison term of 15 years, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes that govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. 

The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led the investigation. The Claremont Police Department and the Manchester Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Marin are prosecuting the case.

Recidivist and Felon Sentenced to Four Years for Illegal Firearm Possession

CONCORD – Jonathan Balamotis, 34, of Plaistow, was sentenced today in federal court for firearm offenses, United States Attorney Erin Creegan announces. 

Balamotis was sentenced by U.S. District Chief Judge Samantha Elliott to four years in federal prison and three years of supervised release. Balamotis previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

“Despite being a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms, the defendant chose to disregard the law and is now being held accountable for his actions,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “Our office will continue to pursue significant consequences for felons who unlawfully threaten public safety.”

“ATF enforcement operations prioritize habitual offenders,” said ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Greco. “A recidivist who seeks out a firearm poses an immediate and obvious danger to public safety. The ATF will pursue criminal actors who show a blatant disregard for the law.”

According to the public record, Balamotis was previously sentenced to 2-4 years of imprisonment in New Hampshire State Prison for Arson and Second-Degree Assault. After he was sentenced, Balamotis committed nine (9) separate probation violations. A few years later, Balamotis was sentenced to another felony in 2015 for possession of a Class A Controlled Substance. Balamotis’ last conviction was in 2017 for another Possession of a Class A Controlled Substance in Massachusetts. 

On October 21, 2024, the Plaistow Police Department executed two residential search warrants related to a separate investigation. While that investigation was ongoing, Plaistow Police Department and ATF agents learned that the defendant attempted to purchase a gun on June 25, 2025. 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives led the investigation. The Plaistow Police Department provided valuable assistance.  Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Marin prosecuted the case.

Manchester Man Indicted for Bank Robbery

CONCORD – Michael Cote of Manchester, age 44, was indicted by a federal Grand Jury for unarmed bank robbery, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.  He will appear in federal court in Concord on a later date. 

According to the charging documents and statements made in court, Cote robbed a TD Bank located at 300 Franklin Street in Manchester, New Hampshire, on December 11, 2025.

The charging statutes provides a sentence of up to twenty years for unarmed bank robbery. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation with valuable assistance provided by the Manchester Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Anderson and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Rombeau.

Five Massachusetts and Rhode Island Men Indicted for Operating Cross-State Drug Dispatch Network That Flooded New Hampshire with Methamphetamine and Fentanyl, in New Hampshire Homeland Security Task Force Investigation 

CONCORD – Five men have been indicted in Homeland Security Task Force Investigation for their roles in a 30-month cross-state drug trafficking conspiracy that targeted Manchester and Seabrook communities with more than three pounds of methamphetamine and more than a half kilogram of fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Reimon Pena Rodriguez, 34, of Pawtucket, Rhode Island; Hansel Rodriguez Arias, 41, of Lawrence, Massachusetts; Johan Peguero Santana, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts; Arismendy Paulino Paulino, 37, of Lawrence, Massachusetts; and Yomar Mercedes Medina, 36, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, were charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.  Pena Rodriguez was originally charged by complaint and has been in federal custody since his arrest on April 2, 2026.  Rodriguez Arias and Peguero Santana are in New Hampshire state custody on related charges.  Paulino Paulino and Mercedes Medina have not yet been arrested. 

According to the charging document and statements made in court during prior related proceedings, from September 2023 through April 2026, Pena Rodriguez ran a drug dispatch network using six dedicated phone lines to accept narcotics orders and direct co-conspirators Rodriguez Arias, Peguero Santana, Paulino Paulino, and Mercedes Medina to complete street-level drug sales at prearranged locations in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.  Law enforcement conducted numerous undercover purchases from the organization during the course of the investigation, seizing more than three pounds of methamphetamine and more than a half kilogram of fentanyl.     

The charge against the defendants carries a penalty of not less than 10 years and up to life in federal prison, at least 5 years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $10,000,000.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The details contained in the indictment are allegations.  The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

DEA and the Manchester Police Department led the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar A. Vega is prosecuting the case.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Hampshire comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS, DEA, ATF, USMS, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire. 

Manchester Man Indicted for Receiving and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material and for Failing to Register as a Sex Offender

CONCORD – A Manchester man was indicted this week for receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and for failing to register as a sex offender, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Michael McBride, age 53, was indicted by a federal Grand Jury on multiple counts of receiving and attempting to receive CSAM, as well as counts of CSAM possession and failure to register as a sex offender. He will appear in federal court in Concord on a later date. 

According to the charging documents and statements made in court, McBride was previously convicted under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and state law for crimes related to aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, and abusive sexual conduct involving a minor. Due to his prior federal conviction, McBride was required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Thereafter, in September in October 2025, McBride received and possessed CSAM. During this time, from at least September 2023 and continuing until at least October 2025, McBride failed to register as a sex offender in the State of New Hampshire as required by SORNA.

The charging statutes provides a minimum sentence of 15 years for receipt and attempted receipt of CSAM and a minimum sentence of 10 years for possession of CSAM. The SORNA charge provides a maximum sentence of 10 years. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The Department of Homeland Security and the United States Marshal’s Service are investigating this case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Brentwood and Kingston Police Departments and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S Attorney Matthew T. Hunter is prosecuting the case. 

The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.

Dover Man Indicted for Possession of Child Sex Abuse Materials and Child Exploitation

CONCORD – A Dover man was indicted this week for possession of child sex abuse materials (CSAM) and child exploitation, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Syrus McCauley, age 24, was indicted by a federal Grand Jury on one count of possession of and access with intent to view child pornography and two counts of child exploitation.  He will appear in federal court in Concord on a later date. 

According to the charging documents and statements made in court, McCauley communicated with minor victims online via Snapchat and other platforms and persuaded them to create and send him CSAM on multiple occasions.

The charging statutes provides a sentence of up to 10 years for possession of CSAM and a minimum sentence of 15 years for child exploitation.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation.  Special Assistant U.S Attorney Heather Anderson is prosecuting the case. 

The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.

Three Individuals Charged with Interstate Kidnapping After Transporting Victim From New Hampshire to Vermont and Holding Her for Ransom

CONCORD – A federal Grand Jury has returned an indictment charging three individuals in connection with an interstate kidnapping conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

The Grand Jury charged Damarcus Bonner, 30, and Tyron Harris, 27, with one count of Kidnapping and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping. Nicole Palardy, 37, of Claremont, New Hampshire, was charged with one count of Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping. All three defendants were previously charged by the State of Vermont and had been in Vermont state custody since January. Harris and Bonner had previously been named in a complaint and are currently held in federal custody. According to allegations in the complaint, the defendants kidnapped an adult victim in Claremont, New Hampshire, and brought her to a residence in Springfield, Vermont. For approximately 24 hours, they held her there against her will, tortured and beat the victim, and demanded money from her and others on her behalf. Springfield Police ultimately learned of kidnapping and went to the residence in the early morning hours of January 25, 2026. They rescued the victim from the residence and arrested the defendants. A search of the residence revealed a firearm, drugs packaged for distribution, duct tape that was used to bind the victim, and items used for torture. 

The charging statutes provides a sentence of up to life in prison. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The FBI is leading the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Vermont State Police, the Springfield, Vermont Police Department, and the Claremont, New Hampshire Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo is prosecuting the case.

Milford Man Indicted for Being a Felon in Possession of Firearms

CONCORD – A previously convicted felon was charged in a three-count indictment last week for being a felon in possession of firearms, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Jacob Valley, age 31, appears before the Court today for his initial appearance and arraignment. Valley had previously pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of firearms in the District of New Hampshire on March 23, 2021, and was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison on September 10, 2021. 

According to the indictment, Valley allegedly possessed four firearms in April, 2025. The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon provides a maximum prison term of 15 years, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes that govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Manchester Police Department led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Marin are prosecuting the case.

Hudson Man Indicted for Obtaining Child Sexual Abuse Material 

from Multiple Minor Victims

CONCORD – A Hudson man was indicted last week for inducing multiple minor victims to send him child sexual abuse material (CSAM), U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Robert Lemoyne, 54, was arrested on Thursday after being indicted by a federal Grand Jury on multiple counts of production of CSAM, as well as counts of CSAM distribution and possession. He appeared in federal court on May 21 and again on May 22, 2026. He is currently detained.  

According to the charging documents and statements made in court, Lemoyne had been communicating for months with numerous minor victims online via multiple chatting platforms and persuading them to create and send him CSAM. He also distributed CSAM to minor victims on multiple occasions. 

The charging statutes provides a sentence of up to 30 years. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Hudson Police Department and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo is prosecuting the case.

The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.

Casino Owner Andy Sanborn Charged with Misusing Over $250,000 of CARES Act Funds

CONCORD – Anthony Sanborn, a/k/a Andy Sanborn, has been charged by information with one count of Theft of Government Funds, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. A plea hearing will be scheduled by a federal district court judge.

According to court documents, Sanborn owned and operated Win Win Win, a company that did business as Concord Casino.  Sanborn applied for and obtained $844,000 in Economic Injury Disaster Loan funding from the Small Business Administration.  In applying for the loans, Sanborn certified that he would use the loan proceeds solely as working capital for Win Win Win.  However, Sanborn misused $255,232.72 of the funds on personal expenditures.  For example, on January 18, 2022, Sanborn used $48,750 of EIDL funds to purchase a 2006 Porsche Cayman.  This action is part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.

The charge of Theft of Government Funds carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigations, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are leading the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (‘Fraud Division’). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

Ashland Woman Charged with Bank and Wire Fraud

CONCORD – An Ashland woman has been charged in connection with committing fraud against two prior employers, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. 

Kellianne MacKay, age 48, a/k/a Kelli Anne Lamontagne and Kelli Anne Ludwick, of Ashland, New Hampshire, was charged by a federal Grand Jury with two counts of bank fraud and two counts of wire fraud.  She is scheduled for an initial appearance and arraignment on the charges on June 4, 2026.

According to the charging documents, MacKay is alleged to have improperly utilized two different employers’ credit cards to make purchases for her personal benefit, and additionally obtained bank funds from the employers’ accounts that she took without permission, including to fund the purchase of a Chevrolet truck. 

The bank fraud charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, and the wire fraud charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.   Both charges carry terms of supervised release of up to 3 years and fines of up to $250,000.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Laconia Police Department, the Concord Police Department, the Plymouth Police Department, and the Belknap County Attorney’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau is prosecuting the case.