District of New Hampshire
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Merrimack Man Sentenced to 24 Months for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Nicholas Snow, 26, of Merrimack, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 1, 2020, Hudson patrol officers stopped a car in which Snow was a passenger. Both the driver and Snow had suspended licenses. An officer later determined that Snow was in possession of a pouch containing fentanyl, a scale, packaging materials, and $655 in cash. In his post-arrest interview, Snow admitted to drug distribution activities in Hudson. Snow’s cell phone also revealed communications about drug deals.
Snow previously pleaded guilty on December 14, 2020.
“Fentanyl traffickers are endangering our citizens by selling a potentially-lethal substance,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “In order to combat this menace, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug dealers who are distributing fentanyl in the Granite State.”
This matter was investigated by the Hudson Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.). In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts. The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua.
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Newport Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Jacob Valley, 26, of Newport, pleaded guilty in federal court to unlawful possession of firearms, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 15, 2019, law enforcement officers searched Valley's home pursuant to a federal search warrant. During the search, they found firearms and ammunition. As a person with felony convictions, Valley is legally prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Valley is scheduled to be sentenced on July 13, 2021.
“In order to protect the public from violent crime, it is vitally important to keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute felons who possess guns unlawfully.”
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the New Hampshire Attorney General's Drug Task Force; the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office; the Manchester Police Department, Claremont Police Department, Charlestown, Police Department; and the New Hampshire State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Dronzek.
The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes.
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California Men Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Bank FraudRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Vahan Aghajanyan, 25, of Glendale, California, and Garnik Saroyan, 26 of Sun Valley, California, pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in October of 2018, Aghajanyan and Saroyan traveled from California to New Hampshire and Maine to use fraudulent debit cards encoded with other persons’ bank account information to make ATM withdrawals and purchase postal money orders. On October 31, 2018, postal employees in New Hampshire and Maine reported suspicious transactions involving the two men. The York, Maine police department located and stopped their vehicle. Three cell phones were seized from the men and a federal search warrant was sought to search the phones. A search of the phones revealed a map of post office locations in New Hampshire and photographs of Aghajanyan holding stacks of cash and postal money orders.
Bank records and surveillance videos showed that, on at least 15 occasions, Aghajanyan or Saroyan used a fraudulent debit card to check the balance of a bank account at an ATM. Subsequently, the card was used to purchase a postal money order at a post office in New Hampshire. Records confirm that between October 25, 2018, and October 31, 2018, the two men withdrew at least $2,673 from other persons’ bank accounts and purchased at least 35 postal money orders worth more than $22,000 using fraudulent debit cards.
Aghajanyan and Saroyan are scheduled to be sentenced on June 24, 2021.
“As this case shows, fraudsters may use sophisticated schemes, including fraudulent debit cards, to steal money from innocent victims,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “This criminal conduct can impact victims in many ways and will not be tolerated. I want to thank the law enforcement officers whose work put a stop to this fraud scheme before it could impact more victims.”
This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the York, Maine, Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter.
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Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Participating in Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Matthew Gittings, 37, of Rochester, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to possess fentanyl with intent to distribute, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 19, 2018, a New Hampshire state trooper initiated a traffic stop on I-95 after observing a motor vehicle violation. Gittings was one of two passengers and was seated in the rear of the vehicle. After speaking to the driver outside of the vehicle, the trooper asked Gittings for his identification. When the trooper opened the rear passenger door to retrieve Gittings’ identification, he observed a large knotted plastic baggie of fentanyl in the rear door compartment. A consensual search of Gittings’ backpack revealed two digital scales, unused plastic baggies, and rubber bands. The trooper conducted a pat search of Gittings and located additional fentanyl.
Gittings is scheduled to be sentenced on June 23, 2021.
“The damage that fentanyl has caused to our communities cannot be overstated,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “We continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug traffickers who are responsible for peddling this dangerous substance in the Granite State.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and New Hampshire State Police Mobile Enforcement Team. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Escape from CustodyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Edwin Laboy, 45, with a last known address of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to escaping from custody, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Laboy was confined at the Hampshire House Residential Reentry Center in Manchester. He had previously been convicted of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances in the District of Vermont. On December 31, 2020, Laboy received approval to go to a gym, but did not return at the agreed upon time. Attempts to reach him were unsuccessful. Laboy was arrested on January 28, 2021 in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Laboy is scheduled to be sentenced on May 7, 2021.
“Fleeing from custody is a federal crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “Thanks to the hard work of the United States Marshals, this defendant was not a fugitive for long. This case should send a message that those who attempt to flee from custody will not be fugitives for long. We will work hard to locate fugitives and we will prosecute them in for their unlawful conduct.”
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Walsh.
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Six Charged with Crimes Related to Virtual Currency Exchange BusinessRead the Press Release
CONCORD: Six individuals were indicted by a federal grand jury in New Hampshire and charged with participating in a conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business and other offenses, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today. Those charged in the indictment are:
Ian Freeman (formerly Ian Bernard), 40, of Keene
Colleen Fordham, 60, of Alstead
Renee Spinella, 23, of Derry
Andrew Spinella, 35, of Derry
Nobody (formerly Richard Paul), 52, of Keene
Aria DiMezzo (formerly James Baker), 34, of Keene
Freeman, Fordham, Renee Spinella, Andrew Spinella, and Nobody also are charged with wire fraud and participating in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Ian Freeman is charged with money laundering and operating a continuing financial crimes enterprise. Freeman and DiMezzo also are charged with operating an unlicensed money transmitting business.
According to the indictment, since 2016, the defendants have operated a business that enabled customers to exchange over ten million dollars in fiat currency for virtual currency, charging a fee for their service. They operated their virtual currency exchange business using websites, as well as operating virtual currency ATM machines in New Hampshire. The indictment alleges that the defendants knowingly operated the virtual currency exchange business in violation of federal anti-money laundering laws and regulations. In furtherance of their scheme, the indictment alleges that some defendants opened bank accounts in the names of purported religious entities. According to the indictment, some defendants then engaged in substantial efforts to evade detection of their unlawful virtual currency exchange scheme by avoiding answering financial institutions’ questions about the nature of the business and misleading financial institutions into believing their unlawful virtual currency exchange business was instead a religious organization receiving charitable contributions.
All of the defendants were arrested during a coordinated law enforcement action on Tuesday. They are scheduled for initial appearances before a United States Magistrate Judge on Tuesday afternoon.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, and the United States Postal Inspection Service in coordination with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Georgiana L. MacDonald and Seth R. Aframe.
The charges in the indictment are only allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Manchester Man Sentenced to 24 Months for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Alex Stoltman, 23, of Manchester, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for bank robbery, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 2, 2020, Stoltman entered a Citizens Bank branch in Manchester and handed a note to the bank teller that read, in part, “This is a robbery. Keep your hands where I can see them. Do not look at anyone. Do not think about hitting the alarm, I will blow your brains out. Give me all the money you can reach.” The victim bank teller gave Stoltman all of the money in the teller’s cash drawer.
Stoltman was arrested two days after the robbery.
Stoltman previously pleaded guilty on November 9, 2020. He was ordered to pay $2,767 in restitution to the bank.
“Bank robberies are violent crimes that endanger bank employees and members of the public,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “Although no one was physically injured in this crime, the defendant’s threatening actions may have an enduring impact on his victims. To protect the public and seek justice for victims, we work collaboratively with the FBI, the Manchester Police Department, and all our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit violent crimes in the Granite State.”
“Shortly after he put innocent bystanders in fear for their lives by threatening an armed bank robbery, Alex Stoltman told an acquaintance that he was going to continue robbing banks until he got caught. But thanks to the quick work of law enforcement, his crime spree was brought to an end,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The collaborative effort to address violent crimes is just one example of how the FBI and our partners at the Manchester Police Department are working together to make our communities safer.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Manchester Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.
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New York Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Lorenzo Vasquez, 29, of New York, pleaded guilty in federal court to aiding and abetting the possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 25, 2020, a New Hampshire state trooper pulled over a vehicle operated by Vasquez for traffic violations. Vasquez stated he did not have a license and the vehicle was a rental in his sister’s name. The trooper learned through further investigation that Vasquez had a suspended license and a warrant out of Pennsylvania. A drug detection dog later indicated that there were drugs in the vehicle. After obtaining a search warrant, officers located over 202 grams of cocaine base, over 90 grams of heroin, and a digital scale within the vehicle.
Vasquez is scheduled to be sentenced on June 18, 2021.
“Criminals who travel to New Hampshire to sell drugs should understand that their illegal conduct will not be tolerated,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “The hard work of the New Hampshire State Police prevented this cocaine base and heroin from being distributed in the Granite State. As this case shows, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to stop the flow of illegal drugs into New Hampshire and to put drug dealers out of business.”
This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police Mobile Enforcement Team. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.
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Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Keith Robertson, 47, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 12, 2019, Robertson was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by the Barnstead Police for a defective headlight. During the stop, the officer determined that Robertson was the subject of an arrest warrant and placed him under arrest.
The driver subsequently consented to a search of the vehicle. During the search, the officer found evidence of drug use and a scale, as well as a bag containing a drug ledger, approximately $1,600 in cash, and Robertson’s identification card.
After being transported to the police station, Robertson admitted that he had methamphetamine concealed on his person and removed a bag from his pants containing over 132 grams of methamphetamine.
Robertson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17, 2021.
“Methamphetamine is a very dangerous drug that can cause serious health problems or death,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “In order to protect the community, we will not hesitate to bring federal charges against the drug traffickers who are distributing this dangerous substance. Thanks to good police work, this methamphetamine dealer has been put out of business.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Barnstead Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland.
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14 Charged with Participating in Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Fourteen individuals were indicted by a federal grand jury on Monday and charged with participating in a conspiracy to distribute, and possession with intent to distribute, fentanyl, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today. Those charged in the indictment are:
Manuel Emilio Delacruz-Diaz, 41, of Lawrence, MA
Francisco Valdez-Aybar, 36, of Lawrence, MA
Santo Luis Araujo-Guerrero, 48, of Lawrence, MA
Edwin Flores, 41, of Lawrence, MA
Ramon Jacquez-Diaz, 50, of Methuen, MA
Ambiory Monegro-Reynoso, 51, of Methuen, MA
Wandy Rosario, 29, of Methuen, MA
Maribel Benjamin, 57, of Lawrence, MA
Vivian Last Name Unknown (“LNU”) of Lawrence, MA
Carlos Patricio Ozuna Gonzalez, 39, of Lawrence, MA
Victor Tejada-Gonzalez, 30, of Connecticut
Mikael Canario-Batista, 45, of Lawrence, MA
Estiviz Estepan-Ortiz, 37, unknown residence
Danaury Espinal-Lara, 40, unknown residence
Of those charged, Delacruz-Diaz, Valdez-Aybar, Araujo-Guerrero, Jacquez-Diaz, Monegro-Reynoso, Rosario, Benjamin, and Gonzalez were arrested during a coordinated law enforcement action on Wednesday. Tejada-Gonzalez and Canario-Batista were already in custody on other charges. Espinal-Lara, Estepan-Ortiz, Flores and Vivian LNU have not yet been taken into custody. Those arrested appeared before a magistrate judge on Wednesday. 5 of those arrested were ordered detained pending further proceedings.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Massachusetts State Police, the Methuen Police Department, the Lawrence Police Department, and the Nashua Police Department.
The charges in the indictment are only allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Nashua Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Terray Morrison, 32, of Nashua, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, controlled substances, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Morrison was one of the leaders of a drug trafficking organization that distributed crack cocaine and other drugs to customers in the Nashua area. During an investigation that included the use of wiretaps, Morrison took orders from customers and sent other members of the conspiracy to make drug deliveries on his behalf. He and his co-conspirators operated two stash houses in Nashua and were responsible for the distribution of substantial quantities of crack cocaine.
Morrison is one of eleven individuals charged with participating in this conspiracy. Nine have pleaded guilty and two are awaiting trial. Several members of the conspiracy have received substantial prison sentences. Melvin Nooks, Jr. was sentenced on April 2, 2020, to 120 months. George Cruz was sentenced on July 30, 2020, to 63 months. Mallory Nooks was sentenced on February 25, 2020, to 60 months. Marvin Morrison was sentenced on May 13, 2020, to 15 months. Don Johnson was sentenced on February 13, 2020, to 42 months. Isaiah Kinard pleaded guilty on December 18, 2019, Lawrence Fortenberry pleaded guilty on January 7, 2020, and William Greenleaf pleaded guilty on January 14, 2020. Kinard, Fortenberry and Greenleaf all await sentencing. Arnetta Harris and Melvin Stanford are scheduled for trial in May of 2021.
Morrison previously pleaded guilty on December 1, 2020.
“Drug traffickers threaten our communities when they peddle crack and other dangerous substances,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “Thanks to the hard work of the FBI and our other law enforcement partners, this significant drug trafficking organization has been dismantled. As this case shows, we will not hesitate to seek substantial prison sentences for the drug dealers whose actions threaten the citizens of the Granite State.”
“Terray Morrison and his crew pushed vast amounts of crack cocaine and other drugs to customers in the Nashua area, in their continuous quest for illegal profits. He endangered the health and safety of those around him, and with today’s sentence he has finally been held accountable,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “This collaborative law enforcement effort has dismantled a large-scale drug trafficking organization that has brought danger to our community for years.”
The case was a collaborative investigation that involved the FBI New Hampshire Safe Streets Gang Task Force; the Nashua Police Department; the New Hampshire State Police; the Manchester Police Department; New Hampshire Probation and Parole; DEA; Massachusetts State Police Department; Portsmouth Police Department and the Federal Protective Service. The United States Marshals Service also assisted in the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana MacDonald and Anna Krasinski.
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Manchester Man Sentenced to 41 Months for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Kenneth Rawson, 35, of Manchester, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for committing a bank robbery, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today. Additionally, Rawson was ordered to pay restitution to the bank in the amount of $790.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 27, 2018, Rawson entered the Citizens Bank on Elm Street in Manchester, New Hampshire and demanded money from the teller. Rawson claimed that he had a bomb on him at the time. Rawson was apprehended later that day and admitted that he had robbed the bank.
Rawson previously pleaded guilty on March 10, 2020.
“Even when no one is hurt, bank robberies are inherently violent crimes that can cause serious emotional harm to their victims,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “By threatening to detonate a bomb as part of his effort to rob a bank, this defendant created a frightening and dangerous situation. This prison sentence demonstrates that those who commit bank robberies or other violent crimes in New Hampshire will face serious consequences for their unlawful actions.”
“Today’s sentence should serve as a reminder to everyone that there are serious consequences that come with targeting our financial institutions and putting innocent people in danger,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “A federal felony conviction carries with it a lifetime of explanation, and it is our hope that this case makes others think twice about committing violent crime.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Manchester Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.
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Rumney Man Sentenced to 46 Months for Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Shane Thompson, 46, of Rumney, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 4, 2019, law enforcement officers went to Thompson’s home to arrest him on outstanding warrants. Officers encountered Thompson as he was fleeing from them in the woods by his home. When officers arrested him, they found a handgun in his pocket. Officers obtained a warrant to search Thompson’s home and seized large quantities of ammunition and a .40 caliber magazine. As a convicted felon, Thompson is legally prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Thompson previously pleaded guilty on November 25, 2020.
“Protecting the citizens of New Hampshire from violent crime is vitally important,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “One significant way that we can keep our community safe is by keeping guns out of the hands of criminals. We will not hesitate to seek federal prison terms for convicted criminals who unlawfully possess firearms or ammunition.”
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.
The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice's signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department's past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
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Laconia Couple Convicted of Participating in Methamphetamine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that on Friday, March 5, 2021, after a three-day trial, a federal jury found Crystal Hardy, 38, and Christopher Kelly, 43, both of Laconia, guilty of conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, methamphetamine. The jury also found Kelly guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
According to evidence presented during the trial, on April 5, 2019, members of the Tilton Police Department stopped Crystal Hardy for a motor vehicle violation. Christopher Kelly was a passenger in the vehicle. Officers later executed a search warrant on the vehicle and discovered methamphetamine, fentanyl, two loaded firearms, over $28,000 in cash, a digital scale, measuring tools, a pouch full of plastic baggies and a drug ledger. Other trial evidence showed that Hardy and Kelly regularly distributed methamphetamine throughout 2019 and had no legitimate income to explain the large sum of money found in the vehicle.
The two loaded firearms were discovered in a backpack that also contained a large bullet-proof vest, a baton, mail addressed to Kelly and three prescription bottles in Kelly’s name. As a convicted felon, Kelly is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.
Crystal Hardy is scheduled to be sentenced on June 11, 2021.
Christopher Kelly is scheduled to be sentenced on June 14, 2021.
“Methamphetamine is a very dangerous drug that can damage users’ bodies and cause havoc in our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “When armed criminals are involved in drug trafficking, the risk to public safety is even greater. I am grateful to the Tilton Police Department and all our law enforcement partners for their work on this investigation. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who are responsible for distributing dangerous drugs in the Granite State.”
This case was the first federal jury trial conducted in New Hampshire in 2021. As with the trials conducted in 2020, the court conducted the trial using a variety of health and safety precautions. For example, all participants in the trial wore masks and maintained social distancing.
This matter was investigated by the Tilton Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and United States Marshals Service. New Hampshire Employment Security and the Strafford County Attorney’s Office also provided assistance, The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Debra Walsh and Aaron Gingrande.
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Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Wilgfrido Valnodis Arias-Mejia, 45, a citizen of the Dominican Republic most recently residing in Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Arias-Mejia sold fentanyl and crack cocaine from 2018 to at least November 27, 2019 in the Manchester area. During that time period, he employed various co-conspirators to sell drugs on his behalf. Each day they worked, the defendant provided his employees with pre-packaged bags containing between three and six “fingers” (10-gram packages) of fentanyl and smaller baggies containing fentanyl, powder cocaine, and crack cocaine and sent customers to their residences until all of the drugs were sold.
Arias-Mejia is scheduled to be sentenced on June 14, 2021.
“The sale of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs endangers public health and safety,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to keep our citizens safe, we will continue to be aggressive in our efforts to identify and prosecute the drug traffickers who are responsible for peddling these deadly substances in Manchester and other communities. Drug dealers in New Hampshire should understand that they will be held responsible in federal court for their unlawful conduct.”
“Wilgfrido Valnodis Arias-Mejia led a major drug trafficking organization, selling large amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine to a region hit hard by the opioid epidemic. With today’s guilty plea, he has finally taken responsibility for setting up multiple drug distribution houses in Manchester, NH, with the intent to harm our neighbors,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “This case reflects the continuing impact the FBI New Hampshire Safe Streets Gang Task Force has on illegal drug trafficking. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate criminal organizations like this one and ensure they are held accountable.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Manchester Police Department and Nashua Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana MacDonald.
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Nashua Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Spencer Katsohis, 28, of Nashua, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 3, 2018, Nashua police officers stopped a vehicle after observing several traffic infractions. Katsohis was the driver and sole occupant of the car. One of the officers observed the top of a small plastic bag protruding from the center console. The officer asked Katsohis about the bag, and Katsohis admitted it contained drugs. During a subsequent search of the car, officers locate an additional larger bag containing just over 15 grams of fentanyl. Katsohis then informed the officers that he had a third bag concealed in his pants. Katsohis admitted that he was distributing fentanyl in the area.
On January 30, 2019, Nashua officers went to Katsohis’ home to execute a warrant for his arrest for the October offense. When Katsohis answered the door, officers saw in plain view a white powder, scale, and green pill capsules on the kitchen counter behind him. It appeared that the powder was being packaged in the capsules. Katsohis admitted to picking up fentanyl and cocaine in Lawrence, Massachusetts for redistribution in Nashua. Officers observed and downloaded multiple text conversations on Katsohis’ phone consistent with distribution activities. The seized powder and contents of the capsules contained fentanyl.
After Katsohis pleaded guilty and was awaiting sentencing, he was arrested for additional drug-related activity. On June 17, 2020, Nashua police officers responded to a single car accident in which Katsohis was the driver. During a subsequent search of his person and vehicle, officers discovered approximately 130 grams of fentanyl. Evidence discovered on Katsohis’ phone showed that he was distributing the drugs.
Katsohis pleaded guilty to the additional criminal activity on November 17, 2020.
“Fentanyl trafficking is a menace to public health and safety,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “By bringing quantities of fentanyl from Lawrence to Nashua for distribution, the Defendant made a very dangerous substance available for sale. Thanks to the work of the Nashua Police Department and Operation SOS, this defendant will be incarcerated for ten years and unable to further endanger the lives of Granite Staters.”
This matter was investigated by the Nashua Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim Barth.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.). In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts. The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua.
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Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Darius Augusto Guzman Ruiz, 29, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2019, Manchester police officers learned from a cooperating individual that Guzman Ruiz was selling between 100 and 300 grams of fentanyl at a time to other distributors in Manchester. Between October 10, 2019 and November 1, 2019, working with law enforcement, the cooperator conducted four controlled purchases of fentanyl from Guzman Ruiz. Each transaction involved approximately 180 grams of fentanyl.
On November 25, 2019, the Manchester Police Department executed search warrants at various residences that Guzman Ruiz used to either reside or store and package drugs. Officers seized over $100,000 in cash, over 400 grams of fentanyl and drug packaging and pressing equipment.
Guzman Ruiz is scheduled to be sentenced on June 4, 2021.
“Fentanyl is a lethal drug that endangers the well-being of everyone who abuses it,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “It is essential that we stop its distribution by bringing dealers to justice. We prioritize drug prosecutions and work closely with all of our law enforcement partners to ensure that these criminals are prevented from continuing to endanger public health and safety.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana MacDonald.
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray Announces His Resignation Effective March 6, 2021Read the Press Release
CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray today announced that he will resign from his position effective March 6, 2021.
The resignation was submitted in response to President Biden’s call to replace nearly all remaining Presidentially-appointed/Senate-confirmed U.S. Attorneys.
U.S. Attorney Murray is the chief federal law enforcement officer in New Hampshire. He was nominated by President Trump on December 1, 2017, and confirmed by the United States Senate on February 15, 2018. He was sworn in as the 57Th U.S. Attorney for New Hampshire on March 5, 2018. He was serving his fourth term as Merrimack County Attorney when he was nominated by the President. He previously served as the Chief Prosecuting Attorney for the City of Concord from 1983 to 2011.
In announcing his departure, U.S. Attorney Murray said, “It has been my greatest honor and privilege to serve as U.S. Attorney for the past three years. I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to protect the people of New Hampshire through the application of federal law. For a career prosecutor, this was the chance of a lifetime.”
Noting the many changes that had taken place in the U.S. Attorney’s Office since his arrival, Murray said, “During the past three years we have added prosecution and support positions, changed the structure of our Criminal Division and hired over a dozen new staff members. Going forward, I have every confidence that our hard-working dedicated professionals will ensure that federal law is vigorously enforced and that the public interest is effectively advanced.”
Throughout his tenure, U.S. Attorney Murray stressed cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement officers as essential to address New Hampshire’s drug and violent crime problems. He attended local law enforcement meetings in all 10 counties and improved communications with county attorney’s offices and the New Hampshire State Police. He also coordinated Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) trainings around the state to brief police on federal firearms laws. Under PSN, federal prosecutors brought charges against violent criminals, drug traffickers who used guns, convicted felons who possessed guns and those who unlawfully supplied guns to criminals. Many of those prosecutions were adopted from state court cases.
U.S. Attorney Murray conducted regular meetings with the leaders of federal law enforcement agencies operating in New Hampshire and hosted the first New England regional meeting of U.S. Attorneys in Concord in November of 2018. He also implemented regular meetings involving federal drug prosecutors and DEA agents from Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts to improve regional drug enforcement coordination.
Under U.S. Attorney Murray’s leadership, his office devoted substantial resources to combatting drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl and methamphetamine. As part of this effort, U.S. Attorney Murray requested that U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions include New Hampshire as one of only 10 districts nationally to receive additional resources under Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS). Sessions visited the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Concord in July of 2018 to announce implementation of the program. Under Operation SOS, the U.S. Attorney’s Office teamed with the Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office and law enforcement agencies throughout Hillsborough County to target fentanyl dealers. To date, over 90 federal prosecutions have been initiated under Operation SOS.
During U.S. Attorney Murray’s term, prosecutions were launched against large drug trafficking organizations, resulting in the convictions of dozens of dealers. These included trafficking organizations based in Massachusetts and the Dominican Republic who sought to sell lethal drugs to Granite Staters. One notable dealer was sentenced to 45 years in prison for leading a continuing criminal enterprise that distributed multikilogram quantities of fentanyl and reaped millions of dollars in profit from sales in New Hampshire.
U.S. Attorney Murray also pursued significant prosecutions to protect crime victims. These included cases against offenders who produced child pornography, exploited the opioid addiction of young women in order to profit from prostitution, engaged in fraud and theft schemes, and extorted victims on the internet.
Pursuant to the Vacancies Reform Act, First Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Farley will serve as Acting United States Attorney until a new Presidentially-appointed U.S. Attorney takes office. Farley previously served as Acting U.S. Attorney from March 2017 until U.S. Attorney Murray took office.
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Manchester Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Nicole Dean, 45, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Dean was part of a drug trafficking organization that sold fentanyl and cocaine to customers in Manchester. In July of 2019 a cooperating individual purchased cocaine base and over 44 grams of fentanyl from Dean at her home.
After her arrest in January of 2020, Dean admitted to working for the organization and selling packages of drugs, making about $300 for each package sold.
Dean is scheduled to be sentenced on June 11, 2021.
“Drug dealers endanger lives by selling deadly and addictive substances,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to protect public health and safety, we are working with all of our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who are responsible for distributing fentanyl and other dangerous drugs in the Granite State. By putting drug dealers out of business, we will improve the quality of life for the law-abiding citizens of New Hampshire.”
“On a daily basis, Nicole Dean was selling deadly quantities of fentanyl and cocaine out of a drug distribution house on Kimball Street in Manchester, New Hampshire to a steady stream of paying customers, and today she finally took responsibility for her criminal conduct,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The FBI New Hampshire’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to go after those like her who are trying to capitalize on the addiction of others in a region hit hard by the opioid epidemic.”
This matter was investigated by the FBI NH Safe Streets Gang Task Force which is comprised of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Hampshire State Police, Dover Police Department, Portsmouth Police Department and Nashua Police Department. The Manchester Police Department provided valuable assistance as well. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. MacDonald.
Agencies participating in this investigation are part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
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Hudson Woman Sentenced to 15 Months for Tampering with Consumer Products and Unlawfully Obtaining Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Kristina Coleman, 40, of Hudson, was sentenced on Friday to 15 months in federal prison for tampering with consumer products and unlawfully obtaining controlled substances, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Coleman worked as a pharmacy technician for a retail pharmacy chain in Nashua. In January 2019, she agreed to deliver two prescriptions to an elderly patient, which was not part of her ordinary job responsibilities. After the delivery, the patient checked her bottles and discovered several pills were missing from her oxycodone prescription. Further, some of the pills in the bottle were larger and had a different imprint than the others, and were later determined to be baclofen, a non-scheduled drug indicated as a muscle relaxant and anti-spasmodic agent. Coleman admitted to law enforcement officers that she replaced some of the oxycodone in the prescription bottle with the baclofen and gave the stolen oxycodone to a friend to sell, for which she received $80.
Additional investigation revealed that Coleman had been stealing Suboxone from the pharmacy for her personal use. Coleman admitted that she had stolen a strip a day for approximately one year.
Coleman previously pleaded guilty on October 20, 2020.
“Drug diversion and tampering with consumer products are serious crimes that can endanger the lives of patients,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “When criminals steal controlled substances and replace them with other drugs, patients are deprived of needed medicine and could face other serious medical risks. In order to protect the health and safety of our citizens, we take crimes like this seriously and will not hesitate to prosecute health care workers who steal drugs from innocent victims.”
“Those who knowingly tamper with and steal medicines risk harming patients by depriving them of their prescribed therapies,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey J. Ebersole, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations New York Field Office. “We will continue to protect the public health and bring to justice healthcare professionals and others who take advantage of their position and compromise patients’ health and comfort by tampering with needed drugs.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.
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Bronx Man Sentenced to 61 Months for Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Albert Paulin, 34, of Bronx, New York, was sentenced to 61 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately August of 2017 to approximately January of 2018, Paulin conspired with others to withdraw money from other person’s bank accounts. Specifically, Paulin drove runners to a number of bank branches and provided them with false driver’s licenses that contained bank customers’ personal identifying information and the runners’ photographs. Paulin also provided the runners with the account holders’ bank account number. The runners then entered the bank branches and withdrew funds from bank accounts with the information provided by Paulin.
In total, Paulin’s runners successfully withdrew over $109,900 and attempted to withdraw an additional $43,700 from over 19 victims’ bank accounts. All but three of the accountholders targeted by Paulin’s scheme were New Hampshire residents.
Paulin previously pleaded guilty on January 30, 2020. In addition to his prison sentence, Paulin was ordered to pay $114,400 in restitut
“Fraud and identify theft are serious crimes that can have very significant impacts on the victims whose identities are stolen or whose accounts are compromised,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Those who travel to New Hampshire to commit these crimes should understand that we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute identity thieves. The significant sentence imposed on Mr. Paulin demonstrates that federal crimes will have substantial consequences.”
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the West Springfield, Massachusetts Police Department, Westboro, Massachusetts Police Department, and Springfield, Massachusetts Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Hunter.
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Concord Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Tyler Cady, 30, of Concord, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of that conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 4, 2020, an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement agents arranged to conduct a methamphetamine transaction that would involve Cady and another individual. Agents observed Cady arrive for the transaction in Dover, where he began to conduct the drug deal. When agents sought to arrest Cady, he had over 111 grams of 100 percent pure methamphetamine on his lap. A search of Cady’s person revealed approximately seven grams of fentanyl. Over $8,000 in cash was found in Cady’s vehicle and on his person. A search of Cady’s vehicle revealed a knapsack containing approximately 252 grams of highly pure methamphetamine. The vehicle also contained a loaded sawed-off shotgun, a pistol, a scale, and money counter.
Cady is scheduled to be sentenced on June 2, 2021. Under his plea agreement, he will forfeit the cash, firearms, and ammunition to the United States.
“Drug trafficking and firearms are a potentially deadly combination,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The extreme danger posed by deadly drugs like methamphetamine is only heightened when the drug dealers are armed with guns. In order to protect public health and safety, we aggressively investigate and prosecute the armed drug traffickers who endanger the citizens of the Granite State.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police and the Colebrook Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.
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Rochester Man Sentenced to 46 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Thomas Fall, 44, of Rochester, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Fall conspired with others to distribute fentanyl in 2018 and 2019. In July and August of 2019, an individual who was cooperating with the Drug Enforcement Administration participated in four controlled drug purchases from Fall and another individual at their Rochester, New Hampshire residence. In total, the transactions involved approximately 100 grams of fentanyl.
On January 14, 2020, the DEA and other law enforcement agencies arrested Fall. In his post-arrest interview, Fall admitted to participating in the drug conspiracy and stated that for a period of three to six months in 2018 and 2019, he and another individual purchased fentanyl from a Massachusetts-based source and then distributed some of the fentanyl to New Hampshire-based drug customers.
Fall previously pleaded guilty on November 18, 2020.
“Fentanyl trafficking has caused tremendous damage to communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Those who are responsible for bringing this deadly drug into the Granite State need to be held accountable for their conduct. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate the drug dealers who are responsible for distributing fentanyl and other deadly opioids in our state.”
“Fentanyl is causing great damage to our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “The DEA will continue to use every resource available to identify those, like Mr. Fall, who are contributing to the crisis. DEA’s top priority is combatting the opioid epidemic by working with our local, county, state and federal partners to bring to justice anyone who distributes this poison.”
This case was investigated by the DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad, the New Hampshire State Police, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Strafford County Drug Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Nashua Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Chad Landry, 37, of Nashua, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 11, 2018, Landry was arrested on a parole violation warrant. A search by his Probation Officer incident to arrest yielded 8.04 grams of fentanyl on his person. The Officer also seized his telephone and secured screen shots of text exchanges consistent with drug distribution. Landry later admitted to selling about 30 grams of heroin/fentanyl per day. A subsequent search of his telephone pursuant to a warrant disclosed numerous drug distribution-related conversations.
Landry is scheduled to be sentenced on June 4, 2021.
“Fentanyl distributors are causing grave harm in our communities by distributing a deadly substance,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Through Operation SOS, we are working with our law enforcement partners in Hillsborough County to identify and prosecute fentanyl traffickers. By holding these drug dealers accountable for their actions, we are securing a safer community for the citizens of the Granite State.”
This matter was investigated by the Nashua Police Department and the New Hampshire Department of Corrections. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.). In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts. The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua.
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Dover Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Preston Elliott, 25, of Dover, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 6, 2019, a New Hampshire State Police trooper conducted a motor vehicle stop in North Hampton. In addition to the driver, Elliott was the sole passenger in the back seat of the vehicle. After the driver consented to a search of the vehicle, the trooper found over 503 grams of fentanyl in a bag at Elliott’s feet. Elliott also had $1,065 in cash.
Elliott previously pleaded guilty on November 19, 2020.
“Fentanyl traffickers are endangering our community by distributing a toxic substance that can take the life of anyone who uses it’” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “If the defendant had been successful in his efforts to distribute over 500 grams of fentanyl, the consequences could have been tragic. Thanks to the excellent work of the New Hampshire State Police and the DEA, a substantial amount of fentanyl was removed from the streets and significant drug trafficker is now behind bars.”
“Fentanyl is causing deaths in record numbers and DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Elliott accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are fueling the opioid epidemic.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Nashua Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Manuel Perkins, 28, of Nashua, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between June 4, 2019 and July 11, 2019, at the direction of agents, a cooperating individual arranged three purchases of approximately eight ounces of cocaine from Perkins.
On July 30, 2019, agents arrested Perkins on a warrant while he was driving to meet the cooperator for a prearranged sale of approximately eight ounces of cocaine. A search incident to arrest revealed $1,331 on his person. Law enforcement officers later searched Perkins’ vehicle pursuant to a search warrant and found over 221 grams of cocaine inside a backpack.
Perkins is scheduled to be sentenced on June 1, 2021.
“Cocaine is an illegal drug that seriously endangers the health of those who use it,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The distribution of this drug detracts from the wellbeing of all of our citizen by undermining public safety. We are working with New Hampshire State Police, Homeland Security Investigations and all of the law enforcement agencies operating in New Hampshire to stop the sale of cocaine and other dangerous drugs.”
“One of HSI’s highest priorities remains disrupting drug traffickers who continue to pump deadly narcotics into our communities. Today’s guilty plea of Mr. Perkins underscores the importance of law enforcement partners working together in the fight against narcotics traffickers,” said William S. Walker, acting Special Agent In Charge, Homeland Investigations, Boston. “HSI, along with our New Hampshire law enforcement partners, remains steadfast in our commitment to aggressively investigate traffickers and their networks who peddle cocaine and other dangerous drugs throughout New England.”
This matter was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.
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Keene Man Sentenced to 41 Months for Extortion and Threat OffensesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Christopher C. Cantwell, 40, of Keene, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison after being convicted of extortion and threat charges by a federal jury in September, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
During four days of trial testimony, the jury was presented with evidence that Cantwell maintained an active online presence, including operating a website and an internet call-in program. Evidence at trial showed that Cantwell believed that members of an online group called the “Bowl Patrol” had been harassing him online. Cantwell contacted the victim in this case seeking to obtain identifying information about the leader of the Bowl Patrol, an individual who used the name “Vic Mackey.”
When the victim did not disclose the information Cantwell sought, on June 16, 2019, Cantwell sent an electronic message through the Telegram messaging application, stating, “So if you don’t want me to come and f*ck your wife in front of your kids, then you should make yourself scarce[.] Give me Vic, it’s your only out.”
Between June 15, 2019, and June 17, 2019, Cantwell also sent a series of messages to the victim in which he threatened to injure the victim’s reputation by posting identifying information about the victim online (commonly referred to as “doxing”) and reporting the victim to child protection authorities if he did not receive information about “Vic Mackey.” Evidence presented at trial showed that Cantwell did “dox” the victim on June 17, 2019, by posting identifying information and photographs related to the victim and the victim’s family online. Cantwell also called child protection authorities in Missouri and made a report about the victim.
Cantwell was convicted of one count of transmitting extortionate communications and one count of threatening to injure property or reputation. The jury found Cantwell not guilty of cyberstalking. Cantwell has been in custody since his arrest on January 23, 2020.
“Threats to commit violence have no place in our society” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Using the internet to convey threats and extortionate messages can have a serious harmful impact on victims and violates federal law. I commend the FBI and our other law enforcement partners who did an excellent job in investigating this case. They successfully completed a difficult multi-state investigation ensuring that Mr. Cantwell was held responsible for his actions.”
“The First Amendment does not protect those who choose to engage in criminal activity based on hateful beliefs, but a jury of Christopher Cantwell’s peers found he did exactly that, and with today’s sentence he has now been held accountable for his violent threats,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “My thanks to our Joint Terrorism Task Force in New Hampshire for their efforts in protecting all citizens from harm.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police, Keene Police Department, and the Manchester Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John S. Davis and Anna Krasinski.
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Former Winchester Man Sentenced for Making False Statements During Acquisition of a FirearmRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Tyrone Morris-Janey, 30, formerly of Winchester, was sentenced to time served, three years of supervised release, and one year of home confinement for making false statements during the acquisition of a firearm, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, ATF and Boston Police Department personnel recovered a Ruger model LCP, .380 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number. The BPD crime laboratory was able to recover the serial number and ATF traced the firearm to Morris-Janey. A further investigation revealed that from January 8, 2019, through July 31, 2019, Morris-Janey purchased six firearms. During the purchases of the firearms, Morris-Janey claimed that he was the actual purchaser of the firearms which was not true. He later admitted that he purchased the firearms for another person. In addition, during the purchase of three of the firearms, Morris-Janey falsely claimed he lived at a New Hampshire address.
Morris-Janey previously pleaded guilty on September 18, 2020.
“Making a false statement on a federal firearms purchase form is a serious crime,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Buying guns for an unnamed person who may be prohibited from possessing them can endanger everyone. In order to maintain public safety, we will continue to work closely with the ATF and our other law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who unlawfully buy guns for others or who otherwise lie in order to purchase guns.”
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Boston Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Walsh.
The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes.
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Nashua Man Sentenced to 300 Months for Manufacturing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Chad Francisco, 32, of Nashua, was sentenced to 300 months in federal prison for manufacturing child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, a child endangerment inquiry by the Nashua Police Department resulted in a criminal investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”). During the investigation, HSI obtained a federal search warrant for Francisco’s cellular phone, which revealed visual depictions of sexually explicit conduct involving two children under the age of 10 years old. Francisco was found to have created the visual depictions using his cellular phone, and he admitted to transmitting the photos to others through text messages.
Francisco previously pleaded guilty on November 3, 2020.
“Protecting the children of New Hampshire is one of the highest priorities of our law enforcement community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “This defendant’s sexual exploitation of young children was reprehensible conduct that merited this very substantial prison sentence. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate those who prey on young children to create child pornography.”
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Nashua Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland.
In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Adam W. Gagnon, 43, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 30, 2020, Manchester police detectives received information that Gagnon would be travelling to Lawrence, Massachusetts in an Uber to pick up a significant quantity of fentanyl for distribution. There were several outstanding warrants for Gagnon’s arrest. Detectives observed Gagnon travel to Lawrence in an Uber, enter a building for approximately 10 minutes and get into another Uber to head northbound. Detectives stopped the vehicle, arrested Gagnon on the warrants, and observed a cellophane wrapped package at Gagnon’s feet. The Uber driver consented to a search of the vehicle and the package was seized. A lab later confirmed the package contained over 480 grams of fentanyl.
Gagnon is scheduled to be sentenced on May 28, 2021.
“Those who bring large quantities of fentanyl into New Hampshire are endangering public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to protect our communities, Operation S.O.S. is targeting the fentanyl dealers who are distributing this deadly drug in Hillsborough County. I am grateful to the Manchester Police Department for their successful efforts to prevent this significant quantity of fentanyl from being sold on the streets of Manchester.”
This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.). In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts. The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua.
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Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Queron Foreman, 27, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court on Friday to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 10, 2020, a Manchester police officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Foreman. After a brief interaction, the officer asked Foreman to step out of the car. A pat search of Foreman revealed over $41,000 in cash. The officer located a loaded pistol under the driver’s seat. Officers later obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and found a quantity of marijuana.
Under federal law, Foreman is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition by virtue of previous felony convictions.
Foreman agreed to forfeit the cash, firearm, and ammunition to the United States.
Foreman is scheduled to be sentenced on May 25, 2021.
“In order to reduce violent crime, federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “To protect public safety, we will not hesitate to bring federal criminal charges against those who possess firearms unlawfully. I am grateful to the Manchester Police for identifying and disarming this convicted felon.”
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.
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Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Benjamin Stockwell, 30, formerly of Pittsfield, now residing in Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to bank fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Stockwell stole checks from various mailboxes throughout New Hampshire, altered them, and cashed them at various banks in his own name.
Stockwell is scheduled to be sentenced on May 20, 2021.
“Protecting the integrity of the mail is an important law enforcement priority,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Those who steal items from the mail to commit fraud should understand that they will be identified and prosecuted.”
“The theft of mail in furtherance of various fraud schemes has a significant financial and emotional impact on its victims,” says Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg. “Hopefully the charges that Mr. Stockwell faces will serve as a warning to all would be mail thieves that there are serious consequences for this type of activity.”
This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Manchester Police Department’s Fraud and Financial Crimes Unit and the Bow Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana MacDonald.
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Amherst Man Indicted for Threatening Members of Congress and State RepresentativeRead the Press Release
CONCORD –Ryder Winegar, 33, of Amherst was indicted by a federal grand jury on Monday and charged with six counts of threatening members of Congress and one count of threatening a New Hampshire State Representative, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
Winegar was arrested on January 11, 2021 and is being detained pending trial.
The original complaint filed in court alleges that on December 16 and 17, 2020, Winegar left voicemails at the offices of six members of the United States Congress in the District of Columbia. In some of the messages, Winegar identified himself by name or identified his telephone number. The voicemails threatened to hang the members of Congress if they did not “get behind Donald Trump.” For example, in one message, Winegar allegedly said, “I got some advice for you. Here’s the advice, Donald Trump is your president. If you don’t get behind him, we’re going to hang you until you die.” According to the indictment, on December 14, 2020, Winegar also contacted a New Hampshire State Representative by email threatening to “pull him from his bed and hang him.”
The charges in the indictment are only allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Capitol Police with assistance from the United States Marshals Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Amherst Police Department, and the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office.
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Sanbornville Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - James Coughlin, 38, of Sanbornville, pleaded guilty in federal court to drug trafficking charges and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Coughlin conspired with individuals in California to have quantities of “ice” methamphetamine shipped to him at his Sanbornville residence. He distributed a portion of the drugs to individuals in New Hampshire. On September 17, 2019, he sold approximately 27 grams of “ice” methamphetamine to an individual who was cooperating with the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Drug Task Force.
On January 14, 2020, federal and state law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at Coughlin’s residence and seized approximately 61 grams of “ice” methamphetamine, cash, firearms and ammunition. Because he previously had been convicted of a felony, it was unlawful for Coughlin to possess the firearms and ammunition.
Coughlin is scheduled to be sentenced on May 18, 2021.
“Methamphetamine is a dangerous drug that is appearing with alarming frequency in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We are working with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug dealers who bring this deadly substance into the Granite State. I am grateful to the investigators whose work led to the arrest and prosecution of this armed methamphetamine trafficker.”
“Today’s guilty plea is another important step toward holding Mr. Coughlin accountable for his interstate narcotics trafficking activities.” said William S. Walker, acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston. “HSI will continue to prioritize the investigation of drug traffickers who pump illicit narcotics, like methamphetamines, into our communities. These investigations are especially effective when we collaborate with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners in New Hampshire and beyond.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, the New Hampshire State Police Narcotics Investigation Unit and Mobile Enforcement Team, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Drug Task Force the Dover Police Department, the Portsmouth Police Department, the University of New Hampshire Police Department, the Somersworth Police Department, the Hampton Police Department, and the York, Maine Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Philip Leo Campanirio, 54, of Westport, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court to bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 17, 2018, Campanirio entered a branch of Provident Bank in Hampton, New Hampshire, approached a teller and asked for $8,000. He told the teller to “stay calm and no one gets hurt” and not to “make any sudden movements.” He then put his hands in his pockets, making the teller believe he had a gun. The teller gave Campanirio some money and he fled.
The robbery was captured by the bank’s video security system. Shortly after the robbery, Hampton police officers located the grey baseball cap and blue hoodie Campanirio wore during the robbery. A forensics lab confirmed Campanirio’s DNA was found on the sweatshirt.
Campanirio is scheduled to be sentenced on May 10, 2021.
“I am grateful to the Hampton Police Department and the FBI for their work in bringing this defendant to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Bank robberies can cause great distress to victims and subject everyone involved to potential physical harm. These crimes directly undermine public safety. Would-be bank robbers should expect to be arrested and brought before the U.S District Court to face judgment.”
“Any time an individual threatens a gun inside a financial institution with the intent to rob it, victims are traumatized and there is a potential for tragic consequences. As a result of today's guilty plea, Paul Campanirio faces significant prison time, thanks to the combined efforts of our local and federal law enforcement partners," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Hampton Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Helen Fitzgibbons.
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Amherst Man Charged with Threatening Members of Congress Will Be DetainedRead the Press Release
CONCORD – In a 22-page order issued today, United States Magistrate Judge Andrea K. Johnstone ordered that Ryder Winegar, 33, of Amherst be detained pending trial, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
Winegar was arrested on January 11, 2021. He is charged in a complaint with threatening members of Congress. The United States moved to detain the defendant, arguing that he presented a risk of flight and a danger to the community. In the order issued today, Magistrate Judge Johnstone granted the government’s motion for detention.
The complaint filed in court alleges that on December 16 and 17, 2020, Winegar left voicemails at the offices of six members of the United States Congress in the District of Columbia. In some of the messages, Winegar identified himself by name or identified his telephone number. The voicemails threatened to hang the members of Congress if they did not “get behind Donald Trump.” For example, in one message, Winegar allegedly said, “I got some advice for you. Here’s the advice, Donald Trump is your president. If you don’t get behind him, we’re going to hang you until you die.”
The charges in the complaint are only allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Capitol Police with assistance from the United States Marshals Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Amherst Police Department.
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Nashua Man Sentenced to 35 Months for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Charles Daye, 28, of Nashua, was sentenced to 35 months in federal prison on Monday for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 23, 2019, following a traffic stop, Nashua police officers located fentanyl and cash on Daye’s person. Evidence located on his cellphone, as well as Daye’s admissions, confirmed that he was distributing fentanyl in Nashua. Subsequently, on December 17, 2019, and January 16, 2020, a cooperating individual working with law enforcement officers made controlled purchases of fentanyl from Daye.
Daye previously pleaded guilty on October 27, 2020.
“Fentanyl trafficking is a crime that can have deadly consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to protect public health and safety, Operation SOS is targeting the fentanyl dealers whose actions are damaging Nashua and other communities in Hillsborough County. We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate the drug dealers who are distributing fentanyl and other dangerous drugs in the Granite State.”
This matter was investigated by the Nashua Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.). In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts. The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua.
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Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Joseph Taylor, 31, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 9, 2020, Manchester police officers stopped a car operated by Taylor after observing suspected drug activity and a motor vehicle violation. Taylor agreed to speak with the detectives outside the car. The detectives asked Taylor if he had anything illegal on him and he said he did not. After he consented to a search of his person and car, detectives found over $1,800 and a loaded 9mm handgun hidden in an area behind the glove compartment. Detectives later learned the firearm was stolen.
Taylor admitted he was a convicted felon and that he had the firearm for protection. He explained it was hidden because he knew he could not possess a firearm as a convicted felon.
Taylor is scheduled to be sentenced on May 5, 2021.
“In order to reduce crime and maintain public safety, federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Through Project Safe Neighborhoods, we are working with our law enforcement partners to identify armed criminals and bring them to justice in federal court.”
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra M. Walsh.
The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes.
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Maine Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking, Firearm, and Fraud OffensesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Richard Stanton, 34, of Hope, Maine pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to multiple charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 18, 2019, New Hampshire State Troopers stopped a vehicle with a defective taillight. The driver, Stanton, was seen reaching under the front passenger seat as they approached. Due to safety concerns, a trooper asked Stanton to exit and walk to the rear of the vehicle. Stanton initially provided false information about his identity to the officers. Officers later determined his actual identity. He was arrested after officers determined that he had a suspended driver’s license and that he was the subject of outstanding warrants in Maine
Stanton told the officers there was no one to pick up the vehicle roadside. Per their policy, the officers started to inventory the vehicle in anticipation of it being towed. Various drug paraphernalia was located during the search. Additionally, the officers observed an unlocked gun case in the rear seat containing a rifle and several rounds of ammunition. Officers then stopped the search to apply for a search warrant. The following day, pursuant to the search warrant, the vehicle was searched and officers discovered Stanton’s wallet hidden in a compartment along with over 118 grams of heroin secreted in the dashboard. As a previously-convicted felon, Stanton is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
On July 24, 2019, Stanton, an uninsured individual, checked into a medical center in Bangor, Maine. Stanton signed a consent to treatment form using another individual’s identity who was a lawful recipient of Maine Care benefits. Stanton received care and generated medical bills to be processed in the other individual’s name.
Stanton pleaded guilty to possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, and making a false statement in connection with health care benefits.
Stanton is scheduled to be sentenced on March 19, 2021.
“Drug traffickers are involved in a risky business and often arm themselves for protection,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The result is that they pose a greater danger to the public. Working with our law enforcement partners we will prosecute drug traffickers and keep guns out of the hands of criminals. This defendant’s illegal activities jeopardized public health and safety and led to a well-deserved federal prosecution.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Auburn Man Sentenced to 70 Months for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Leon Mandigo, 33, of Auburn, was sentenced on Thursday to 70 months in federal prison for drug trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, during an ongoing drug trafficking investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration learned that Mandigo was obtaining fentanyl from a source located in Massachusetts. On March 7, 2018, agents learned that Mandigo intended to travel to Massachusetts to purchase 200 grams of fentanyl and later observed him participate in a hand-to-hand exchange with a known drug trafficker.
After the transaction, the New Hampshire State Police stopped a vehicle in which Mandigo was a passenger. During the stop, he pulled an orange bag from his pants and threw it on the ground where a trooper later picked it up. The bag contained approximately 184 grams of fentanyl.
Mandigo previously pleaded guilty on September 16, 2020.
“Drug traffickers who bring fentanyl into New Hampshire should expect to be arrested, prosecuted, and jailed” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to stop the flow of this deadly drug into our state. We will not hesitate to prosecute and incarcerate the fentanyl dealers who peddle this dangerous substance in the Granite State.”
“Fentanyl is causing deaths in record numbers and DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities so every time we take fentanyl off the streets, lives are saved. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”
The case was a collaborative investigation that involved the DEA; the New Hampshire State Police; the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office; the Nashua Police Department; the Massachusetts State Police; the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office; the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office; the Essex County District Attorney’s Office; the Internal Revenue Service; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; United States Customs and Border Protection Boston Field Office; the United States Marshals Service; the United States Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service; the Manchester Police Department; the Lisbon Police Department; the Littleton Police Department; the Seabrook Police Department; the Haverhill (MA) Police Department; the Methuen (MA) Police Department; the Lowell (MA) Police Department; and the Maine State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Walsh.
Agencies participating in this investigation are part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
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Israeli National Pleads Guilty to Bail JumpingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Boaz BenMoshe, 58, of Israel, pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to bail jumping, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in November 2006, a federal grand jury charged BenMoshe with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and conspiracy to engage in unlicensed wholesale distribution of prescription drugs. After an initial appearance hearing on January 29, 2007, BenMoshe was released on conditions including his promise to notify the pretrial services officer of any plans to change his residence and to travel outside of the Central District of California and the District of New Hampshire. On January 9, 2009, BenMoshe pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in unlicensed wholesale distribution of prescription drugs. The Court accepted his guilty plea and permitted him to continue on the same conditions of release pending sentencing. The sentencing hearing was scheduled for June 23, 2009. On or about April 29, 2009, in violation of his conditions of release, BenMoshe moved to Israel and failed to appear for his sentencing hearing on June 23, 2009.
On December 16, 2009, a federal grand jury charged BenMoshe with bail jumping for his failure to appear at his sentencing hearing.
In August of 2020, BenMoshe was extradited from Israel to the United States to face the charges pending against him in New Hampshire.
BenMoshe is scheduled to be sentenced in both cases on April 1, 2021.
“This prosecution demonstrates that defendants cannot flee from the United States to escape responsibility for their crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “BenMoshe violated his promise to appear in court for sentencing and spent years avoiding the ultimate judicial reckoning for his crime. Through hard work and diligence, the U.S. Marshals located this fugitive and he was extradited back to New Hampshire to face the consequences of his 2009 guilty plea and his flight from justice. Other criminal defendants should take note that efforts to flee from justice will not succeed.”
“The arrest and subsequent extradition of BenMoshe is a testament to the collaborative work of the US Marshals Service and the US Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire,” said Nick Willard, U.S. Marshal for the District of New Hampshire. “We are also grateful for the cooperation of the Israeli authorities who worked closely with the Deputy Marshals for a safe and professional transfer into our custody.”
This matter was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. The underlying criminal case was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations, the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Internal Revenue Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam Le and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Hawkins.
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Greenfield Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of an Unregistered FirearmRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Alexander Arsenault, 35, of Greenfield, pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to possession of an unregistered firearm, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 1, 2018, a device exploded in an empty vehicle parked outside of a home in Greenfield, New Hampshire. The vehicle was severely damaged and law enforcement recovered a match near the driveway of the home. Investigators seized items believed to be from the device that damaged the vehicle and determined that a homemade bomb consisting of a low explosive main charge and a non-electrical fusing system was used for the explosion.
Upon further investigation, law enforcement learned that Arsenault had disputes with the owners of the vehicle and that he had previously purchased items consistent with the items found at the scene of the explosion. A search of Arsenault’s home yielded a typed out document about how to answer law enforcement questions regarding the destruction of a vehicle. A records search revealed that Arsenault has never registered a firearm as required under the National Firearms Act.
Arsenault is scheduled to be sentenced on May 18, 2021.
“By creating and detonating a homemade bomb, the defendant severely damaged a vehicle and jeopardized lives,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “I am grateful to the FBI and the law enforcement officers whose hard work identified the Mr. Arsenault and led to this prosecution. We will always work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prevent threats to public safety.”
“Annoyed by what he believed to be excessive noise coming from his neighbor’s home, Alex Arsenault knowingly and willingly made a home-made explosive bomb, detonated it on their property, and put his fellow citizens in fear for their lives,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The quick and decisive action by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, and our partners at the Greenfield Police Department, averted an already hazardous situation from spiraling dangerously out of control.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Greenfield Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.
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Vermont Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
CONCORD - David Bentley, 29, of Rutland, Vermont pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 29, 2018, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Bentley. He was arrested for operating a vehicle after suspension of his license. After obtaining a search warrant for the vehicle, officers found a loaded firearm in the backseat. Bentley is legally prohibited from possessing firearms by virtue of a felony conviction for burglary in 2010.
Bentley is scheduled to be sentenced on May 3, 2021.
“In order to maintain public safety, it is vital to keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute convicted felons who unlawfully possess guns.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police Mobile Enforcement Team, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New Hampshire Attorney General’s Drug Task Force, Claremont Police Department, Vermont State Police, and the Springfield, Vermont Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.
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Litchfield Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Richard Black, 23, of Litchfield, pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday to distributing fentanyl and possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in May, 2019 Nashua police learned that Black was distributing fentanyl in the Nashua area. Between June 27, 2019 and July 18, 2019, an undercover officer made four purchases of fentanyl from Black. After his arrest on July 22, 2019, officers searched Black’s residence pursuant to a warrant and recovered additional fentanyl. Officers seized approximately 200 grams of fentanyl from the undercover purchases, the search of Black’s person incident to his arrest, and the search of Black’s residence.
Black is scheduled to be sentenced on May 12, 2021.
“Fentanyl is a deadly drug that has caused substantial damage to Nashua and communities throughout our state,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Through Operation SOS, we are fighting back against the fentanyl dealers. We will continue to work closely with the Nashua Police Department and our other law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute fentanyl traffickers who are doing business in the Granite State.”
This matter was investigated by the Nashua Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.). In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts. The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua.
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Claremont Man Sentenced to 37 Months for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Jonathan Santiago-Perez, 35, of Claremont, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for drug trafficking on Monday, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on three occasions between January and April of 2019, an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement officers purchased crack cocaine from Santiago-Perez.
Santiago-Perez previously pleaded guilty on February 20, 2020.
“Drug trafficking is a serious offense that undermines public health and safety,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to safeguard our citizens, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the dealers who sell dangerous drugs in the Granite State.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration offices in New Hampshire as well as Springfield and Burlington, Vermont, with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police, Massachusetts State Police, United States Postal Inspection Service, New Hampshire Attorney General’s Drug Task Force, Vermont State Police Drug Task Force, Manchester Police Department, Claremont Police Department, Lebanon Police Department, Hartford, Vermont Police Department, and the Hampden County, Massachusetts Narcotics Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.
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Methuen Man Sentenced to 37 Months for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Alberto Rosario, 30, of Methuen, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison on Thursday for possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 6, 2018, Nashua police officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle that was believed to be involved in drug trafficking activity. Rosario was a passenger in the vehicle. During the vehicle stop, officers found that Rosario had quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine, as well as $800, in his possession. A search of the vehicle later uncovered additional quantities of fentanyl and crack. The driver of the vehicle later admitted to driving Rosario from Lowell, Massachusetts to Nashua and acknowledged that Rosario was distributing drugs.
“Interstate drug traffickers cause grave damage in communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “When drug traffickers come to New Hampshire to peddle fentanyl and other dangerous drugs, they should understand that they are committing a serious federal crime. We will not hesitate to bring drug trafficking charges against those who are responsible for selling these deadly substances in the Granite State.”
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.). In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts. The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua.
This matter was investigated by the Nashua Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam Le.
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Farmington Woman Sentenced to 60 Months for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Sasha Rand, 34, of Farmington, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison on Thursday for fentanyl trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between late 2017 and December 18, 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the New Hampshire State Police conducted an investigation of drug trafficking by Rand and her husband, Derek Rand, who used New Hampshire-based drug couriers to obtain fentanyl in Massachusetts and bring it to New Hampshire for distribution. During the investigation, law enforcement officers seized over one kilogram of fentanyl from members of this drug trafficking organization. Both Rands were arrested in December of 2018 as part of a DEA-led takedown of fentanyl traffickers in the Rochester, New Hampshire area.
Derek Rand was sentenced in December of 2019 to serve 90 months in federal prison.
Sasha Rand previously pleaded guilty on September 11, 2020.
“Interstate fentanyl traffickers are jeopardizing public health and safety by distributing this deadly drug in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to keep our community safe, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate, prosecute, and incarcerate those who responsible for selling fentanyl and other dangerous drugs. Fentanyl traffickers who do business in the Granite State should understand that their unlawful conduct will lead to a substantial stay in federal prison.”
“Fentanyl is causing great damage to our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “DEA will continue to use every resource available to identify traffickers, like Ms. Rand who distribute this poison to the citizens of New Hampshire. Today’s sentence not only holds Ms. Rand accountable for her crimes but serves as a warning to those who are fueling the opioid epidemic.”
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This matter was investigated by the DEA, New Hampshire State Police, and the Dover Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Davis.
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Rochester Man Sentenced to 94 Months for RobberiesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Thomas Hegarty, 26, of Rochester, was sentenced to 82 months for attempted bank robbery and robbery, and 12 months to run consecutively for violating his conditions of supervised release, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 9, 2020, at around 4:00 a.m., Hegarty entered a Circle K gas station in Rochester, showed the cashier a hammer, and stole cash from the register. Later that morning, Hegarty entered a bank in Dover, and passed the teller a note demanding money and indicating that he had a weapon. Tellers locked themselves in an office and called the police. Hegarty jumped over the teller counter and unsuccessfully attempted to open the teller drawers. He then fled the bank without taking any money. Investigators released surveillance photographs from the robberies to the public and identified and apprehended Hegarty later that day. At the time of the robberies, Hegarty was on federal supervised release.
Hegarty previously pleaded guilty on October 5, 2020.
“Robberies are violent crimes that jeopardize public safety and frighten innocent victims,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to maintain the safety of our communities, we prioritize the prosecution of violent criminals. This 94-month sentence should serve as a warning to those who would be inclined to prey on their fellow citizens with acts of threat and violence. I am grateful to the FBI, the Dover and Rochester Police Departments, and members of the public whose efforts were instrumental in swiftly bringing this criminal to justice.”
“While on supervised release, Mr. Hegarty orchestrated a violent crime spree that left many in the community in fear for their lives,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “We’d like to thank the concerned citizens who responded to our investigators’ call for assistance to identify him, and in doing so, helped us hold him accountable for his crimes while also making our communities safer.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Rochester Police Department and the Dover Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. MacDonald.
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Lawrenceville, Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Unapproved Drugs and Smuggling of GoodsRead the Press Release
CONCORD - George Kuiper, 73, of Lawrenceville, Georgia pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to conspiracy to distribute unapproved drugs, distribution of unapproved drugs, and unlawful smuggling of goods into the United States, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2006 to 2020, Kuiper operated an internet pharmacy on various websites that he managed from his residence in Lawrenceville, Georgia. On his websites, Kuiper sold over 100 products, including prescription drugs and controlled substances which he obtained from foreign sources. Some of the substances were purchased by customers in New Hampshire. Kuiper’s best-selling product was modafinil, a Schedule IV controlled substance and prescription new drug not approved by the FDA. None of Kuiper’s websites were ever registered with the DEA to distribute controlled substances.
Kuiper is scheduled to be sentenced on April 22, 2021.
“Illegal internet pharmacies can mislead customers about the safety and legality of the products they are selling,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Customers who purchase unapproved drugs and drugs that have been smuggled into the United States may find themselves taking substances that do more harm than good. In order to protect public health and safety, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who seek to profit from selling unapproved or smuggled drugs.”
“Selling smuggled drugs of potentially unknown origin and potentially dangerous ingredients puts consumers at risk,” Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey J. Ebersole, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations New York Field Office. “We will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who jeopardize the public health.”
This matter was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. MacDonald and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Hawkins.
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Brentwood Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Kyle Desroche, 37, of Brentwood, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison on Thursday for distributing child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 21, 2017, Dropbox, a cloud-based storage service, sent a CyberTip report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) with 2,325 files of apparent child pornography images and videos loaded to an account belonging to Desroche from an IP address assigned to his residence in Brentwood.
On March 23, 2018, investigators executed a search warrant at Desroche’s residence. During an interview, Desroche admitted using Dropbox and Kik, an online messaging application, on his iPhone and stated he may have received “young stuff” from Kik but claimed to have deleted those items. As authorized by the search warrant, officer seized cellular phones, computer equipment, and other electronic devices. Subsequent forensic examination of those items revealed that Desroche used the Dropbox and Kik applications on his iPhone to share child pornography with like-minded collectors.
On July 11, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant for Desroche’s Dropbox account. Officers identified approximately 5,942 still images and 2,092 video files of apparent child pornography. NCMEC confirmed that 1,013 still images and 317 video files were of identified child victims.
“Child pornography crimes are serious offenses that exploit innocent children,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Those who distribute these horrific images are magnifying the damage to the young lives of these victims. In order to stop the abuse and protect our children, we will continue to seek lengthy prison sentences for the criminals who commit crimes involving child pornography.”
Desroche previously pleaded guilty on June 26, 2021. In addition to his prison sentence, he was ordered to pay $45,000 in restitution and a $5,000 special assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, with assistance from the Brentwood Police Department, Portsmouth Police Department, Exeter Police Department, Derry Police Department, and Chester Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam Le.
In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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