District of New Hampshire
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Eddil Ortez, 26, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to attempted possession of fentanyl and cocaine with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning around December of 2017, a drug organization in Lawrence, Massachusetts maintained a series of telephone numbers to receive orders and distribute controlled substances, primarily fentanyl and crack cocaine. In early 2019, law enforcement officers began conducting judicially-authorized interception of communications occurring over a phone number used by the organization.
On June 19, 2019, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at locations known to be used by the organization, arrested the person believed to have been operating the phone, and seized the phone. To further identify and arrest those who were distributing drugs, the officers, pretending to be members of the drug organization, used the seized phone to communicate with individuals who were obtaining drugs from the organization.
During the evening of June 20, 2019, messages were exchanged between the seized phone and a phone belonging to Ortez. Ortez attempted to order quantities of crack cocaine and fentanyl from the organization. Ortez was directed to a parking lot in Nashua. After he provided the description of his car and his clothing, he was told to leave the drug money in the center console of the car. Investigating officers observed the car identified by Ortez arrive at the agreed-upon time for the deal. Ortez then left the car and walked toward a retail store. The officers sent a message to Ortez saying “you are all set.” Ortez returned to the car and was arrested. Ortez was in possession of the telephone that was used to arrange the drug deal.
Ortez will be sentenced on October 1, 2020.
“Interstate trafficking organizations make fentanyl, cocaine, and other dangerous drugs available for purchase in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The results have been disastrous. Federal law enforcement agencies are working closely with all of our state and local partners to stop this deadly trade. Traffickers should be aware that they will be caught and prosecuted.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Massachusetts State Police, Methuen Police Department, Andover, Massachusetts Police Department, Essex County Sheriff’s Office, New Hampshire State Police, Manchester Police Department, Nashua Police Department, Salem Police Department, Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, Hudson Police Department, and the Goffstown Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Aframe.
This case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
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Milford Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Jerome Davis, 52, of Milford, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for fentanyl trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in October and November of 2018, Davis sold fentanyl on three separate occasions to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement officers.
Davis previously pleaded guilty on February 13, 2020.
“Fentanyl trafficking continues to cause damage to communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to protect public health and safety, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate the fentanyl dealers whose actions are endangering the citizens of the Granite State.”
This matter was investigated by the Hillsborough County Street Crimes Task Force and the Milford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim Barth with assistance from Karinne Brobst, Esq., prosecutor for the Milford Police Department.
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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Beford Man Arrested for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Matthew Dion, 48, of Bedford, was arrested on a federal complaint charging him with producing child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
The complaint filed in court alleges that in April of 2020, a 16-year-old foreign exchange student residing with Dion found what he believed to be hidden cameras in the bathroom of Dion’s Bedford home. After obtaining a search warrant, police officers searched Dion’s residence and vehicle. Officers seized various electronic devices, including a Micro SD card that was underneath the seat of his car. On the Micro SD card, officers found sexually explicit images of the 16-year-old student that had been taken in the bathroom while he showered.
Dion was arrested on June 23, 2020, and is scheduled to appear before a federal magistrate judge this afternoon. He was detained pending further proceedings.
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 Bedford Police Department, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Georgiana L. Konesky.
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Prisoner Sentenced to 15 Months for Mailing Threatening Letters to New Hampshire Residents from PrisonRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Matthew Oliver, 38, formerly of Everett, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for mailing threatening communications, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.
According to court documents and statements made during a jury trial, Oliver mailed the threatening communications while incarcerated at the Onondaga County Justice Center in Syracuse, New York in 2017. In January of 2017, Oliver mailed a letter to a home in New Hampshire that contained a threat to injure the woman who lived in the home. While still incarcerated at the facility in April of 2017, the defendant mailed another letter to the home that contained a threat to assault the woman’s daughter.
Oliver was found guilty by jury on November 19, 2019.
“Violent threats damage the personal peace and security of victims and are not protected by the First Amendment,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Those who send violent threats through the mail are not exercising free speech rights, they are committing crimes that undermine the rights of their victims. We will not tolerate such threats. Rather, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate the criminals who send them.”
“With today’s sentence, Matthew Oliver is finally being held accountable for terrorizing two women with violent threats, causing them to fear for their physical safety,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Let this case be a warning to others who are seeking to exact revenge while behind bars; the FBI and our law enforcement partners will not hesitate to take swift action against anyone who tries to continue their criminal conduct by sending threatening hate mail."
The Seabrook New Hampshire Police Department, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Anna Krasinski and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Kinsella prosecuted the case.
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Boston Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Transportation of a Minor for SexRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Dagoberto Duarte Espinal, 23, of Boston, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for transportation of a minor for the purpose of sexual activity, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 10, 2018, the Londonderry Police Department was informed that a 13-year-old female was missing. Officers responded to her residence to investigate. During the investigation, the Londonderry officers were told that the minor female had been communicating with a man online and that they had made plans to meet.
The mother of the minor female received a call from Duarte Espinal telling her that he had taken her daughter to Boston. A law enforcement officer spoke with Duarte Espinal who said the minor female had been dropped off at a bus station. Boston police officers were notified and officers were able to locate the minor female.
On July 3, 2018, Duarte Espinal was arrested by police officers in Boston. Duarte Espinal later admitted that he had picked up the minor female in New Hampshire and driven her to Massachusetts, where they engaged in sexual activity.
Duarte Espinal pleaded guilty on March 12, 2020. After serving his sentence, he faces possible deportation to Honduras.
“Those who use the internet to prey upon children pose a serious threat to public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “This defendant’s reprehensible conduct merits the substantial sentence imposed by the court. We will continue to work closely with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate those who victimize children in the Granite State.”
“Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is strongly committed to pursuing child predators who use the internet to prey on their victims, especially in light of the increased levels of online activity by all age groups in recent months,” said Michael Shea, acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Boston. “It’s only through the critical teamwork of our law enforcement partners in the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) and the U.S. Attorney for New Hampshire that HSI was able to help bring about the conviction of this dangerous child predator who is now no longer free to roam the streets of our communities.”
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Londonderry Police Department, and the Boston Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana Konesky.
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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Lawrence Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Nathanael Peguero, 27, of Lawrence, Massachusetts was sentenced to 60 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, between November and December of 2016, an undercover DEA Task Force Officer from New Hampshire made arrangements with Peguero to purchase fentanyl. The undercover officer made a series of five undercover purchases of fentanyl from Peguero or members of Peguero’s drug trafficking organization.
Peguero previously pleaded guilty on September 20, 2019.
“Interstate fentanyl traffickers have been a serious affliction for the people of New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “This sentence sends yet another message that traffickers face serious personal consequences in federal court. It also reaffirms our commitment to work closely with the DEA and all of our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate the drug dealers who endanger Granite Staters.”
“Fentanyl is causing grave damage to New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Let this sentence be a warning to traffickers like Mr. Peguero who are coming from out of state to distribute this poison. DEA’s top priority is combatting the opioid epidemic by working with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hampton Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.
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New Hampshire Awarded $2 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that the Department of Justice has awarded $2 million in grant funding to New Hampshire communities through the Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP).
The New Hampshire grants were part of nearly $400 million funding awards to 596 law enforcement agencies across the nation that were announced by U.S. Attorney General William Barr. These grants will allow those agencies to hire 2,732 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. The awards announced today are inclusive of the $51 million announced in May as part of Operation Relentless Pursuit.
“These troubled times demand that our cities and towns have well-trained professional police officers who can assist with community policing,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.” This grant funding will allow cities and towns in New Hampshire to put more professional law enforcement officers on the street to help keep our citizens safe. I look forward to working with these law enforcement professionals and partnering with them as they protect and serve the citizens of the Granite State.”
The following communities in New Hampshire will receive funding:
Community Officers Funding City of Claremont 1 $125,000 Hollis Police Department 1 $125,000 Laconia Police Department 2 $250,000 Manchester Police Department 10 $1,250,000 Somersworth Police Department 1 $125,000 Town of Thornton 1 $125,000The COPS Hiring Program is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing by providing direct funding for the hiring of career law enforcement officers. In addition to providing financial support for hiring, CHP provides funding to state, local, and tribal law enforcement to enhance local community policing strategies and tactics. In a changing economic climate, CHP funding helps law enforcement agencies maintain sufficient sworn personnel levels to promote safe communities. Funding through this program had been on hold since the spring of 2018 due to a nationwide injunction that was lifted earlier this year.
CHP applicants were required to identify a specific crime and disorder problem focus area and explain how the funding will be used to implement community policing approaches to that problem focus area. 43 percent of the awards announced today will focus on violent crime, while the remainder of the awards will focus on a variety of issues including school-based policing to fund school resource officer positions, building trust and respect, and opioid education, prevention, and intervention. The COPS Office received nearly 1,100 applications requesting more than 4,000 law enforcement positions.
The complete list of awards can be found here. https://go.usa.gov/xwDF8 To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Manchester Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Michael Jones, 47, of Manchester, was sentenced on Tuesday to 60 months in federal prison for methamphetamine trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from March 18, 2019 until April 19, 2019, a cooperating individual, at the direction of Manchester Police Department detectives, arranged on three occasions to buy methamphetamine from Jones. The cooperator purchased in excess of 120 grams of methamphetamine from Jones during these transactions.
Jones previously pleaded guilty on March 3, 2020.
“By now, New Hampshire drug traffickers should have gotten the message that distributing dangerous and illegal drugs carries a high personal cost for them,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The cost for this trafficker is 60 months in Federal prison. Under Operation SOS we will continue to work with the Manchester Police Department and law enforcement agencies across Hillsborough County to ensure that drug traffickers are held accountable for their actions.”
This matter was investigated by the Manchester 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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Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Remy Martin Lopez, 35, of Rochester, pleaded guilty in federal court to unlawfully possessing a firearm, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 23, 2019, Lopez was found in possession of a firearm that had been reported stolen earlier in the week. Lopez had previously been convicted of a felony in the State of Florida and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
Lopez is scheduled to be sentenced on September 9, 2020.
“In order to prevent gun-related violence, federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Aggressive enforcement of this law clearly helps to maintain public safety. We will continue to work closely with the Rochester Police Department, ATF, and all of our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute criminals who unlawfully possess firearms or otherwise threaten the public.”
“Today’s guilty plea demonstrates the outstanding partnership between the Rochester Police Department, the ATF, and the United States Attorney’s Office and the commitment we share to work together to interdict illegal firearms and the criminals that compromise the safety of our communities.” Kelly D. Brady, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) Special Agent in Charge.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Rochester Police Department. The case is being 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.
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Greenfield Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Ira Weeks, 40, of Greenfield, pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Weeks conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl. Weeks obtained the fentanyl from a source of supply in Methuen, Massachusetts. As part of the investigation, in December 2017 the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) intercepted phone communications between Weeks and his co-conspirator wife in which the couple ordered quantities of fentanyl from their Methuen drug source. DEA subsequently surveilled Weeks in Methuen meeting with the drug source on approximately four occasions. The DEA and the New Hampshire State Police arranged to conduct motor vehicle stops on Week’s vehicle after observing him meet with his drug source. These stops resulted in the seizure of over 175 grams of fentanyl.
Weeks is scheduled to be sentenced on August 27, 2020.
“Interstate drug trafficking endangers the people of New Hampshire by threatening their health and safety” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We continue to work closely with the DEA, New Hampshire State Police, and law enforcement partners across New England to stop the flow of fentanyl and other illegal drugs into the Granite State. Those who choose to participate in the drug trade will be identified and prosecuted in federal court.”
This matter was investigated by the DEA with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.
This case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
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Massachusetts Man Arrested for Distributing Child Pornography After Being Released from Jail Due to COVID-19Read the Press Release
CONCORD – Russell Graham, 40, of Lowell, Massachusetts was arrested on a federal complaint charging him with distributing child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
The complaint filed in court alleges that in early May 2020, an undercover officer in New Hampshire met Graham in an internet chatroom and that Graham soon began sending the undercover officer videos and images of child pornography. Graham also told the undercover officer that he was wearing an ankle bracelet and had been released from jail because of COVID-19. According to court documents, Graham had in fact been in jail for child pornography-related charges in Massachusetts and was released on April 9, 2020, with a GPS ankle bracelet.
Graham was arrested on May 22, 2020, and appeared before a federal magistrate judge today. He was detained pending further proceedings.
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 Nashua Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Georgiana L. Konesky.
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Maine Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Michael Mowry, 43, of Acton, Maine pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in May of 2018, a New Hampshire State Police trooper pulled over a vehicle on I-95 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire for multiple traffic violations. Mowry was a passenger in the vehicle. The trooper developed suspicions about drug activity and called for a narcotics detection dog. The dog alerted to the odor of narcotics. After the trooper advised the driver of the detection of narcotics, Mowry admitted to the trooper that there was methamphetamine in a backpack in the rear seat. The backpack contained 755 grams of methamphetamine.
Mowry is scheduled to be sentenced on August 27, 2020.
“Interstate drug trafficking threatens the health and safety of citizens throughout New England,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Those who sell methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs are putting our friends and neighbors in jeopardy. In order to protect our community, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who participate in the drug trade.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Hampshire State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Dronzek.
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Nashua Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Martin Sheehan, 27, of Nashua, pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to fentanyl trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in October of 2018, Sheehan sold fentanyl on two occasions to a cooperating individual at locations in Nashua. In February of 2019, law enforcement officers arrested Sheehan at a motel. Officers recovered over 13 grams of fentanyl, which Sheehan admitted belonged to him.
Sheehan is scheduled to be sentenced on September 1, 2020.
“Fentanyl trafficking has caused tremendous damage to Nashua and other communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Through Operation S.O.S., we are fighting back against drug traffickers in Nashua by prosecuting them in federal court. By working closely with the Nashua Police Department to identify and prosecute fentanyl dealers, we are helping to improve health and safety in that city and the entire 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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Nashua Man Sentenced to 15 Months for Participating in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy in Nashua AreaRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Marvin Morrison, 37, of Nashua, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison and 4 months home confinement for participating in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Morrison was a member of a drug trafficking organization that distributed crack cocaine and other drugs to various customers in the Nashua area.
Morrison previously pled guilty on February 18, 2020.
In addition to Morrison, six defendants in this case have pleaded guilty. Three of the defendants have been sentenced: Donald Johnson was sentenced to 42 months in prison; Melvin Nooks was sentenced to 120 months in prison; and Mallory Nooks received 60 months in prison. Three defendants still await sentencing. Three other defendants are awaiting trial.
“Drug trafficking threatens the safety of the citizens of Nashua and other communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Through our close collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to combat the organizations that are responsible for distributing drugs in the Granite State. We will continue to protect our citizens by investigating, prosecuting, and incarcerating the drug dealers who endanger our communities.”
“Today’s sentence shows that Marvin Morrison’s efforts to further the success of this drug trafficking organization held no reward, and ultimately cost him his freedom,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The hard work of the FBI New Hampshire Safe Streets Gang Task Force in dismantling this organization and disrupting the flow of illegal narcotics to the Nashua area has paid off, but there is much more work to be done to ensure that other drug-trafficking networks don’t try to fill the void left by this one.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police, Nashua Police Department, Manchester Police Department, Dover Police Department and Portsmouth Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana Konesky and Anna Krasinski.
This case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
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U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray Recognizes Police WeekRead the Press Release
CONORD - In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement. The week will be observed Sunday, May 10, through Saturday, May 16, 2020.
“There is no more noble profession than serving as a police officer,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The men and women who protect our communities each day have not just devoted their lives to public service, they’ve taken an oath to give their lives in order to ensure our safety. And they do so not only in the face of hostility from those who reject our nation’s commitment to the rule of law, but also in the face of evolving adversity – such as an unprecedented global health pandemic. This week, I ask all Americans to join me in saying ‘thank you’ to our nation’s federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers. Their devotion and sacrifice to our peace and security will not be taken for granted.”
“Even in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, New Hampshire law enforcement officers continue to confront criminal behavior and keep our citizens safe,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “It is important for us to remember that they are true heroes who cannot retreat despite personal danger. Each day, law enforcement officers throughout New Hampshire place themselves at risk in order to maintain our safety, prosperity, peace, and freedom. During National Police Week, we extend our sincere thanks to these heroic officers and their families for their public service and self-sacrifice. We also honor the memory of those who throughout the years have made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.”
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities they swore to serve.
Based on data collected and analyzed by the FBI’s Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 89 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2019.
Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing most of the fatal attacks are included in the sections of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2019.
The names of the fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Memorial will be read on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, during a Virtual Annual Candlelight Vigil. Because public events have been suspended as a result of COVID-19, the vigil will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 pm (EDT). To register to view this free online event, please www.LawMemorial.org/webcast.
To learn more about National Police Week and the virtual candlelight vigil, please visit www.policeweek.org.
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Pelham Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine DistributionRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Michael Baez, 39, of Pelham, pleaded guilty in federal court to distributing cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2019, Baez sold cocaine to a cooperating individual on multiple occasions. One transaction took place in a parking lot in Nashua. Additional deals occurred at the defendant’s residence in Pelham, New Hampshire. In total, Baez sold over 420 grams of cocaine to the cooperating individual.
Baez is scheduled to be sentenced on August 19, 2020.
“Drug trafficking threatens the health and safety of residents of Pelham, Nashua and other communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Cocaine traffickers should understand that this illegal conduct will lead to federal prosecution. Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies will continue to work closely together to identify and prosecute those who are responsible for selling drugs in the Granite State.”
“Time after time, Michael Baez pushed thousands of dollars’ worth of cocaine from his home, where he once left the dangerous narcotic out on his grill, on his back deck, ready for pickup,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “By pleading guilty today to drug distribution, Baez is finally accepting responsibility for being part of a problem that has exacted a terrible toll on our communities. This case is a great example of the resolve of the FBI New Hampshire’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force to rid our streets of those who are intent on flooding them with illicit drugs.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police, Nashua Police Department, Manchester Police Department, Dover Police Department, and Portsmouth Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.
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Portsmouth Man Sentenced to 51 Months for Wire Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - John Foster, 56, of Portsmouth, was sentenced on Thursday to 51 months in federal prison for wire fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2014 to sometime in May of 2018, Foster owned multiple limited liability corporations (LLCs) which he used in his schemes. In each of the schemes, Foster defrauded victims to obtain money that he claimed would be used for business projects, but actually used the money for his own personal benefit.
In 2018, Foster owned J.O. Foods, a company that facilitated the purchase and shipment of food to foreign countries. He agreed to send several thousand pounds of lobster to Vietnam. A customer agreed to pay J.O Foods a total of $145,500 for the delivery of the lobster. Foster falsely assured the company that the lobster was being shipped and induced the customer to send him over $100,000.
In 2014, Foster owned JM Application, Design and Technologies, LLC, which purportedly developed and sold mobile computer applications. Foster used false representations to persuade seven individuals to invest $250,000 in the business and falsely claimed that the money was being used to further business development when Foster actually used the money for his personal benefit.
In 2015, Foster promised to investors that he would develop an app called “Rocket Dog” to assist a business. Foster convinced an individual to invest over $156,000 to develop the app. During the next several months, Foster provided misleading information and material about the development of the Rocket Dog app and used most of the money for personal expenses.
In 2015, Foster also offered to create an app for another business and falsely claimed to have secured a patent for the app. He used false representations to persuade individuals to provide over $120,000 that he falsely claimed would be used to develop the app. Foster actually used most of the money for his personal benefit.
Foster previously pleaded guilty on January 8, 2020.
“Fraud schemes exploit the trust of victims and steal their money,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “This defendant’s repeated use of fraudulent schemes to obtain large sums of money was reprehensible. This substantial sentence demonstrates that white collar crime will not be tolerated and those who commit these crimes will go to prison.”
“John Foster repeatedly took advantage of those who trusted him, by cheating them out of hundreds of thousands of dollars, using a variety of fraudulent schemes,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Today’s sentence should make it crystal clear the FBI will not hesitate to go after criminals like him who take advantage of unsuspecting victims for their own personal gain.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Davis. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Kinsella previously participated in the prosecution of this case.
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North Stratford Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Prescription Drugs in School ZoneRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Timothy L. Adjutant, 28, of North Stratford, pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of distribution of buprenorphine near a school, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 14, 2018, in Colebrook, Adjutant sold buprenorphine, also known as Suboxone, to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement officers. At the time of the sale, Adjutant indicated he had more Suboxone for sale. On December 4, 2018, Adjutant sold Suboxone to a cooperating individual in the parking lot of a drug store in Colebrook. Both transactions occurred within 1,000 feet of the Colebrook Elementary School.
Suboxone is a controlled substance that is often prescribed as a treatment for opioid withdrawal symptoms. As an opioid itself, however, it is still subject to abuse if injected or snorted and can produce a euphoria similar to other opioids like heroin and fentanyl.
Federal law provides that a person who distributes a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a school is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of one year’s imprisonment.
Adjutant is scheduled to be sentenced on September 2, 2020.
“The illegal sales of opioids have impacted families in large and small communities throughout the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “No area of the state has been immune from the sad consequences of this criminal activity. Those who traffic in Suboxone contribute to the opioid crisis that is gripping New Hampshire. We will aggressively pursue federal prosecutions of those who jeopardize public health and safety by selling opioids.”
This matter was investigated by the DEA, with assistance from the Colebrook Police Department, the Pittsburg Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, the New Hampshire Liquor Commission’s Division of Enforcement and Licensing, the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John S. Davis and Charles L. Rombeau.
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Maine Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl and Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Edson Wilson, 42, of Augusta, Maine pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of heroin and fentanyl with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 15, 2019, a New Hampshire State Police trooper pulled over a vehicle on I-95 north for a traffic violation. Wilson was a passenger in the vehicle. While speaking with the occupants of the vehicle, the trooper noticed indicators of drug use. After the occupants also gave conflicting stories about their destination and travel, they consented to a search of the vehicle. The trooper located a vacuum- sealed package that contained approximately 198 grams of heroin and fentanyl under Wilson’s seat. Wilson was placed under arrest and later admitted that he had purchased the drugs earlier that day and further stated that he intended to sell at least 100 grams of the drugs.
Wilson is scheduled to be sentenced on September 2, 2020.
“Interstate drug trafficking has caused major damage to communities throughout New England,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who are responsible for distributing fentanyl, heroin, and other deadly drugs. I am grateful to the New Hampshire State Police for their work on this case, which prevented the distribution of a significant quantity of deadly drugs.”
This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police with assistance from the Greenland Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.
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New Hampshire U.S. Attorney Asks Public to Report Sexual Harassment in Housing During the Covid-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
Concord - U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray is asking anyone who has witnessed or experienced sexual harassment by a landlord, property manager, maintenance worker, loan officer or anyone with control over housing to report that conduct to the Department of Justice. The request is part of an enhanced effort by the Department of Justice to combat predatory housing practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has decreased the ability of many people to pay rent on time and has increased housing insecurity. People who are out of work may be targeted for attempted sexual exploitation by housing providers. The Department of Justice has heard reports of housing providers trying to take advantage of the crisis by demanding sexual favors and other unwelcomed sexual conduct from tenants. Sexual harassment in housing is illegal, and the Department of Justice stands ready to investigate such allegations and pursue enforcement actions where appropriate.
“It is simply outrageous that a tenant would be subjected to sexual harassment while attempting to cope with paying the rent on time,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Predatory practices directed at people who are struggling to maintain their homes will not be tolerated. Landlords or others in control of housing should be working with tenants to address housing insecurity in this very difficult time. Those who are striving to assist the financially disadvantaged should be commended. Those who seek to sexually harass and exploit tenants are violating the law and will be held accountable for their conduct.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire will work closely with federal, state, and local partners to identify incidents of sexual harassment in housing.
The Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative is an effort to combat sexual harassment in housing led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country. The goal of the Initiative is to address sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers or other people who have control over housing.
Launched in 2017, the Initiative has filed lawsuits across the county alleging a pattern or practice of sexual harassment in housing and recovered millions of dollars in damages for harassment victims. The Justice Department’s investigations frequently uncover sexual harassment that has been ongoing for years. Many individuals do not know that being sexually harassed by a housing provider can violate federal law or that the Department of Justice may be able to help.
The Department of Justice, through the Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, enforces the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, and disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by the Act.
The Department encourages anyone who has experienced sexual harassment in housing, or knows someone who has, to contact the Civil Rights Division by calling (844) 380-6178 or emailing [email protected].
Individuals may also file a complaint alleging harassment or discrimination in housing with the Department of Housing and Urban Development through HUD’s website or by calling (800) 669-9777.
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Rochester Woman Sentenced to 60 Months for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Haley Hansler, 33, of Rochester, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Hansler conspired with two other individuals to traffic in methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Rochester area. On November 7, 2018, the New Hampshire State Police (“NHSP”) conducted a motor vehicle stop on a vehicle operated by Hansler and seized approximately 58 grams of heroin and smaller quantities of crystal “ice” methamphetamine and other narcotics. Later the same evening, members of the NHSP and the DEA searched Hansler’s hotel room in Ossipee, New Hampshire and seized approximately 171 grams of crystal “ice” methamphetamine and smaller quantities of fentanyl and other narcotics. Law enforcement also seized a semi-automatic handgun from Hansler’s purse. On December 20, 2018, DEA agents arrested Hansler and co-conspirator James Nesbitt at their Rochester residence and seized approximately 60 grams of fentanyl, four firearms, and ammunition.
Hansler previously pleaded guilty on January 21, 2020. Nesbitt pleaded guilty to the charges on March 6, 2020, and is awaiting sentencing.
“Drugs and guns are a potentially deadly combination,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to protect public safety, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate the armed drug dealers who endanger our communities. When drug traffickers use or possess firearms, they should understand that they will be prosecuted in federal court and receive substantial prison sentences.”
“DEA is committed to bring to justice poly-drug traffickers like Ms. Hansler,” said Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts in New Hampshire.”
This investigation was the product of an investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.
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Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Shiva Chandan Reddy Thudi, 26, of Irving, Texas pleaded guilty in federal court to wire fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Thudi attended college in New Hampshire from 2015 to 2017. During that time, he established relationships with and defrauded several individuals who were foreign citizens living in the United States. In essence, Thudi falsely told his victims he was seeking investors to share in the profits of business ventures that involved his producing and distributing films in the United States. In reality, Thudi was not a movie producer or distributor and, instead, he used his victim’s money for his own personal benefit. To keep the scheme going, Thudi engaged in a classic Ponzi scheme by using money paid by later victims to pay supposed “returns” on the “investment” made by earlier victims.
When interviewed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Thudi admitted he stole substantial amounts of money from the victims by selling illusory ownership interests in several films to them. Additionally, he admitted that he used the victims’ money for his personal benefit and to make lulling payments to keep the scheme going. In total, Thudi stole more than $100,000 from his victims.
Thudi is scheduled to be sentenced on July 29, 2020.
“Those who commit fraud crimes cause tremendous financial harm and betray the trust of their victims,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Thanks to the work of the FBI, this individual’s fraud scheme has been stopped and he is being held responsible for his actions. We will continue to work closely with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute those who commit fraud in the Granite State.”
“Shiva Chandan Reddy Thudi used the allure of moviemaking to persuade his victims to invest more than $100,000 in his big-screen productions. What he didn't keep for himself, he circulated back into his Ponzi scheme to pay 'returns' to those who jumped on board early. But just like the films he pitched, it was all make-believe,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Today’s guilty plea illustrates how the FBI will not hesitate to pursue anyone who defrauds others for their own personal profit. We'd also like to thank Rivier College for their cooperation with this investigation."
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter.
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Department of Justice Commemorates National Crime Victims' Rights WeekRead the Press Release
CONCORD – New Hampshire U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice| Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
“The first duty of government is to protect its citizens”, said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We live in a time when public discourse increasingly revolves around concerns about fairness to defendants in criminal cases. While we must ensure that the process is fair, it is vital that we stay focused on the need to vindicate the rights of their victims. Our commitment to true justice requires that we strive to support those who have been victimized by criminals.”
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, putting crime victims' rights, needs, and concerns in a prominent spot on the American agenda. He also established the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the groundwork for a national network of services and legal safeguards for crime victims. President Trump and his administration have implemented historic levels of support for victim assistance and victim compensation.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
This year’s commemoration occurs 25 years after a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. That mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html.
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Nashua Man Sentenced to 48 Months for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Anthony Nieves, 26, of Nashua, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison for distributing fentanyl and crack cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in May of 2019, an undercover law enforcement officer made controlled purchases of fentanyl and crack cocaine from Nieves and his co-defendant, Yheresis Millan, on two separate occasions. Both transactions took place in Nashua.
Nieves previously pleaded guilty on January 3, 2020. Millan also pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 1, 2020.
“Drug dealers cause serious damage to the communities where they do business,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Through Operation S.O.S., we are working closely with the Nashua Police Department and other law enforcement agencies to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate the traffickers who sell fentanyl and other dangerous drugs in Hillsborough County. By taking these dangerous drug dealers off the street, we will improve public health and safety 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 Sentenced to 21 Months for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Jeffrey Ortiz-Rodriguez, 41, of Manchester, was sentenced to 21 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, in September of 2018, two Manchester Police officers encountered Ortiz-Rodriguez and questioned him about a recent encounter in which they believed he was involved. After learning that he was the subject of an active warrant, the offices arrested Ortiz-Rodriguez. A search of the defendant revealed various drug-related items and a quantity of fentanyl.
“Fentanyl traffickers jeopardize lives by selling a very deadly substance,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to protect public health and safety, we will continue to be aggressive in our efforts to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate the criminals who distribute fentanyl and other dangerous drugs. Through Operation S.O.S., we are working closely with the Manchester Police Department to protect the citizens of Manchester from deadly opioids.”
This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.). In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts. The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua.
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Department of Justice Makes $850 Million Available to Help Public Safety Agencies Address Covid-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
CONCORD – The Department of Justice announced that it is making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has created new challenges for the dedicated men and women who maintain public safety in New Hampshire,” said Scott W. Murray, the United States Attorney for the District of New Hampshire. “Our police and other public safety officers continue to answer the call to duty regardless of the dangers they face from the virus. This funding can provide necessary financial support to help the law enforcement professionals in New Hampshire who engage in the important work of protecting the safety of the citizens of Granite State.”
“This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “We are grateful to the Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents.”
The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to Jan. 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for this emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations. Many municipalities and counties in New Hampshire are eligible to apply for over $1.2 million in funding. The State of New Hampshire also will be eligible for over $3.4 million in additional funding.
For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Fitchburg Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Participating in Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Melvin Nooks, Jr., 29, of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the defendant along with two others, George Cruz, 30, of Nashua and Isaiah Kinard, 30, of Manchester, were members of a drug trafficking organization that distributed crack cocaine and other drugs to various customers in the Nashua area. Cruz and Melvin Nooks Jr. were responsible for distributing over 280 grams of crack cocaine.
Cruz pleaded guilty on December 17, 2019, and Nooks Jr. and Kinard pleaded guilty on December 18, 2019. Cruz is scheduled to be sentenced on May 12, 2020. Kinard is scheduled to be sentenced on November 4, 2020.
“This sentence should put to rest any belief on the part of drug traffickers that they are going to get less attention from the criminal justice system as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said US Attorney Murray. “Drug trafficking has caused grave damage to Nashua and other New Hampshire communities. The imposition of this substantial prison sentence establishes that we will continue to work with all of our law enforcement partners to deter the sale of crack cocaine and other dangerous drugs. We remain focused on protecting Granite Staters from drug dealers.”
"The weight of Melvin Nooks, Jr.'s sentence is appropriate for a crack cocaine trafficker whose only stake in the community he harmed was the money he made off the suffering he caused," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Today’s sentence should also serve as an assurance to his customers who are trying to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives that they no longer need to fear his sales calls. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue our collaborative efforts to identify and dismantle drug trafficking enterprises like this one in order to stop the flow of illegal narcotics into our neighborhoods.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Nashua Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana Konesky and Anna Krasinski.
This case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
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Brazilian Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Bank FraudRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Estefano Dall Anese Borlotti, 35, of Brazil, pleaded guilty on Thursday in federal court to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in May 2019, Borlotti and others made fraudulent cash withdrawals from multiple bank and credit union locations in New Hampshire. Borlotti and others used gift cards re-encoded with stolen bank account information in order to make withdrawals using ATM machines. Law enforcement officers viewed ATM video surveillance and other records in order to identify Borlotti and the other individuals making the withdrawals.
Borlotti has been in custody since his arrest re-entering the country at Miami International Airport in late October 2019. The Court released Borlotti to ICE custody and he is likely to be removed to Brazil. The Court will sentence him by video at a later date.
“Federal law will continue to be enforced despite the challenges associated with the COVID-19 virus,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Preventing the victimization of the public will remain a priority. Fraudsters who steal money from bank accounts deprive hard-working Americans of their savings. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the criminals who operate bank fraud schemes.”
“Protecting citizens and financial institutions from cyber-enabled fraud remains a priority for the U.S. Secret Service.” said Timothy Benitez, Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Manchester Resident Office.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Dover Police Department, the Rochester Police Department, the Portsmouth Police Department, the Barrington Police Department, and the Durham Police Department. The Miami (Florida) and York (Maine) Police Departments also provided assistance. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.
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Manchester Man Sentenced to 46 Months for Being A Felon in Possession of A Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
CONCORD - David Weekly, 24, of Manchester, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 2, 2019, a Manchester police officer stopped a vehicle for not having its lights turned on. The officer approached the vehicle and recognized Weekly from previous contacts.
When Weekly opened the side window, the officer noted a strong smell of freshly burnt marijuana. The officer also noted a bulge in Weekly’s waistband and asked Weekly to step out of the vehicle. As soon as Weekly stepped out of the vehicle, he admitted that he had a gun in his waist. The officer found a handgun and a loaded extended 31-round magazine in Weekly’s possession. As a convicted felon, Weekly is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The firearm had been reported stolen on August 23, 2018 in Manchester.
Weekly previously pleaded guilty on December 4, 2019.
“In order protect the public, it is vital to keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Even as we battle the coronavirus, the law enforcement community is working together to keep the public safe from armed criminals. Thanks to the work of the Manchester Police Department and the ATF, this defendant will no longer present a danger to the community.”
“Today’s sentencing demonstrates the outstanding partnership between the Manchester Police Department and the ATF as well as the commitment we share to work together to interdict illegal firearms and the criminals that compromise the safety of our communities,” said Kelly D. Brady Special Agent in Charge, Boston Field Division.
“The Manchester Police Department is pleased with the sentencing of David Weekly,” said Chief Carlo Capano. “Weekly is an absolute danger to the public. City residents and the citizens of New Hampshire are much safer without him on the streets. I am very impressed with the work that Manchester Officers did, as well as our federal counterparts. The collaborative efforts helped make this successful resolution possible.”
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Manchester Police Department. The case was 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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Enfield Man Charged with Unlawfully Possessing A Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Scotty Gonzalez, 28, of Enfield, was arrested on Wednesday for the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to a criminal complaint, Gonzalez is legally prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction and a prior conviction for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. On July 31, 2019, probation officers found Gonzalez in possession of a rifle and over 300 rounds of ammunition at his residence in Enfield.
Gonzalez was taken into federal custody on Wednesday and appeared before a federal magistrate judge by video. He was ordered detained pending further proceedings.
“Even as our state is dealing with issues related to the coronavirus pandemic, federal law must be enforced in order to ensure community safety,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Convicted felons and those who have committed crimes of domestic violence are prohibited from possessing firearms. In order to maintain public safety and prevent violent crime, we will continue to work with ATF to identify and prosecute those who unlawfully possess guns and ammunition.”
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with assistant from New Hampshire Probation and Parole Officers. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is 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. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
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U.S. Attorney Urges the Public to Report Suspected Fraud Related to the Covid-19 OutbreakRead the Press Release
CONCORD – U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray of the District of New Hampshire today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address [email protected]. The public also can report fraud to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.IC3.gov.
In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes.
“During this national emergency, a small number of cruel and self-serving individuals are seeking to profit from the public’s fear of COVID-19,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “There are reports of fraudsters selling counterfeit products and fake cures or setting up malicious websites in order to take advantage of people who are attempting to protect themselves from the virus. Such criminal exploitation will not be tolerated and will receive the full attention of federal law enforcement. I urge anyone who becomes aware of this type of fraud to report it. We will work closely with all of our law enforcement partners to end these despicable schemes and bring the criminals to justice.”
In addition to the NCDF hotline, citizens also can report fraud to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) by visiting www.IC3.gov.
“With the outbreak of COVID-19, scammers have found a platform that preys on people’s fears and could make them more likely to be victimized,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “We want you to help us stop these fraudsters by reporting suspicious activity, fraud, and attempted fraud at ic3.gov. We also want you to avoid falling prey to these scams. So don't click on links within emails from senders you don't recognize, always independently verify the information originates from a legitimate source, never supply your login credentials or financial data in response to an email, and visit websites by inputting their domains manually. By working together, we can help stop this type of activity."
Some examples of the fraudulent schemes related to COVID-19 include:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
- Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities. The District of New Hampshire Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator is Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Hunter. AUSA Hunter can be reached through the main number at the U.S. Attorney’s Office – (603) 225-1552.
The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
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New Hampshire U.S. Attorney Announces Nearly $60 Million in Grants Available to Support Prisoners’ Successful Reentry into Their CommunitiesRead the Press Release
Concord – U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray of New Hampshire today announced that nearly $60 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address public safety by supporting successful reentry of adult and juvenile offenders into their communities.
“When prisoners are released from custody, we need to make sure that they can transition effectively back into society,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “By assisting these individuals to become productive members of society, we reduce the risk of recidivism and improve public safety. These grants can assist our communities in accomplishing these important goals.”
“Our nation is facing difficult public safety challenges that demand strong and immediate action. The high rate of recidivism poses a dire threat to community safety and is being met with a robust response by this Administration,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this persistent challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including adult and juvenile reentry initiatives and research projects designed to improve our knowledge of what works in reentry programming.
A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.
Correctional Adult Reentry Education, Employment, and Recidivism Reduction Strategies Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17104
Total Available $7.2 million Deadline 4/27/2020
Improving Community Supervision Outcomes Through Swift, Certain, and Fair Responses
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17096
Total Available $3 million Deadline 4/28/2020
Improving Reentry for People with Substance Use Disorders Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/SCASUD20
Total Available $13.2 million Deadline 4/27/2020
Innovations in Reentry Initiative: Building System Capacity & Testing Strategies to Reduce Recidivism
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17281
Total Available $4 million Deadline 5/4/2020
Research and Evaluation on Promising Reentry Initiatives https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17295
Total Available $6 million Deadline 5/5/2020
Review and Validation of the First Step Act Risk Assessment Tool https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-fsa
Total Available: Determined after selection Deadline 4/10/2020
Second Chance Act Community-Based Reentry Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17110
Total Available $13.5 million Deadline 5/4/2020
Second Chance Act Evaluation Participation Support
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17680
Total Available $4 million Deadline 4/28/2020
Second Chance Act Youth Offender Reentry Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh176/files/media/document/ojjdp-2020-17350.pdf
Total Available $7 million Deadline 4/28/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
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New Hampshire U.S. Attorney Announces More Than $83 Million Available to Support School SafetyRead the Press Release
Concord – U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray of New Hampshire today announced that more than $83 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities improve school security and protect students, teachers and faculty from threats of violence.
“Children should be able to attend school in a safe environment where they focus on learning, not fear of tragic events,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “These grants will assist communities in improving the security of children and school staff so that schools can focus on their education mission.”
“School violence is no longer an abstract threat but has become a tragic reality in too many of America’s communities. Moving to meet this challenge is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to tighten school security and improve the reporting of threats.
A number of funding opportunities for school safety are currently open, with another opening in the near future:
Research and Evaluation on School Safety
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Total Available $5 million Deadline 4/13/2020
STOP Act School Violence Program (FY20)
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Total Available $71.4 million Deadline 4/13/2020
Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17926
Total Available $7 million Deadline 4/27/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities.
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New Hampshire U.S. Attorney Announces More Than $65 Million Available to Fight Human Trafficking and Help Trafficking VictimsRead the Press Release
Concord – U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray of New Hampshire today announced that more than $65 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities combat human trafficking and serve adults and children who are victimized in trafficking operations.
“The crimes of sex trafficking and labor trafficking victimize some of the most vulnerable members of our communities, including minors and the economically disadvantaged,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Human trafficking is modern day slavery and it cannot be tolerated in a free society. Here in New Hampshire, the Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force and other efforts have been vital in obtaining justice for victims of human trafficking. These new grant opportunities will provide additional financial support that will allow communities to expand their efforts to combat human trafficking, protect victims, and educate the public about the impact of this crime.”
“Our nation is facing difficult challenges, none more pressing than the scourge of human trafficking. Human traffickers pose a dire threat to public safety and countering this threat remains one of the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight against this insidious crime. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs that support human trafficking task forces and services for human trafficking survivors.
A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.
Missing and Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17351
Total Available $1.8 million Deadline 4/6/2020 (Extended)
Multidisciplinary Task Force Program to Combat Human Trafficking
Total Available $22 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Preventing Trafficking of Girls
Total Available $1.7 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Research and Evaluation on Trafficking in Persons https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17324
Total Available $2.5 million Deadline 4/20/2020
Services for Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $16.5 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Specialized Training and Technical Assistance on Housing for Victims of Human Trafficking Total Available $2 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Program
Total Available $5 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $6 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Labor Trafficking
Total Available $8 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
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New Hampshire U.S. Attorney Announces More Than $163 Million Available to Fight Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
Concord – U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray of New Hampshire today announced that more than $163 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address America’s addiction crisis.
“New Hampshire has been hit hard by the opioid crisis and faces additional addiction-related threats, including a growing methamphetamine problem,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “While the law enforcement community will continue to focus on targeting the drug traffickers who seek to profit from those who suffer from addiction, these grants can provide valuable resources to help our communities fight addiction and curtail the demand for these dangerous substances.”
“Our nation is facing the difficult challenge of curbing substance addiction, which threatens public safety and is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to prevent overdose deaths and break the cycle of addiction and crime.
A number of funding opportunities that address the addiction crisis are currently open:
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17098
Total Available $1.75 million Deadline 5/14/2020
Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/COSSAP20
Total Available $27 million Deadline 5/21/2020
Enhancing Community Responses to America's Addiction Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims
https://www.ovc.gov/grants/pdftxt/fy-2020-enhancing-community-responses-to-drug-crisis.pdf
Total Available: $19 million Deadline: 5/4/2020
Family Drug Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17090
Total Available $18.2 million Deadline 4/8/2020 (Extended)
Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17754
Total Available $28.1 Deadline 5/5/2020
Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17051
Total Available $7.2 million Deadline 4/13/2020 (Extended)
Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-16930
Total Available $48 million Deadline 4/13/2020
Opioid Affected Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17352
Total Available $9 million Deadline 4/20/2020
Research and Evaluation on Drugs and Crime https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17275
Total Available $1 million Deadline 4/20/2020
Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners
https://bja.ojp.gov/RSAT20
Total Available $4.5 million Deadline 4/6/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
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Mexican National Sentenced to 144 Months in Prison for Six Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - A Mexican national residing in Manchester was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison after being convicted of committing six armed robberies, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Guillermo Garcia Esquivel, 36, committed six armed robberies of convenience stores in Manchester between January 5, 2019 and February 24, 2019. During each of the robberies, Esquivel pointed what appeared to be a black handgun at the victim cashier and demanded money. In two of the robberies, he also displayed a knife. Esquivel stole in excess of $5,000 during these robberies.
Esquivel previously pleaded guilty on November 19, 2019. In addition to his prison sentence, he was ordered to pay $4,530 in restitution. Esquivel does not have lawful status in the United States. After serving his prison sentence, he faces likely removal to Mexico.
“This defendant’s actions terrorized clerks at multiple stores and jeopardized the safety of the public,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We will not tolerate violent crime in Manchester or anywhere in the Granite State. This case demonstrates our commitment to working with the Manchester Police Department, ATF, and all of our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate armed violent criminals who threaten our citizens.”
“Individuals such as Esquivel who are brazen enough to commit armed robberies present a clear and present danger to our community,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly D. Brady, ATF Boston Field Division. “The sentence in this case sends an unequivocal message that this conduct will not be tolerated and provides further evidence of ATF’s commitment to combating violent crime by utilizing all available resources to make our communities safer.”
This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. 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.
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Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Kenneth Rawson, 34, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to committing a bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
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 is scheduled to be sentenced on June 23, 2020.
“Bank robberies are violent crimes that put bank employees, customers, and members of the public at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to protect the public from violent crime, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit bank robberies in the Granite State. I am grateful to the Manchester Police and the FBI for their efforts to ensure that this defendant was brought to justice.”
"Kenneth Rawson has twice now accepted responsibility for his actions – first, by telling officers, ‘I robbed a bank,’ as they pursued him from the scene of the crime, and again today before a federal judge. But words alone aren’t sufficient to remedy his claim to a defenseless teller that he was strapped to a bomb at the time of the holdup,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “In addition to bank robbery, Rawson is responsible for creating an environment of fear in a place of business, where bystanders could have been hurt, or worse. For that, it’s the court’s punishment that needs to speak loud and clear.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.
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Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute DrugsRead the Press Release
CONCORD - James M. Nesbitt, 43, of Rochester, pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Nesbitt conspired with two other individuals to possess with the intent to distribute, and to distribute, fentanyl and crystal “ice” methamphetamine. On November 7, 2018, the New Hampshire State Police (“NHSP”) conducted a vehicle stop of Nesbitt’s vehicle and seized fentanyl, crystal “ice” methamphetamine, and other narcotics. Later the same evening, the NHSP and DEA searched Nesbitt’s hotel room in Ossipee and seized approximately 171 grams of crystal “ice” methamphetamine, smaller quantities of fentanyl and other narcotics, and a Springfield Armory XD45 semi-automatic handgun. On December 20, 2018, DEA agents arrested Nesbitt and a co-conspirator at their Rochester residence and seized fentanyl and four firearms and assorted ammunition.
Nesbitt is scheduled to be sentenced on June 15, 2020.
“Armed drug traffickers present a serious threat to the safety of the citizens of New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to prevent violent crime and maintain public safety, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute drug dealers who arm themselves with firearms. I commend the investigators in this case for stopping this drug trafficking conspiracy.”
This case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.
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Lawrence Man Sentenced to 40 Months for Participating in a Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Jared Gil, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced in federal court to 40 months for participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in February and March of 2019, Gil conspired with co-defendant Yadoris Arias to distribute fentanyl. On February 13, 2019, Gil and Arias drove from Massachusetts to Manchester and sold approximately 20 grams of fentanyl for $600. On March 25, 2019, Gil and Arias again drove to Manchester and were arrested with more than 80 grams of fentanyl concealed in the air vent of their vehicle.
Gil previously pleaded guilty on August 1, 2019. Arias pleaded guilty September 12, 2019 and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 31, 2020.
“Interstate fentanyl trafficking is causing tremendous damage to public health and safety in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to protect our community, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate those who bring this deadly drug into the Granite State.”
“Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities here in New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Let this sentences be a warning to those traffickers who are coming from out of state to distribute this poison, that DEA and its local, state and federal partners will do everything in our power to bring you to justice.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.
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Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Goods from the United States to IranRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Aiden Davidson, a/k/a Hamed Aliabadi, 32, of Tennessee, pleaded guilty on Monday in federal court to smuggling goods from the United States to Iran, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Davidson, is a citizen of Iran and a naturalized citizen and resident of the United States. Davidson was the manager/member and registered agent of a New Hampshire limited liability company, Golden Gate International, LLC (“Golden Gate”). Babazedeh Trading Co., a/k/a “Babazadeh Hydraulic Trading Group” (“Babazadeh”) was an Iranian company that operated an online resale business based in Tehran, Iran. Stare Lojistik Enerji Sanayi Ticaret (“Stare”) was a Turkish freight forwarding company with a location in Igdir, Turkey.
Between December 2016 and February 2017, Davidson and Golden Gate smuggled goods from Savannah, Georgia, to Babazadeh in Iran. The goods included motors, pumps, valves, and other items that were valued at more than $100,000. Documents related to the shipments falsely identified the Ultimate Consignee of the shipments as Stare in Turkey. In causing the unlicensed exportation of these goods, Davidson and Golden Gate willfully evaded national security controls related to transactions with Iran.
Again, between April 2017 and August 2017, Davidson and Golden Gate knowingly smuggled goods from Savannah, Georgia, to Babazadeh in Iran. The goods included displacement pumps that were valued at approximately $13,000. Documents related to these shipments falsely identified the Ultimate Consignee of the shipments as Ariyanis Group in Turkey. In causing the unlicensed exportation of these goods, Davidson and Golden Gate willfully evaded national security controls related to transactions with Iran.
The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17, 2020.
“Export controls are important legal restrictions that are intended to prevent certain items from being used to jeopardize our national security,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “By smuggling these goods from the United States to Iran, the defendant violated federal law. In order to maintain our national security and protect the people of the United States, we will not hesitate to bring federal criminal charges against those who seek to evade the law by smuggling goods to Iran.”
“We will fully and aggressively enforce our nation’s restrictions on exports to Iran,” said Special Agent in Charge William Higgins of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement, Boston Field Office. “The controls on exports to Iran help apply maximum pressure on Iran to end its promotion of instability and terrorism worldwide. The Office of Export Enforcement will continue to work with our Law Enforcement partners to stem illicit trade that threatens U.S. national security and undermines U.S. foreign policy.”
“Homeland Security Investigations remains committed to enforcing export controls on Iran,” stated Special Agent in Charge Jason Molina of the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations. “These efforts are exemplified in the investigation of Golden Gate International and Aidan Davidson’s illegal export of restricted materials. HSI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to monitor and investigate export violations committed by Iran or her proxies.”
This matter was investigated by the Department of Commerce's Office of Export Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Davis and Cam Le.
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Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - James Gadwah, 52, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to methamphetamine trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Gadwah sold methamphetamine to a cooperating individual on three separate occasions in June of 2019. Gadwah was arrested on June 27, 2019, and officers searched his vehicle. In the vehicle, officers found over 60 grams of methamphetamine.
Gadwah is scheduled to be sentenced on June 9, 2020.
“Methamphetamine is a dangerous drug that is appearing with alarming frequency in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “I am grateful to the Concord Police for stopping this individual from continuing to sell this dangerous substance. In order to protect the public, we are committed to working with all of our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who distribute methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs.”
This matter was investigated by the Concord Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.
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Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Michael Jones, 47, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to drug trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from March 18, 2019 until April 19, 2019, a cooperating individual, at the direction of Manchester Police Department detectives, arranged on three occasions to buy methamphetamine from Jones.
Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on June 8, 2020.
“Drug trafficking continues present a significant risk to public health and safety,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to combat this threat, we will continue to work closely with the Manchester Police Department and our other law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who threaten the community by selling drugs.”
This matter was investigated by the Manchester 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 Aiding and Abetting Making a False Statement During the Attempted Acquisition of a FirearmRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Jacob Dionne, 22, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to aiding and abetting the making of a false statement during the attempted acquisition of a firearm, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 11, 2017, a federally licensed firearms dealer located in Hooksett contacted ATF agents about a possible straw purchase by a female. The store did not go through with the sale and described the vehicle that the female left in. ATF agents subsequently observed the vehicle on Hooksett Road in Hooksett. Dionne was one of the people in the vehicle.
The female admitted that Dionne asked her to buy a firearm, and stated that he offered to pay her $200 and fill her gas tank for making the purchase. The female agreed to purchase a firearm and Dionne gave her his credit card to make the purchase. While at the licensed firearms dealer, evidence showed Dionne spoke to the female and pointed to the handgun display. The female admitted that she completed paperwork and falsely stated that she was buying the firearm for herself. In fact, she was purchasing the firearm for Dionne.
Dionne was prohibited from acquiring firearms at the time of the attempted purchase.
Dionne is scheduled to be sentenced on June 12, 2020.
“Federal firearms laws exist in order to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals and those who cannot lawfully possess guns,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Those who seek to evade federal law by lying in order to purchase guns, or by getting others to do so, will be identified and prosecuted. Enforcing these laws will help to reduce crime and keep our community safe.”
This matter was investigated by the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and 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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Texas Woman Pleads Guilty to Making False Statement to Obtain Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Linda Jackson, 64, of Mabank, Texas, pleaded guilty in federal court to making false statements to obtain Social Security benefits, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Jackson received Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) benefits for over 10 years. During the application process, Jackson did not report she was living with someone as husband and wife and that he was paying for her living expenses. They lived together in Marlborough, New Hampshire, and spent their winters in their other home in Mabank, Texas. Had Jackson honestly reported her living and financial arrangement in her application, she would have been ineligible for SSI benefits.
SSA occasionally interviewed Jackson to determine if she remained entitled to benefits. In those interviews, Jackson again misrepresented her living and financial arrangement. She also did not disclose her relationship with another individual whom she eventually married, the financial support he provided her, or her restaurant and catering business to SSA. SSA became aware of Ms. Jackson’s husband when she applied for survivor’s benefits after his death.
Jackson’s shared living arrangement and marriage, if properly reported, would have disqualified her from receiving benefits. Applicants for certain disability benefits must have limited income and resources in order to qualify for assistant. The incomes of all members of a household are considered when determining an individual’s eligibility for SSI benefits. As a result of her concealment, Jackson received over $75,000 in benefits that she was not entitled to receive.
Jackson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 8, 2020.
“Federal benefits programs provide important financial support to needy beneficiaries,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Those who lie in order to obtain benefits that they are not entitled to receive are stealing from Social Security and cheating everyone who pays taxes to support the programs. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who swindle government programs for their personal financial gain.”
This matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter.
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Chichester Car Dealer Sentenced to Six Months in Prison for Financial CrimesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Michael A. Albert, 52, of Chichester, was sentenced to six months in federal prison for structuring cash deposits from his business, Mike’s Affordable Auto, LLC, for the purpose of evading bank reporting requirements, money laundering, and evading reporting requirements with respect to cash transactions in excess of $10,000, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Albert, who ran a used car business at locations in Concord and Chichester, knew that if he deposited cash in amounts more than $10,000, the bank was required to file reports of those transactions with the IRS. Albert structured cash deposits from his business in order to evade the reporting requirements imposed on the bank. Additionally, Albert accepted cash in amounts greater than $10,000 for the purchase of vehicles from a person who represented that the cash was proceeds of illegal drug trafficking. Albert also failed to file required forms with the IRS identifying cash receipts in his business in excess of $10,000.
Albert previously pleaded guilty on September 10, 2019. In addition to his sentence, Albert agreed to forfeit $434,201 in a related civil forfeiture proceeding.
“Federal bank reporting laws help to protect against money laundering and other financial crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The defendant’s criminal activities, including laundering money that he believed to be drug proceeds, were serious offenses. Today’s sentence sends a message that those who commit financial crimes will face substantial consequences for their actions.”
“Federal laws that regulate the reporting of financial transactions are in place to detect and stop illegal activities. Michel Albert conducted transactions that were by design, intended to avoid such reporting requirements,” said IRS Special Agent In Charge Kristina O’Connell. “IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to enforcing these laws and will continue working collaboratively with our law enforcement partners to investigate this type of criminal behavior.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, with assistance from Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Manchester Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold Huftalen. The civil forfeiture matter is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Rabuck.
This case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
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Fitchburg Woman Sentenced to 60 Months for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Mallory Nooks, 31, of Fitchburg, was sentenced yesterday in federal court to 60 months for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 14, 2018, Nooks possessed 14 baggies of crack cocaine that she intended to distribute, after she had already distributed crack cocaine to another individual. She also possessed a loaded Ruger LCR 38 Special, .38 caliber pistol in her purse.
Nooks previously pleaded guilty on November 20, 2019.
“Traffickers in crack cocaine endanger the lives and safety of their customers as well as the general public,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The threat is enhanced when the trafficker is armed with a gun. The 5 year sentence imposed on this defendant should serve as a caution to others who would choose to sell dangerous drugs while armed.”
“Mallory Nooks thought she was above the law and could traffic cocaine without any consequences. But clearly, she was wrong. Today’s sentence should be a warning to others that there is zero tolerance for those who deal drugs and fuel violent crime in our communities because the safety of our neighborhoods is not negotiable,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Nashua Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana Konesky and Anna Krasinski.
This case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
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Canadian Man Sentenced to 15 Months for Conspiracy to Commit Bank FraudRead the Press Release
CONCORD –Ajitharan Raveendran, 29, of Toronto, Ontario, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for participating in a conspiracy to commit bank fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today. Raveendran faces likely removal to Canada after the completion of his prison sentence.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2019, Tharushan Nirmalachandran, Syed Hoque, and Raveendran, conspired with others to withdraw money from other persons’ bank accounts by using cloned debit cards at ATMs. A “cloned” debit card is a gift card or other type of card that has been re-encoded to contain other persons’ debit card information. Blank credit and debit or gift cards can be encoded with stolen credit and debit card information using an “MSR” or “Magnetic Stripe Reader” machine. An MSR machine can read and write the information stored in the magnetic stripe on the back of credit and debit cards.
On Friday, April 26, 2019, a witness reported to the Hudson Police Department that a man later identified as Hoque drove his car through an ATM in Hudson, New Hampshire, several times to make withdrawals. The Hudson Police responded and found Hoque in his car at the ATM. The officer saw that Hoque was holding a cell phone that was displaying several sets of numbers on the screen and saw a large amount of cash on the front passenger seat of his car and several ATM or credit cards on the center console.
A search of Hoque’s phone revealed text messages in an application called “WhatsApp” from the weekend of April 24 through 26, 2019. One group message chain from April 26, 2019, showed members of the conspiracy coordinating their activities as they withdrew money from ATMs with the cloned debit cards.
The trio was operating out of a hotel room in Methuen, Massachusetts. Hotel surveillance video showed that, early in the morning on April 27, 2019, Nirmalachandran and Raveendran carried large duffle bags out of their hotel room. Investigators later found duffle bags during a search of Nirmalachandran’s car that contained (i) a portable MSR machine; (ii) 103 Visa, American Express, and MasterCard gift cards, 96 of which contained cloned debit card information; (iii) over $51,000 United States currency; and (iv) a Hewlett Packard laptop computer. A later search of the computer revealed text files that contained over 170 debit card numbers.
In total, from April 25, 2019, through April 27, 2019, members of the conspiracy successfully withdrew at least $43,980.00 and attempted to withdraw an additional $69,900.00 from other people’s bank accounts using cloned debit cards.
Raveendran pleaded guilty on November 14, 2019.
Nirmalachandran previously pleaded guilty on November 4, 2019, and, on February 14, 2020, was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment.
In addition to their prison sentences, Raveendran and Nirmalachandran were ordered to pay $43,980 in restitution and have been ordered to forfeit over $61,000.
Hoque pleaded guilty December 13, 2019 and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 1, 2020.
“Bank fraud causes serious financial losses and inconvenience to victims, drives up business costs and undermines confidence in our banking system,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Fraudsters who steal hard-earned money from innocent victims should expect to be caught, prosecuted and incarcerated. I am grateful to the law enforcement officers whose excellent work led to this successful prosecution.”
This matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service, with assistance from the Hudson and Methuen Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Hunter.
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Milford Woman Sentenced to 24 Months for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Melissa Babian, 40, of Milford, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for drug trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in October of 2018, members of the Hillsborough County Sherriff’s Task Force together with the Milford Police Department, investigated Babian for selling heroin andfentanyl in Milford. On October 29, 2018, a cooperating individual working at the direction of law enforcement purchased fentanyl from Babian.
“Fentanyl trafficking continues to cause great damage to communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Through Operation S.O.S., we are working with our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate the fentanyl traffickers who choose to do business in Hillsborough County.”
This matter was investigated by the Milford Police Department and the Hillsborough County Sherriff’s Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim Barth with assistance from the Milford Police Prosecutor, Karinne Brobst, Esq.
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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Lawrence Man Pleads Guilty to Participating in Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Christian Villar, 26, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 24, 2019, co-conspirators Geovanny Rafael Perdomo-Mancebo and Zorelys Sosa planned to sell a quantity of fentanyl to a customer who was actually an undercover DEA agent. Due to the large quantity of fentanyl being sold, Perdomo-Mancebo and Sosa recruited Villar to hold the fentanyl in a safe location while they retrieved payment from the customer. Perdomo-Mancebo and Sosa dropped Villar off at a restaurant with the fentanyl shortly before departing to meet the customer outside a store in New Hampshire, at which time they were stopped and arrested. Villar was found to be in possession of 128.6 grams of a fentanyl.
Villar is scheduled to be sentenced on May 27, 2020. Co-conspirator Perdomo-Mancebo is scheduled to be sentenced on April 22, 2020. Sosa is scheduled to be sentenced on April 21, 2020.
“Interstate fentanyl traffickers are engaged in a criminal enterprise that makes a lethal substance available for sale in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Stopping the activities of these conspirators serves to protect the health and safety of our citizens. We will continue to closely coordinate with DEA and all of our law enforcement partners to shut down the interstate supply line for these drugs.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Davis and Jarad Hodes.
This case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
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Nashua Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Autumn St. John, 27, of Nashua, pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to drug trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 29, 2018, a cooperating individual, at the direction of the Nashua Police Department, purchased fentanyl from St. John. Later, on June 3, 2019, a Nashua detective on patrol watched St. John make a hand-to-hand sale of fentanyl. After being arrested, St. John admitted that she had just sold drugs to a customer.
St. John is scheduled to be sentenced on May 27, 2020.
“Fentanyl is a dangerous drug that is damaging lives throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Through Operation S.O.S., we are working with the Nashua Police Department and all of our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who are distributing fentanyl and other deadly drugs in Hillsborough County.”
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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