District of New Hampshire
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Manchester Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Jai Britt, 45, of Manchester, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for drug trafficking on Wednesday, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in November, 2018, a cooperating individual disclosed to the Manchester Police Department that Britt had been selling the individual crack cocaine and heroin multiple times per week over the past month.
On November 29, 2018, at the direction of law enforcement officers, the cooperating individual made a call to Britt to purchase drugs and then purchased fentanyl from Britt at Britt’s apartment.
On December 11, 2018, Britt was arrested outside his apartment. During a search of his apartment, officers found approximately 135grams of crack cocaine, 194 grams of cocaine, and 1.5 grams of heroin.
“Drug traffickers cause tremendous damage to public health and safety,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Through Operation S.O.S., we are working with the Manchester Police Department and other law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate the drug traffickers who are jeopardizing public safety with their unlawful conduct.”
This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department. The case was 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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Billerica, Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 15 Months for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Ricardo Jacques Pierre, 29, of Billerica, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 14, 2019, the Pelham Police Department received a complaint of an erratic driver. Law enforcement officers stopped the vehicle. A strong odor of marijuana was coming from the vehicle.
Pierre was identified as the operator, owner, and sole occupant of the vehicle. The police executed a search warrant on the vehicle and found a Smith & Wesson, Model 66-2 .375 Magnum caliber firearm and ammunition.
Pierre is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
“If we are going to prevent violent crime, we must keep firearms out of the hands of convicted felons,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We will strive to maintain public safety by working with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute criminals who possess firearms unlawfully.”
“This sentencing demonstrates the outstanding partnership between ATF and the Pelham Police Department as well as the commitment we share to work together to interdict illegal firearms and arrest the criminals that compromise the safety of our communities” Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge.
This matter was investigated by the Alcohol, tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pelham 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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Nashua Man Pleads Guilty to Participating in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy in Nashua AreaRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Marvin Morrison, 37, of Nashua, pleaded guilty in federal court to 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on May 13, 2020.
In addition to Morrison, six defendants in this case have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Another defendant, Donald Johnson, was sentenced to 42 months in prison. Three other defendants are awaiting trial.
“Drug trafficking destroys lives and damages the quality of life in Nashua and communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Stopping the distribution of crack cocaine and other illegal drugs requires the close cooperation of law enforcement at all levels. Working together, we can break up the networks that funnel these dangerous substances into our state. I commend the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and Nashua Police Department for their excellent work.”
“Marvin Morrison’s guilty plea, and those of his co-conspirators, should show others pushing drugs for ruthless organizations that they, too, will fall when the FBI and our law enforcement partners dismantle their trafficking trade,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The citizens of Nashua deserve to be safe, healthy, and free of criminals making a living by putting them at risk of addiction and in some cases, death.”
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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Manchester Man Sentenced to 12 Months and 1 Day for Trafficking Synthetic CannabinoidsRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Heath Palmer, 39, of Manchester, was sentenced in federal court to 12 months and 1 day of imprisonment for possessing an unlawful synthetic cannabinoid product with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to statements made in court, on April 18, 2019, Palmer was observed by police officers conducting hand-to-hand sales from a car. The Manchester Police stopped Palmer and he voluntarily turned over the product he was selling. Palmer claimed that the product did not contain illegal substances. Testing by the New Hampshire State Police Forensic Laboratory confirmed, however, that the product contained an illegal substance, 5F-MDMB-PICA.
On May 7, 2019, Palmer was informed by the Manchester Police that the substance he was selling was in fact illegal under federal law. Three days later, the Manchester Police observed Palmer continuing to make hand-to-hand sales from a car. The police stopped the car and seized the product that Palmer was selling. The product was again tested, and it contained the same illegal substance, 5F-MDMB-PICA.
Palmer previously pleaded guilty on October 10, 2019.
According to the DEA, synthetic cannabinoids, which commonly are referred to by names such as “Spice” or “K2,” are designer drugs that are made in laboratories. The chemicals often are sprayed onto plant substances and then smoked in order to obtain a high. These substances have severe adverse effects and have often led to overdoses. In addition to the dangers associated with the chemical substances themselves, the lack of manufacturing standards may lead to increased health risks.
The DEA issued a regulation on April 16, 2019, that made 5F-MDMB-PICA and several other synthetic cannabinoids Schedule I controlled substances. In its order, the DEA noted that this drug had been associated with over 47 overdoses in Connecticut and at least 244 overdoses in Washington, D.C. Further information is available at https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/fed_regs/rules/2019/fr0416.htm and https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/sites/getsmartaboutdrugs.com/files/publications/DoA_2017Ed_Updated_6.16.17.pdf#page=88.
“Synthetic cannabinoids are extremely dangerous substances that can cause great physical harm,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Those who refer to these dangerous drugs as synthetic marijuana help to create confusion that can mislead users about the real hazards associated with these substances. Those who distribute synthetic cannabinoids are endangering public health and safety and breaking federal law. As this case shows, we will not hesitate to prosecute and incarcerate those who are profiting from selling these dangerous drugs.”
“There is a misconception that synthetic cannabinoids, known on the street as synthetic marijuana, K2, and Spice, are safe. Synthetic cannabinoids are anything but safe,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “They are a toxic cocktail of lethal chemicals with serious health and safety risks. This investigation represents local, state and federal law enforcement’s efforts to combat this public threat.”
“I’m very pleased that we were able to see Palmer prosecuted,” says Manchester Chief Carlo Capano. "His repeated behavior involving the sales of 'Spice' will not be tolerated in the city. The Manchester Police Department has been dealing with 'Spice' for some time now and these cases can be very difficult. I’d like to acknowledge the outstanding job our investigators did in putting this together.”
The case was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth R. Aframe.
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Canadian Man Sentenced to 15 Months for Conspiracy to Commit Bank FraudRead the Press Release
CONCORD –Tharushan Nirmalachandran, 30, of Ile-Bizard, Quebec, 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. Nirmalachandran faces likely removal to Canada after the completion of his prison sentence.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2019, Nirmalachandran, Syed Hoque, and Ajitharan 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.
Nirmalachandran previously pleaded guilty on November 4, 2019. In addition to his prison sentence, Nirmalachandran was ordered to pay $$43,980. The defendants in the case also have been ordered to forfeit over $61,000.
Hoque pleaded guilty December 13, 2019 and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 1, 2020.
Raveendran pleaded guilty on November 14, 2019 and will be sentenced on February 28, 2020.
“Those who commit bank fraud cause serious damage by stealing money from their victim’s bank accounts, driving up business costs, and undermining confidence in the banking system,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We will not hesitate to seek federal prison sentences for those who attempt to steal hard-earned money from innocent victims. I am grateful to the law enforcement officers whose excellent work led to this successful prosecution.”
“The U.S. Secret Service appreciates the coordination between local, federal and international partners. This cooperation is crucial when investigating trans-national criminal organizations that operate under the assumption they will not be detected in another country,” said Timothy Benitez, Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Manchester Resident Office.
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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Somersworth Felon Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
CONCORD - James Howard, 39, of Somersworth, pleaded guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 27, 2019, agents from the ATF executed a search warrant at a home where Howard stayed. At the home, agents found a Marlin Wester Auto firearm receiver and ammunition.
Howard is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Howard is scheduled to be sentenced on May 12, 2020.
“Preventing violent crime requires that we keep guns out of the hands of convicted felons,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Under Project Safe Neighborhoods we work closely with ATF, the Somersworth Police Department and all of our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute criminals who possess guns unlawfully.”
“This arrest demonstrates the outstanding partnership between ATF and the Somersworth Police Department 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 Char ATF Boston Field Division.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Somersworth 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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Nashua Man Sentenced to 42 Months for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Donald Johnson, 34, of Nashua, was sentenced in federal court to 42 months for participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Johnson was involved with a drug trafficking organization that distributed crack cocaine and other drugs to various customers in the Nashua area. Johnson purchased crack cocaine from the organization and re-sold it to his own customers. He also assisted other members of the organization with their distribution activities by, among other things, allowing them to use his residence to meet customers.
Johnson previously pleaded guilty on August 14, 2020.
“Drug trafficking destroys lives and undermines the quality of life in communities all over New Hampshire” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Stopping the distribution of illegal drugs requires the close cooperation of law enforcement at all levels. Working together we can maintain public safety. I commend the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and Nashua Police Department for bringing this drug trafficker to justice.”
“Donald Johnson’s role in this cocaine-trafficking ring was not insignificant to the people of Nashua, whose addictions he exploited. The record shows he offered up his home as a meeting place for customers, while doing his own crack deals on the side,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The truth is, any part played in illegal drug activity has a potentially deadly outcome, and so the FBI will continue to pursue investigations into both individuals and groups eager to profit from the pain and suffering of others.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force 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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Littleton Felon Convicted of Unlawfully Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that a federal jury found Johnathon Irish, 33, of Littleton, New Hampshire, guilty of one count of being a felon in possession of firearms after a four-day trial. The verdict was returned late on Wednesday afternoon.
In December of 2014, Johnathon Irish previously was convicted of aiding and abetting the making of a material false statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm and making a material false statement to a federal agent. In light of his felony convictions, he is legally prohibited from possessing firearms. Evidence presented at trial showed that between December of 2018 and November of 2019, Irish possessed at least two firearms, a Sig Sauer 1911, .45 caliber pistol and a Catamount Fury, 12 gauge shotgun.
Irish is scheduled to be sentenced on May 28, 2020.
“In order to maintain public safety, it is vital to keep guns out of the hands of convicted felons,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We will not hesitate to bring criminal charges against those who unlawfully possess guns. I appreciate the efforts of the FBI and State Police for their work investigating this case.”
“The goal of sentencing is to send a clear message of deterrence and rehabilitation. But it’s a message that Johnathon Irish chose to ignore,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “We thank the jury for its swift and prudent verdict because a felon who possesses a firearm when prohibited from doing so is a potential danger in a society where laws are respected and obeyed.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Krasinski and Kasey Weiland.
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U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray’s Statement Regarding Sanctuary CitiesRead the Press Release
CONCORD- Yesterday, Attorney General William Barr addressed the dangers that sanctuary cities and sanctuary policies pose to the general public. In jurisdictions that have adopted these policies, local law enforcement officers are restrained from working with their federal law enforcement partners. The result is that federal law enforcement officers are hampered in their efforts to locate, arrest, and remove people who are in the United States illegally. This may include individuals who are actively engaged in criminal conduct.
Barr’s remarks resonate in New Hampshire, where the opioid crisis has been fueled by foreign drug cartels who exploit our citizens for the sake of making a profit. Their lethal drugs reach our state through a network of traffickers who often employ criminal aliens as dealers to sell drugs in our communities. To shield themselves from arrest, criminal aliens often reside outside of our state, sometimes living in sanctuary cities where they feel safe.
The highest obligation of the government is to protect its citizens, especially from victimization by criminals. This requires coordination on the part of law enforcement at all levels. When local communities adopt sanctuary policies, those policies can jeopardize public safety by preventing the federal government from arresting and prosecuting removable aliens. While reasonable people can debate the merits of various immigration policies, few would contest that those who commit serious criminal offenses while unlawfully inside this country should be prosecuted and then removed from the United States. When a sanctuary jurisdiction refuses to honor an immigration detainer and releases a felon onto the street, all of our citizens are endangered. These policies also endanger the brave law enforcement officers who must try to identify and arrest criminal aliens after they have been released by sanctuary cities.
Here in New Hampshire, we frequently prosecute criminals who are unlawfully in this country, including those who have taken up residency in sanctuary cities in other states. Many of these criminal aliens have distributed fentanyl, heroin and other dangerous drugs, thereby causing great suffering. It is not uncommon to encounter criminal aliens who use fraudulent documents to mask their true identity and immigration status. If these criminals are released before they can be removed from the United States, it can be challenging to locate them again. Enforcing our laws is a complicated and difficult undertaking and sanctuary policies only make it more difficult to protect our citizens.
While New Hampshire has not been in the forefront of the sanctuary movement, it is important to realize that we are negatively impacted by the adoption of these policies in other states. The reality is that criminals can shelter behind sanctuary policies to the detriment of everyone else in society. This is especially true if you are an interstate drug dealer looking for a place to hide while hooking Granite Staters on your deadly product.
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Manchester Man Charged with Lying About Role in Rwandan Genocide to Procure U.S. CitizenshipRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Idrissa Gasana, 53, of Manchester, was indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with procuring citizenship or naturalization unlawfully based in part on providing false information about his participation in the Rwandan genocide.
The indictment alleges that Gasana provided false and fraudulent information about material facts on his application for naturalization as a United States citizen. One of the documents which Gasana is alleged to have falsified is a “Questionnaire for Rwandan Visa Applicants” which seeks to determine whether those seeking refugee status in the United States participated in the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. The indictment alleges that at the time of his naturalization as a United States citizen, Gasana was an inadmissible alien because he had participated in the Rwandan genocide.
Gasana was arrested on February 6, 2020. He is being held in custody pending a detention hearing on February 11, 2020.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana L. Konesky and Seth R. Aframe.
An indictment is merely an allegation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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District Election Officer and Primary Day Hotline Established by United States Attorney’s OfficeRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced the establishment of a Primary Day hotline that will be monitored throughout Primary Day on February 11, 2020, from 7 am to 8 pm. The hotline number is 603-230-2503. Inquiries and complaints may also be submitted through the United States Attorney’s Office web site at www.usdoj.gov/usao/nh by clicking on the “e-mail us” link.
Assistant United States Attorney Seth R. Aframe of the New Hampshire United States Attorney’s Office will oversee complaints of election fraud and abuse of voting rights in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington, D.C. In order to respond to these complaints and address any abuse of voting rights, AUSA Aframe will be on duty while the polls are open.
United States Attorney Murray said, “Under our Constitution, the right to vote is fundamental. Protecting the individual right to vote and assuring the legitimacy of the election process are critical Department of Justice priorities. Information about discrimination, intimidation or election fraud should be reported immediately to my office, the FBI, or the DOJ Civil Rights Division."
Complaints about ballot access problems or discrimination may also be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, D.C. at 1-800-253-3931.
A Federal Election Fraud Fact Sheet that explains federal criminal jurisdiction in connection with elections and voting rights is posted on the United States Attorney’s website: www.usdoj.gov/usao/nh.
Colebrook Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Methamphetamine Near a SchoolRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Michael R. Haynes, 39, of Colebrook, pleaded guilty in federal court to distribution of methamphetamine within a school zone, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 15, 2019, Haynes sold methamphetamine to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement officers. The sale occurred within 1,000 feet of an elementary school.
Haynes is scheduled to be sentenced on May 8, 2020.
“Methamphetamine presents a growing threat to people throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Communities in all parts of our state have been impacted. In order to maintain public safety, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who distribute this dangerous drug.”
This matter was investigated by the DEA, with assistance from the Colebrook Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, the New Hampshire Liquor Commission’s Division of Enforcement and Licensing, and the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Charles Rombeau and John S. Davis.
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Bronx Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Albert Paulin, 43, of Bronx, New York, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately August of 2017, to approximately January of 2018, Paulin conspired with others to withdraw money from other person’s bank accounts. Specifically, Paulin drove runners to a number of bank branches and provided them with false driver’s licenses that contained bank customers’ personal identifying information and the runners’ photographs. Paulin also provided the runners with the account holders’ bank account number. The runners then entered the bank branches and withdrew funds from bank accounts with the information provided by Paulin.
In total, Paulin’s runners successfully withdrew over $109,900 and attempted to withdraw an additional $43,700 from over 19 victims’ bank accounts.
Paulin is scheduled to be sentenced on May 14, 2020.
“Bank fraud and identify theft offenses cause great harm to victims and undermine confidence in our financial institutions,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The damage is increased when organized criminal conspiracies are involved. Fraudsters who come to New Hampshire to commit crimes should know that our law enforcement community is working hard to protect our citizens. Those who seek to profit from fraud will be caught and they will be prosecuted.”
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Hunter.
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Manchester Man Sentenced to 90 Months for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Brandon Andrade, 29, of Manchester, was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison for drug trafficking 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, in December of 2018, the Manchester Police Department began an investigation after receiving information from a confidential source that Andrade was dealing in large quantities of cocaine, heroin and fentanyl throughout Manchester.
On January 2, 2019, a cooperating individual bought approximately three grams of crack cocaine and approximately ten grams of fentanyl from Andrade. During the drug transaction, Andrade was armed with a handgun.
During a vehicle stop, Manchester police officers took Andrade into custody. An officer searched Andrade and found approximately 23.17 grams of fentanyl, .136 grams of cocaine base, and $1903. Shortly after the arrest, Manchester police officers executed a search warrant on Andrade’s residence and seized a Ruger.380 pistol, 25.64 grams of cocaine base, and approximately 250.8 grams of fentanyl.
Andrade previously pleaded guilty on September 30, 2019. In addition to his prison sentence, Andrade forfeited the firearm, ammunition, and over $2,000 to the United States.
“Drugs and guns are a potentially deadly combination,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Armed drug dealers are a serious threat to public safety. To protect communities in the Granite State, we will not hesitate to seek lengthy prison sentences for drug traffickers who use or possess guns.”
“Gun and drug crimes are a scourge on our communities and hold good citizens hostage in their homes. Everyone deserves a community where they feel safe,” said Special Agent in Kelly D. Brady. “ATF is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to make sure they have it. We will continue to use our resources to take armed drug dealers off our streets and put them behind bars where they belong.”
“Getting a known drug dealer like Brandon Andrade off the street is a great accomplishment,” says Manchester Police Chief Carlo Capano, “The Manchester Special Enforcement Division worked long hours to investigate this individual and this positive result is a testament to the hard work this agency does every day as we work diligently to keep our city safe.”
This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joachim Barth and 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.
This case also 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 42 Months for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Abelino Morales-Padilla, 38, of Manchester, was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for fentanyl trafficking on Friday, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2018, Morales-Padilla conspired with others to distribute fentanyl. On October 16, 2018, a confidential informant informed police that Morales-Padilla would be coming from Massachusetts to New Hampshire with a large quantity of fentanyl. Police officers identified the car and stopped Morales-Padilla for traffic violations in Londonderry. Law enforcement officers later located approximately 424 grams of fentanyl inside the vehicle.
Morales-Padilla previously pleaded guilty on July 30, 2019.
“Interstate fentanyl traffickers endanger our citizens by making this deadly substance available for sale in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We will not tolerate this hazardous and unlawful conduct. Those who transport fentanyl into the Granite State will be prosecuted and sentenced to federal prison.”
“Morales-Padilla and the other members of this drug trafficking organization believed they could operate with impunity selling fentanyl and other deadly narcotics for profit with no regard to human life,” said Jason J. Molina, acting special agent in charge for HSI Boston. “HSI and our law enforcement partners remain committed to putting any organization that is flooding our streets with fentanyl out of business and behind bars.”
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the New Hampshire State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Davis.
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Keene Man Charged with Extortion and ThreateningRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Christopher C. Cantwell, 39, of Keene, was indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with making extortionate communications and sending interstate threats, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
The indictment alleges that on June 16, 2019, Cantwell threatened to injure another person if the victim of the threat did not provide Cantwell with personal information about a third party.
Cantwell was arrested on January 23, 2020. He is being held in custody pending a detention hearing on January 28, 2020.
Cantwell’s trial has been scheduled for March 3 2020.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police, Keene Police Department, and the Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John S. Davis and Anna Krasinski.
An indictment is merely an allegation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Rochester Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Haley Hansler, 33, of Rochester, pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to 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 possess fentanyl with the intent to distribute and to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. On November 7, 2018, the New Hampshire State Police (“NHSP”) conducted a vehicle stop of a vehicle driven 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 United States Drug Enforcement Administration (“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 and Hansler’s semi-automatic handgun. On December 20, 2018, DEA agents arrested Hansler and a co-conspirator at their Rochester residence and seized approximately 60 grams of fentanyl, as well as four firearms and ammunition.
Hansler is scheduled to be sentenced on April 24, 2020.
“Fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine are lethal drugs that have caused serious harm to the people of New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The danger of drug trafficking is further enhanced when drug dealers are outfitted with firearms. The brave law enforcement officers who confront them deserve every protection the law can provide. Accordingly, we are committed to vigorously prosecuting traffickers who choose to possess firearms in furtherance of their drug trade.”
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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Gilford Man Pleads Guilty to Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Phillip R. Andrews, 80, of Gilford, pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday, to transportation of child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on or before June 13, 2016, Andrews used his cellular phone to produce sexually explicit images of a child under eighteen years of age. These images were uploaded onto his social media accounts using the internet.
Andrews is scheduled to be sentenced on April 28, 2020.
“Protecting the innocence of children is a top priority for federal law enforcement agencies,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Those who create, transport or distribute child pornography do grave harm to the victims who are portrayed in these images. In order to safeguard our young people, we work closely with HSI and all of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute child exploitation and child pornography crimes.”
“The conduct of Mr. Andrews will never be tolerated in any way, shape or form. The protection of innocent minors will always be an investigative priority of HSI. Investigations like this are a prime example of our public safety mission,” said, Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Boston. “HSI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to stand up for the victims who are subjected to unacceptable abuse with each and every downloaded image.”
This matter was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Gilford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam Le.
In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Lawrence Man Sentenced to 78 Months for Participating in Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Concord – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Henry Marte, 22, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced on Tuesday to 78 months in federal prison for participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Marte participated in a drug trafficking organization that was led by Sergio Martinez. Martinez employed numerous individuals to sell fentanyl to customers from various New England states, including New Hampshire. Some defendants, including Marte, worked for the Martinez organization by distributing 200-gram bags of fentanyl on a daily basis.
“Interstate fentanyl traffickers have caused tremendous damage to the health and safety of communities throughout New England,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to protect our citizens, we are working with all of our law enforcement partners to stop the flow of this deadly drug. Those who are responsible for distributing fentanyl should expect to spend substantial time in federal prison.”
This investigation was conducted 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.
The case was a collaborative investigation that involved the DEA; the New Hampshire State Police; the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office; the Nashua Police Department; the Massachusetts State Police; the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office; the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office; the Essex County District Attorney’s Office; the Internal Revenue Service; Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; United States Customs and Border Protection Boston Field Office; the United States Marshals Service; the United States Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service; the Manchester Police Department; the Lisbon Police Department; the Littleton Police Department; the Seabrook Police Department; the Haverhill (MA) Police Department; the Methuen (MA) Police Department; the Lowell (MA) Police Department; and the Maine State Police.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Georgiana L. Konesky and Seth R. Aframe.
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Five Men Indicted for Operating an International Procurement Network to Export U.S.-Origin Goods to Pakistan’s Nuclear ProgramRead the Press Release
Five men, all associated with the front company “Business World” in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and including Muhammad Kamran Wali (Kamran), 41, of Pakistan; Muhammad Ahsan Wali (Ahsan), 48, and Haji Wali Muhammad Sheikh (Haji), 82, both of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada; Ashraf Khan Muhammad (Khan) of Hong Kong; and Ahmed Waheed (Waheed), 52, of Ilford, Essex, United Kingdom, were indicted in federal court for conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Export Control Reform Act. The grand jury returned the indictment on Oct. 16, 2019, and it was unsealed today.
“The defendants smuggled U.S. origin goods to entities that have been designated for years as threats to U.S. national security for their ties to Pakistan’s weapons programs,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “This indictment puts the world on notice not to do business with these defendants and demonstrates our commitment to holding them accountable. It also stands as an example of the kind of deceptive behavior U.S. businesses need to watch out for in designing appropriate export control and sanctions compliance programs.”
“Federal export control laws are vital tools that help prevent items from being exported overseas where they could be used in ways that can jeopardize our national security,” said U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray for the District of New Hampshire. “In order to protect the safety and security of the American people, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify those who violate these important laws. We will continue to be vigilant in our efforts to identify individuals whose actions may jeopardize the national security of the United States.”
“The alleged behavior of these five individuals presented more than a violation of U.S. export laws, it posed a potential threat to the national security interests of the United States and to the delicate balance of power among nations within the region,” said Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations. “HSI’s Counterproliferation group proactively works investigations into U.S. import-export licensing laws violations because of the threat it can pose to our national security.”
“The indictments unsealed today are a result of the ongoing coordination and collaborative counter proliferation efforts by the Office of Export Enforcement, the Justice Department, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and Homeland Security Investigations,”said Special Agent in Charge William Higgins of the Office of Export Enforcement. “The Boston Field Office of the Office of Export Enforcement will continue to vigorously pursue violators with all its partners to stem illicit trade that threatens U.S. national security and undermines U.S. foreign policy.”
"Stopping the illegal exportation of sensitive defense technology is a top priority for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) and today's indictment is the result of a multi-agency effort," stated Special Agent in Charge Leigh-Alistair Barzey, DCIS Northeast Field Office. "The DCIS is committed to working with the USAO-NH, Homeland Security Investigations and the Office of Export Enforcement, to protect our nation's security by identifying, investigating and prosecuting criminal procurement networks."
According to the indictment, between September 2014 and October 2019, the defendants operated an international procurement network of front companies that existed to acquire U.S.-origin goods for the Advanced Engineering Research Organization (AERO) and the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), and to cause those goods to be exported from the United States to the entities without export licenses in violation of federals law. Both AERO and PAEC were on the Commerce Department’s Entity List, which imposes export license requirements for organizations whose activities are found to be contrary to U.S. national security or foreign policy interests. PAEC was added to the Entity List in 1998. AERO was added to the Entity List in 2014, after the U.S. Government found that it had used intermediaries and front companies to procure items for use in Pakistan’s cruise missile and strategic UAV programs.
According to the indictment, the defendants attempted to conceal the true destinations in Pakistan of the U.S.-origin goods by using the conspirators’ network of front companies as the supposed purchasers and end users of the goods and as the apparent source of payments for the goods, even though the goods were ultimately received in Pakistan and paid for by AERO or PAEC. The defendants caused the U.S. companies to file export documents that falsely identified the Ultimate Consignees of the shipments as entities other than AERO and PAEC. The defendants never applied for or obtained an export license from the Department of Commerce authorizing the export of goods to AERO or PAEC in Pakistan.
The indictment identified 38 separate exports from the U.S. that the defendants caused, involving 29 different companies from around the country. Three of those companies are in New Hampshire. None of the U.S. companies is alleged to have been complicit in the illegal exports. Each defendant is charged with two felony counts of conspiracy. Although arrest warrants are pending, none of the five defendants has thus far been apprehended.
This matter was investigated by the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement; the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service; and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Davis and Trial Attorney Nicholas Hunter of DOJ’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, National Security Division.
The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Five Men Indicted for Operating an International Procurement Network to Export Goods from the United States to Pakistan's Nuclear ProgramRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Five men, all associated with the front company “Business World” in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and including Muhammad Kamran Wali (“Kamran”), 41, of Pakistan; Muhammad Ahsan Wali (“Ahsan”), 48, and Haji Wali Muhammad Sheikh (“Haji”), 82, both of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada; Ashraf Khan Muhammad (“Khan”) of Hong Kong; and Ahmed Waheed (“Waheed”), 52, of Ilford, Essex, United Kingdom, were indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 and conspiracy to smuggle goods from the United States, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced. The grand jury returned the indictment on October 16, 2019, and it was unsealed today.
According to the indictment, between September 2014 and October 2019, the defendants operated an international procurement network of front companies that existed to acquire goods for the Advanced Engineering Research Organization (AERO) and the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), and to cause those goods to be exported from the United States to the entities without export licenses in violation of federal law. Both AERO and PAEC were on the Commerce Department’s Entity List, which imposes export license requirements for organizations whose activities are found to be contrary to U.S. national security or foreign policy interests. PAEC was added to the Entity List in 1998. AERO was added to the Entity List in 2014, after the U.S. Government found that it had used intermediaries and front companies to procure items for use in Pakistan’s cruise missile and strategic UAV programs.
According to the indictment, the defendants attempted to conceal the true destinations in Pakistan of the U.S.-origin goods by using the conspirators’ network of front companies as the supposed purchasers and end users of the goods and as the apparent source of payments for the goods, even though the goods were ultimately received in Pakistan and paid for by AERO or PAEC. The defendants and their network of front companies were never the actual end users of the goods exported from the U.S. The defendants caused the U.S. companies to file export documents that falsely identified the ultimate consignees of the shipments as entities other than AERO and PAEC. The defendants never applied for or obtained an export license from the Commerce Department authorizing the export of goods to AERO or PAEC in Pakistan.
The indictment identified 38 separate exports from the U.S. that the defendants caused, involving 29 different companies from around the country. Three of those companies are in New Hampshire. None of the U.S. companies is alleged to have been complicit in the illegal exports.
Each defendant is charged with two felony counts of conspiracy. Although arrest warrants are pending, none of the five defendants has thus far been apprehended.
“Federal export control laws are vital tools that help prevent items from being exported overseas where they could be used in ways that can jeopardize our national security,” said U.S Attorney Murray. “In order to protect the safety and security of the American people, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify those who violate these important laws. We will continue to be vigilant in our efforts to identify individuals whose actions may jeopardize the national security of the United States.”
“The defendants smuggled U.S. origin goods to entities that have been designated for years as threats to U.S. national security for their ties to Pakistan’s weapons programs,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “This indictment puts the world on notice not to do business with these defendants and demonstrates our commitment to holding them accountable. It also stands as an example of the kind of deceptive behavior U.S. businesses need to watch out for in designing appropriate export control and sanctions compliance programs.”
“The indictments unsealed today are a result of the ongoing coordination and collaborative counter proliferation efforts by the Office of Export Enforcement, the Justice Department, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and Homeland Security Investigations,” Special Agent in Charge William Higgins of the Office of Export Enforcement said. “The Boston Field Office of the Office of Export Enforcement will continue to vigorously pursue violators with all its partners to stem illicit trade that threatens U.S. national security and undermines U.S. foreign policy.”
"Stopping the illegal exportation of sensitive defense technology is a top priority for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) and today's indictment is the result of a multi-agency effort," stated Special Agent in Charge Leigh-Alistair Barzey, DCIS Northeast Field Office. "The DCIS is committed to working with the USAO-NH, Homeland Security Investigations and the Office of Export Enforcement, to protect our nation's security by identifying, investigating and prosecuting criminal procurement networks."
“The alleged behavior of these five individuals presented more than a violation of U.S. export laws, it posed a potential threat to the national security interests of the United States and to the delicate balance of power among nations within the region.” said Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations. “HSI’s Counterproliferation group proactively works investigations into U.S. import- export licensing laws violations because of the threat it can pose to our national security.”
This matter was investigated by the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement; the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service; and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Davis and Trial Attorney Nicholas Hunter of DOJ’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, National Security Division.
The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Nashua Man Pleads Guilty to Participating in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy in Nashua AreaRead the Press Release
CONCORD – William Greenleaf, 43, of Nashua, pleaded guilty in federal court to 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, Greenleaf was a member of a drug trafficking organization that distributed crack cocaine and other drugs to various customers in the Nashua area.
Greenleaf is scheduled to be sentenced on April 28, 2020.
“Crack cocaine is an illegal substance that endangers the lives of users and undermines the safety of our communities” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Together with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we continue to work toward ending the sale of dangerous drugs in New Hampshire. The action of the FBI and Nashua Police Department in this case, served to protect Granite Staters from the overall harmful impact of unlawful drug sales.”
"The investigation of this Nashua-based drug trafficking organization and its associates, including William Greenleaf, can only have a positive impact. It's our hope that lives will be saved, and that others are spared being introduced to the crack cocaine he either bought from the group and resold or helped bring into neighborhoods by driving its members to their own sales calls," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. "While we are pleased by Mr. Greenleaf's acceptance of responsibility today, the FBI remains committed to fighting the battles still to be won against those profiting from illegal narcotics in the Granite State."
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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Keene Man Sentenced to 40 Months for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Michael Christian Steever, 39, of Keene, was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison for possession of fentanyl and cocaine base with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between April 18, 2019 and May 1, 2019, investigators made several controlled purchases of fentanyl from Steever. A federal search warrant executed at his Keene apartment yielded additional fentanyl and cocaine base, as well as scales and other materials related to distribution of drugs. In excess of 69 grams of fentanyl and 18 grams of cocaine base were seized in the investigation.
Steever previously pleaded guilty on August 29, 2019.
“The distribution of fentanyl and other illegal drugs has diminished public safety and destroyed lives in communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order curtail trafficking in these lethal substances, we will continue to work closely with the Keene Police Department and all of our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate drug traffickers. Those who choose to sell dangerous drugs in New Hampshire should be aware that they will serve time in federal prison.”
"Given its potency, 70 grams of fentanyl is enough to kill hundreds of people," said Jason Molina, Special Agent in Charge for HSI Boston. "Drug trafficking organizations that deal in this deadly poison will continue to face the full resources of HSI and our partners. Homeland Security Investigations is committed to helping combat this epidemic in New Hampshire and anywhere it exists."
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Keene Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.
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Jury Convicts Lawrence Man of Participating in Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Malaquia Guillermo, 52, of Lawrence, Massachusetts was found guilty of participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to evidence presented during a three-day jury trial, Guillermo, Marangely Melendez, and others participated in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl to customers in the Lawrence area, including customers from New Hampshire. Evidence at trial showed that on December 6, 2018, an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement officers contacted Melendez and ordered approximately 50 grams of fentanyl. Shortly thereafter, Guillermo met with the cooperating individual at a location in Lawrence and provided approximately 50.9 grams of fentanyl in exchange for $1,000.
Guillermo will be sentenced on April 23, 2020. Melendez pleaded guilty on November 26, 2019, and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 11, 2020.
“Interstate fentanyl trafficking continues to cause substantial damage to the health and safety of the people New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “I am grateful for this jury verdict holding the defendant responsible for conspiring to distribute this lethal drug. Working with DEA and all of our law enforcement partners, we will continue with our efforts to stop the flow of fentanyl into the Granite State.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Dronzek and Joachim Barth.
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Portsmouth Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - John Foster, 56, of Portsmouth, pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday to four counts of 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 scheme. 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, who was detained pending sentencing, is scheduled to be sentenced on April 13, 2020.
“White collar crimes deprive victims of their hard-earned money,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Those who engage in fraud schemes should be aware that they will be caught, arrested, and prosecuted. We will work with the FBI and all of our law enforcement partners to seek justice on behalf of their victims.”
"John Foster finally accepted responsibility for running a variety of scams behind the mask of a legit entrepreneur, designed to reel in more than a half-million dollars from multiple investors and one overseas company. As we too often see, he spent most of that money on himself," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. "Rest assured, the FBI will make it our business to bring to justice those like him who take advantage of others and profit from their trust."
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being 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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Nashua Man Pleads Guilty to Participating in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy in Nashua AreaRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Lawrence Fortenberry, 66, of Nashua, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in federal court to 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, Fortenberry was a member of a drug trafficking organization that distributed crack cocaine and other drugs to various customers in the Nashua area.
Fortenberry is scheduled to be sentenced on April 8, 2020.
“Drug trafficking has had a damaging effect on the health and safety of the citizens of Nashua and communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to combat the threat posed by traffickers, we will continue to work closely with all of our law enforcement partners to bring those who distribute dangerous drugs to justice.”
"Lawrence Fortenberry conspired to flood the neighborhoods of Nashua with crack cocaine, and in doing so poured fuel on the vicious cycle of addiction for his own financial gain," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. "We hope his acceptance of responsibility for his crime persuades others to think twice about going into business with a drug trafficking organization. As shown in this case, that alliance will be no match for the FBI's partnership with local, state and federal law enforcement."
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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Rochester Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Fentanyl Trafficking and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Matthew MacLeod, 34, of Rochester, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and possession of 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, on November 7, 2018, officers from the Rochester Police Department conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by MacLeod. During a later search of the vehicle, officers found multiple drugs, including cocaine and over 40 grams of fentanyl. MacLeod possessed the drugs with the intent to sell them. Officers also seized a firearm from the vehicle.
MacLeod previously pleaded guilty on September 17, 2019.
“Drug dealers present a serious threat to all of our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Dealers who possess firearms while doing business pose an even greater danger to the safety of everyone around them. To protect Granite Staters from violent crime, we will not hesitate to seek long prison sentences for armed drug dealers."
"Matthew MacLeod chose to deal deadly narcotics, he chose to drive armed with a gun, and he chose to endanger the lives of his customers," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. "He'll now spend the next 10 years of his life behind bars for his role in New Hampshire's opioid epidemic.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rochester Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.
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Manchester Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Israel Perez, 52, of Manchester, was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison for participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy in a seven-defendant narcotics case, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2018 Perez conspired with other persons to distribute fentanyl as part of a drug trafficking organization. Investigators made controlled purchases of approximately 330 grams of fentanyl from Perez in Manchester between January and May of 2018.
Perez previously pleaded guilty on August 22, 2019.
Co-defendants Lucas Rios, Abelino Morales-Padilla, Jose Hiram Martinez Rolon, Karina Reyes, Samuel Ramos, and Billy Damuel Maldonado Cancel previously pleaded guilty to fentanyl trafficking charges in the same case. Cancel was sentenced to 33 months and Samuel Ramos was sentenced to 22 months.
“Fentanyl traffickers have caused substantial damage to families and communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to protect the health and safety of our citizens, we work closely with federal, state and local law enforcement to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate fentanyl dealers. The substantial prison term imposed in this case should serve as a warning to all involved in this deadly trade.”
“Drug dealers like Perez may think they can hide from justice, but today’s sentence proves otherwise,” said Jason J. Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge for HSI Boston. “HSI and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate and dismantle organizations like this one that distribute deadly drugs with no regard for human life.”
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Davis.
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Manchester Felon Sentenced to Ten Years for Unlawful Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
CONCORD- Christopher Mann, 35, of Manchester, was sentenced on Monday to 120 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm after a felony conviction, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court in 2006, Mann was convicted in federal court of robbing a pizza restaurant in Concord using a gun and sentenced to 12 years in prison. Mann was released from federal custody to supervised release in August 2017. In early April 2018, Mann's supervised release was revoked for possessing methamphetamine.
On April 16, 2018, the United States Marshals Service executed an arrest warrant for Mann. Mann was arrested while in the passenger seat of car that was owned by his girlfriend, which was parked in a driveway in Manchester, New Hampshire.
After a Deputy U.S. Marshal placed Mann under arrest, the deputy saw a Glock .357 caliber handgun on the passenger seat where Mann had been sitting. Mann was then searched incident to arrest. During that search, officers recovered two magazines of ammunition in Mann’s pocket.
Mann previously pleaded guilty on August 19, 2019.
“In order to keep our community safe, we must keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The law enforcement officers in this case helped protect the public by disarming and arresting a dangerous felon. This case demonstrates that those who commit gun crimes in New Hampshire should expect to serve substantial prison terms.”
“Working with our law enforcement partners to combat violent crime and to keep guns out of the hands of violent offenders is ATF’s top priority,” said Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Boston Field Division. “Today’s sentencing is another example of the importance of law enforcement partnerships and their effectiveness in protecting the safety and security of communities.”
"Mann’s arrest is yet another example of the diligent work of the U.S. Marshals Service and ATF working collaboratively to make New Hampshire streets safer,” said U.S. Marshal Nick Willard. “The professionalism and dedication to the case by Assistant US Attorneys Davis and Aframe brought about this just sentence.”
This matter was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Cole Davis and Seth R. Aframe.
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Effingham Man Sentenced to 84 Months for Fentanyl Trafficking and Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Justin English, 35, of Effingham, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy and possessing firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between early 2018 and October 4, 2018, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Southern Maine Safe Streets Gang Task Force conducted an investigation into English’s fentanyl trafficking in Effingham and York, Maine. On October 4, 2018, the FBI executed a search warrant on English’s residence, arrested English, and seized approximately 200 grams of fentanyl, currency, collectible coins, and four firearms. English also forfeited $28,386 in cash and $45,738 in collectible coins to the United States. The FBI previously administratively forfeited the firearms.
English previously pleaded guilty on September 19, 2019.
“Removing armed fentanyl dealers from society makes the Granite State a safer place,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Fentanyl is a deadly drug that endangers the general public. The risk is compounded when the drug dealer is armed. In order to maintain public safety, we will make every effort to obtain substantial prison sentences for armed drug dealers.”
"It is a rewarding day for the FBI when a dangerously armed drug pusher like Justin English and the fentanyl he was trafficking from his home are taken off the street," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. "The town of Effingham, and law enforcement, are surely safer without him around, considering our agents located a loaded UZI pistol, two 12-gauge shotguns, and a partially loaded assault-style rifle while searching his residence. He'll now pay the price for making the link we too often see between drugs and guns."
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Southern Maine Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the York, Maine County’s Sheriff’s Office, the Effingham, New Hampshire Police Department and the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Drug Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Davis.
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Deerfield Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Importation of EcstasyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Ahmad Khawaja, 22, of Deerfield, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for importation of a controlled substance, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on or about May 29, 2018, Khawaja, using the internet, purchased approximately two pounds of MDMA (“Ecstasy”) from a supplier located in France. Postal Inspectors intercepted the packages and confirmed they contained the drug MDMA. Khawaja was arrested in Concord on June 1, 2018, when he picked up the packages from a person who had agreed to receive them for him.
Khawaja previously pleaded guilty on May 2, 2019.
“International trafficking activities bring dangerous drugs into New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Those who use the internet or the mails to distribute illegal drugs should be aware that federal law enforcement will closely scrutinize their activities. We continue to work with our law enforcement partners each day to protect the citizens of the Granite State from criminals who import dangerous drugs.”
This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.
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Three Plead Guilty to Participating in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy in Nashua AreaRead the Press Release
CONCORD - George Cruz, 30, of Nashua, Isaiah Kinard, 30 of Manchester, and Melvin Nooks, Jr., 29, of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, have pleaded guilty in federal court to 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, all three defendants 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on March 31, 2020. Kinard and Nooks pleaded guilty today. Kinard is scheduled to be sentenced on March 31, 2020. Nooks Jr. is scheduled to be sentenced on April 1, 2020.
“The distribution of crack cocaine endangers all of our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. I commend the FBI agents and Nashua Police Officers who worked together to end this harmful criminal conspiracy. Drug traffickers should be aware that federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies are working together every day to put them out of business and bring them to justice.”
“Today, Cruz, Kinard, and Nooks finally accepted responsibility for trafficking crack cocaine in and around Nashua, NH after learning the hard way that the FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to keeping illegal drugs out of our neighborhoods and schools,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prevent criminal enterprises like this one from inflicting more to damage our community.”
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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Manchester Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - David Nguyen, 37, of Manchester, was sentenced on Tuesday to 60 months in federal prison for distributing fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 1, 2018, a cooperating individual, at the direction of law enforcement officers, arranged to buy fentanyl at Nguyen’s apartment. The cooperating individual later went to Nguyen’s apartment and purchased a quantity of fentanyl.
On December 4, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Nguyen’s apartment, where they located two scales with drug residue.
Nguyen previously pleaded guilty on September 10, 2019.
“The distribution of fentanyl has caused great hardship in Manchester and throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “This five-year prison term should serve as warning to fentanyl dealers operating in the Queen City. Under Operation SOS, we will continue to work closely with the Manchester Police Department and law enforcement agencies throughout Hillsborough County to bring drug dealers to justice.”
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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Auburn Man Sentenced to 42 Months for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Joshua Simard, 31, of Auburn, was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms offenses, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 31, 2018, law enforcement officers encountered Simard at a hotel in Bedford. Officers seized two backpacks from Simard, which contained, among other things, a handgun, ammunition, over $6,000 in cash, over 150 grams of cocaine, digital scales, and a suspected drug ledger.
Simard previously pleaded guilty on June 12, 2019.
“Possessing or using a gun during a drug deal is a guaranteed ticket to federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Armed drug dealers present a substantial threat to the safety of our communities. In order to maintain public safety, we will aggressively prosecute drug dealers who carry firearms.”
“As we all know, drug trafficking, along with the gun and physical violence that often accompanies it, ravages the very foundations of our families and communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Simard accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning that DEA and its local, state and federal law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to bring to justice anyone who engages in these crimes.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bedford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.
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Rochester Man Sentenced to 90 Months for Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Derek Rand, 31, of Rochester, was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison for participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between late 2017 and December 18, 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the New Hampshire State Police conducted an investigation of drug trafficking by Rand, who used runners to obtain fentanyl in Massachusetts and bring it to New Hampshire for distribution. During the investigation, over one kilogram of fentanyl was seized from members of Rand’s drug trafficking organization.
Rand previously pleaded guilty on August 29, 2019.
“Despite its deadly impact on our citizens, greedy drug traffickers continue to seek profit from the sale of fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We will not tolerate fentanyl trafficking in New Hampshire. To fight this menace, we work closely each day with our law enforcement partners to identify, arrest, and incarcerate those who are responsible for bringing this deadly substance into the Granite State.”
“Fentanyl distribution is destroying people’s lives and wreaking havoc in our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “DEA and our law enforcement partners will aggressively pursue and bring to justice individuals like Mr. Rand that distribute this poison.”
This matter was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the New Hampshire State Police and the Dover, New Hampshire Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Davis.
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New Jersey Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Interstate Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Shariff Britton, 36, of Jersey City, New Jersey, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for possessing over 500 grams of cocaine with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 15, 2018, a New Hampshire State Police trooper patrolling I-95 stopped Britton for driving violations. During a later consensual search, the trooper located a backpack containing 1015 grams of cocaine. Britton was placed under arrest. After his arrest, Britton admitted that he was transporting the cocaine from New Jersey to Maine.
Britton previously pleaded guilty on September 5, 2019.
“Interstate drug traffickers are causing substantial damage to communities throughout Northern New England,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Thanks to good police work, this drug trafficker is behind bars. This five-year prison term should serve as a warning to those who seek to profit from this dangerous trade. We will continue to work closely with our partners at New Hampshire State Police to identify and prosecute the drug traffickers who are bringing dangerous drugs into New Hampshire and Maine.”
This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam Le.
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Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Justin McInnes, 30, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to unlawfully possessing firearms, possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing drugs with the intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 6, 2018, officers from the Manchester Police Department arrested McInnes, who possessed 20 grams of cocaine, over 9 grams of crack cocaine, a Mossberg 12 Gauge Shotgun, a Taurus .380 caliber revolver, a Kel-Tec 9mm pistol, and counterfeit currency. McInnes is prohibited from possessing firearms as a result of prior felony convictions and possessed the drugs with the intent to distribute them.
McInnes is scheduled to be sentenced on March 30, 2020.
“Armed drug traffickers are a menace to everyone,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to protect the people of New Hampshire from violent crime, we will be aggressive in our efforts to identify and prosecute drug traffickers and felons who unlawfully possess guns. I am grateful to the law enforcement officers in this case for bringing this defendant to justice.”
“We are very pleased with the outcome of this case,” said Manchester Police Chief Carlo Capano. “We are always looking out for the best interest of our community. Justin McInnis placed our community and our officers in danger and we will not tolerate his violent behavior.”
This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.
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Three Men Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Bank FraudRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Three men, Syed Hoque, 24, of Brooklyn, New York, Tharushan Nirmalachandran, 30, of Ile-Bizard, Quebec, and Aijtharan Raveendran, 29, of Toronto, Ontario, have pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a conspiracy to commit bank fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2019, Hoque, Nirmalachandran, 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) $51,610 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.
Hoque pleaded guilty today and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 1, 2020.
Nirmalachandran pleaded guilty on November 4, 2019 and will be sentenced on February 14, 2020.
Raveendran pleaded guilty on November 14, 2019 and will be sentenced on February 28, 2020.
“Fraudsters like these defendants cause serious damage by stealing money from their victim’s bank accounts,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “They also drive up business costs and undermine confidence in our banking system. In order to protect the citizens of New Hampshire, we will not hesitate to file federal charges against those who attempt to steal hard-earned money from innocent victims. I am grateful to the law enforcement officers whose hard work led to this successful prosecution.”
“The United States Secret Service is committed to investigating financial crimes including the unauthorized use of debit cards,” said Timothy Benitez, Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Manchester Resident Office. “The success of this investigation is a result of the cooperation between federal and local law enforcement partners.”
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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Former United Way Vice President Convicted of Participating in Fraud and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante found Imran Alrai, 45, of Windham, New Hampshire, guilty of wire fraud, money laundering, and transportation of stolen funds after a ten-day bench trial.
According to the trial evidence, Alrai was an information technology (“IT”) professional at the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley in Boston, Massachusetts. Between 2012 and June 2018, Alrai obtained approximately $6.7 million in payments for IT services supposedly provided to United Way by an independent outside contractor, Digitalnet Technology Solutions, Inc. Evidence at trial show that Alrai misrepresented material facts about Digitalnet and fraudulently concealed that he owned and controlled Digitalnet. In early 2013, Alrai rigged the bidding process for a major contract to provide managed IT services at the United Way so that Digitalnet was chosen. Alrai then gave fake references and false information about Digitalnet to United Way.
For the next five years, while serving as United Way’s Vice President for IT Services, Alrai steered additional IT work to Digitalnet, so that his company soon became UW’s second-largest outside vendor, receiving more than $1 million annually. Alrai concealed from his colleagues that he had anything to do with Digitalnet. He routinely sent emails with attached invoices from a fictitious person to himself at United Way. After the fraud came to light, in June 2018, officials at United Way confronted Alrai and terminated him. Federal agents executed search and seizure warrants and seized incriminating documents and data from Alrai’s home office in Windham, as well as approximately $2.2 million in fraud proceeds in bank and investment accounts. During the scheme, Alrai wired $1.2 million in fraud proceeds to a Digitalnet bank account in Lahore, Pakistan.
According to expert testimony at the trial, United Way lost at least $3.1 million as a result of Alrai’s crimes due to Digitalnet’s excessive billing, duplicate billing, and billing for services not delivered. The same expert calculated that Alrai personally enriched himself in the amount of $3.7 million. The evidence further showed that in 2013-14 Alrai perpetrated a similar scheme at the Robert Allen Group in Foxboro, Massachusetts, where Alrai was CIO, and induced that company to pay Digitalnet more than $400,000. The total amount involved in the scheme was approximately $7 million.
Judge Laplante convicted Alrai on 18 counts of wire fraud, 14 counts of money laundering, and 12 counts of transporting stolen funds. The court acquitted Alrai on six counts of money laundering, one count of aggravated identity theft, and two counts of failing to file Foreign Bank Account Reports with the IRS. The court also ordered forfeiture in an amount to be determined. The court previously ordered that Alrai repatriate funds he wired to Pakistan.
Alrai will be detained pending sentencing, which is scheduled for March 21, 2020.
“Those who engage in fraud should understand that their schemes will be detected and that they will be prosecuted for their illegal actions,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The defendant took advantage of trust that was placed in him in order to steal millions of dollars from a charitable organization. The defendant enriched himself at the expense of the United Way and its supporters, diverting money intended for the benefit of the less fortunate. Such deceitful conduct cannot be tolerated. This conviction is one step in our effort to secure justice for the victims of this scheme.”
"In a season when people reach out and dig deep to help the less fortunate, it is fitting that Imran Alrai be convicted of greedily stealing millions of dollars from the United Way of Massachusetts and Merrimack Valley, a charitable organization whose reason for being is to enrich the lives of others," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. "Mr. Alrai betrayed his position of trust as an IT executive, using lies and deceit to raid United Way's coffers to pay off his house, foot the bill for plastic surgery, and enhance his personal wealth. We are thankful for the verdicts and the assistance of our law enforcement partners, all of which affirm our belief that financial fraud is never a victimless crime."
“As Vice President for IT Services with the United Way, Alrai abused his position of trust with this great charitable organization to steal millions,” said Jason J. Molina, Special Agent in Charge, HSI Boston. “His wire fraud and money laundering crimes are even more offensive when you consider that the millions of dollars he stole was money which was meant to be used to provide education, medical care and occupational training opportunities to countless children and adults.”
This matter was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Davis, Cam Le, and Matthew Hunter.
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Farmington Man Sentenced to 41 Months for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Alexander A. Tsiros, 37, of Farmington, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms offenses, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 7, 2018, the Milton Police Department received a call from an individual who reported that Tsiros was in possession of a black handgun. Tsiros is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Tsiros was later arrested in Dover for violating a protective order. During the stop, police officers noticed a backpack on the front seat of his vehicle. The Farmington Police Department executed a search warrant of the vehicle and found a Hi-Point C9, nine millimeter pistol, a black nylon holster, and ammunition. Police also recovered a bag of crystal methamphetamine, packaging material, and drug paraphernalia.
Tsiros previously pleaded guilty on July 3, 2019.
“Guns and drugs are a potentially deadly combination,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Armed drug dealers present a serious threat to the safety of the citizens of New Hampshire. To counter that threat, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate the armed drug dealers are endangering public safety in the Granite State.”
“ATF will continue to work with our state and local law enforcement counterparts to vigorously combat drug traffickers and the threat they pose to our citizens by illegally possessing firearms in furtherance of their illegal drug trade," said Kelly D. Brady Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division.
This matter was investigated by the Farmington Police Department, Milton Police Department, Dover Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 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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Rochester Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. - Leah M. Stevens, 32, of Rochester, 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 on September 10, 2018, a cooperating individual gave information to law enforcement officers that Stevens had traveled to Lawrence, Massachusetts to pick up drugs. Law enforcement officers conducted a motor vehicle stop as Stevens was returning to Rochester from Lawrence. During the stop, Stevens admitted that she had a number of “sticks” of narcotics in her possession and officers found approximately 288 grams of fentanyl.
On September 14, 2018, a cooperating source informed law enforcement officers that Stevens had received a new delivery of drugs at her residence, which she intended to distribute. Law enforcement officers executed another vehicle stop. During the search of the vehicle, law officers located fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Stevens is scheduled to be sentenced on March 11, 2020.
“Interstate fentanyl traffickers have made large quantities of this deadly drug available for purchase in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to deter this illegal trade and thereby protect our citizens, we will continue to work closely with the FBI, Epping Police Department and all of law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who bring fentanyl into our state.”
"The transport of dangerous drugs like fentanyl between Massachusetts and New Hampshire is no different from recklessly spreading a deadly plague, and it's a problem the FBI and our law enforcement partners on both sides of the border have fought hard to obstruct for the safety of our neighborhoods," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. "Leah Stevens was caught in the act of interstate drug smuggling, only to opt for home delivery days later. We’re pleased to see that today she finally accepted responsibility for her criminal conduct.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force and the Epping Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarad Hodes.
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Concord Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
CONCORD - David Weekly, 23, of Concord, pleaded guilty in federal court to 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, Weekly 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. Weekly is a felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The firearm had been reported stolen on August 23, 2018 in Manchester.
Weekly is scheduled to be sentenced on March 26, 2020.
“In order to reduce violent crime, it is vital to keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “To this end, federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms. In conjunction with our law enforcement partners, we will vigorously enforce this law by identifying and prosecuting criminals who use or possess firearms.”
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney 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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Colebrook Man Sentenced to 37 Months for Drug Distribution and Retaliating Against A WitnessRead the Press Release
CONCORD, - Glenn Adjutant, 22, of Colebrook, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for distribution of drugs and retaliating against a witness, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 31, 2019, Adjutant sold Suboxone to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement officers. Later that same day, Adjutant sold Suboxone and Adderall to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement officials. Both sales occurred within 1,000 feet of an elementary school.
Adjutant was arrested on April 9, 2019 and on approximately April 24, 2019, was released from custody with direction to report immediate to the Farnum Center. Instead, Adjutant returned to Colebrook. While in Colebrook, Adjutant encountered another individual calling her a “rat,” and then used physical force, striking her several times with a closed fist in her torso and head. The attack was in retaliation for the individual providing truthful information regarding Adjutant’s distribution of Suboxone and Adderall to others.
Adjutant previously pleaded guilty on August 23, 2019.
“Drug trafficking has caused damage to large and small communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Drug dealers undermine public safety and we will not hesitate to seek federal prison sentences in order to deter their illegal activities. This defendant’s drug trafficking and efforts to obstruct justice have earned him a well-deserved term in federal prison.”
This matter was investigated by the DEA, with assistance from the Colebrook 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 was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Charles Rombeau and John S. Davis.
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Lawrence Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Yerfinson Gomez, 28, of Lawrence, 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, Gomez was identified in January 2019 as a member of a fentanyl trafficking organization based in Lawrence, Massachusetts. On March 7, 2019, after undercover communications with Gomez’s drug supplier, Gomez met an undercover officer in Methuen, Massachusetts and sold six “fingers” (ten gram quantities) of fentanyl. On March 14, 2019, Gomez again met an undercover officer in Methuen and sold him four fingers of fentanyl. Finally, on March 20, 2019, in Methuen, Gomez provided another runner with over 12 fingers of fentanyl, some of which was to be used for a customer in New Hampshire. The runner brought the drugs to Manchester and sold nine fingers to an undercover. The runner later delivered the cash from the sale to Gomez in Methuen, and Gomez paid the runner one finger of fentanyl for making the delivery. Agents arrested Gomez shortly afterwards as he drove away with the cash.
Gomez is scheduled to be sentenced on March 27, 2020.
“Interstate fentanyl trafficking has caused tremendous damage to communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “It is of vital importance that we stop the flow of this lethal substance into our state. Accordingly, we will continue to work closely with all of our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug dealers who are responsible for its transportation and sale.”
“While Gomez was one part of a bigger drug trafficking operation, he remains accountable for his individual actions as proven in the course of our investigation,” said Jason J. Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s, Homeland Security Investigations, (HSI) Boston. “Together with our New Hampshire law enforcement partners, HSI is fighting the ongoing threat posed by fentanyl and opioid dealers like Gomez that has produced such devastating impacts in the lives of so many in our communities.”
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s, Homeland Security Investigations, Manchester Police Department and the New Hampshire State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. 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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Colebrook Man Sentenced to 24 Months for Distributing Suboxone in A School ZoneRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Dustin Grant, 34, of Colebrook, was sentenced today to 24 months in federal prison for the distribution of Suboxone, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 14, 2019, Grant sold Suboxone to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement officers. The sale occurred within 1,000 feet of an elementary school.
Grant previously pleaded guilty on July 1, 2019. Following completion of his sentence, Grant will be on supervised release for a period of four years.
Suboxone is a Schedule III 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.
“Drug trafficking has impacted families throughout the Granite State, including those located in rural as well as urban areas,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “By trafficking in Suboxone, the defendant sold a prescription drug unlawfully and contributed to the opioid crisis that is gripping New Hampshire. We will continue to 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 was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Charles L. Rombeau and John S. Davis.
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Rochester Man Sentenced for Trafficking Multiple Kilograms of FentanylRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Timothy Lafond, 41, of Rochester, was sentenced in federal court on Thursday, to 198 months for drug trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2018, Lafond made a series of fentanyl transactions with individual who were cooperating with the Drug Enforcement Administration. On September 4, 2018, the DEA conducted a motor vehicle stop of Lafond and arrested him as he left his Rochester apartment. During a search of Lafond, agents found several bags of fentanyl. In addition, agents located a backpack belonging to Lafond that contained 1.96 kilograms of fentanyl. Later that day, the DEA executed a search warrant at a storage unit belonging to Lafond. In the storage unit, an officer found another 1.1 kilograms of fentanyl.
Lafond pleaded guilty to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute on July 30, 2019.
“Fentanyl is an incredibly deadly substance that is endangering the lives of people throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “By seizing multiple kilograms of fentanyl from this defendant, the DEA may have prevented countless overdoses and deaths. Fentanyl dealers in New Hampshire should take notice of this lengthy sentence. Continuing to sell this lethal drug, will result in arrest and incarceration in a federal prison for a substantial portion of their lives.”
“Fentanyl is causing great damage to our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “The DEA will continue to use every resource available to identify those, like Mr. Lafond, who are contributing to the crisis. Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Lafond accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning that DEA and its local, state and federal partners will do everything in our power to keep this poison off the streets of New Hampshire.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth Aframe and Charles Rombeau.
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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Northfield Woman Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearms Conspiracy CrimesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Kristina Blake, 29, of Northfield, was sentenced in federal court Thursday, to 10 years in prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and a conspiracy to possess firearms during a drug trafficking crime, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 19, 2018, law enforcement officers encountered Blake and Daniel Irving in a vehicle near a convenience store in Concord, New Hampshire. Officers seized over 50 grams of methamphetamine and two firearms from the vehicle. In addition, drug paraphernalia, including a glass mirror, digital scale, a ledger, syringes and plastic baggies were seized.
Blake previously pleaded guilty on August 15, 2019. Irving was sentenced to 96 months on October 11, 2019.
“Methamphetamine is a dangerous drug and dealers should expect to spend years in a federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Sentences are increased where firearms are involved in the drug trafficking business. In order to protect the people of New Hampshire, will continue to seek lengthy prison terms for armed drug dealers.”
"Kristina Blake made the terrible choice to traffic in this highly addictive stimulant, the abuse of which is epidemic," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. "The citizens of Concord can rest easy knowing Ms. Blake is off their streets for the decade to come, and that the FBI and our law enforcement partners remain committed to protecting their city from the scourge of pushers and pistols."
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Concord Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.
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Lawrence Man Sentenced to 96 Months for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Walker Manuel Moreta, 32, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between at least January of 2017 through July of 2017, Moreta, with the assistance of others, sold quantities of fentanyl to multiple individuals, including customers from New Hampshire. Moreta and his co-conspirators often operated out of a location on Water Street in Lawrence, Massachusetts. As part of an investigation of Moreta, a cooperating individual purchased over 100 grams of fentanyl from Moreta between May and June of 2017. On July 6, 2017, Moreta was arrested and had 19 grams of fentanyl on his person.
Evidence in the case also indicated that the drugs distributed by the defendant resulted in at least one fatal fentanyl overdose in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Moreta previously pleaded guilty on April 1, 2019. He faces likely removal to the Dominican Republic after serving his sentence.
Two co-conspirators, Miguel Arias-Velasquez and Miguel Vasquez, previously pleaded guilty. Arias-Velasquez was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison. Vasquez is awaiting sentencing.
“Fentanyl is an incredibly lethal substance that has caused hundreds of deaths in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We are working every day to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate the interstate fentanyl traffickers who are selling this deadly drug to the citizens of the Granite State. Drug dealers who sell fentanyl in New Hampshire should understand that they will be caught and will spend substantial portions of their lives in federal prison.”
“Fentanyl is causing deaths in record numbers and DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Moreta accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are fueling the opioid epidemic.”
This matter was investigated by the DEA, with assistance from the Massachusetts State Police, the United States Marshals Service, the New Hampshire State Police, the Lawrence Police Department, with assistance from the Portsmouth Police Department, the Dover Police Department, and the Rockingham County Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by First Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Farley.
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Two Massachusetts Residents Sentenced for Participating in Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Wagner Pimentel, 30, of Methuen, Massachusetts, and Luz Perez DeMartinez, 27, of Lawrence Massachusetts were sentenced in federal court on Tuesday for participating in a large-scale fentanyl trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today. Pimentel was sentenced to 108 months. DeMartinez was sentenced to 132 months and a $50,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, a drug trafficking organization, led by Sergio Martinez, sold fentanyl to customers from various New England states, including New Hampshire. On each date that Pimentel worked for the Martinez organization, he delivered 200-gram bags of fentanyl to runners who worked for the organization and collected drug proceeds from the runners once they distributed the contents of the bags.
DeMartinez, the wife of the organization’s leader, facilitated various financial aspects of the drug business. Her primary role was to collect, count and process hundreds of thousands of dollars in profits generated by drug sales. She also paid salaries to some of the organization’s employees and collected money to post bail for certain employees who were arrested. She wired drug proceeds out of the country.
Pimentel previously pleaded guilty on March 15, 2019 and DeMartinez previously pleaded guilty on February 12, 2019. After serving his sentence, Pimental faces possible removal to the Dominican Republic.
“The Martinez drug trafficking organization facilitated the sale of large quantities of lethal fentanyl to residents of New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “This was a large-scale criminal enterprise that reaped hundreds of thousands of dollars in profits and caused untold misery to its customers and their families. These sentences should serve as warning that long federal prison terms await those who choose to distribute fentanyl in New Hampshire.”
“DEA is committed to investigating Drug Trafficking Organizations and individuals like Mr. Pimentel and Ms. DeMartinez who are responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl to the citizens of New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Today’s substantial sentence not only holds both accountable for their crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are fueling the opioid epidemic with deadly drugs in order to profit and destroy people’s lives. DEA’s top priority is combatting the opioid epidemic by working with our local, state and federal partners to bring to justice anyone who distributes this poison.”
The case was a collaborative investigation that involved the DEA; the New Hampshire State Police; the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office; the Nashua Police Department; the Massachusetts State Police; the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office; the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office; the Essex County District Attorney’s Office; the Internal Revenue Service; Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; United States Customs and Border Protection Boston Field Office; the United States Marshals Service; the United States Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service; the Manchester Police Department; the Lisbon Police Department; the Littleton Police Department; the Haverhill (MA) Police Department; the Methuen (MA) Police Department; the Lowell (MA) Police Department; and the Maine State Police.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana L. Konesky and Seth R. 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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Somersworth Man Sentenced to 84 Months for Being a Felon in Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Damon Austin, 37, of Somersworth, was sentenced on Tuesday to 84 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of firearms, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 14, 2018, Austin was involved in an altercation with another individual in Somersworth in which Austin threatened the individual with a firearm. Soon after the altercation, Somersworth Police arrested Austin while he was in possession of the firearm. Police subsequently obtained a warrant to search Austin’s residence. A search of Austin’s residence resulted in the seizure of six additional firearms, as well as cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana. Austin, as a previously convicted felon, is legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
Austin previously pleaded guilty on January 31, 2019.
“In order to ensure public safety, we must keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We are working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify criminals who pose a threat to the community. Thanks to the excellent work of the Somersworth Police Department, this convicted felon will not be able to use these seven firearms to commit acts of violence or further endanger our citizens.”
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Somersworth Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. 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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