District of New Hampshire

          CONCORD - Richard E. Goulet, Jr., 50, of Ocala, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to failing to pay child support, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, in December of 2007, a decree of divorce was issued in the Portsmouth Family Division Court ordering Richard Goulet of Ocala, Florida, to pay support in a specified amount for his three children, all of whom are residents of New Hampshire.

          Since the date of the decree in 2007, the defendant has failed to pay child support as ordered by the Family Division and is currently in arrears of over $100,000.00

          Goulet is scheduled to be sentenced on January 30, 2020.

          “When out-of-state parents fail to pay their child support obligations, it can violate federal law,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In appropriate cases, we will not hesitate to bring federal criminal charges against those who refuse to provide court-ordered financial support to their children.”

          "Parents who willfully avoid paying child support by moving to another state will instead face consequences for their crime, said Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “We will continue to investigate parents who fail to pay court-ordered support for the care of their children.”               

          This matter was investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Helen Fitzgibbon.

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          BOSTON – This weekend the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will once again conduct one of its most popular community programs:  National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. On Saturday October 26 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. the public can dispose of their expired, unused, and unwanted prescription medications at 594 collection sites throughout New England, operated by local law enforcement agencies and other community partners. The service is free of charge, no questions asked and most of these collection sites can be found in the lobby of your local Police Department.  To find a collection site near you go to: www.DEATakeBack.com

          For the first time, DEA will now accept vaping devices and cartridges at any of its drop off locations during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. It is important to note that DEA cannot accept devices containing lithium ion batteries. If batteries cannot be removed prior to drop-off, DEA encourages individuals to consult with stores that recycle lithium ion batteries.

          Concerns have been raised across the United States over illnesses and death caused by vaping and the high youth vaping initiation rates. In an effort to support a healthy lifestyle and energetic population, especially amongst America’s youth, DEA is committed to doing all it can to help safely dispose of vaping devices and substances.

          This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. DEA launched its prescription drug take back program when both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration advised the public that flushing these drugs down the toilet or throwing them in the trash posed potential safety and health hazards.

          “Our take-back events highlight the problems associated to prescription drug abuse and gives our citizens an opportunity to contribute to the solution,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “These efforts help remove unwanted, expired and unused prescription pills that can be abused, stolen or resold which helps our continued dedication to combat the prescription pill, fentanyl and heroin epidemic of substance abuse and addiction.

          “Everyone should consider participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day,” said New Hampshire U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray.  “Although medications are needed to treat illness, we have seen the tragic impact of diverting and abusing prescription drugs.  This program is a simple and effective way to protect Granite State families by removing unneeded prescriptions from the home. Properly disposing of these drugs can prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.”

          Last April, during its 17th Take Back Day, the DEA New England Field Division participated in the drug take back day and, over the course of four hours, 89,366.3 pounds or over 44 tons of expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs we’re collected at 583 collection sites throughout New England. 

          The following was the breakdown of collected weights for the six New England states:

          CT – 8,361.80

          MA – 28,117.50

          ME – 27,680

          NH – 14,180

          RI – 4,465

          VT – 6,562

          Total- 89,366.3

          For more information about the harms of youth vaping, please visit: https://www.justthinktwice.gov/facts/vaping-what-you-should-know.

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          CONCORD- Jean Fouad Yazbek, 63, of Norwood, Massachusetts, was sentenced in federal court on Friday to 24 months in prison for traveling to New Hampshire with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

          According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2018, members of the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted an undercover investigation targeting online sexual offenders.  As part of this investigation, a detective created an undercover online persona of a 15-year-old girl (“UC”) residing in Nashua, New Hampshire.  Various individuals, including Yazbek, began messaging the UC on social media soon after the account was registered.  Beginning on October 2, 2018, and continuing through October 8, 2018, Yazbek engaged in sexually-charged conversations over social media with the UC.  In their conversations, Yazbek discussed his desire to engage in various sex acts, including sexual intercourse, with the UC whom he believed was a 15-year-old girl. 

          On October 8, 2018, Yazbek drove from Massachusetts to Nashua, New Hampshire, to meet the UC and engage in illicit sexual conduct at a local hotel.  When Yazbek arrived, he encountered law enforcement officers instead and was placed under arrest.  Yazbek admitted that he had planned to meet a 15-year-old girl whom he had met online.  He further admitted that he intended to engage in illicit sexual conduct, including sexual intercourse, with the girl.  According to Yazbek, he had checked into a local hotel prior to his arrest, and his hotel room contained a brand new phone, a teddy bear, undergarments, and a backpack containing shaving equipment, lubricant, and condoms.  Yazbek gave written consent to search his hotel room. Officers later searched his hotel room and found the items described by Yazbek during his interview. 

          Yazbek previously pleaded guilty on May 14, 2019.

           “Protecting the well-being of our children is a high priority of the law enforcement community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “It is disturbing that criminals are lurking online and seeking to prey upon children in the Granite State.  Thankfully, this defendant’s efforts to victimize a young girl were thwarted by excellent law enforcement work.  Predators who use the internet should be aware that law enforcement officers will be alert and watching.  We will not hesitate to bring federal charges against those who threaten the safety of children in New Hampshire.” 

             “Yazbek thought he was traveling across state lines to have sex with a 15 year old, but his fantasy came to an abrupt end when he found himself in handcuffs” said Jason J. Molina, acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Boston.  “Today’s sentencing should send a strong message to those who seek to sexually exploit children – state lines will not impede the efforts of the law enforcement community in safeguarding our children and bringing predators to face justice.”

          This matter was investigated by the Nashua Police Department, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam Le.

          In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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            CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Mark Manapsal, 35, of Manchester, was sentenced in federal court to 70 months in prison for distribution of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 17, 2016, and November 2, 2016, Manapsal sold cocaine to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement officers.  On November 29, 2016, Manapsal, a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing guns, sold a semi-automatic rifle to the cooperating individual for $900.  On March 22, 2017, Manapsal was found in possession of 497 grams of cocaine when his vehicle was stopped by the New Hampshire State Police in Nashua.

            Manapsal previously pleaded guilty on July 11, 2019.

            “Armed drug traffickers present a serious threat to public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to protect our community, law enforcement agencies in New Hampshire are working together to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate drug dealers.  Drug dealers who increase the risk to the public by using firearms should expect to find themselves in federal prison.”

           "The FBI is all too familiar with what havoc can result from a semi-automatic rifle being sold into the wrong hands. Mark Manapsal was a convicted felon and cocaine pusher when he brokered the sale of an AM-15 he told the buyer was given to him to cover a drug debt," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. "Drugs and guns are a dangerous mix.  Today's sentence should deliver that message to Mr. Manapsal loud and clear."

           “DEA is committed to bring to justice those that distribute cocaine,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Manapsal 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 keep this drug off the streets of New Hampshire.”

           The case was investigated by the FBI, DEA, New Hampshire State Police, and the Manchester Police Department.  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also provided assistance.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis prosecuted the case.

           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.

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            CONCORD – Kenneth Kirkpatrick, 33, of Manchester, was sentenced in federal court on Thursday to 36 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement officers obtained information that Kirkpatrick was selling firearms.  On July 26, 2018, Kirkpatrick sold a firearm, ammunition, and firearm accessories to an individual who was cooperating with the ATF. As a convicted felon, Kirkpatrick could not lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition.

            Kirkpatrick’s previously pleaded guilty on June 3, 2019.

            “Federal law prohibits felons from possessing firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The law is intended to reduce violent crime by keeping guns out of the hands of criminals. Through Project Safe Neighborhoods, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate those who violate federal gun laws.” 

            This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Manchester Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.

            The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes.

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            CONCORD – Isaiah Goodwin, 42, of Concord, pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing a firearm silencer that was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today. 

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Goodwin purchased the silencer on a website and received it at his home in Concord. The ATF seized it during a search of his residence. The silencer was not registered, as required, in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

            Goodwin is scheduled to be sentenced on January 30, 2020.

            “Unregistered silencers can be used by criminals to commit violent crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will work closely with ATF to enforce federal law in order to protect the citizens of our community from potential harm."

            “ATF will continue work with its federal, state and local partners to enforce federal firearm laws for the unregulated sale and possession of unregistered silencers, which in the wrong hands, pose a threat to public safety,” said Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division. 

            This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Georgiana L. Konesky.

            This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a national initiative undertaken by the U.S. Department of Justice to reduce gun crime in America through, among other things, community outreach and vigorous prosecution of firearms offenses.

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            CONCORD - Heath Palmer, 39, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court on October 10, 2019, to possessing a synthetic cannabinoid product containing 5F-MDMB-PICA 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on January 22, 2020.

            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 dangerous drugs that can cause serious bodily harm,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Because of significant damage to communities in the Granite State, we will not hesitate to bring federal charges against those who sell these dangerous substances.  I am grateful to the Manchester Police and DEA for their excellent work, which got this drug trafficker off the streets.”

            “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 created in China and then disguised as plant material here in New England.  DEA and its local, state and federal partners will work diligently to keep this dangerous drug off the streets of New Hampshire.”

            The case was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth R. Aframe.

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          CONCORD - Daniel Irving, 28, of Manchester, was sentenced in federal court to 96 months in prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 19, 2018, law enforcement officers encountered Irving and another individual in a vehicle near a convenience store in Concord, New Hampshire.  Inside the vehicle, officers found more than 70 grams of methamphetamine and two firearms.  In addition, drug paraphernalia, including a glass mirror, digital scale, a ledger, syringes and plastic baggies were confiscated.   

          Irving previously pleaded guilty on July 1, 2019.

          “Armed drug dealers are a menace to public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “As Mr. Irving has learned, those who possess firearms while trafficking in illegal drugs should expect to serve substantial prison terms.  In order to protect the public, we will continue to seek long prison sentences for drug dealers who arm themselves with firearms.”

          "The high-risk road Daniel Irving chose to follow had no shortage of warning signs for what lie ahead:  Addiction and petty crimes escalated to his being caught in a car with two firearms and peddling methamphetamine - a dangerous drug he claims to have been a victim of himself," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. "Today's sentencing is that rare second chance for Mr. Irving to find a new direction. Because rest assured, we and our law enforcement partners will hold the course in our pursuit of illegal drug traffickers inflicting pain and suffering on our communities."

          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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          CONCORD - Dennis Robertson, 43, of Hooksett, was sentenced on Thursday in federal court to 3 years of probation and ordered to pay more than $37,000 in restitution for embezzling labor union assets, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, Robertson served as the business manager for a local union based in New Hampshire for approximately 14 years until his dismissal in or around March 2017.  He was the only full-time paid officer or employee of the local union, which had approximately 140 to 170 dues-paying members.  Robertson’s duties included managing finances, receiving dues, dispatching workers, and handling grievances.

          Robertson had access to the organization’s bank accounts.  After Robertson left the union in approximately March of 2017, an audit revealed substantial financial discrepancies under Robertson’s tenure.  In sum, this review revealed that between August 2015 and February 2017, Robertson wrote and signed unauthorized expense checks to himself and made unauthorized cash withdrawals from the union’s checking account in the approximate amount of $23,519.  He additionally embezzled union funds in two other ways: (1) by making unsupported mileage payments to himself of approximately $11,333 and (2) failing to disclose cash dues payments he received from members in the amount of approximately $3,045.  When approached by investigators, Robertson admitted to taking the funds in order to fund his addiction to crack cocaine and other narcotics.  The Court’s sentence includes restitution to make the local union and its insurer whole for their losses.

          Robertson previously pleaded guilty on June 25, 2019.

          “Union members put their trust in Mr. Robertson and he betrayed that trust,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The defendant improperly appropriated union funds for his personal use.  As a result of his self-serving actions, he is now a federal felon.”   

          “Combatting financial fraud and investigating embezzlement of union funds help safeguard financial integrity in labor unions,” said DOL-OLMS Northeastern Regional Director Andriana Vamvakas.  “This is a major priority for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards.  We will work with the United States Attorney’s Office to identify criminal violations and pursue appropriate legal action whenever anyone puts personal financial gain ahead of the best interests of union members.”

          This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.           

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          CONCORD - Shawn Meehan, 47, of Scarborough, Maine, pleaded guilty in federal court in Portland, Maine, on Tuesday to embezzlement and conversion of government property, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today. 

          According to court documents and statements made in court, from about April 2015 to about October 2018, when Meehan was employed as the Resident Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations office in Portland, Maine, he sold government property on eBay for his personal profit.

          According to the plea agreement filed in the case, Meehan acknowledged that the loss to the government was between $6,500 and $15,000 and that he abused a position of public trust in a way that significantly facilitated the commission and concealment of the offense.  A sentencing date has not yet been set by the Court.   

         This matter was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of Professional Responsibility and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold Huftalen of the District of New Hampshire, appointed as a Special Attorney to the U.S. Attorney General to handle this case in the District of Maine.

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            Concord – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Sergio Martinez, 29, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to leading a continuing criminal enterprise and participating in a money laundering conspiracy based upon his role in operating a Lawrence-based fentanyl trafficking organization. The plea agreement, if accepted by the judge at sentencing, would require Martinez to serve a 45-year prison sentence and forfeit $2,000,000 in cash, as well as three houses in Lawrence.

            The guilty plea came on the sixth day of a jury trial.  During the trial, which began on October 1, 2019, the government presented evidence that Martinez operated a fentanyl trafficking operation that employed numerous individuals to sell fentanyl to customers from various New England states, including New Hampshire. Testimony at trial showed that customers knew the Martinez organization by the name “Brian” and that most of the organization’s customers came from New Hampshire.  Distributors knew to identify customers on the streets of Lawrence by their New Hampshire license plates.

            Testimony at trial showed that the organization served three distinct sets of customers. The first group of customers, who ordered the smallest amounts of drugs, was served by various telephones (“small phones”) that were located in a specific residence and answered by dispatchers. This residence was referred to as “the base” and dispatchers staffed “the base” from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily. Dispatchers took orders and directed customers to meet various distributors throughout the Merrimack Valley area, mostly in Lawrence or Haverhill, Massachusetts, but sometimes in Salem, New Hampshire. These phones usually received hundreds of calls daily from customers placing fentanyl orders. Street-level distributors were provided with 200-gram bags of fentanyl, which they sold for $30 per gram, generating $6,000 per bag of fentanyl sold. Distributors testified at trial that they sometimes had lines of 10 to 15 customers, most with New Hampshire license plates, waiting for them on the street.

            A second set of customers was serviced by the so-called “big phone.” The big phone was reserved for customers who typically purchased from ten grams to 200 grams of fentanyl at a time, quantities which the purchasers would then distribute themselves. The defendant and his brother Raulin Martinez answered this telephone, took orders, and sent these customers to meet a different set of distributors. They promised these customers better and faster service than they received if they called the small phones. These phones received between approximately 50 and 100 calls daily. 

            A third, much smaller set of customers, who ordered particularly large quantities of fentanyl (usually one kilogram or more at a time) called the defendant directly to place orders. The organization would deliver directly to these individuals by sending a distributor, often in a taxi, to deliver to these customers at or near their residences.

            Trial testimony showed that Martinez managed numerous individuals including between five and ten runners working each day, people who staffed “the base” answering telephones, and people who mixed and packaged the drugs in milling operations he operated at different locations in Lawrence. The jury was provided with evidence showing that investigators seized over 12 kilograms of fentanyl from the Martinez organization during the investigation. During one telephone call intercepted over a court-authorized wiretap and played at trial, Martinez spoke to a man who identified himself as a fentanyl supplier located in Sinaloa, Mexico. Martinez told him, “what I look for is quality for when I prepare it and give it to people. Because I’m one of those people that’s moving a lot here. I move between 15, to 30, to 35 kilos a month.” In other intercepted telephone calls played at trial, Martinez acknowledged the dangerous nature of the drug he distributed, noting that “what we give out is poison.”

            Evidence at trial showed that Martinez received substantial income from his business and that he sent some of this money to the Dominican Republic. Drug runners testified that they provided the defendant with between $30,000 and $35,000 per day based on aggregate drug sales.  On one occasion, the defendant was stopped by the police while transporting $400,494 in cash that he intended to send to the Dominican Republic. This money was seized by the DEA.

            The plea agreement includes a forfeiture of $2,000,000 including funds in two bank accounts in the Dominican Republic in Martinez’s name.

            Martinez is scheduled to be sentenced on January 28, 2020.

            A total of 34 individuals were charged with participating in this conspiracy.  Martinez is the last of various co-conspirators to plead guilty. The following individuals previously pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing:

• Miguel Alvarez, 38, of Haverhill, MA, pled guilty on January 31, 2019. His sentencing is scheduled for December 19, 2019;
• Eduard Amparo, 47, of Lawrence, MA, pled guilty on August 29, 2019. His sentencing is scheduled for December 16 2019;
• Edward Brailey Delacruz, 25, of Methuen, MA, pled guilty on June 24, 2019. His sentencing is scheduled for December 16, 2019;
• Edward Brito, 32, of Lawrence, MA, pled guilty on July 10, 2019. His sentencing is scheduled for November 4, 2019;
• Julio Colon, 25, of Lawrence, MA pled guilty on September 30, 2019. His sentencing is scheduled for January 28, 2020.
• Luz DeJesus, 34, of Lawrence, MA, pled guilty on January 31, 2019. Her sentencing is scheduled for November 15, 2019;
• Juan Dimel Gil Castillo, 25, of Lawrence, MA, pled guilty on February 6, 2019. His sentencing is scheduled for November 27, 2019;
• Ramon Gil Huma, 26, of Lawrence, MA, pled guilty on March 11, 2019. His sentencing is scheduled for November 12, 2019;
• Steven Lessard, 31, of Lowell, MA pled guilty on September 30, 2019. His sentencing is scheduled for January 28, 2020;
• Henry Marte, 22, of Lawrence, MA, pled guilty on January 25, 2019. His sentencing is scheduled for November 4, 2019;
• Raulin Martinez, 37, of Lawrence, MA, pled guilty on December 7, 2018. His sentencing is scheduled for November 29, 2019;
• Fernand Miranda, 24, of Haverhill, MA, pled guilty on September 16, 2019. His sentencing is scheduled for January 2, 2020.
• Jared Ortega-Peguero, 26, of Lawrence, MA, pled guilty on December 6, 2018. His sentencing is scheduled for December 19, 2019;
• Suhey Perez, 40, of Lawrence, MA, pled guilty on May 2, 2019. Her sentencing is scheduled for November 18, 2019;
• Luz Perez DeMartinez, 27, of Lawrence, MA, pled guilty on February 12, 2019. Her sentencing is scheduled for November 19, 2019;
• Wagner Pimentel, 29, of Lawrence, MA, pled guilty on March 15, 2019. His sentencing is scheduled for November 19, 2019;
• Luis Angel Polanco Huma, 23, of Lawrence, MA, pled guilty on August 14, 2019. His sentencing is scheduled for November 27, 2019.
• Jorge Rodriguez, 22, of Methuen, MA, pled guilty on February 28, 2019. His sentencing is scheduled for November 15, 2019;
• Luis Antonio Salomon Polanco, 21, of Lawrence, MA, pled guilty on March 11, 2019. His sentencing is scheduled for November 18, 2019;
• Juan Rafael Tejada-Jimenez, 39, of Lawrence, MA, pled guilty on November 29, 2018. His sentencing is scheduled for November 22, 2019.

             In addition to the defendants listed above, nine other defendants have pleaded guilty and already have been sentenced. Four defendants remain fugitives.

            In addition to these defendants, 13 New Hampshire-based individuals who obtained fentanyl from this organization have been charged with drug trafficking offenses.  Twelve of those individuals have pleaded guilty and one is still awaiting trial.

            “The evidence in this case demonstrates that Lawrence-based fentanyl traffickers have made huge profits from pumping large quantities of deadly fentanyl into New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Mr. Martinez ran a sophisticated marketing operation that served as a conduit between the Mexican drug cartels and customers in Northern New England. This was a complex case in which the entire law enforcement community worked together to bring high-level fentanyl traffickers to justice. The end result should serve as a warning to those who choose to sell fentanyl in the Granite State.”

            “DEA is committed to investigating and dismantling large scale drug trafficking organizations like this one operating in Lawrence, MA led by Mr. Martinez,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Fentanyl distribution destroys people’s lives and wreaks havoc in our communities.  DEA and our law enforcement partners will aggressively pursue any individual or organization that distributes this poison.”

            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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          CONCORD – Korin Gendreau, 32, of Stewartstown, pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to distribution of Oxycodone and Vicodin, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 19, 2018, Gendreau sold Vicodin, also known as Hydrocodone, to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement officers.  On January 11, 2019, Gendreau sold Oxycodone to the same cooperating individual.   Gendreau was arrested in April of 2019.

          Gendreau is scheduled to be sentenced on January 21, 2020.

          “The illegal distribution of prescription painkillers has contributed to the opioid crisis in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who unlawfully sell these powerful prescription drugs.”                 

          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, and the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Charles L. Rombeau and John S. Davis.

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          CONCORD – Thomas Whitney, 39, of Barrington, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court to production of child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, between a date unknown and September 19, 2018, Whitney produced visual depictions of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct using a cellular telephone.   

         Whitney is scheduled to be sentenced on January 13, 2020.

          “Protection of children is a high priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Scott Murray.  “We will continue to work closely with the FBI and all of our law enforcement partners to safeguard young people.” 

          “Mr. Whitney is finally accepting responsibility for his heinous actions—coercing a five-year-old child into sexually explicit conduct,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The FBI will continue to do everything in its power to stop children from being exploited and bring to justice those responsible for terrorizing them.” 

          This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.           

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            CONCORD – Joseph Roy, 31, and Amelia Roy 30, both of Hudson, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to drug trafficking charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, from November 9, 2018, until January 8, 2019, a cooperating individual, at the direction of Nashua Police Department detectives, arranged on three occasions to buy fentanyl from Joseph Roy. Amelia Roy, Mr. Roy’s sister, participated as an accomplice during one of the transactions.

            Joseph and Amelia Roy are scheduled to be sentenced on January 3, 2020.

            “Fentanyl trafficking has had devastating consequences throughout New Hampshire” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Through Operation SOS we will continue to work with the Nashua Police Department and law enforcement agencies throughout Hillsborough County to bring those responsible to justice.”      

            This matter was investigated by the Nashua Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.

            This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.).  In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts.  The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.   In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua.  

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            CONCORD - Kristen Hodgkins, 30, of Rochester, was sentenced in to serve 84 months in federal prison for participating in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today. 

            According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning about September 4, 2018, Hodgkins sold methamphetamine to an undercover police officer on multiple occasions.  On December 20, 2018, agents traveled to a store in Rochester and located Hodgkins in a vehicle driven by another woman.  New Hampshire State Police stopped the vehicle and Hodgkins was arrested on outstanding arrest warrants.  During a search of Hodgkins’s bags, a police officer located bags containing approximately 146.4 grams of methamphetamine. 

            Hodgkins previously pleaded guilty on June 19, 2019.

            “Methamphetamine is a powerful drug that endangers the health and safety of the citizens of New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The seven-year sentence imposed in this case should serve as a warning to those inclined to sell this substance in our state. We will continue to be aggressive in our efforts to identify, arrest, and incarcerate those who engage in this trade.”     

          “DEA will do everything in our power to bring to justice those who distribute methamphetamine,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Today’s sentence not only holds Ms. Hodgkins accountable for her crimes but serves as a warning that DEA and its local, state and federal partners will work diligently to keep this highly addictive drug off the streets of New Hampshire.”        

            This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police and the Rochester Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Davis.         

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            CONCORD - Joseph Francis Brodie, Jr., 50, of Merrimack, pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to drug trafficking charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 28, 2018, a cooperating individual, at the direction of Nashua Police Department detectives, arranged to buy  heroin from Brodie.  On October 2, 2018, the cooperating individual contacted Brodie again and arranged to buy more heroin.  Lab testing revealed that Brodie sold a combination of fentanyl and heroin to the individual. 

            Brodie is scheduled to be sentenced on January 15, 2020.

            “Trafficking in fentanyl and heroin has caused great damage to the health and safety of people throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is working closely with all of our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who are distributing these deadly drugs.”        

                This matter was investigated by the Nashua Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim H. Barth.

            This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.).  In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts.  The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.   In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua.

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            CONCORD - Jesus Lopez, 27, of Lowell, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to distributing a controlled substance, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, between October 26, 2017 and January 31, 2018, law enforcement officers used a cooperating individual to make three separate controlled purchases of fentanyl from Lopez in Hudson, New Hampshire.    

            Lopez is scheduled to be sentenced on January 15, 2020.

            “Interstate fentanyl trafficking presents a grave risk to the health and safety of the citizens of New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who distribute this deadly drug.  I commend the New Hampshire State Police for their efforts in this case.”     

            This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.

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            CONCORD - Anthony Cabrera, 27, of Lawrence, was sentenced to 60 months for distribution of fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today. 

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 12, 2019, the defendant traveled from Massachusetts to New Hampshire and sold approximately 49 grams of fentanyl to an undercover officer in Salem, New Hampshire.         

            Cabrera previously pleaded guilty on June 6, 2019.

            “Interstate fentanyl trafficking threatens the health and safety of people throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This conduct clearly merits the imposition of substantial prison sentences. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate, prosecute, and incarcerate those who are responsible for distributing this deadly drug.”

          “The state of New Hampshire is faced with a fentanyl crisis unlike ever before,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Those responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl to the citizens of New Hampshire need to be held accountable for their actions.  DEA will aggressively pursue Drug Trafficking Organizations and individuals who are coming from out of state to distribute this poison in order to profit and destroy people’s lives.”

            This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski. 

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            CONCORD - Ryan Burns, 39, of Nashua, pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 4, 2018, Burns purchased a .45 caliber firearm from an undercover federal enforcement officer for $100 cash, a box of .22 caliber ammunition, and an antique firearm. As explained in court documents and stated during the hearing, Ryan’s possession of the gun was unlawful due a previous involuntary commitment to a mental health facility.

            Burns will be sentenced on January 14, 2020.

            “In order to maintain public safety, we are striving to prevent gun crime in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who seek to obtain guns unlawfully.”

            The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Manchester Police Department investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert M. Kinsella is prosecuting the case.

            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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            CONCORD - Nathanael Peguero, 27, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to conspiracy to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced. 

            According to court documents and statements made in court, between November and December of 2016, a DEA Task Force Officer (“TFO”) made arrangements with Peguero to purchase fentanyl.  The undercover officer made a series of five undercover purchases of fentanyl from Peguero or members of Peguero’s drug trafficking organization. 

            Peguero is scheduled to be sentenced on January 14, 2020.

            “Interstate fentanyl trafficking endangers the health and safety of the citizens of New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to protect our community, we will aggressively prosecute those who are responsible for distributing this deadly drug in the Granite State.”  

                This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Hampton Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John 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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            CONCORD – Matthew MacLeod, 34, of Rochester, pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on January 6, 2020.

            “Armed drug dealers are a menace to the public,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “I am grateful for the work of the Rochester Police Department and the FBI in removing this threat from our streets.  Close cooperation by law enforcement is essential to addressing the opioid crisis.”  

            "Each and every day, the FBI and our law enforcement partners are working hard targeting armed drug dealers like Mr. MacLeod, who illegally contribute to the opioid crisis that continues to devastate communities all over the Granite state.  By finally accepting responsibility for his criminal conduct, he's one step closer to being held accountable for poisoning our streets with dangerous drugs and putting residents in harm's way," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.

            This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rochester Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.    

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            CONCORD – Darrius Weekly, 25, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to distributing cocaine base, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, between September 17, 2018 and November 7, 2018, law enforcement officers made five separate controlled purchases of cocaine base (also known as crack cocaine) from Weekly in and around Manchester. 

            Weekly is scheduled to be sentenced on January 10, 2020.

            “Crack cocaine endangers the health and safety of our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We are committed to working closely with our law enforcement partners to stop the distribution of this dangerous substance in the Granite State.”

            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 Charles L. Rombeau.        

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            CONCORD – Justin English, 35, of Effingham, pleaded guilty in federal court to 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, New Hampshire and York, Maine. On October 4, 2018, the FBI executed a search warrant on English’s residence, arrested English and his co-conspirator, and seized approximately 200 gram so fentanyl, currency, collectible coins, and four firearms. Under the terms of the plea agreement, English agreed to forfeit to the United States $28,386 in cash and $45,738 in collectible coins. The FBI previously administratively forfeited the firearms.

            Sentencing is currently scheduled for January 2, 2020.

            “Fentanyl trafficking poses a significant danger to the community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “When drug traffickers are armed, the risk to public health and safety are even higher.  We are working closely with our law enforcement partners each day to identify, arrest, and prosecute the armed drug dealers who endanger the citizens of the Granite State.”         

             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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Davis.   

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          CONCORD - Julion Adamski Parker, a/k/a Julian Iden Lima, 27, of Chester, was sentenced to time served (approximately 16 months) and fined $1,000 for violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 11, 2017, Chester Police Department received a call that Parker was inside the Chester General Store with a gun in plain view.  Knowing that Parker previously had been convicted of impersonating a federal officer, members of the Chester Police arrested Parker for being a felon in possession of a deadly weapon.

          Further investigation showed that Parker had previously purchased guns on two occasions by completing documents that falsely claimed that he had never been convicted a felony in any court.  On March 30, 2017, Parker purchased a Mosin-Nagant, Model M91/30, 7.62 X 39 mm caliber rifle from a federally licensed firearms dealer in Hooksett.  On June 20, 2017, he purchased an Arsenal, Model SAM7R, 7.62 X 39 mm rifle from a federally licensed firearms dealer in Londonderry.

          Parker previously pleaded guilty on May 2, 2019, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and two counts of making false statements in order to acquire a firearm.  After being released from custody, Parker will be on supervised release for three years.  During the first six months of his release he will be subject to home confinement with electronic monitoring.

          “In order to protect public safety, it is essential to keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate criminals who unlawfully obtain and possess firearms.”    

          This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Chester Police Department. The United States Marshal’s Service assisted in the apprehension of Parker.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Walsh.

          The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes.           

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            CONCORD - Jared Gil, 25, and Yadoris Arias, 26, both of Lawrence, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute and possess fentanyl with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, between February and March of 2019, Arias conspired with Gil to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. On March 25, 2019 a confidential source contacted Gil by telephone and arranged to buy $2500 of fentanyl.  Gil and Arias arrived at an apartment complex in Manchester, New Hampshire where police officers arrested them.  Investigators recovered over 80 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl in the air vent of their vehicle.  

            Gil pleaded guilty on August 1, 2019 and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 18, 2019.  Arias pleaded guilty today and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 3, 2020.

            “Interstate fentanyl trafficking promotes drug addiction throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The introduction of deadly drugs into our state has caused untold suffering. In order to protect the health and safety of our citizens, we will continue to be aggressive in our prosecutions of the drug dealers who bring fentanyl into the Granite State.”                 

            This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Manchester Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.          

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            CONCORD – Nicholas Messina, 28, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 72 months in prison for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Messina was arrested at a hotel  in Nashua, New Hampshire, with fentanyl, cocaine, thousands of dollars, and a loaded firearm. In a post-arrest interview, Messina admitted that he possessed the drugs for distribution.   

            Messina previously pleaded guilty on May 29, 2109.  

            “Drugs and guns are an extremely lethal combination,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “While fentanyl already has destroyed far too many lives in New Hampshire, the risk that armed drug dealers pose to the public cannot be overstated.  We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to stop interstate drug trafficking and the violence that is associated with drug dealing.”

            "ATF will continue working with our local, state and federal 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 

            “Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities, so every time we take fentanyl off the streets, lives are saved,” said Brian D. Boyle. “Let this sentence be a warning to those traffickers like Mr. Messina who are coming from out of state to distribute this poison, that DEA and its local, state and federal partners will do everything in our power to bring you to justice.”

            This matter was investigated by the DEA, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Nashua Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z.  Krasinski.

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            CONCORD - Jonathan Felch, 37, of Goffstown, was sentenced serve to 96 months in federal prison for participating in a fentanyl drug trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, during an ongoing drug trafficking investigation that included court-authorized wiretaps, agents and task force officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration learned that Felch regularly obtained fentanyl from a source in Lawrence, Massachusetts and then sold the fentanyl in New Hampshire.

            On March 14, 2018, investigators learned that Felch had ordered 20 grams of fentanyl and was traveling on Interstate 93.  The New Hampshire State Police subsequently stopped a vehicle for motor vehicle violations in which Felch was a passenger.  Felch later admitted that he had drugs in his possession and provided the troopers with approximately 18 grams of fentanyl.

            Again, on April 6, 2018, investigators learned that Felch intended to travel from New Hampshire to Lawrence to purchase drugs.  Agents conducted surveillance of Felch and observed him meet with another individual in Lawrence.  Later that day, Felch returned to New Hampshire in a vehicle that was stopped in Manchester for a motor vehicle violation.  Officers later located approximately 23 grams of fentanyl and a digital scale in the vehicle. Over the course of the wiretap investigation, Felch ordered more than 600 grams of fentanyl.

            Felch previously pleaded guilty on May 30, 2019.

            “This case once again highlights the familiar Lawrence to New Hampshire fentanyl distribution route,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The 8 year prison term should serve as a warning to those inclined to introduce this drug into the Granite State. Traffickers should realize that we will continue to seek substantial prison terms for those who engage in this conduct.”

            “The state of New Hampshire is faced with an opioid crisis unlike ever before,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Fentanyl is causing great damage to our communities and DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison in order to profit and destroy lives.”

             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, Seth R. Aframe, and Debra M. Walsh.

            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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            CONCORD – Jose Oriol Feliz Aybar, 31, of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced to 24 months for participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, the defendant distributed quantities of fentanyl in Lawrence, Massachusetts with Leudin Arismendi Lara (also known as Rolando Sierra-Oyola).   On three occasions in 2016, the defendant sold fentanyl to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement officers and who purported to be a New Hampshire-based drug trafficker.   

            Lara previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to serve 91 months in prison.

            Aybar previously pleaded guilty on May 29, 2019.  Aybar was extradited from the Dominican Republic to face the charges in this case.   He faces likely deportation to the Dominican Republic after serving his sentence.

            “The deadly effects of interstate fentanyl trafficking are felt each day in the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “This case demonstrates that drug dealers cannot flee the United States to avoid prosecution.  In order to stop the flow of this dangerous drug into New Hampshire, we will continue to pursue traffickers and seek federal prison sentences upon their conviction.”

            “New Hampshire is in the midst of a devastating opioid crisis,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “The DEA will continue to use every resource available to identify those, like Mr. Aybar, who are contributing to the crisis.  This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”

            The investigation was conducted by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Tactical Diversion Unit, Portsmouth, New Hampshire; the New Hampshire State Police, the Portsmouth, New Hampshire Police Department, the Exeter, New Hampshire Police Department, the Andover, Massachusetts Police Department, the Wilmington, Massachusetts Police Department, and the Lawrence, Massachusetts Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Seth Aframe prosecuted the case.

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            CONCORD - Daniel Laterowicz, 32, of Ipswich, was sentenced in federal court to 60 months in prison for possession of stolen firearms, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 10, 2018, members of the Salisbury, Massachusetts Police Department responded to a call of a possible car break-in.  Salisbury officers later notified the Seabrook Police Department of a possible suspect in the area. 

            A Seabrook Police officer encountered Laterowicz walking northbound on Batchelder Road at approximately 2:44 am.  The officer conducted a brief investigative stop of Laterowicz, during which a stolen handgun was recovered from the defendant’s breast pocket.   Investigators followed additional leads to a hotel room in Hampton, where Laterowicz had been staying.  Investigators obtained a state search warrant which they executed on December 13, 2018.  The search led to the recovery of three firearms, including two shotguns that previously had been reported stolen by a Seabrook resident who had discovered them missing from his parked car on the morning of November 29, 2018. 

            Laterowicz is a convicted felon.  It is unlawful for a person with a felony conviction to possess firearms. 

            Laterowicz pleaded guilty on May 29, 2019.

            “In order to protect our communities from violence, it is vital to keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Through Project Safe Neighborhoods, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute felons who jeopardize public safety by carrying weapons.”

            This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Salisbury, Massachusetts Police Department, and the Seabrook and Hampton, New Hampshire Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

            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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            CONCORD - Katie Fysh, 33, of Groveton, was sentenced to 87 months in 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, during an ongoing drug trafficking investigation that included court-authorized wiretaps, agents and task force officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration learned that Fysh regularly obtained fentanyl from a source in Lawrence, Massachusetts and then sold that fentanyl in New Hampshire. On both March 17, 2018, and March 18, 2018, a friend of the defendant suffered non-fatal overdoses after using the fentanyl purchased from the source in Lawrence. The defendant was arrested on March 18, 2018, and found with approximately 25 grams of fentanyl on her person. She admitted that she regularly bought fentanyl in Lawrence and distributed it in New Hampshire. 

            Fysh previously pleaded guilty on June 12, 2019.

            “Interstate fentanyl traffickers introduce a lethal drug for distribution on the streets of New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In this case, the defendant followed the very familiar pattern of purchasing the drug in Lawrence and then transporting it into our state. The penalty of better than seven years in prison should serve as a deterrent to others who would choose to follow a similar path.”

            “Fentanyl is causing great damage to our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Those who distribute fentanyl are endangering the safety of the citizens of New Hampshire.  This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative local, state and federal law enforcement efforts in New Hampshire.”

            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 was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Georgiana L. Konesky, Seth R. Aframe and Debra M. Walsh.

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            CONCORD – Enco Industries, Inc., a company located in Plaistow, New Hampshire, was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay $83,717.85 in restitution for making false statements to the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Logistics Agency, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

            According to court documents and statements made during a hearing earlier today, the Defense Logistics Agency (“DLA”) purchases operating supplies (“items”) for the U.S. military from government contractors through the federal supply system.  The Department of Defense (“DoD”) requires that all items conform to strict military specifications identified in its contracts.  Contract solicitations include the DoD’s specifications for the requested item.

            An oil sorbent mat is one item the DLA acquires through the federal supply system.   Because the mats are used to absorb flammable liquids, the mats are required to meet specifications requiring them to dissipate electrical charges to the ground.

            According to court documents, in December of 2011, the DLA posted a solicitation to acquire approximately 96,000 units of hazardous material mats over a five-year period.  The solicitation required, among other things, that the mats pass standards established in National Fire Protection Association for Static Decay and Surface Resistivity.  The solicitation also required the selected government contractor to purchase mats manufactured by a company in Tipton, Pennsylvania or another company in Pennsylvania.

            Enco has been an approved government contractor since 2004.  On January 13, 2012, Enco’s government contracting manager submitted Enco’s bid for the contract.  The bid stated that Enco would purchase the mats from the company in Tipton for $29.15 for each unit containing 100 mats during the first year of the five-year annually renewable contract.  This statement was false because, at the time the bid was submitted, Enco did not intend to purchase the mats from the company in Tipton.

            The court documents further allege that on June 18, 2012, the DLA awarded the contract to Enco and sent the company a purchase order that incorporated all the required specifications for the mats.  From June of 2012 to October of 2013, Enco provided approximately 21,700 units to the DLA.  To obtain payments, Enco’s office manager submitted claims to the DoD.  Most of claims were false because only seven units contained mats that were manufactured by the company in Tipton.

            In August of 2013, an independent company concluded that several of the mats it tested did not meet the contract’s requirements for static decay or surface resistivity.  As a result, the DLA sent Enco a letter on October 7, 2013, that notified the company that the contract might be terminated due to non-conformance.

            In an October 2013-email addressed to the DLA, Enco’s president stated that Enco bought the mats from a non-approved manufacturer because the amount charged by the company in Tipton was prohibitive.  In the same email, Enco’s president stated that Enco was not able to identify the non-approved manufacturer.  This statement was false because, at the time of the email, Enco was able to identify the manufacturers from whom it had purchased the mats.

             While speaking with Special Agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (“NCIS”) and Defense Criminal Investigative Service (“DCIS”) on February 21, 2014, Enco’s president stated that before Enco submitted its bid on the contract, the company received price quotes from the two approved manufacturers.  According to the court documents, Enco’s president also stated that Enco decided to buy the mats from the company in Tipton because its price was lower.  This statement was false and misleading because when Enco submitted its bid for the contract, it intended to fulfill the contract by purchasing mats from a non-approved manufacturer.

            Enco previously pleaded guilty to make a false statements to an agency of the United States government on June 3, 2019.

            “Those who do business with the federal government must do so honestly,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “When companies mislead the government in the efforts to obtain government contracts, they are committing a serious federal crime.  We will not hesitate to work with our law enforcement partners to root out white collar crimes in order to protect the integrity of the government contracting process.”

            "Today's sentencing is the end result of a successful joint effort to protect the U.S. Department of Defense's (DoD) procurement process," stated Leigh-Alistair Barzey, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Northeast Field Office.  "DCIS is committed to working with the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Hampshire, NCIS and AFOSI, to investigate and prosecute companies that provide false statements to the DoD in a fraudulent effort to obtain defense contracts.”

            “Fraud is never a victimless crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Leo S. Lamont of the NCIS. “This case of using inferior and substandard materials damaged the readiness and safety of U.S. forces. The victims are not just our men and women in uniform, but all American taxpayers. NCIS will continue to tirelessly pursue all those who seek to take advantage of the Department of the Navy and its interests while keeping the procurement system fair and honest."

            "The Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), along with its law enforcement partners, has, and always will, aggressively identify, investigate and neutralize anyone who attempts to defraud the US Government and put our nation's warfighters at risk," stated Special Agent-in-Charge Jason T. Hein, AFOSI, Office of Procurement Fraud.”

            The case was investigated by the NCIS, DCIS, and the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Office of Procurement.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Kinsella prosecuted the case with assistance from K. Drew Ayers, Acquisition Fraud Counsel for the U.S. Air Force Materiel Command Law Office.

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            CONCORD - Michael A. Albert, 51, of Chichester, pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to structuring cash deposits from his business, Mike’s Affordable Auto, LLC, for the purpose of evading bank reporting requirements, money laundering, and evading reporting requirements with respect to cash transactions in excess of $10,000, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, Albert, who ran a used car business at locations in Concord and Chichester, knew that if he deposited cash in amounts more than $10,000, the bank was required to file reports of those transactions with the IRS.  Albert structured cash deposits from his business in order to evade the reporting requirements imposed on the bank.  Additionally, Albert accepted cash in amounts greater than $10,000 for the purchase of vehicles from a person who represented that the cash was proceeds of illegal drug trafficking.  Finally, Albert failed to file required forms with the IRS identifying cash receipts in his business in excess of $10,000.   

            Albert is scheduled to be sentenced on December 17, 2019.  As part of his plea agreement, he has agreed to the civil forfeiture of over $400,000.

            “Federal financial laws help to ensure that businesses do not engage in money laundering or facilitate other financial crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “When those who operate businesses fail to comply with their legal obligations, they face potential criminal prosecution.”

            “Federal laws that regulate the reporting of currency transactions, to include vehicles purchased for cash, are in place to detect and stop illegal activities,” said Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Boston Field Office. "Individuals who engage in this type of financial fraud should know they will not go undetected.  We will continue to work closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to hold them accountable."

            This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service, with assistance from Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Manchester Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold Huftalen.  The civil forfeiture matter is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Rabuck.

            This case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).  The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.  

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            CONCORD - David Nguyen, 37, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to distributing fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today. 

           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 is scheduled to be sentenced on December 17, 2019.

            “Fentanyl trafficking endangers public health and safety in Manchester and other communities throughout the State of New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Through Operation S.O.S., we are working with the Manchester Police Department and other law enforcement agencies in Hillsborough County to identify and prosecute those who are responsible for selling this deadly drug.”

            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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            CONCORD - Two national pharmacy chains agreed to pay civil monetary penalties to resolve allegations that they violated the Controlled Substances Act by filling fraudulent prescriptions, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today. 

            Pursuant to the terms of the settlement agreements, New Albertsons, L.P., d/b/a Osco Pharmacy agreed to pay $30,000 to resolve allegations that it had filled 13 fraudulent prescriptions for controlled substances at its location in Stratham between December 1, 2013, and July 31, 2014.  Additionally, Maxi Drug North, Inc., d/b/a Rite Aid agreed to pay a penalty of $22,500 to resolve allegations that it had filled 15 fraudulent prescriptions for controlled substances at its location in Concord between December 1, 2013, and June 30, 2014.            

              The Controlled Substances Act prohibits the distribution or dispensing of a controlled substance without a valid prescription.  A valid prescription for a controlled substance must be issued for a legitimate medical purpose by an individual practitioner acting in the usual course of his or her practice. The investigations in both cases indicated that pharmacists at the pharmacies should have known that patients had presented fraudulent prescriptions that should not have been filled. 

            In entering into these civil settlements, both companies denied liability.  Both companies also cooperated with the government’s investigations.

            “Pharmacies and health care professionals must comply with their legal obligations in order to ensure that controlled substances do not end up in the wrong hands,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “When businesses or individuals fail to fulfill these obligations, drugs can be diverted into the black market or otherwise misused.  We will not hesitate to use federal enforcement tools to ensure that members of the health care industry follow the law.”        

            “DEA registrants like Osco and Rite Aid have a corresponding responsibility to dispense controlled substances in accordance with the Controlled Substances Act.  When these responsibilities are not adhered to it allows for the diversion of prescription pain medication which contributes to the widespread abuse of opiates that are devastating our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Today’s settlements demonstrate DEA’s commitment to improve public safety and public health in New Hampshire.”

            These cases were investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Diversion Control Division. The cases were handled by Assistant United States Attorney Michael McCormack.

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A federal grand jury sitting in Concord, New Hampshire, returned an indictment charging Walter Rodriguez with three counts of filing false tax returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and United States Attorney Scott W. Murray for the District of New Hampshire.

According to the indictment, from at least 2011 through 2013, Rodriguez owned and operated a drywall business in Manchester, New Hampshire, under the name Walter Rodriguez Drywall and Finish. Rodriguez’s drywall business allegedly performed work for large construction companies located in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York and other states. The indictment charges that the construction companies typically issued Forms 1099 to Rodriguez’s business for payments made to Rodriguez, or to his drywall business, during each of the relevant years. In addition to these payments reported to the Internal Revenue Service, the construction companies allegedly paid Rodriguez by checks issued in the names of fictitious or fraudulent identities. Rodriguez is alleged to have cashed or caused to have cashed these checks at commercial check cashers in the New Hampshire and Massachusetts area. The indictment charges that Rodriguez filed false tax returns that underreported the total gross receipts of his business.

If convicted, Rodriguez face a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each false tax return count. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. 

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case was investigated by special agents of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. Tax Division Trial Attorney Brittney Campbell and Assistant United States Attorney Robert Kinsella are prosecuting the case. 

Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.

           CONCORD, N.H. – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that on Thursday a federal jury found Nelson Alexander Fuentes-Lopez, 32, a citizen of Guatemala, guilty of reentering the United States after having been previously deported.            

          According to trial exhibits and witness testimony during the two-day jury trial, Fuentes-Lopez was found in Seabrook in May of this year when he was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped for speeding.

          Fuentes-Lopez was subsequently arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations Officers when it was discovered that he had been deported in July of 2014 after illegally crossing the border in Texas. 

          Fuentes-Lopez was convicted of one count of reentry after deportation.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 17, 2019.  U.S. Immigration and customers Enforcement will seek his removal following the service of his sentence.

          “Those who have been deported from the United States must follow the law if they wish to return to this country,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “If they choose to return to the United States unlawfully, they are subject to federal prosecution.”

          “Illegally re-entering the United States after being previously removed from the U.S. is a serious violation of our immigration law”, said Marcos D. Charles, acting Field Office Director U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations, Boston. “When an individual violates these laws, that person shows contempt for our long established immigration system. These actions also disrespect the hundreds of thousands of immigrants who have followed the lawful process of entry into our country.”                          

          This matter was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  Assistance also was provided by United States Border Patrol and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Helen White Fitzgibbon.

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          CONCORD - Shariff Britton, 36, of Jersey City, New Jersey, pleaded guilty in federal court to 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.  Upon contact with Britton, the trooper smelled marijuana emanating from the vehicle and observed a marijuana “blunt” in plain view in the center console.  During a 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on December 16, 2019.

          “Interstate drug trafficking presents a serious threat to the health and safety of our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “It is imperative that we interrupt the interstate transportation of cocaine and other dangerous drugs. I commend the New Hampshire State Police for their diligence in preventing over a kilogram of cocaine from being distributed.”

          This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam Le.      

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          CONCORD - William Charles Pelletier, 36, of Andover, Maine, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for unlawful transportation of a firearm in interstate commerce and simple assault, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 10, 2017, the defendant groped a passenger while aboard an airplane.  On March 13, 2018, the defendant was indicted in the Northern District of Georgia for felony abusive sexual contact for that conduct.  It is unlawful for a person who is under indictment for a felony to transport a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce.  On November 25, 2018, while that charge remained pending and the defendant was on pretrial release, the defendant transported two firearms from Vermont to New Hampshire. 

          Pelletier previously pleaded guilty on March 26, 2019, to charges related to both matters.  He pleaded guilty to simple assault to resolve the Georgia matter. 

          The firearms have been forfeited to the United States.

          “The defendant’s conduct jeopardized public safety in multiple ways,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “First, he assaulted a fellow passenger on an airplane.  Then, although on pretrial release with charges pending, he illegally transported firearms across state lines. Mr. Pelletier’s actions clearly merited the prison sentence imposed by the judge today.”

          “Pelletier believed he could sexually assault a fellow passenger on a flight to Atlanta.  Behavior like this will not be tolerated by the FBI,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta.  “This sentence will hopefully send a message that this conduct is unacceptable, and anyone who chooses to act in this manner will be prosecuted.  Citizens deserve to feel protected from sexual assault and should not have to fear this happening to them while traveling.”

          This matter was investigated by the U.S. Border Patrol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.

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          CONCORD - William McKnight, 48, of Litchfield, pleaded guilty in federal court to distributing fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, from November 7, 2018 to November 19, 2018, members the Nashua Police Department Problem Oriented Policing Unit working in conjunction with members of the Nashua Police Department Narcotics Intelligence Division investigated McKnight for distributing fentanyl in Nashua.  They arranged for a cooperating individual to purchase fentanyl from McKnight on three occasions.

          On January 16, 2019, Nashua Police Department searched McKnight’s apartment and found drug paraphernalia, including a scale, needles, plastic bags and cotton swabs.

          McKnight is scheduled to be sentenced on December 10, 2019.

          “The trafficking of fentanyl has had a devastating impact throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Nashua is located in close proximity to the regional distribution center for this dangerous drug and along with other Hillsborough County communities, has been especially hard hit. Through Operation S.O.S., we are working with Nashua Police to send a message to fentanyl dealers that their dangerous and illegal activities will not be tolerated in New Hampshire.” 

          This matter was investigated by the Nashua Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim Barth.

          This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.).  In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts.  The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.   In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua.            

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          CONCORD – James Aubin, 46, of Dover, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for committing a bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 12, 2018, Aubin entered the Bank of New Hampshire branch on Central Avenue in Dover and demanded money from the teller. The teller gave Aubin a quantity of United States currency. After images from bank surveillance videos were shown on local news outlets, investigators were able to positively identify Aubin as the robber.  After being arrested, Aubin admitted to robbing the bank.

          Aubin previously pleaded guilty on April 23, 2019.  

          “Bank robberies are violent crimes that endanger bank employees, customers and members of the public,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to deter this conduct and maintain community safety, we are fully prepared to seek prison sentences for bank robbers. Those inclined to steal money by threatening bank tellers should consider the consequences before committing the crime.” 

          "James Aubin told police he 'made a bad decision' when he robbed the Dover branch of Bank of New Hampshire last summer. As a working, middle-aged father, the time to know better was before he terrified a teller into carrying out his demands," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. "While today's sentence reflects Mr. Aubin's acceptance of responsibility, it should also teach him there are no excuses that help the innocent traumatized by this inherently violent crime to sleep better at night." 

          This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Dover Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.

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          CONCORD – Derek Rand, 31, of Rochester, pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today. 

           According to court documents and statements made in court, 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.

          DEA arrested Rand on December 18, 2018.

          Rand will be sentenced on December 16, 2019.           

          “Fentanyl traffickers make a lethal substance available for purchase in Rochester and other communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The results have been devastating. In order to stop the flow of fentanyl, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, arrest, and prosecute traffickers.” 

         This matter was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and New Hampshire State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Davis.           

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          Concord – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Eduard Amparo, 47, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, pled guilty to participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy.  Amparo is the latest defendant to plead guilty to participating in this substantial drug trafficking case.

          In April of 2018, U.S. Attorney Murray announced that 34 individuals were charged with participating in a conspiracy to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl.  According to court documents and statements made in court, a drug trafficking organization that authorities allege was led by Sergio Martinez employed numerous individuals to sell fentanyl to customers from various New England states, including New Hampshire. Some defendants who worked for the Martinez organization distributed multiple 200-gram bags of fentanyl and returned thousands of dollars in proceeds to the organization daily.

          The following individuals have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. They include:

• Miguel Alvarez, 38, of Haverhill, MA, pled guilty on January 31, 2019. His sentencing is scheduled for October 15, 2019;
• Eduard Amparo, 47, of Lawrence, MA, pled guilty on August 29, 2019. His sentencing is scheduled for December 16 2019;
• Edward Brailey Delacruz, 25, of Methuen, MA, pled guilty on June 24, 2019. His sentencing is scheduled for December 16, 2019;
• Edward Brito, 32, of Lawrence, MA, pled guilty on July 10, 2019. His sentencing is scheduled for November 4, 2019;
• Luz DeJesus, 34, of Lawrence, MA, pled guilty on January 31, 2019. Her sentencing is scheduled for November 15, 2019;
• Juan Dimel Gil Castillo, 25, of Lawrence, MA, pled guilty on February 6, 2019. His sentencing is scheduled for September 19, 2019;
• Ramon Gil Huma, 26, of Lawrence, MA, pled guilty on March 11, 2019. His sentencing is scheduled for November 12, 2019;
• Henry Marte, 22, of Lawrence, MA, pled guilty on January 25, 2019. His sentencing is scheduled for November 4, 2019;
• Raulin Martinez, 37, of Lawrence, MA, pled guilty on December 7, 2018. His sentencing is scheduled for October 9, 2019;
• Jared Ortega-Peguero, 26, of Lawrence, MA, pled guilty on December 6, 2018. His sentencing is scheduled for October 18, 2019;
• Suhey Perez, 40, of Lawrence, MA, pled guilty on May 2, 2019. Her sentencing is scheduled for November 18, 2019;
• Luz Perez DeMartinez, 27, of Lawrence, MA, pled guilty on February 12, 2019. Her sentencing is scheduled for November 19, 2019;
• Wagner Pimentel, 29, of Lawrence, MA, pled guilty on March 15, 2019. His sentencing is scheduled for October 17, 2019;
• Luis Angel Polanco Huma, 23, of Lawrence, MA, pled guilty on August 14, 2019. His sentencing is scheduled for November 27, 2019.
• Jorge Rodriguez, 22, of Methuen, MA, pled guilty on February 28, 2019. His sentencing is scheduled for November 15, 2019;
• Luis Antonio Salomon Polanco, 21, of Lawrence, MA, pled guilty on March 11, 2019. His sentencing is scheduled for November 18, 2019;
• Juan Rafael Tejada-Jiminez, 39, of Lawrence, MA, pled guilty on November 29, 2018. His sentencing is scheduled for October 15, 2019.

          In addition to the defendants listed above, nine other defendants have pleaded guilty and already have been sentenced. An additional defendant, Fernand Miranda, 24, of Haverhill, MA, is expected to plead guilty.  Four defendants remain fugitives.

          Three other defendants, Sergio Martinez, 29, of Lawrence, MA, Steven Lessard, 32, of Lowell, MA, and Julio Colon, 25, of Lawrence, MA, are scheduled to go to trial on October 1, 2019.  These defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty.

          “Interstate fentanyl trafficking poses a serious threat to the health and safety of the citizens of New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will continue to coordinate with our law enforcement partners to dismantle the drug trafficking organizations that are responsible for bringing this deadly drug into the Granite State.”

          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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          CONCORD - Frank E. Styles, Jr., 62, of Exeter, was sentenced to a term of probation for obtaining controlled substances under false pretenses, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today. As a condition of probation, Styles will never seek to have his pharmacist license reinstated. Additionally Styles will pay restitution to Medicare and Rite Aid pharmacy. 

          According to court documents and statements made in court, from at least January 25, 2016, through November 29, 2016, while employed as a pharmacist at a pharmacy in Stratham, New Hampshire, Styles altered various records relating to prescriptions he filled in order to obtain controlled substances. During that time period, Styles altered the records associated with approximately 77 prescriptions in this manner, diverting approximately 564 pills containing controlled substances for his own use.

          Styles previously pleaded guilty on May 24, 2019.  

          “Health care professionals who divert drugs jeopardize patient safety,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will not hesitate to bring criminal charges against those who abuse their positions in the health care profession in order to obtain drugs.”

          “The reckless action by this former pharmacist was not only a crime but a betrayal of the public trust,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Styles accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those individuals who are fueling the opioid crisis.  DEA’s obligation is to improve public safety and public health, and we are committed to working with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to ensure that rules and regulations are followed.”

          This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. Konesky.         

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            CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Samuel F. Baez, 37, of Haverhill, Massachusetts was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for distributing heroin and possessing heroin with intent to distribute.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, between January 10, 2016 and May 6, 2016, an undercover New Hampshire State Police Trooper made five controlled purchases of heroin from Baez at retail stores in Plaistow, New Hampshire.  The defendant brought a young child with him to at least two of the transactions.  When the New Hampshire State Police arrested Baez on June 29, 2016, he was in possession of a distributable amount of heroin.  In total, investigators obtained approximately 100 grams of heroin from Baez during the investigation.

            Baez previously pleaded guilty on July 2, 2018.  

            “Interstate drug trafficking makes lethal substances available for purchase on the streets of New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “This trade has had a devastating impact on the health and safety of our citizens.  In order to protect the public, we will continue to work closely with the New Hampshire State Police and all of our law enforcement partners to identify, arrest, and incarcerate those who bring heroin and other deadly drugs into the Granite State.”

                This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Davis.

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            CONCORD - Brian D. Rancourt, 44, of Stewartstown, pleaded guilty in federal court to distribution of Suboxone, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 1, 2018, Rancourt sold Suboxone in Stewartstown to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement officers. 

            Rancourt is scheduled to be sentenced on December 2, 2019.

            “The opioid crisis has been fueled, in part, by those who divert and misuse prescription opioids,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Those who engage in criminal conduct by selling or diverting opioid medications are endangering public health and will be prosecuted aggressively.”

                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, 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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            CONCORD, - Glenn Adjutant, 22, of New Hampshire,  pleaded guilty in federal court to distribution of Suboxone, Adderall, 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on December 6, 2019.

            “The illegal sale of prescription drugs endangers the health of our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Those who engage in this activity should expect to be investigated, arrested and prosecuted. In order to maintain the integrity of the criminal justice system, we will seek criminal penalties against those who attempt to intimidate or retaliate against witnesses.”  

            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, 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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            CONCORD – Israel Perez, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to 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, between May and September, 2018, Perez conspired with other persons to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl as part of a drug trafficking organization.  Investigators made controlled purchases of approximately 250 grams of fentanyl from Perez in Manchester between January and May of 2018.

            Perez is scheduled to be sentenced on December 6, 2019.     

            Co-defendants Samuel Ramos, Abelino Morales-Padilla, Billy Damuel Maldonado Cancel, Jose Hiram Martinez Rolon, and Karina Reyes previously pleaded guilty to fentanyl trafficking charges in the same case.                     .

            “Fentanyl traffickers make a lethal substance available for purchase in Manchester and other communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The results have been devastating. In order to stop the flow of fentanyl, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, arrest, and prosecute traffickers.”

              “Today’s conviction is a positive step in the ongoing battle that we continue fight against the devastation that opioids have on our communities.” said Jason J. Molina Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, Boston. “HSI and our state and local partners with support from the U.S. Attorney’s office remain strongly committed to the fight against dealers of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs that have harmed communities throughout New Hampshire.”

            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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            CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Keith Baker, 24, of Littleton, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 60 months for participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, during an ongoing drug trafficking investigation that included wiretaps of certain telephones, investigators learned that on April 8, 2018, Baker intended to travel from New Hampshire to a location in Massachusetts to purchase fentanyl. The Woodstock, New Hampshire, Police Department later seized approximately 41.3 grams of fentanyl from a vehicle in which the defendant was a passenger. The investigation revealed that from February 23, 2018, and continuing through April 8, 2018, Baker ordered fentanyl from drug distributors in Massachusetts on various occasions. He then redistributed that fentanyl to customers in New Hampshire.

            Baker previously pleaded guilty on March 7, 2019.

            “Fentanyl trafficking has caused grave harm to communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to protect the health and safety of our citizens, we will continue to work closely with all of our law enforcement partners identify, arrest, and prosecute those who bring this deadly substance into the Granite State.”

            “Fentanyl is causing great damage to our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Those who distribute fentanyl are endangering the safety of the citizens of New Hampshire.  This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative local, county and state law enforcement efforts in New Hampshire.”

            The case was a collaborative investigation that involved the Drug Enforcement Administration; 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, Seth R. Aframe and Debra M. Walsh.

            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.

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            CONCORD - Christopher D. Mann, 35, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to unlawfully possessing a firearm, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 16, 2019, the United States Marshals Service executed an arrest warrant for Mann having violated supervised release from a prior offense. Mann was arrested in a vehicle that was owned by Mann's girlfriend. At the time of the arrest, the deputy Marshal seized a Glock .357 caliber handgun from the passenger seat where Mann had been sitting. In addition, the deputy Marshal seized from Mann's pocket two magazines of ammunition for the handgun that was found on seat.     

            Mann was prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition as a result of at least one prior felony conviction.

            Mann is scheduled to be sentenced on November 22, 2019.

            “In order to keep our communities safe, federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Thanks to the excellent enforcement work of the U.S. Marshals Service, this convicted felon was disarmed.”  

                This matter was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.

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            CONCORD – Karina Reyes, 29, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court to distributing fentanyl as part of a seven-defendant narcotics case, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Reyes resided with a drug trafficker in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and sometimes provided translation services for him during telephone conversations about trafficking in fentanyl, including making arrangements for specific drug transactions in New Hampshire.

            Reyes is scheduled to be sentenced on November 22, 2019    

            Co-defendants Billy Damuel Maldonado Cancel, Jose Hiram Martinez Rolon, Samuel Ramos, and Abelino Morales-Padilla previously pleaded guilty to fentanyl trafficking charges in the same case.                     .

            “Those who participate in the trafficking of fentanyl will be arrested and prosecuted,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “It is vital to the health and safety of the public that we disrupt the distribution of this lethal substance. Law enforcement at all levels is united in the effort to stop traffickers.” 

            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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