District of New Hampshire

           CONCORD – Julio Pizzini, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced on Tuesday to serve 170 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, a drug trafficking organization, which authorities allege was led by Sergio Martinez, employed Pizzini and others to sell fentanyl to customers from various New England states, including New Hampshire. On each date that Pizzini worked, the Martinez organization provided him with at least one 200-gram bag of fentanyl and expected him to sell it and return approximately $6,000 in proceeds.

           Pizzini previously pleaded guilty on February 15, 2019.      

           “Fentanyl trafficking is a crime that has had deadly consequences for many citizens of New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The transportation of illegal drugs into the Granite State must be stopped. In order to save lives, we will continue to work closely with all of our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate those who are responsible for distributing this dangerous substance.”

           “Those individuals who choose to distribute fentanyl in our communities endanger the lives of their customers and the residents of our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Today’s sentence holds Mr. Pizzini accountable for his actions.  We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold those who distribute fentanyl accountable for the drug-related offenses they have committed.”

           The case was a collaborative investigation that involved the DEA; the New Hampshire State Police; the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office; the Nashua Police Department; the Massachusetts State Police; the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office; the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office; the Essex County District Attorney’s Office; the Internal Revenue Service; Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; United States Customs and Border Protection Boston Field Office; the United States Marshals Service; the United States Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service; the Manchester Police Department; the Lisbon Police Department; the Littleton Police Department; the Haverhill (MA) Police Department; the Methuen (MA) Police Department; the Lowell (MA) Police Department; and the Maine State Police.

          The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana L. Konesky and Seth R. Aframe.

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

 

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          CONCORD – Meredith Willey, 38, of Groveton, New Hampshire, was sentenced on Tuesday to serve 65 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, as a result of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation, agents and task force officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration learned that on March 1, 2018, an individual intended to travel from New Hampshire to a location in Lawrence, Massachusetts to purchase 250 grams of a controlled substance.  Agents conducted surveillance in the area of the transaction and observed a known drug trafficker get in the back seat of the car and exit a few minutes later.  The vehicle left Massachusetts and agents followed it directly to New Hampshire.

         The agents informed a New Hampshire State Trooper patrolling Interstate Route 93 about their surveillance observations.   The trooper stopped the vehicle for traffic violations and identified Willey as the driver.  Willey subsequently admitted that she and her co-conspirator went to Lawrence to buy “dope.”  Willey consented to a search of the car and signed a consent to search form.  The troopers found a hidden compartment containing approximately 240 grams of fentanyl.  Willey admitted that she and the co-conspirator purchased fentanyl in Lawrence and resold the drug in New Hampshire. After a consent search of the defendant’s and her co-conspirator’s residence, law enforcement seized $11,000 in drug proceeds and five firearms.

        Willey previously pleaded guilty on September 24, 2018.

        “Interstate fentanyl traffickers will be arrested, prosecuted and sentenced to prison terms,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The law enforcement community in New Hampshire is united in its determination to stop the flow of fentanyl into the Granite State.  By aggressively prosecuting the traffickers who bring this deadly drug into New Hampshire, we are seeking to protect all of our state’s citizens.”

        “Fentanyl is causing deaths in record numbers and DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Today’s sentence not only holds Ms. Willey accountable for her crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are fueling the opioid epidemic.” 

          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 - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Brian Sanborn, 54, of Franklin, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for attempted escape and witness tampering.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 14, 2018, Sanborn called his girlfriend from the Strafford County House of Corrections.  At the time, Sanborn was detained on federal charges related to the distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Sanborn was scheduled to go to federal court the next day, May 15, 2018, to plead guilty.  During the recorded phone call, Sanborn instructed his girlfriend to call his mother and to follow the transport van to and from Strafford on May 15 because “something might fall out of that . . . van and you might need to pick something up.”

            On May 15, 2018, after pleading guilty to distributing methamphetamine and while being transported back to the Strafford County House of Corrections, Sanborn attempted to escape the transport van by prying open the door to the cage inside the van with a six-inch piece of metal that he had smuggled into the van.  Sanborn’s actions were recorded on video cameras in the van and the deputies transporting Sanborn apprehended him before he could flee.  Sanborn called his mother the next day and said, in a recorded phone call, that he “fell out of the back of the van and will probably be facing escape charges.”

            Another inmate was in the transport van with Sanborn when he attempted to escape.  At Strafford, Sanborn sent the inmate a note that said that Sanborn knew his name and knew that the inmate had a girlfriend and child.  In the note, Sanborn also offered to pay the inmate to keep quiet about what he saw in the van.  The inmate informed Sanborn that he was not interested in Sanborn’s help and wanted nothing to do with the situation.  After this, other inmate associates of Sanborn began to harass the inmate and told him, among other things, that he was a “rat” and threatened to beat him up or kill him.

            Sanborn pleaded guilty to these charges on March 1, 2019.  He previously was sentenced in September to serve 102 months in prison for methamphetamine trafficking.         

            “I am grateful for the fine work of the law enforcement officers whose quick thinking stopped this felon’s escape efforts,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to maintain the integrity of the judicial system and promote public safety, we will aggressively prosecute crimes such as witness tampering and escape attempts.” 

            “The outstanding and professional work of the Strafford County Sheriff Deputies to prevent the escape was validated today by the strong sentence sought and secured by the diligent work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Marshal Nick Willard.

            This matter was investigated by the Strafford County Sherriff’s Office and the United States Marshals Service.  The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter.

 

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           CONCORD, N.H. – Kenneth Kirkpatrick, 33, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday to 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 sentencing has not yet been scheduled.

           “In order to keep violent crime under control, we must keep firearms out of the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Prohibiting convicted felons from owning guns advances this goal. Through Project Safe Neighborhoods, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who unlawfully possess firearms.”

          This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Manchester Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney 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 - Shamecca Brown, 42, of Concord, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday to making false statements to obtain Social Security benefits, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

          According to court documents and statements made in court, Brown concealed her relationship with and later marriage to her husband from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (NH DHHS) to obtain Social Security benefits and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits (also known as food stamps) that she was not entitled to receive. 

          Brown began living with her eventual husband in 2009 and they married in December 2011.  From 2009 through 2017, while he was living with and later married to Brown, Brown’s husband earned income and contributed to household expenses.  Brown’s household income rendered her and her children ineligible for Social Security and SNAP benefits.  Yet, from about October 1, 2009, to about October 31, 2017, in multiple applications to NH DHHS for assistance and applications for continued eligibility for SNAP benefits, Brown claimed to live alone and concealed and failed to disclose her relationship with and marriage to her husband, his presence in her household, and the income he provided to the household.  In addition, in August 2012, Brown applied for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits from SSA on behalf of her minor child.  In her application and in subsequent benefits reviews, Brown concealed her marriage, her living arrangement with her husband, and the income he contributed to the household. 

          As a result of Brown’s conduct, from 2009 until she was caught in 2017, she got $56,000 in food stamps and over $38,000 in Social Security benefits that she was not entitled to receive.

          Brown is scheduled to be sentenced on September 13, 2019.

          “Government programs can provide important financial support for disadvantaged   individuals,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “However, those who seek to cheat the system in order to obtain money that they are not entitled to should understand that they are committing a serious federal crime.  We will strive to prevent fraudulent applications for benefits through close cooperation with our law enforcement partners.”

          This matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and the United States Postal Inspection Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Hunter.

           

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          CONCORD - Chinedu Ihejiere, 42, of Brockton, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

          According to court documents and statements made in court, Ihejiere and others conspired to use other persons’ identities to open bank accounts.  Once the accounts were opened, Ihejiere deposited fraudulent checks into those accounts.  After the money was credited to the accounts but before the banks learned that the check was false, Ihejiere or his co-conspirators withdrew the money from the bank accounts.

          Between June 1, 2016, and August 4, 2017, Ihejiere or his co-conspirators used other people’s identities to open at least ten bank accounts in Nashua, New Hampshire, Boston, Massachusetts, Wilmington, Massachusetts, and Norcross, Georgia.  Ihejiere deposited over $119,000 drawn from fraudulent checks into at least three of those accounts and he or his co-conspirators withdrew over $69,000 from those accounts.  In October 2017, in response to a report of possible fraud, law enforcement arrested Ihejiere at a bank in Brockton, while he was depositing a money order. 

          In total, Ihejiere and his associates obtained over $68,000 through the scheme.

          Ihejiere is scheduled to be sentenced on September 13, 2019.

          “Financial crimes can have serious impacts on their victims,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Fraudulent check schemes undermine our banking system and drive up costs for everyone. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit fraud in the Granite State.”

          “Mr. Ihejiere is finally accepting responsibility for using other people’s identities to open bank accounts and commit fraud. His willingness to participate in this conspiracy shows a callous disregard for the law,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The FBI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to identify and investigate those who attempt to fraudulently utilize the banking system for their own personal gain.”

          “Financial crimes that use unsuspecting individual’s identities to commit bank fraud cause substantial losses,” said Inspector in Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division.  “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to conduct investigations, alongside our law enforcement partners, that seek prosecution of those who compromise the personal information of our customers and the integrity the U.S. Mail.”  

          This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Hunter.

       

 

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          CONCORD – Enco Industries, Inc., a company located in Plaistow, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty to 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.  Enco received payments totaling $683,513.55 for these claims.

          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.

          A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for September 11th, 2019.   At sentencing, the company could be placed on probation for up to five years and fined up to $500,000.

          “Defense procurement fraud is a serious crime that can jeopardize the safety of military personnel,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.   “Those who seek to do business with the government should be truthful and candid.  We will always work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute individuals or entities that seek to defraud the government or who are dishonest in their dealings with federal agencies.”

          "Ensuring the integrity of the U.S. Department of Defense's (DoD) procurement process is a top investigative priority for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS)," said Leigh-Alistair Barzey, Special Agent in Charge of the DCIS Northeast Field Office.  "The guilty plea announced today is the direct result of a joint effort and it demonstrates DCIS' ongoing commitment to partner with the U.S. Attorney's Office, NCIS and AFOSI to investigate and prosecute companies that provide false statements to the DoD in an effort to improperly receive 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," said Special Agent-in-Charge Jason T. Hein, AFOSI, Office of Procurement Fraud.

          The case was investigated by the NCIS, DCIS, and the AFOSI, Office of Procurement.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Kinsella is prosecuting the case.

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          Concord - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Christopher Clough, 45, of Dover, New Hampshire was sentenced to 48 months for participating in a scheme in which he received kickbacks in exchange for prescribing a powerful fentanyl spray to patients in violation of federal law.  

          Court filings and statements made in court established that Clough worked as a physician assistant in New Hampshire.  After being approached by a representative of a drug manufacturer in June of 2013, he became a frequent prescriber of a fentanyl spray that had been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat breakthrough cancer pain.  From approximately June of 2013 through the fall of 2014, Clough wrote more than 750 prescriptions for the fentanyl spray in New Hampshire, including more than 215 prescriptions for Medicare patients and several more for Tricare patients.  The Medicare program paid over $2.1 million for these prescriptions, and Tricare paid nearly $600,000.

          During the time he was writing these prescriptions, the manufacturer of the drug paid Clough to serve as a speaker at more than 40 programs at a rate of approximately $1,000 per event.   In many instances, the programs were merely sham events where Clough was paid to have dinner with employees or representatives of the pharmaceutical company.  During most dinner programs, Clough did not give any kind of presentation about the drug.  Clough and others often forged signatures of attendees on sign-in sheets in an effort to make the dinners appear to be legitimate.  Evidence at trial demonstrated that Clough received over $49,000 in payments from the drug manufacturer.

          Clough often prescribed the drug for patients who did not have breakthrough cancer pain.  He often started patients on high doses of the addictive fentanyl spray and rebuffed patients and their family members who stated that they no longer wanted the drug.

          Clough was convicted of one count of conspiracy and seven counts of receipt of kickbacks in relation to a federal healthcare program.

          A jury found Clough guilty on December 18, 2018 following a six-day trial.

          “Mr. Clough’s actions were a disturbing betrayal of his patients’ trust,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Rather than making his prescribing decisions based upon the needs of his patients, his decisions were tainted by the kickbacks he was paid by a pharmaceutical company.  This substantial sentence should serve as a warning to all health care providers in New Hampshire that there will be severe consequences if they choose to engage in criminal conduct.”

          "Mr. Clough is no better than a street level drug dealer,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.  “He exploited his patients, betrayed their trust, and accepted kickbacks for his own personal enrichment. Today's sentence marks an important step in holding doctors responsible for their role in fueling the opioid epidemic and be assured, the FBI will continue to identify and bring to justice doctors like him whose practices promote fraud with a total disregard for patient safety."

          “Medical professionals taking thinly-veiled bribes to overprescribe opioids threaten the lives of patients for personal gain,” said Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  “OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, will ensure that criminals like Clough pay the price for their actions.”

          “Fentanyl is causing tremendous damage to our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Those who illegally distribute fentanyl will be held accountable through our court system. Today, Mr. Clough has been held accountable for his actions. The investigation and prosecution of illegal distribution of fentanyl is a top priority of the DEA.”        

          This matter was jointly investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Diversion Control Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles L. Rombeau and Seth R. Aframe.

 

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           CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray recognized 26 officials from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies for Excellence in the Pursuit of Justice at an awards ceremony today.

            “I am pleased to recognize these law enforcement professionals who have demonstrated a commitment to maintaining public safety through the pursuit of justice,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Each day, our law enforcement colleagues do tremendous work to protect our community from violent crime, drug trafficking, sexual predators, and many other dangers.  These brave law enforcement officers are our first line of defense against crime and they deserve our recognition and respect.  I salute all of our award recipients and am grateful for their contributions.”

            The event, held at the U.S. District Court in Concord, highlighted investigative teams who worked together on several important investigations, and also honored several individuals for their contributions on multiple cases or special projects. Those honored worked on a variety of matters, including cases involving drug trafficking, violent crime, fraud, and the sexual exploitation of children.

           Each honoree was recognized for his or her commitment to Excellence in the Pursuit of Justice and was presented with a commemorative plaque and certificate.

            Recognized individuals were:          

          Special Agent Philip Bleezarde, DHS/ICE

          Special Agent Thomas M. Dalton, FBI

          Supervisory Special Agent Michael Gibeley, FBI

          Special Agent Steven Kimball, FBI

          Special Agent Brian P. LeBlanc, FBI

          Supervisory Special Agent Philip Christiana, FBI

          Norman "Chip" Houle, Criminal Investigator, New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office

          U.S. Postal Inspector Bruce Sweet, Postal Inspection Service

          Intelligence Analyst Laura Houle Tongbua, DEA

          Special Agent David Furtado, FDA-OCI

          Detective Matthew Barter, Manchester Police Department

          Special Agent Jonathan Posthumus, DHS/HSI

          Special Agent Erol Catalan, DHS/HSI

          Special Agent Joseph "Lance" Lopez, DHS/HSI

          Louisiana State Trooper Georgiana Kibodeaux

          Detective Joseph L. Chaput, Concord Police Department

          Detective Sergeant Eric Albright, Vermont State Police

          Corporal Michael Sorensen, Vermont State Police

          Special Agent Shawn Serra, DHS/HSI

          Special Agent Ronald M. Morin, DHS/HSI

          Det. Scott Tompkins, Derry Police Department

          Trooper Sean Sweeney, New Hampshire State Police

          Protective Security Advisor Jason Climer, DHS/CISA

          Special Agent Casey MacDonald, DEA

          Detective Patrick Broderick, Hudson Police Department

          Intelligence Analyst Michelle Blais, DEA

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          CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Edward Espejo, 45, formerly of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced on Thursday to 168 months in prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, from at least July of 2016 through May of 2018, Espejo supplied drug distributors in New Hampshire with shipments of methamphetamine ranging in size from a few ounces to more than 20 pounds at a time. 

          The investigation began in late 2016, when the DEA and the Postal Inspection Service began to see numerous parcels mailed from Las Vegas to New Hampshire that were suspected of containing methamphetamine. In addition, law enforcement officers began to investigate parcels mailed from New Hampshire to Las Vegas containing large amounts of money, as well as suspected drug payments made through money transfers from New Hampshire to Las Vegas.

          Law enforcement agents eventually arrested several members of a methamphetamine distribution ring operating in New Hampshire, and traced the source of their drugs to Espejo.  On May 8, 2018, investigators arrested Espejo at his residence in Las Vegas.

          Several of the New Hampshire-based drug distributors supplied by Espejo already have been sentenced in federal court.  These individuals include: (1) Brian Lacourse, who was sentenced to six years in prison on August 23, 2018; (2) Katrina Jones, who was sentenced to 200 months in prison on August 9, 2018; (3) Dustin Moss, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison on August 2, 2018; and (4) Sabrina Moss, who was sentenced to six years in prison on June 28, 2018.

          Espejo previously pleaded guilty on August 31, 2018.  Several co-conspirators were sentenced to prison terms.  Michael Bean was sentenced to 120 months on April 19, 2019; John Kelekci was sentenced to 130 months on March 14, 2019;and Mark Moore was sentenced to 50 months in prison on May 6, 2019.

          “This 14-year prison term serves notice that distributing methamphetamine in New Hampshire is a very costly enterprise,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This investigation and prosecution dismantled a network that was responsible for the distribution of large quantities of highly-pure methamphetamine.  I am grateful to the law enforcement agents whose work successfully disrupted this ring of traffickers who were bringing a very dangerous drug into the Granite State.”

          “Today’s sentencing should give fair warning that Postal Inspectors will investigate and bring to justice those individuals who traffic narcotics across state lines using the U.S. Mail,” said Inspector in Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division.  “We will continue maximizing our agency’s resources to stop those who disregard our laws and smuggle drugs into our jurisdiction.” 

          This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the DEA. The case was 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- Anthony R. Farmer, 26, of Manchester, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 198 months in prison for assaulting and robbing an individual who was seeking to purchase firearms, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 21, 2017, the defendant and two co-defendants participated in the assault and robbery at gunpoint of a person who was assisting the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The defendant and his co-defendants arranged for the victim to come to a residence in Nashua on the pretext that they would be illegally selling firearms to the victim.  They then assaulted and robbed the victim of the money that was for the gun purchase.  Because the victim was assisting federal agents, the victim had been equipped with audio and video surveillance equipment that recorded the robbery and assault.  Soon after the crime occurred, the defendant and his co-defendants were arrested.  They each had some of the money that had been taken from the victim. 

            Farmer pleaded guilty on August 20, 2018, to conspiracy, robbery, assault, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. 

            Co-defendant Raymond Perez was sentenced to 51 months. The third co-defendant, Aaron Sperow, was sentenced to 102 months in prison.

            “Violent crime involving firearms is a grave threat to the safety of the public,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This substantial sentence shows that there will be serious consequences for those who choose to participate in crimes of violence.  Through Project Safe Neighborhoods, we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect our cities and towns from gun violence.”

            “Today’s sentencing demonstrates law enforcement’s commitment to protect our communities from violent crime,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Kelly D. Brady, ATF Boston Field Division.   “ATF will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to eradicate violent gun related crime and keep our neighborhoods safe.”                     

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

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

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            CONCORD - Jonathan Felch, 37, of Goffstown, pleaded guilty in federal court to 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 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 18 grams of fentanyl and a digital scale in the vehicle.

            Felch is scheduled to be sentenced on September 12, 2019.

            “Interstate fentanyl traffickers make a deadly drug available for sale in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The results have been disastrous. It is imperative that we stop the flow of fentanyl into the Granite State by arresting and prosecuting those who engage in this dangerous activity      .”

            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 - James Falk, 38, of Preston, Connecticut, pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a conspiracy to transport stolen goods, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately April of 2018 and approximately December of 2018, Falk conspired with other persons to steal high-value items from large retail stores throughout New England and send the items to a person associated with an online marketplace for eventual sales to online customers.

            To carry out the conspiracy, Falk and another individual entered large retail stores, chose high-value items (such as thermostats, alarm systems, electronics, hardware, and tools), and left the stores without paying for all of the items.  To steal goods inside the stores, Falk and another individual hid stolen goods in larger boxes and containers.  In addition, Falk and another individual used containers that caused radio frequency interference in an attempt to defeat the stores’ security alarm sensors. Falk and another individual shipped stolen goods to an address in Maplewood, New Jersey, for eventual sale to online consumers.  Falk and another individual later received payments for the stolen items. 

            Falk was arrested by the New Hampshire State Police on September 13, 2018, in Keene, New Hampshire, in possession of stolen goods worth more than $5000.   In total, the victim stores lost approximately $54,000 as a result of the scheme.

            Falk is scheduled to be sentenced on September 13, 2019.

            “Interstate theft and fraud are serious crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will remain vigilant in our efforts to protect businesses and consumers in the Granite State from such wrongdoing.  I want to thank the law enforcement officers whose work put an end to this criminal scheme.”   

            This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police and the United States Department of Commerce.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Davis.

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            CONCORD – Nicholas Messina, 27, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on September 12, 2019.  

            “Drugs and guns are a potentially lethal combination,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Traffickers who use firearms to further their distribution activities present a heightened concern for law enforcement agencies. In order to protect the public from harm, we will aggressively prosecute those who engage in this hazardous activity.”

            “ATF will continue to work with our federal, state and local law enforcement counterparts to vigorously combat drug traffickers and the threat they pose to our citizens by illegally possessing firearms in furtherance of their illegal drug trade," said Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge, ATF  Boston Field Division.

            This matter was investigated by the 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 - Robert Saint John, 32, of Laconia, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for fentanyl trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 31, 2017, the defendant and two other men pooled their money for the purpose of buying drugs.  They drove together from Belmont, New Hampshire, to Lawrence, Massachusetts.  In Lawrence, the men met with their drug supplier, purchased a quantity of fentanyl, and began to drive back to New Hampshire.  On the highway near Derry, New Hampshire, the New Hampshire State Police conducted a traffic stop and seized a package containing approximately 111 grams of fentanyl.           

            Saint John previously pleaded guilty on March 29, 2018.

            “This case highlights the all too familiar route by which fentanyl is introduced into New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Dealers who choose to bring this lethal substance into our state should understand that they will be arrested, prosecuted and incarcerated.  We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to stop the distribution of this deadly drug in the Granite State.”

            “Fentanyl is one of the most lethal threats facing New Hampshire right now, and this case is just another example of what we’re doing to target the flow of illegal narcotics coming up from Lawrence, Massachusetts into our neighborhoods,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The FBI will continue to do everything it can to work with our law enforcement partners to attack the sources of supply, and send a strong message to dealers that they will be caught.”

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

 

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            CONCORD – Jose Oriol Feliz Aybar, 31, of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on September 12, 2019.  He faces likely deportation to the Dominican Republic after serving his sentence.

            “Fentanyl trafficking continues to endanger the people of New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Those who choose to trade in this deadly drug have earned the undivided attention of law enforcement and will be aggressively prosecuted.”

            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 is prosecuting the case.      

 

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            CONCORD - Alex Noonan, 31, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 120 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, a drug trafficking organization, which authorities allege was led by Sergio Martinez, employed Noonan and others to sell fentanyl to customers from various New England states, including New Hampshire. On each date that Noonan worked, the Martinez organization provided him with at least one 200-gram bag of fentanyl and expected him to sell it and return approximately $6,000 in proceeds.

            Noonan previously pleaded guilty on February 12, 2019.    

            “This ten-year prison term sends a message to fentanyl traffickers,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Those who choose to distribute this deadly drug must understand that they face stiff penalties upon arrest and conviction.  We will continue to work closely with all of our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate those responsible for the distribution of fentanyl in the Granite State.”

            The case was a collaborative investigation that involved the DEA; the New Hampshire State Police; the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office; the Nashua Police Department; the Massachusetts State Police; the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office; the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office; the Essex County District Attorney’s Office; the Internal Revenue Service; Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; United States Customs and Border Protection Boston Field Office; the United States Marshals Service; the United States Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service; the Manchester Police Department; the Lisbon Police Department; the Littleton Police Department; the Haverhill (MA) Police Department; the Methuen (MA) Police Department; the Lowell (MA) Police Department; and the Maine State Police.

            The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana L. Konesky and Seth R. Aframe.

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

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Frank E. Styles, Jr., 62, of Exeter, pleaded guilty in federal court to obtaining controlled substances under false pretenses, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

          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.

          The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on August 30, 2019.

          “Pharmacists and other health care workers who have access to controlled substances hold positions of trust,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Those who abuse this trust in order to divert drugs for improper purposes should understand that their actions will have serious consequences.” 

          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 – Louis Gardner, 41 of Belmont, New Hampshire, was sentenced to160 months in prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, illegally possessing firearms, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Gardner and another individual sold fentanyl and methamphetamine to an individual who was cooperating with the FBI on two separate occasions at locations in and around New Hampshire.  On May 31, 2017, a woman arranged for Gardner and two other men to purchase fentanyl from a supplier in Lawrence, Massachusetts.  The three men drove together from Belmont to Lawrence.  In Lawrence, the men met with their drug supplier, purchased a quantity of fentanyl, and began to drive back to New Hampshire.  On the highway near Derry, the New Hampshire State Police conducted a traffic stop and seized a firearm and a package containing approximately 111 grams of fentanyl.  As a convicted felon, Gardner could not lawfully possess a firearm.       

            Gardner previously pleaded guilty on October 30, 2018.         

            “Armed drug traffickers are a menace on our highways,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The transportation of fentanyl into New Hampshire has had a disastrous impact on public health and safety. When drug traffickers are also armed, the danger grows exponentially.  I am grateful to our law enforcement partners for stopping this defendant’s criminal conduct and protecting the safety of our community.”

            “Those who distribute fentanyl, like Mr. Gardner, are endangering their customers and causing great damage to our community,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division.  “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to detect and disrupt drug traffickers like him who are contributing to the opioid crisis.  Dangerous drugs like this need to be taken off our streets, and in doing so, we can help keep addiction from spreading.”

            This matter was investigated by the FBI, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Laconia Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski.

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            CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Robert Raniery Arias, 35, a citizen of the Dominican Republic who most recently resided in Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced on Tuesday to serve 120 months in prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl.

            Court filings and statements made in court established that Arias sold drugs to an undercover police officer on two occasions. On September 8, 2016, Arias was arrested as he attempted to deliver approximately 500 grams of fentanyl to the undercover officer at the Rockingham Mall in Salem, New Hampshire.

            Arias previously pleaded guilty on January 31, 2019. Arias, who was not lawfully in the United States, faces likely deportation to the Dominican Republic after serving his prison sentence.  Co-conspirator Carmen Jose was sentenced to 42 months in prison on February 2, 2018.

             “The 10 year sentence imposed in this case serves as a warning to fentanyl traffickers,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Those who choose to bring this deadly drug into the Granite State should be aware that they face very substantial federal prison terms. Law enforcement agencies are working twenty-four hours a day to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate those who distribute fentanyl and other opioids in New Hampshire.”

            “New Hampshire is in the midst of a devastating opioid crisis, as deaths from fentanyl climb,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “The DEA will continue to use every resource available to identify those like Mr. Arias, who are coming from out of state to contribute to this crisis.  DEA’s top priority is combatting the opioid epidemic by working with our local, county, state and federal law enforcement partners to bring to justice anyone who distributes this deadly drug.”

            The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Salem Police Department, and the Nashua Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Georgiana L. Konesky and Seth R. Aframe.

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            CONCORD - Heath Palmer, 39, of Manchester, was arrested on a federal complaint charging him with possessing a synthetic cannabinoid product containing 5F-MDMB-PICA with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            The complaint filed in court alleges that 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 did contain 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.  Three days later, the Manchester Police observed Palmer continue 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. 

            Palmer appeared before a federal magistrate judge today and was detained pending further proceedings.

            The charges in the complaint are only allegations.  The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

            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 and deaths.  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.dea.gov/sites/default/files/sites/getsmartaboutdrugs.com/files/publications/DoA_2017Ed_Updated_6.16.17.pdf#page=88.

            “Synthetic cannabinoids present a very serious risk to public health,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “I urge residents of the Granite State to avoid these dangerous substances.  You literally do not know what you are putting into your body and can jeopardize your health by using these potentially deadly drugs.  We will work closely with our law enforcement partners to stop the distribution of synthetic cannabinoids in the Granite State.

            “There is a misconception that synthetic cannabinoids, known on the street as synthetic marijuana, K2, and spice are safe.  Synthetic cannabinoids are anything but safe,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “They are a toxic cocktail of lethal chemicals with serious health and safety risks.  This investigation represents the strength of New Hampshire law enforcement’s efforts to combat this emerging public threat.”

             “I would like to thank the U.S. Attorney’s office for their help in this matter,” said Chief Carlo Capano, Manchester Police Department. “The collaboration we received from them was essential in getting to this point.”

            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 – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that that Geudin Nivar Baez, a/k/a/ Jhonatan Mateo, 31, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

            According to court documents and statements make in court, in May of 2018, Nivar’s co-defendant Santo Benito Lara participated in a conspiracy to sell fentanyl to a customer in Salem, New Hampshire.  After the DEA received information about the conspiracy, it began an investigation into Lara’s activities.  Between May and September of 2018, Nivar and Lara sold fentanyl in Lawrence to a cooperating individual on multiple occasions.

             Lara was found guilty by a jury on May 10, 2019 and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 27, 2019. Nivar is scheduled to be sentenced on August 27, 2019.

            “Interstate fentanyl traffickers facilitate the sale of a lethal drug in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Close cooperation by law enforcement agencies operating in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts is necessary to address this problem. We will continue to coordinate efforts to identify and prosecute those who are responsible for distributing this deadly drug in the Granite State.”        

            This matter was investigated by the DEA, with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police and the Essex County (MA) Sheriff’s Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Dronzek and Jarad Hodes.           

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            CONCORD - William Summers, 77, of Haines City, Florida, was sentenced on Wednesday to six months in federal prison for criminal contempt, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 22, 2012, Summers, who previously practiced law in the Cleveland area, was suspended from the practice of law in Ohio.  Nevertheless, Summers continued to solicit clients while under suspension, including a defendant in a criminal prosecution being prosecuted in the District of New Hampshire. Summers was hired for the representation for a flat of $25,000, plus travel and local counsel expenses.  Summers sold his services to the defendant as an expert litigator who could file an effective motion to suppress evidence in the case and take the case to trial if necessary.  Summers did not disclose to the defendant that he was suspended from legal practice and could not appear in court.

            Because Summers could not appear in court, he engaged another lawyer from Ohio who would appear in court for Summers until the suspension ended. Summers sent letters to the defendant stating falsely that he was "of-counsel" in the same law firm as the lawyer who was going to appear in court.  Despite his promises, Summers never appeared in court and did not file a motion to suppress.  Instead, once Summers collected his fees from the defendant and his family, Summers told the defendant that he should be plead guilty.  Summers never appeared in the District of New Hampshire for the defendant.

            At a later court hearing, Summers testified and intentionally sought to obstruct the administration of justice by providing misleading testimony.  In particular, Summers provided misleading testimony in which he claimed to have explained to the defendant that he would not be able to appear in court for him during the case.

            In addition to time in prison, Summers was ordered to pay $26,600 in restitution.  Summers previously pleaded guilty on October 24, 2018.        

            “Attorneys are officers of the court and must adhere to the highest standards of integrity,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “By misleading a defendant and attempting to mislead the court, Mr. Summers fell short of that mark and will serve a prison sentence as a result”.  

            This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth Aframe and Charles Rombeau.

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            CONCORD- Jean Fouad Yazbek, 63, of Norwood, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court to traveling 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 (ICAC) 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 began messaging the UC on social media soon after the account was registered, including Yazbek.  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 and with whom he intended to engage in illicit sexual conduct, including, but not limited to, sexual intercourse.  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.  Among other things, Yazbek gave written consent to search his hotel room.  Thereafter, officers searched his hotel room and found the items described by Yazbek during his interview. 

            Yazbek is scheduled to be sentenced on August 30, 2019.

            “Protecting the children of New Hampshire from predators is a very high priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Those who seek to prey on the innocent frequently use the internet as a tool to advance their criminal intentions. Working through Project Safe Childhood, we will remain vigilant in coordinating law enforcement efforts to arrest and prosecute offenders against children.”         

          “We’re glad that, through great federal, state and local law enforcement teamwork, this sexual predator has now been brought to justice.” said Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Boston.  “This result could never have happened without the solid, critical teamwork of our dedicated partners on the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Nashua Police Department.”

            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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam Le.

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

           

 

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            CONCORD - Randy Barton, 49, of Loudon, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 11, 2018, a New Hampshire State Trooper was patrolling I-93 in Canterbury.  After observing a Chevrolet Cobalt commit a traffic infraction, the Trooper stopped the car and approached it.  A woman, Katie-Jo Waters, was driving the car, and defendant Randy Barton was in the front seat.  After making numerous observations of Waters and Barton and detecting inconsistencies in their stories, the Trooper asked Barton to step out of the vehicle, and conducted a pat-down search.  The Trooper detected a bulge in Barton's pants pocket, and recovered two plastic baggies containing 15.5 grams of highly pure methamphetamine.

            Barton previously pleaded guilty on October 9, 2019.

            Katie-Jo Waters was sentenced to 72 months on April 2, 2019.

            “Highly pure methamphetamine is a rising threat to the health and safety of Granite Staters,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In this case, an alert State Trooper prevented a quantity of this dangerous drug from reaching its intended destination.  This arrest, along with the ten-year prison sentence imposed by the judge, should serve as a warning to others who seek to distribute this dangerous drug in New Hampshire.”

            “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and our law enforcement partners will continue to work diligently to keep methamphetamine and other highly addictive drugs out of our communities,” said Inspector in Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division.  “One of our goals is to rid the mail of illicit drug trafficking and ensure the safety of our customers and employees.”

            This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police, DEA, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.  Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane B. Kelbley previously worked on this case.

            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 - Ken Duc Ma, 60, of Exeter, was sentenced in federal court to four months in prison for promoting and managing an establishment for the purpose of prostitution, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, from at least March 1, 2015, through November 7, 2017, Ma owned and managed businesses including Qi Natural Healing Massage, LLC, in Plaistow, Oriental Bodyworks, in Exeter, and Johnny’s Massage a/k/a Qi Natural, in Salem. These businesses purported to provide massage services to clients, but also offered sexual services in exchange for money. Beginning in March of 2015, investigators conducted surveillance of the businesses and observed that they were frequented exclusively by male customers. On various occasions, after observing customers leave the businesses, investigators approached the customers and inquired about the services they received. Customers of each of the three businesses reported that they had paid cash in exchange for sexual services.

            Investigators located advertisements for each of the businesses posted on Backpage.com. Advertisements were posted in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts under the “Massage,” “Body Rubs,” “Adult Entertainment,” “Escorts,” “Dating,” and “Men Seeking Women” subsections of the website. Advertisements included references to sexual activity and had sexually explicit images depicting female workers wearing lingerie and in various states of undress. All of the Backpage.com advertisements were posted and paid for by Ma. 

            On November 7, 2017, investigators executed search warrants at the three businesses and two residences owned by Ma. One of these residences, in Haverhill, Massachusetts, was used by Ma to receive packages and store supplies for his businesses. Pursuant to a search warrant, officers seized approximately 11 boxes of white sheets used to cover massage tables and plastic bags containing 1,092 condoms. They also seized large amounts of cash, most of which was wrapped in newspaper and concealed behind a wall. They also seized a significant amount of cash hidden in the defendant’s primary residence. 

            The defendant previously pleaded guilty on January 3, 2019. His sentence of incarceration will be followed by three years of supervised release. As part of his sentence, Ma will forfeit $186,466 and land and buildings located in Plaistow, New Hampshire, to the government.

            “The defendant in this case profited from illegal conduct that exploited women,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “His prison sentence and substantial forfeiture of property should serve as a deterrent to others who would seek to exploit women for economic gain.  I am grateful for the work of the multi-jurisdictional investigative team whose efforts brought this defendant to justice.”

            “Today’s sentencing comes as a result of a well-coordinated federal, state and local law enforcement investigation,” said Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston. “HSI would like to thank our partners in the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, the New Hampshire State Police as well as the Exeter, Plaistow, Londonderry, and Salem, New Hampshire Police Departments for their support in investigating this case.”

            “The Diplomatic Security Service is committed to making sure that those who exploit and traffic individuals will face consequences for their criminal actions,” said William B. Gannon, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), Boston Field Office. "We will continue to join with our federal, state, and local partners to combat this serious crime.”

            This matter was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Exeter Police Department, the Plaistow Police Department, the Londonderry Police Department, the Salem Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, with assistance from the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. Konesky.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert Rabuck also assisted with this matter.

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            CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Nicholas J. Patten, 27, of Williston, Vermont was sentenced to 48 months in prison for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm and ammunition by an unlawful user of a controlled substance.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 11, 2018, a New London police officer stopped to assist a motorist and observed the defendant slumped down in the driver’s seat.  The officer also observed several needles, three rubber tourniquets, a syringe, and white powder on the defendant’s jeans and on the center console of the vehicle.  The defendant woke up and began to thrash about the vehicle screaming things like “Help,” “I’m drowning,” and “I’m trapped.”  The defendant later admitted that he used cocaine and stated that he did not know what he was on.  The police later executed a search warrant on the vehicle and found approximately 191.8 grams of cocaine.  The police also found $4420 in cash and a loaded Smith and Wesson 9 millimeter pistol, as well as fentanyl, oxycodone, and other smaller amounts of cocaine within the vehicle.    

            Patten previously pleaded on January 29, 2019.

            “Drugs and guns are a potentially deadly combination,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Armed drug traffickers present a heightened risk to the public.  Through Project Safe Neighborhoods, we are working to ensure that criminals who possess guns are prosecuted and incarcerated.”

            The matter was investigated by the New London Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.   Assistant United States Attorney Debra M. Walsh prosecuted 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 – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that on Friday, May 10, 2019, a federal jury found Santo Benito Lara, 46, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, guilty of participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.         

            Evidence presented during the four-day trial showed that beginning at least in May of 2018, the defendant participated in a conspiracy to sell fentanyl to a customer in Salem, New Hampshire.  After the DEA received information about the conspiracy, it began an investigation into the Lara's activities.  Between May and September of 2018, Lara and another individual sold fentanyl in Lawrence to a cooperating individual on multiple occasions.

            Lara is scheduled to be sentenced on August 27, 2019.

            “I am grateful for the jury’s verdict in this case,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This prosecution highlights ongoing cooperative efforts by law enforcement in New Hampshire and Massachusetts to identify and prosecute those responsible for the interstate distribution of fentanyl and other lethal drugs.  We will continue to work in conjunction with all of our law enforcement partners to stop the flow of fentanyl into the Granite State.”

            “Fentanyl is causing tremendous damage to the Granite State,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Let this verdict be a warning to those traffickers who are coming from out of state to distribute this poison in order to profit and destroy people’s lives.  DEA’s top priority is combatting the opioid epidemic by working with our local, county, state and federal partners to bring to justice anyone who distributes this deadly drug.”

            This matter was investigated by the DEA, with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police and the Essex County (MA) Sheriff’s Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Dronzek and Jarad Hodes.         

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          CONCORD – Heidi Langevin, 44 of Belmont, New Hampshire, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison for participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced. 

          According to court documents and statements made in court, Langevin sold fentanyl and methamphetamine to an individual who was cooperating with the FBI on two separate occasions at locations in and around New Hampshire.  On May 31, 2017, Langevin arranged for several men to purchase fentanyl from a supplier in Lawrence, Massachusetts.  The men drove together from Belmont to Lawrence.  In Lawrence, the men met with their drug supplier, purchased a quantity of fentanyl, and then drove back to New Hampshire.  On the highway near Derry, the New Hampshire State Police conducted a traffic stop and seized a firearm and a package containing approximately 111 grams of fentanyl.        

          Langevin previously pleaded guilty on October 30, 2018.

          “The five-year prison sentence imposed in this case should send a message to interstate drug traffickers” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Law enforcement officers are watching and federal prison sentences await those who get caught. We will continue to work closely with the FBI, New Hampshire State Police, Laconia Police Department, and all of our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate those who are responsible for bringing deadly drugs into the Granite State.”

           “This case is just another example of how the FBI and our law enforcement partners are working together to target and dismantle drug trafficking organizations that are threatening the safety and stability of our neighborhoods,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Our Safe Streets Gang Task Force will continue to aggressively investigate criminal organizations that target our communities with their drug-related activity and ensure they are held accountable.”

          This matter was investigated by the FBI, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Laconia Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z.  Krasinski.     

 

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          CONCORD - Zachary A. C. Benoit, 28, of Canaan, was sentenced to 156 months in prison for transportation and possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, in the summer of 2017, the Grafton County Sheriff’s Department was conducting an online investigation into individuals involved in the trading of illegal images of child pornography.  Benoit was identified after he uploaded numerous images of child sexual abuse, which were intercepted by law enforcement.  Forensic examinations of several of Benoit’s electronic devices revealed thousands of images and videos depicting the sexual assaults of children including babies and toddlers.

          Benoit previously pleaded guilty on November 7, 2018.

          “It is critical that we safeguard children from being exploited on the internet” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “To that end, we will continue to allocate substantial resources to stopping the distribution of these terrible images in New Hampshire.  In conjunction with our law enforcement partners, we will prioritize the investigation and prosecution of offenses involving child pornography.”

          “This is a very appropriate sentence in light of the truly disturbing facts of this case” said Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in Boston. “The successful prosecution of this individual could not have happened without the close coordination that we share with our very dedicated New Hampshire law enforcement partners, and with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, whose work in this case was invaluable.” 

          This matter was investigated by the Grafton County Sheriff's Department, Lebanon Police Department, Nashua Police Department, members of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Helen W. Fitzgibbon.

          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 12 individuals who previously were arrested have been indicted by a federal grand jury for crimes that primarily involve prescription drug trafficking.

          On May 2, 2019, a federal grand jury returned indictments of the following individuals:

          Glenn M. Adjutant, 21, of Colebrook, was charged with distribution of Suboxone within 1,000 feet of a school and distribution of Suboxone and amphetamine (Adderall) within 1,000 feet of a school;

          Roxanne Adjutant, 48, of Stratford, was charged with two counts of distribution of Suboxone within 1,000 feet of a school;

          Timothy Adjutant, 27, of Colebrook, was charged with two counts of distribution of Suboxone within 1,000 feet of a school;

          Brooke Butler, 35, of Stratford, was charged with two counts of distribution of Suboxone;

          Peter Carney, 57, of Stewartstown, was charged with distribution of Suboxone within 1,000 feet of a school;

          Rachel Edgerton, 50, of Stewartstown, was charged with distribution of oxycodone within 1,000 feet of a school and distribution of oxycodone;

          Korin Gendreau, 32, of West Stewartstown, was charged with distribution of oxycodone and distribution of hydrocodone;

          Dustin Grant, 34, of Colebrook, was charged with distribution of Suboxone within 1,000 feet of a school;

          Michael R. Haynes, 38, of Colebrook, was charged with distribution of clonazepam within 1,000 feet of a school and distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school;

          Sylvia Lewis, 52, of Colebrook, was charged with distribution of hydromorphone within 1,000 feet of a school, distribution of hydromorphone, and distribution of oxycodone and Adderall within 1,000 feet of a school;

          Brian Rancourt, 44, of Stewartstown, was charged with distribution of Suboxone within 1,000 feet of a school and distribution of Suboxone; and

         Eric W. Simpson, 39, of Stratford, was charged with two counts of distribution of Suboxone.

          Eleven of the above-referenced individuals were arrested on April 9, 2019.  Timothy Adjutant was arrested on April 17, 2019.

          In addition, six other individuals have been charged in state court.  This case was part of a coordinated operation involving federal, state and local law enforcement officers.

         The charges in the indictments are only allegations.  The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

         Charges of distribution of controlled substances within 1,000 feet of a school carry enhanced penalties, including a one-year mandatory minimum sentence.

         This matter was investigated by the DEA, with assistance from the Colebrook Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, and the New Hampshire Liquor Commission’s Division of Enforcement & Licensing. The federal case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Charles Rombeau and John S. Davis.  The state case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Danielle Sakowski and Jesse O’Neill.

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          CONCORD - Joshua Hooper, 36, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to felon in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement officers obtained information that Hooper was selling firearms. At the time, Hooper was prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition as a result of at least one prior felony conviction. On July 15, 2017, Hooper possessed a Noveski Rifleworks, Model N4, lower receiver, and sold that firearm to another individual. On March 23, 2018, law enforcement officers obtained a search warrant for Hooper’s residence. While executing the search warrant, officers recovered a large quantity of ammunition and other firearm accessories.       

          Hooper is scheduled to be sentenced on July 22nd 2019.

          “Federal law is designed to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Armed felons are a threat to public safety. Through Project Safe Neighborhoods, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute criminals who illegally possess guns.” 

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

          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 - Ahmad Khawaja, 22, of Deerfield, pleaded guilty in federal court to importation of a controlled substance, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today. 

          According to court documents and statements made in court, on or about May 29, 2018, Khawaja, using the internet, purchased approximately 2 pounds of MDMA (“Ecstasy”) from a supplier located in France.  Postal inspectors intercepted the packages and confirmed they contained the drug MDMA.  Khawaja was arrested on June 1, 2018, in Concord, New Hampshire, when he picked up the packages from a person who had agreed to receive them for him.

          Khawaja is scheduled to be sentenced on August 9th 2019.

          “Those who use the mails as a means of transport for illegal drugs will find themselves being prosecuted in federal court,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Shipping dangerous drugs through the mail is both risky and illegal.  To protect postal employees and the general public, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who attempt to mail illegal drugs into New Hampshire.” 

           “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducts investigations and seeks prosecution of those who use the U.S. Mail to traffic illegal substances such as MDMA,” said Inspector in Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division.  “Along with our federal law enforcement partners, we will identify and remove illegal drug shipments to keep them from making their way into our communities.”

          This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.           

 

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          CONCORD - Julion Adamski Parker, a/k/a Julian Iden Lima, 27, of Chester, pleaded guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm and making a false statement during the acquisition of a firearm, 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 was previously convicted of Impersonation of a U.S. Officer they went to the store and arrested Parker for being a felon in possession of a deadly weapon.

          On March 30, 2017, Parker purchased a Mosin-Nagant, Model M91/30, 7.62 X 39 mm caliber rifle from Riley’s Sport Shop, a federally licensed firearms dealer located in Hooksett, New Hampshire.  When Parker completed the required paperwork to make the purchase, he falsely claimed that he had never been convicted in any court of a felony. 

          On June 20, 2017, Parker went to Granite State Guns and Survival Gear LLC, a federally licensed firearms dealer located in Londonderry, New Hampshire and purchased an Arsenal, Model SAM7R, 7.62 X 39 mm rifle.  When Parker completed the required paperwork to make the purchase, he falsely claimed that he had never been convicted in any court of a felony. 

          Parker is scheduled to be sentenced on August 14th 2019.

          “It is unlawful for convicted felons to possess guns,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to reduce violent crime and maintain public safety, we will continue to be aggressive in our efforts to identify and prosecute criminals who unlawfully possess firearms.” 

          “ATF is determined to keep guns out of the hands of criminals. Far too many violent crimes result from people who are prohibited from having them. ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue and arrest those who commit these criminal acts,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Kelly D. Brady.”

          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 is being 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  - Hailong Zhang, 46, of Nottingham was sentenced to serve two years of probation, with 10 months of home detention, and fined $5,500 for aiding and abetting the interstate transportation of stolen money, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

          According to court documents and statements made in court, Zhang was a Research Project Manager at the University of New Hampshire, College of Life Sciences.  Zhang was authorized to use a credit card provided by UNH to pay for expenses covered by grants that were provided to the College of Life Sciences by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health (“NIH”).  On 31 separate occasions from December 2013 to January 2018, Zhang used the credit card to purchase gift cards totaling more than $82,000 from Amazon.com, which he kept or used to buy merchandise for his personal benefit, including clothing, video games, and a snow blower.  To conceal each such use of the credit card, Zhang submitted a fictitious receipt and a fraudulent written justification for the expense to UNH.  The bogus documents caused the University System of New Hampshire to make payments on the credit card and obtain reimbursement for the unauthorized expenses from the NIH.

          “Federal grant money provides vital support for programs that advance public health and the quality of life for all,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Those who steal these funds for their personal use should understand that they will face serious consequences.  We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect federal programs from fraud and abuse.” 

          “Today, Mr. Zhang is finally being held accountable for pocketing more than $80,000 in federal grant money on personal expenses when that money should have been used to advance important scientific research projects,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Taxpayers should know that the FBI will continue to work very closely with our law enforcement partners to protect federal funds from being stolen or misused.”

          “Taxpayer funds at NIH support critical research that can ultimately save lives,” said Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Zhang siphoned off these life-giving dollars and will now pay the price. We will continue to investigate all allegations of fraud, waste and abuse in HHS funded programs.”

          Zhang previously pleaded guilty on December 7, 2018.

          The case was investigated by the UNH Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, with assistance from Nottingham Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert M. Kinsella.

 

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            CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray today announced that

            Jason L. Brewer, 36, of Milton, New Hampshire was sentenced to time served (over 15 months) for participating in a conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 12, 2016, a New Hampshire State Police trooper observed Brewer commit multiple motor vehicle violations while driving northbound on Interstate 95.  The trooper executed a traffic stop of Brewer’s car near the Hampton tolls.  Timothy Kondroski was a passenger in the car.  During the traffic stop, the trooper observed evidence of drug possession.  While the trooper questioned Brewer and Kondroski, Kondroski fled and darted across four lanes of the interstate highway toward the barriers that divided the cash tolls from the open road tolling lanes.  The trooper chased Kondroski, yelling at him to stop.  The trooper eventually caught up to Kondroski at the barriers, which Kondroski was attempting to climb over.  During the chase, Kondroski’s sneakers fell off.  When retrieving them from the roadway, the troopers found a bag containing approximately 35 grams of heroin.  A second bag containing approximately one ounce of cocaine was recovered from inside one of Kondroski’s sneakers.  Kondroski and Brewer both eventually admitted to buying the drugs in Lawrence, Massachusetts.  Kondroski further acknowledged that he paid $2700 for the drugs and intended to sell them.

            Brewer previously pleaded guilty on August 1, 2017.  Co-defendant Timothy W. Kondroski, was sentenced on January 8, 2018 to 54 months in prison.         

            “Interstate drug trafficking continues to endanger lives throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Determined action by the state trooper prevented the drugs from reaching their intended destination and ensured that Mr. Brewer was before a judge today to face justice. Traffickers should be aware that federal prison terms await those who engage in the drug trade.”

            This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Dronzek.  Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Morse also participated in the prosecution of this case.

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            CONCORD – Mark T. Moore, 38, of Loudon, New Hampshire, was sentenced in federal court 50 months in prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, methamphetamine, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in late 2016, the DEA and the Postal Inspection Service investigated numerous parcels mailed from Las Vegas, Nevada, to New Hampshire suspected of containing methamphetamine. Law enforcement agents also investigated parcels of money mailed from New Hampshire to Las Vegas, and money transfers from New Hampshire to Las Vegas.  Eventually, investigators identified Edward Espejo as the individual in Las Vegas who was shipping methamphetamine to buyers in New Hampshire in return for money transfers or packages of cash mailed to him via the U.S. Postal Service.        

            Co-Defendant Michael Bean, along with his girlfriend and co-defendant Katie-Jo Waters, joined the conspiracy in or before January 2018.  Defendant Mark Moore, who already knew Espejo, joined the conspiracy soon afterwards.  Within the conspiracy, Moore handled the communications (mostly by text) to and from Edward Espejo in Las Vegas and coordinated the shipments of drugs from Nevada and the wiring of payments from New Hampshire. Waters received mailed packages containing methamphetamine at her residence; Bean and Waters distributed methamphetamine to buyers in New Hampshire; and Bean and Waters wired the proceeds of drug sales to Espejo in Las Vegas to purchase additional drugs.  Bean and Waters also distributed to Moore a portion of the methamphetamine they received from Espejo.

            On January 16, 2018, a package was mailed from Las Vegas. The package was scheduled to be delivered on January 17, 2018. The package was addressed to Waters at an apartment on Pembroke Street in Pembroke. Postal Inspectors obtained and executed a federal search warrant for the package.  The package contained 18.989 grams of 100 percent pure methamphetamine.

            On April 9, 2018, a package was mailed from Las Vegas. The package was scheduled to be delivered on April 10, 2018. The package was addressed to co-defendant Waters at the same Pembroke Street location. This package was delivered to the Pembroke residence.  On April 11, 2018, Waters was stopped by the New Hampshire State Police driving a car registered to her.  Inside the car was a black bag containing four baggies containing a total of 23.011 grams of 100 percent pure methamphetamine.

            Wal-Mart and MoneyGram records reflect that either Bean or Waters made at least 16 separate money transfers to three persons in Las Vegas, NV between January 10, 2018 and April 29, 2018, sending a total of at least $28,550 to purchase methamphetamine.

            On May 2, 2018, Postal Inspectors intercepted another package from Espejo in Las Vegas.  The package was addressed to another individual at the same Pembroke Street residence previously used by co-defendant Waters.  Postal Inspectors obtained a federal search warrant for the package and seized what was later determined to be 441.8 grams (approximately one pound) of pure methamphetamine. 

            Moore previously pleaded guilty on January 17, 2019.

            Espejo previously pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. 

            Bean was sentenced to 120 months in prison and Waters was sentenced to 72 months in prison.   

            “Highly pure methamphetamine is appearing in New Hampshire with greater frequency,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate those who are responsible for distributing this very dangerous drug in the Granite State.  Drug traffickers who choose to sell methamphetamine in New Hampshire should understand that their conduct will result in substantial prison sentences.”

            “This sentence reflects DEA’s strong commitment to bring to justice those that distribute methamphetamine,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “DEA and its local, state and federal law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to keep this highly addictive drug off the streets of New Hampshire.”

            “The sentence imposed today on Mark Moore demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and our law enforcement partners, to the safety and health of the American public,” said Inspector in Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division.  “Moore’s actions allowed this highly addictive drug to have a place in our community.  We will continue to investigate and take action against those who take part in this type of behavior.”

            This matter was investigated by the DEA and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  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 - Joseph Buenviaje, 53, of Berlin, pleaded guilty in federal court to accepting bribes from inmates and providing contraband in prison, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2015 Buenviaje began working as a chaplain at the Federal Correctional Institution in Berlin, New Hampshire.  Beginning April 2018 through November 2018, while working as a chaplain, Buenviaje smuggled drugs, including Suboxone, synthetic cannabinoids, and marijuana, cellular telephones, tobacco, and other contraband into the prison in exchange for bribe payments.  When interviewed by investigators in November 2018, Buenviaje admitted that he had been smuggling drugs and other contraband into the prison once or twice per week, he had received bribes of at least $12,000, and inmates owed him an additional $3,000 to $5,000 for contraband he had or was going to provide. 

            Buenviaje also admitted that he received the contraband and some of the bribe payments by mail addressed to his ministry.  Buenviaje received Suboxone—an opioid ordinarily prescribed to treat drug addiction—in its original packaging.  Upon receipt, Buenviaje repackaged the drug in cellophane for distribution in the prison.  Buenviaje also received notebooks with drug-soaked pages that he smuggled into the prison.  After smuggling items he received into the prison, Buenviaje placed the contraband in a cabinet in the prison chapel where inmates would later retrieve the items.

            In November 2018, during a consensual search of Buenviaje’s car and office, investigators found 111 Suboxone strips, some of which were in Buenviaje’s car and some of which were in Buenviaje’s office repackaged for distribution.  Investigators also located multiple notebooks that Buenviaje had placed in a cabinet in his office for an inmate.  Some pages in the notebooks had been soaked with unlawful synthetic cannabinoids, specifically FUB-AMB and 5F-ADB. 

            Buenviaje is scheduled to be sentenced on August 1, 2019.

            “Those who work in federal prisons have a responsibility to uphold the law,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “By smuggling contraband into a prison, this defendant jeopardized the safety of the inmates and staff at the facility.  Such conduct simply cannot be tolerated.”

            “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that anyone who violates the public’s trust and jeopardizes the security of federal prisons by introducing contraband will be brought to justice.  We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to root out smuggling schemes in federal prisons,” said DOJ OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Guido Modano. 

            This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General and FCI-Berlin’s Office of the Special Investigative Supervisor.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter.

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            CONCORD –United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Santos Guerrero Morillo, 39, of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison for his leadership role in a heroin trafficking conspiracy.         

            Documents filed with the court established that between May 2013 and October 2016, Guerrero Morillo was the leader of the New England cell of an international drug trafficking organization responsible for the distribution of heroin and other drugs in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. Guerrero Morillo’s cell operated out of Lawrence, Massachusetts, where its members received multi-kilogram shipments of heroin and other drugs, broke the shipments down into smaller units, and distributed them to regional sub-distributors. Guerrero Morillo managed at least ten co-conspirators with various roles related to the receipt, storage, and sale of drugs and laundering of drug proceeds.

            Court documents further established that in August of 2015, Guerrero Morillo fled Massachusetts for his native Dominican Republic to avoid arrest by United States law enforcement, but continued to direct his subordinates in Lawrence from afar. Federal authorities sought Guerrero Morillo’s extradition.  Dominican officials arrested him in February of 2018 and extradited him in June of 2018 to face charges in the District of New Hampshire.           

            Guerrero Morillo previously pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with heroin trafficking conspiracy on January 22, 2019.

            “International narcotics traffickers seek to profit from the suffering of those who are addicted to heroin and other dangerous drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This case demonstrates the resolve of the law enforcement community in New Hampshire to hold drug traffickers accountable for the damage that they are causing in our state.  We will not hesitate to reach into foreign countries, extradite drug traffickers, and bring them back to face justice.”    

          “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. Morillo, who are contributing to the crisis.  Today’s sentence not only holds Mr.Morillo accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are fueling the opioid epidemic.”

This matter was investigated by the DEA; Homeland Security Investigations; the Massachusetts State Police; the Haverhill Police Department; the United States Marshals Service; the New Hampshire State Police; the Manchester Police Department; the Lawrence Police Department; the Lowell Police Department, the Methuen Police Department, and the Hillsborough County Drug Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Jarad Hodes. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Feith previously participated in this prosecution.

            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 – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray encourages the public to participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 27, 2019.  This biannual event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at thousands of collection sites around the country, including over 100 here in New Hampshire.  This event is an important effort to rid homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

            “One of the simplest ways that all citizens of the Granite State can help to combat the opioid crisis is to ensure that unwanted medications do not fall into the wrong hands,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Far too many individuals started on the path to addiction by misusing prescription drugs.  I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to dispose of any prescription drugs that they no longer need in order to help protect their families and their communities.”

            “DEA has touched a nerve in America with its recent Take Back events, as evidenced by the millions of pounds of pills collected during our previous 16 events,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “These events are only made possible through the dedicated work and commitment of our local, state and federal partners, and DEA thanks each and every one of them for their continuous efforts on behalf of the American people.”

            Last October Americans turned in 457 tons (900,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 6,000 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,800 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 16 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 11 million pounds—more than 5,400 tons—of pills. The disposal service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. (The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps, only pills or patches.)

           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. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91 Americans die each day from an opioid overdose. Some painkiller abusers move on to heroin: Four out of five new heroin users started with painkillers.

Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose potential safety and health hazards. This initiative addresses the public safety and public health issues that surround medications languishing in home cabinets, becoming highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.

            For more information or to locate a collection site near you, go the DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day web site at https://takebackday.dea.gov/#collection-locator where you can search by zip code, city, or state.

 

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             CONCORD – James Aubin, 46, of Dover, pleaded guilty in federal court on April 23, 2019, to 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on July 31, 2019.          

             “Bank robberies are violent crimes that can inflict fear and endanger bank employees, patrons, and the public,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “As part of our effort to combat violent crime, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to prosecute those who are responsible for bank robberies in the Granite State.”

             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 – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Steven Guerrero, 19, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 69 months in prison, and Julio Saldana, 19, also of Lawrence, was sentenced to 138 months in prison for participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, a drug trafficking organization that authorities allege was led by Sergio Martinez, employed Steven Guerrero, Julio Saldana, and others to sell fentanyl to customers from various New England States, including New Hampshire.  On each day that the defendants worked, the Martinez organization provided them with at least one 200-gram bag of fentanyl and expected them to sell it and return approximately $6,000 in proceeds. While working for the Martinez organization, Saldana was robbed by a customer and thereafter acquired a firearm for his protection. On March 20, 2019, Saldana got in an altercation with rival gang members which ultimately resulted in a shooting. When the defendant was arrested on charges related to the shooting, officers recovered approximately 160 grams of fentanyl from his pocket.  

            Guerrero and Saldana both previously pleaded guilty on December 27, 2018.         

            “Fentanyl trafficking has had a terrible impact on the quality of life for many New Hampshire citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to stop the transportation and sale of this deadly drug, we coordinate with all of our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate those who are responsible for its distribution. Traffickers should expect to be caught, prosecuted, and incarcerated on long prison terms.”

            “Fentanyl is causing tremendous damage to New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Let these sentences be a warning to those traffickers who are coming from out of state to distribute this poison in order to profit and destroy people’s lives.  DEA’s top priority is combatting the opioid epidemic by working with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”

            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 - Michael MacDonald, 29, of Manchester, was sentenced to 78 months for bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 31, 2018, MacDonald entered the Citizens Bank in the Hannaford Market on E. Devine Drive, in Manchester, New Hampshire and gave the teller a note demanding money.  The teller gave MacDonald a quantity of United States currency.  Surveillance footage was obtained and an officer from Manchester Police Department recognized the robber as MacDonald.  After confirming that the robber was MacDonald, an arrest warrant was issued and MacDonald was taken into custody by the Manchester Police Department.

            The defendant previously pleaded guilty on January 7, 2019.          

            “Bank robberies are violent crimes that jeopardize the safety of the public,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to protect the citizens of the Granite State, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit violent crimes in New Hampshire.  I am grateful for the efforts of the Manchester Police Department, which led to the arrest and conviction of this individual.”  

            This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Helen White Fitzgibbon.

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             CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that a federal jury found Bernard Lindsay, 41, of Concord, New Hampshire, guilty of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. The verdict was returned on Wednesday, April 17, 2019.

            According to trial exhibits and witness testimony during the two-day jury trial, on April 16, 2018, the New Hampshire Department of Corrections, Office of Probation and Parole, conducted a home visit at the defendant’s residence in Concord, New Hampshire. In the home, officers found a box containing over 16 grams of methamphetamine, over 23 grams of fentanyl, and over 34 grams of cocaine.

            Lindsay is scheduled to be sentenced on August 6, 2019.

            “New Hampshire continues to suffer from the effects of drug trafficking” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Fentanyl has caused grave damage to our community, cocaine is an ongoing health concern, and methamphetamine is a dangerous drug that is appearing with increasing frequency.  I am grateful for the efforts of the law enforcement officers whose work led to this conviction and thank the jury for its service.”

            This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire Department of Corrections, Office of Probation and Parole, the Concord Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cam T. Le and Georgiana L. Konesky.

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          CONCORD - Michael Bean, 33, of Loudon, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for conspiring with others to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today. 

          According to court documents and statements made in court, Bean and his girlfriend, Katie-Jo Waters, were members of a conspiracy in which supplier Edward Espejo, of Las Vegas, Nevada, shipped packages of nearly pure methamphetamine to New Hampshire.  Bean and Waters received packages containing methamphetamine in Pembroke and distributed the drugs to New Hampshire buyers.  Bean and Waters would then wire the proceeds of drugs sales to Espejo in Las Vegas to purchase additional drugs.  Between January and May 2018, Bean and Waters wired a total of more than $28,000 to Espejo in Las Vegas to buy methamphetamine.  On May 2, 2018, postal inspectors intercepted a package containing a pound of pure methamphetamine that Espejo was sending to Waters.

          Bean previously pleaded guilty on September 27, 2018.

          Waters and Espejo previously pleaded guilty.  Waters was sentenced on Tuesday to serve 72 months in prison.  Espejo is awaiting sentencing. 

          “Highly pure methamphetamine has been appearing with greater frequency in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This dangerous drug presents a serious and growing threat to public health and safety.  In order to deter drug traffickers, the law enforcement community will act aggressively to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate those who attempt to distribute methamphetamine in the Granite State.” 

          “Today’s sentencing is a result of a coordinated effort with our federal law enforcement partners to keep these highly addictive drugs out of our communities,” said U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Inspector in Charge, Joseph W. Cronin of the Boston Division. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service continuously works to rid the mail of illicit drug trafficking and the associated violence, preserve the integrity of the mail, and, most importantly, provide a safe environment for postal employees and the American public.”

          “This sentence reflects DEA’s strong commitment to bring to justice those that distribute methamphetamine,” said Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “DEA and its local, state and federal law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to keep this highly addictive drug off the streets of New Hampshire.”

          This matter was investigated by the DEA and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.

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

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            CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Chris Minarcin, 34, formerly of Manchester, New Hampshire, was sentenced to serve 76 months in federal prison for distributing cocaine and possessing over 500 grams of cocaine with the intent to distribute the drugs.

            Court documents and statements made in court showed that on three occasions in March, 2016 and January and February of 2017, Minarcin sold quantities of cocaine to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement.  The transactions took place in Manchester and Hooksett.  Additionally, on two separate occasions in February of 2017, Minarcin was found in possession of over 500 grams of cocaine during traffic stops in Manchester.

            Minarcin pleaded guilty to the charges on October 22, 2018. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Minarcin will forfeit $6,510 in drug proceeds to the United States. 

            “Drug trafficking presents a substantial risk to the health and safety of our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This investigation is an example of how federal, state, and local law enforcement officers are working together to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate those who are responsible for distributing illegal drugs in the Granite State.”

            “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. Minarcin 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 out of the Granite State.”

            “Mr. Minarcin is no different than any other drug trafficker who exploits vulnerable people suffering from addiction. This case is a direct result of the hard work and collaboration between federal, state and local law enforcement partners in our efforts to combat those flooding our streets with drugs. The FBI New Hampshire Safe Streets Task Force will continue to do everything it can to make sure those bringing drugs and violence to our streets are held accountable,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.

            This matter was investigated by the DEA, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the New Hampshire State Police, the Manchester Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, and the Lowell Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.

      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 -  Angel Forteza-Concepcion, 20, of Manchester, has been sentenced to five months in prison and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $4,055.85 for conspiracy to commit bank fraud, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, from November 2017 to February 2018, Forteza-Concepcion and Ariel Mendoza, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, knowingly deposited stolen checks and money orders totaling more than $7,100 into accounts at four federally insured banks.  They then obtained proceeds from the stolen checks and money orders by using debit cards assigned to the accounts to withdraw cash at ATMs and perform debit card transactions.

            Forteza-Concepcion pleaded guilty on December 19, 2018.  Mendoza is serving an 18-month prison sentence and faces likely deportation to the Dominican Republic after he completes his sentence. 

            “The defendants in this scheme obtained money from multiple banks by depositing stolen checks and money orders,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This type of conduct cannot be tolerated.  In order to ensure the integrity of our banking system and protect Granite Staters’ finances, we will aggressively prosecute those who participate in fraud schemes.”

            “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service works alongside our local law enforcement partners to conduct investigations of those individuals who compromise the personal information of our customers and who fraudulently use the U.S. Mail for financial gains,” said Inspector in Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division.  “The integrity of the U.S. Mail is vital to our business and we will continue to work hard to protect it.”

            The United States Postal Inspection Service investigated the case, with assistance from the Police Departments in Manchester and Salem, New Hampshire, and Lawrence, Massachusetts.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert M. Kinsella.

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            CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray and New Hampshire Attorney General Gordon J. MacDonald announced today that 17 individuals have been charged with drug trafficking crimes as part of a joint investigation.  Eleven individuals have been charged in federal court with participating in drug trafficking crimes involving suboxone and other controlled substances.   Six individuals have been charged in the state court with drug trafficking crimes.

            Those charged in federal court include:

Glenn M. Adjutant, 21, of Colebrook, NH, was charged with distribution of Suboxone;

Roxanne Adjutant, 48, of Stratford, NH, was charged with distribution of Suboxone;

Brooke Butler, 35, of Stratford, NH, was charged with distribution of Suboxone;

Peter Carney, 57, of Stewartstown, NH, was charged with distribution of Suboxone;

Rachel Edgerton, 50, of Stewartstown, NH, was charged with distribution of oxycodone;

Korin Gendreau, 32, of West Stewartstown, NH, was charged with distribution of oxycodone;

Dustin Grant, 34, of Colebrook, NH, was charged with distribution of Suboxone;

Michael R. Haynes, 38, of Colebrook, NH, was charged with distribution of methamphetamine;

Sylvia Lewis, 52, of Colebrook, NH, was charged with distribution of hydromorphone;

Brian Rancourt, 44, of Stewartstown, NH, was charged with distribution of Suboxone; and

Eric W. Simpson, 39, of Stratford, NH, was charged with distribution of Suboxone.

            Those charged in state court include:

Megan Adjutant, 23, of North Stratford, NH, was charged with sale of methadone;

Erika Bodinski, 36, of Colberook, NH, was charged with sale of Suboxone and conspiracy to sell Suboxone;

Crystal Harding, 36, of Colebrook, NH, was charged with sale of Suboxone;

Cheryl Onduso, 33, of Columbia, NH, was charged with sale of Suboxone;

Heather Roberson, 33, of Colebrook, NH, was charged with sale of Subutex; and

Tasha Smith, 31, of Colebrook, NH, was charged with sale of Suboxone

            As a result of a coordinated operation involving federal, state and local law enforcement officers, all of the above-listed individuals have been arrested.

            Many of these individuals are charged with distributing Suboxone.  According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Suboxone is a drug that contains buprenorphine. It often is used to treat opioid dependency.  However, because of its opioid effects, it can be misused.  When this drug is not taken under a physician’s supervision, it can be dangerous and even deadly.  For example, mixing this drug with other medications (particularly benzodiazepines or other sedatives) can lead to overdoses or death.

            The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the New Hampshire Attorney General encourage all citizens to be sure to dispose of all unneeded prescriptions drugs in a safe manner.  The DEA’s next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is on April 27, 2019. 

            The defendants are charged by criminal complaints.  These charges are only allegations.  The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

            This 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, and the New Hampshire Liquor Commission’s Division of Enforcement & Licensing. The federal case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Charles Rombeau and John S. Davis.  The state case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Danielle Sakowski and Jesse O’Neill.

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              CONCORD - Katie Jo Waters, 29, of Pembroke, was sentenced on Tuesday to 72 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, between January of 2018 and May of 2018, Waters received multiple packages of methamphetamine mailed by persons in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Over the same period, to pay for the drugs, Waters made 11 separate money transfers, totaling $18,700, to suppliers in Las Vegas.  Postal Inspectors intercepted two of the mailed packages destined for the defendant’s address and seized a total of more than one pound of nearly pure methamphetamine.  On April 11, 2018, a New Hampshire State Trooper stopped Waters and another individual in Canterbury, New Hampshire, and eventually seized more than 38 grams of methamphetamine and a Sig Sauer 9 mm. pistol from the car she was driving.  Waters was arrested on federal charges on May 9, 2018.   

             Waters previously pleaded guilty on July 24, 2018.

            “Highly pure methamphetamine has been appearing with greater frequency in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This dangerous drug presents a serious and growing threat to public health and safety.  In order to deter traffickers, we will remain vigilant in identifying, prosecuting, and incarcerating those who attempt to distribute methamphetamine in the Granite State.”

            “Using the U.S. Mail to traffic illegal narcotics, such as methamphetamine, will not be tolerated,” said Inspector in Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division.  “We will continue to work diligently to investigate those who engage in similar conduct, focusing our efforts on keeping our customers and the U.S. Mail safe.”

            “DEA is committed to bring to justice those that distribute methamphetamine,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Today’s sentence not only holds Ms. Waters accountable for her 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 highly addictive drug out of the Granite State.”

            This matter was investigated by the DEA, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the New Hampshire State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane B. Kelbley previously participated in this prosecution.

            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 - Karl Messner, 63, of Weare, pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday to possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, starting in June 2016, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a number of CyberTipline Reports regarding suspected child pornography activity.  The internet protocol, or IP, addresses associated with those reports all resolved to Messner’s residence in Weare, New Hampshire.  In October 2016, investigators obtained a federal search warrant for that residence.  During an interview at his house, Messner admitted to viewing child pornography, and that images could be found on his laptop and thumb drives.  Investigators seized a laptop and thumb drive on which they later found images of child pornography following a forensic analysis. 

            Messner is scheduled to be sentenced on July 16, 2019.

            “The protection of children is one of the most important duties of law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Child exploitation crimes, including those related to child pornography, are very serious matters.  In order to protect the innocence of children, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit these crimes.”

            This matter was investigated by Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Weare Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

            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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