District of New Hampshire

           CONCORD – Carlos Del Villar, of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.      

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2018, U.S. Postal Inspectors obtained a search warrant for a suspicious package sent from Arizona to Del Villar’s apartment in Manchester.  The package was found to contain approximately 242 grams of fentanyl.  Del Villar was arrested after a Postal Inspector conducted a controlled delivery of the package to his apartment.

            Del Villar is scheduled to be sentenced on January 17, 2019.

            “Fentanyl continues to pose a serious threat to public safety in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Those who bring this deadly drug into New Hampshire will be prosecuted aggressively.  We will continue to work with all of our law enforcement partners to stop the flow of opioids into our state.”

            This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the DEA and the Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane B. Kelbley.

###

            CONCORD – Dennis Chaney, 31, of Rochester, 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, as a result of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation, agents and task force officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration learned that on March 12, 2018, Chaney intended to travel from New Hampshire to a location in Lawrence, Massachusetts to purchase 200 grams of a controlled substance.  Agents conducted surveillance in the area of the transaction and observed Chaney’s vehicle arrive.  They then followed the vehicle toward New Hampshire and passed the license plate and their observations on to the New Hampshire State Police.   A trooper observed the vehicle and stopped the vehicle for traffic violations. The trooper subsequently used his drug detection dog who alerted to Chaney’s vehicle. A search warrant subsequently was executed on the vehicle, which resulted in the discovery of approximately 225 grams of fentanyl. 

            On March 14, 2018, Chaney telephoned his source in Lawrence, Massachusetts and ordered an additional 100 grams of a controlled substance.  Agents conducted surveillance in the area of the transaction and observed Chaney’s vehicle arrive.  They then followed the vehicle toward New Hampshire and passed the license plate and their observations on to the New Hampshire State Police.  A trooper observed the vehicle and stopped the vehicle for traffic violations.  The trooper subsequently used his drug detection dog who alerted to Chaney’s vehicle.  A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 98 grams of fentanyl.  

            During the investigation, Chaney ordered and purchased approximately 845 grams of fentanyl.     

            Chaney is scheduled to be sentenced on January 22, 2019.

            “This case is an example of the way that the law enforcement community is working together to stop the flow of fentanyl into the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Those who chose to distribute this deadly drug should understand that they will be arrested and prosecuted.  We will continue to use all resources at our disposal to protect the public from those who choose to bring fentanyl into New Hampshire.”   

           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.  

###

            CONCORD - Kurt Devoid, 60, of Quechee, Vermont, was sentenced to three years of probation, including six months of home confinement, for filing false income tax returns, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

            According to court documents, Devoid is a self-employed painter.  Devoid’s personal federal income tax returns for tax years 2010 through 2013 were prepared by a commercial tax preparation office in Lebanon, New Hampshire.  On the returns, Devoid reported income he received from commercial customers of his painting business, but failed to report substantial income he received from his residential customers.  Devoid’s failure to report the true amount of his personal income during the four year period caused a tax loss of $98,482 to the United States Treasury.

            DeVoid, who previously pled guilty on May 10, 2018, also was ordered to pay $98,482 in restitution.

            “The federal tax laws apply to all citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Those who choose to submit false tax returns should understand that they will be caught by the IRS and will be referred for prosecution. The potential penalties for tax evasion far outweigh any personal advantage anticipated by those who seek to avoid paying.”

            “Self-employed individuals like Mr. Devoid have a legal obligation to honestly report their income and timely pay their taxes,” said Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Boston Field Office.  “Those who willfully file false tax returns underreporting their taxable income and taxes owed steal from the public and damage our nation’s system of taxation.  Violators will be prosecuted, punished, and obligated to repay their taxes along with substantial penalties and interest.” 

            The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Kinsella. 

###

            CONCORD - Jason Belmer, 30, of Haverhill, Massachusetts pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 31, 2017, the defendant was stopped by a member of the Salem Police Department after running a red light. The officer observed various signs that the defendant was driving while impaired. Another officer arrived on scene and observed drug paraphernalia in plain view in the front seat of the car. This observation prompted officers to ask the defendant for consent to search the car, at which time the defendant attempted to flee the traffic stop. A struggle ensued and the defendant fought with police. After the defendant was taken into custody, officers received a search warrant for the car and recovered approximately 1,191 grams of cocaine and approximately $59,775 dollars in cash. 

            Belmer is scheduled to be sentenced on January 16, 2019.   The cash has been administratively forfeited to the United States.

            “Those who seek to profit from the sales of drugs will be aggressively prosecuted,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “I commend the hard work of the Salem police officers whose efforts got over a kilogram of cocaine off the streets.  We will continue to work with federal, state, and local law enforcement officers to stop the distribution of illegal drugs in the Granite State.”    

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

            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.  

###

            CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Hector Velez, 22, formerly of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of firearms.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 30, 2017, Manchester Police stopped a car driven by Velez.  Upon seeing what appeared to be drugs in plain view inside the car, the officers impounded the car and applied for a search warrant.  A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of two firearms, as well as marijuana and cocaine.  Velez, as a previously convicted felon, is legally prohibited from possessing firearms.

            Velez is scheduled to be sentenced on January 16, 2019.

            “This case demonstrate the effectiveness of Project Safe Neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Through this program, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to get guns out of the hands of criminals so we can reduce violent crime and protect the safety of the citizens of the Granite State.”

               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. Attorneys Shane B. Kelbley and Anna Z. Krasinski.

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

###

            CONCORD - Randy Barton, 49, of Loudon, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court to 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, Trooper Owens 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on January 15, 2019.

            Katie-Jo Waters previously pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine on July 24, 2018.  She will be sentenced on January 15, 2019.

            “Methamphetamine is a dangerous drug that is causing increasing damage in the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Even as our state addresses the opioid crisis, we continue to work with our law enforcement partners to combat the threats posed by other illicit drugs.  The presence of highly pure methamphetamine in New Hampshire is a grave concern and we will aggressively prosecute those who choose to distribute it.”

            "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. Cornin, Boston Division.

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

            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.  

###

            CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Michael Gutierrez, 35, of Pomona, California, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for producing child pornography. 

            According to documents filed in the case, Gutierrez contacted minor females in New Hampshire through social media and initiating conversations with the minor females through social media platforms.  Gutierrez represented himself to be a 14-year-old female and used the usernames of “Chloe_is_Awesum,” “spamaccount.c” and “Doogteg.”  Gutierrez persuaded the minor females to send him sexually explicit images.  Gutierrez then demanded additional sexually explicit images from the minor females and threatened to distribute the images already provided if the minor females did not comply.  Gutierrez collected the images in 2015 and 2016.  In late 2016, a mother to one of the victims discovered the demands made by Gutierrez and reported them to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI’s investigation led to the identification of Gutierrez. 

            Gutierrez pleaded guilty to five counts of producing child pornography on June 12, 2018.  After serving his prison sentence, Gutierrez will be on supervised release for 15 years. 

            “Safeguarding our state’s children is among the most important priorities of the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “As this case shows, there are dangers that lurk on social media, where criminals use the anonymity of the internet to abuse the unwary.  We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to target predators whose horrific actions rob children of their innocence.”

            “As a predator of children, Mr. Gutierrez deserves every single day of the sentence the court has imposed on him.  He shamelessly coerced children into engaging in sexual activity and forced them to send him photos of that activity,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and apprehend individuals like him who choose to exploit and prey upon our children.”

            “Homeland Security Investigations is encouraged by today’s sentencing,” said Peter C. Fitzhugh, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston, Special Agent in Charge. “HSI Special Agents worked diligently to ensure that this individual, who exploited his victims through a series of disturbing and threatening methods, will not harm again.  We abhor these actions and hope that this collaborative investigation and resulting sentence will help the victims in this case begin the healing process.”  

            The FBI, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations, the Goffstown Police Department, the Milford Police Department, the New Boston Police Department, the Mont Vernon Police Department, and the Manchester Police Department all participated in the investigation of this case.  Staff from the Hillsborough County Child Advocacy Center also assisted in the case.  United States Attorneys Donald A. Feith and Helen White Fitzgibbon prosecuted the case.

            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. 

###

            CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Stephanie Allard, 39, formerly of Ashland, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for drug trafficking.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, an individual who was cooperating with the FBI purchased highly pure “ice” methamphetamine from Ms. Allard on three occasions in April and May of 2017.  On May 19, 2017, the individual arranged a fentanyl purchase with Ms. Allard.  The individual then travelled to her residence in Ashland and bought fentanyl from Ms. Allard’s husband, John Allard.

            Allard previously pleaded guilty to three counts of distributing methamphetamine and one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl on June 4, 2018.

            John Allard previously pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges and was sentenced to ten years in federal prison on September 8, 2018.

            “Fentanyl and methamphetamine are dangerous drugs that are both causing significant damage to the health and safety of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to protect the public, we will continue to coordinate with our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute and incarcerate those who are responsible for selling illegal drugs in the Granite State.”

            “We are not going to stand idly by and let more friends, family members and neighbors get addicted or die of drug overdoses,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “This case is a great example of the work being done by the FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force to get dangerous substances off of our streets. Together, with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to tackle the opioid crisis head on.”

            This matter was investigated by the FBI New Hampshire Safe Streets Gang Task Force.  The Task Force is comprised of the FBI, the New Hampshire State Police, New Hampshire Probation and Parole, and the police departments of Hudson, Manchester, and Nashua.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane B. Kelbley.

###

               CONCORD - One year ago, the Department of Justice announced the revitalization and enhancement of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made the centerpiece of the Department’s violent crime reduction strategy.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders to make lasting reductions in crime.

          Throughout the past year, we have partnered with all levels of law enforcement, local organizations, and members of the community to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Federal, state and local law enforcement, state and federal department of corrections and federal and state prosecutors meet regularly at the United States Attorney’s Office to share intelligence, and develop strategies to combat violent crime in New Hampshire.  Often this strategy involves combatting crimes involving firearms and drugs.  A key part of this strategy involves targeting those who illegally purchase firearms for felons.  We also target those who obtain firearms for other individuals who are prohibited from possessing guns.

          “Project Safe Neighborhoods is a proven program with demonstrated results,” Attorney General Sessions said. “We know that the most effective strategy to reduce violent crime is based on sound policing policies that have proven effective over many years, which includes being targeted and responsive to community needs.  I have empowered our United States Attorneys to focus enforcement efforts against the most violent criminals in their districts, and directed that they work together with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and community partners to develop tailored solutions to the unique violent crime problems they face.  Each United States Attorney has prioritized the PSN program, and I am confident that it will continue to reduce crime, save lives, and restore safety to our communities.” 

          “As a county prosecutor and now as United States Attorney, I have seen firsthand that Project Safe Neighborhoods can directly improve public safety in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In the midst of New Hampshire’s opioid crisis, an immediate benefit of the program is that it targets drug traffickers who use firearms. Selling drugs is an inherently dangerous business and dealers routinely use firearms to intimidate or harm rivals. By denying guns to drug dealers, we reduce the likelihood of collateral injury to the public. This program is a partnership of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers who are working to protect our citizens from violent crime and crimes involving firearms.  By working together to identify the individuals whose actions are threatening public safety, we seek to make sure that all New Hampshire residents truly live in safe neighborhoods.”

          As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the revitalized PSN program, here are some of the highlights of our PSN actions over the past year:

         New Hampshire was one of three states with a population under two million to receive a grant to combat violent crime.  Specifically, the Manchester Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police and the New Hampshire Department of Corrections received $200,000 to combat violent crime.  These efforts include the identification of “hot spots” in Manchester where law enforcement partners are conducting enhanced patrols and probation and parole checks.  Additionally, law enforcement officers are using ATF ballistics technology to identify those involved in shootings and sources of crime guns, as well as other focused deterrence activities.  Lastly, we are in the process of developing a statewide social media campaign to combat violent crime.

          Throughout the last year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and ATF have traveled throughout the state to conduct trainings for state and local law enforcement on federal firearms law and tools to investigate violent crime.

          Additionally, the U.S Attorney’s Office has hired an additional Assistant United States Attorney who will focus on prosecuting violent crimes.

          Among the successful PSN prosecutions in the past year are:

• Michael Burghart, of Manchester, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Manchester Man Sentenced to 180 Months in Prison for Illegal Firearm Possession
   
• Daniel Sullivan, of Manchester, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Manchester Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of Firearms
   
• Kaisle Raikes, of Manchester, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison for drug trafficking and possessing a gun in furtherance of drug trafficking.  Manchester Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearm Offenses
   
• Yoelfi Feliz, of Lawrence, Massachusetts was sentenced to 70 months in prison for firearms-related charges to obtain guns in exchange for drugs.  Lawrence, Massachusetts Man Sentenced on Firearm Charges
   
• Jessica Fithian of Manchester was sentenced to six months in prison for “straw purchasing” firearms for Matthew Bergeron, a convicted felon from Massachusetts.  Bergeron was sentenced to six years in prison.  Manchester Woman Sentenced to 6-months Straw Purchase Firearm for Massachusetts Felon

          These enforcement actions and partnerships are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Attorney General Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.

###

          CONCORD – Norman Limoges, 51, of Groveton, New Hampshire, 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, 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, Limoges intended to travel from New Hampshire to a location in Lawrence, Massachusetts to purchase 180 grams of a controlled substance.  Agents conducted surveillance in the area of the transaction and observed Limoges’s vehicle.  The agents later alerted the New Hampshire State Police of their observations and described the vehicle to the troopers. The troopers subsequently stopped the vehicle in Londonderry, New Hampshire for a traffic violation.  

          The troopers identified Limoges as the driver of the vehicle.  During a consent search of the vehicle, troopers found a bag containing approximately 180 grams of fentanyl in the center console.  Limoges admitted to purchasing the 180 grams of fentanyl.  He also admitted that he bought 80-100 grams of fentanyl on a monthly basis which he then re-sold in New Hampshire.  

          The investigation revealed that on February 24, 2018, the defendant also purchased approximately 135 grams of fentanyl from his source in Lawrence, Massachusetts.

          Limoges is scheduled to be sentenced on January 29th 2019.

          “The transportation of fentanyl into New Hampshire poses a significant threat to the safety of our citizens” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to stop interstate drug trafficking by arresting, prosecuting and incarcerating those who engage in this deadly practice.” 

          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, Criminal Investigation Division; 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.  

###

            CONCORD - Kurt Carpentino, 35, of Manchester, was sentenced in federal court to 32 years in prison for transporting a minor across state lines for sex, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

            Carpentino was convicted in a jury trial on July 11, 2018. The evidence showed that on April 27, 2017, the Hinsdale, New Hampshire Police Department received a report of a missing 14-year-old child. The child was found later that morning at an abandoned motel in Rockingham, Vermont. The child told the police that the defendant took her to the motel and that they had sex there. The defendant was observed driving by the motel and arrested nearby. Later that day, he admitted to taking the child from New Hampshire to Vermont and having sex with her at the hotel. A few weeks later, the defendant wrote the victim letters from jail, attempting to get her to recant her statement to the police.  

            “Protecting the innocence and wellbeing of our children is one of the highest priorities of the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The defendant took advantage of a young child and will be incarcerated for a very long time to prevent him from inflicting damage on other children.  I am grateful to Vermont, New Hampshire and Federal officers whose work resulted in the conviction and long term incarceration of this predator.”          

            “With today’s sentence, justice has been served on Kurt Carpentino, “said Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, Boston. “The results in this case could not have been achieved without the tireless work of the dedicated professionals of Homeland Security Investigations in New Hampshire.  Protecting innocent children will remain a top priority for HSI and our law enforcement partners.  Together with the U.S. Attorney and state and local police, we will continue to make every effort to ensure that those who victimize children will be brought to justice and face their day in court.  “

            This matter was investigated by the Vermont State Police, Homeland Security Investigations in Manchester, New Hampshire, the Hinsdale, New Hampshire Police Department, the Manchester, New Hampshire Police Department, the Springfield, Vermont Police Department, and the New Hampshire State Police, with the assistance of the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. Konesky.

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

###

            CONCORD - Norman Torrey, 53, of Lewiston, Maine pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation, agents and task force officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration learned that on March 27, 2018, the defendant intended to travel to Massachusetts to purchase 100 grams of fentanyl.  Agents conducted surveillance in the area of the transaction and observed the defendant’s vehicle arrive and depart.  They followed the defendant as he drove through New Hampshire and into Maine, where they shared their observations with a Maine State Police Trooper. The trooper stopped the vehicle and ultimately seized approximately 98 grams of fentanyl. The investigation demonstrated that the defendant purchased and distributed over 400 grams of fentanyl.

            Torrey is scheduled to be sentenced on January 15, 2018.

            “Fentanyl has been the source of far too many deaths in New England,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This case demonstrates multi-state drug distribution activities that complicate law enforcement efforts. In order to protect the public by stopping these criminal enterprises, we will coordinate with all of our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who are distributing this deadly substance.”

               This case was a collaborative investigation that involved the DEA; the Maine State Police; 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 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; and the Lowell (MA) Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Georgiana L. Konesky, Seth R. Aframe, and Debra 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.  

###

            CONCORD – Robert McLain, 26, of Groveton, New Hampshire, 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, 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, McLain 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 after a few minutes, get out again. 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 the driver and McLain as the passenger.  McLain subsequently admitted to purchasing one gram of  fentanyl which he claimed he swallowed.   The owner of the vehicle consented to a search of her car and signed a consent to search form.  The troopers found a hidden compartment in the vehicle that  contained approximately 240 grams of fentanyl.  McLain admitted that he purchased fentanyl in Lawrence and resold the fentanyl in New Hampshire.  Over the course of the investigation, McLain ordered approximately 560 grams of fentanyl.  McLain also admitted that he traded fentanyl in exchange for a firearm.

            McLain directed officers to approximately $11,000 of admitted drug proceeds, and firearms. Officers seized four handguns, a rifle, and ammunition from McLain’s residence. They also seized soda cans that were manufactured with a hidden compartment to conceal narcotics.

            McLain will be sentenced on January 15, 2019.

            “It is absolutely critical that we stop the flow of fentanyl into New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Often, New Hampshire State Troopers must perform the dangerous duty of confronting drug traffickers on our highways. I am grateful for their dedicated service, as well as the tireless efforts of all of our law enforcement partners who contributed to success in this case.”   

            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.  

###

            CONCORD - Shannon Battle, 39, of Bangor, Maine pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 20, 2017, a New Hampshire State Police trooper patrolling I-95 stopped a vehicle in which Battle was a passenger, for operating with a defective center brake light.  Troopers ultimately discovered that the defendant was concealing a large package of suspected narcotics on her person. The package was later found to contain 131 grams of fentanyl.  During questioning, the defendant admitted to having travelled to Waterbury, Connecticut to pick up the fentanyl, which she was transporting to sell in the Bangor, Maine area.            

            Battle is scheduled to be sentenced on January 2, 2019.

            “Those who bring fentanyl into New Hampshire should expect that they will be prosecuted,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will continue to do all that we can to stop the flow of this deadly drug into the Granite State.  I want to thank the New Hampshire State Police for preventing this fentanyl from being distributed.”

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

###

          CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that on Tuesday, September 25, 2018, a federal jury found Joseph M. Crocco, 42, of Poughkeepsie, New York, guilty of robbing a credit union after a two-day trial.        

          Evidence presented at trial showed that on December 21, 2017, the defendant entered the Service Credit Union branch located in the Walmart on Brattleboro Road in Hinsdale, New Hampshire.  He approached a teller and gave her two notes.  He then told her that he had a bomb strapped to his body and she had sixty seconds to comply with his demands.  The teller gave him approximately $2,700 and he fled the store.  Investigation by the New Hampshire State Police and the Hinsdale Police Department ultimately traced the defendant to Poughkeepsie where detectives from the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department identified the defendant in images taken from the credit union’s security cameras.        

          Crocco will be sentenced on January 3, 2019.

          “Robberies of banks and credit unions are violent and dangerous crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to protect public safety, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to prosecute these crimes and ensure that our community is safe.  I want to thank the law enforcement agencies who participated in this investigation.  Their excellent cooperation resulted in the successful prosecution of this defendant.”

          “By threatening to blow himself up and instilling unnecessary fear in the tellers, Mr. Crocco jeopardized the safety of bank employees, customers, and other members of the community,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division.  “The FBI is grateful for the strong partnerships we share with our law enforcement partners who worked collaboratively to bring this man to justice. We’d also like to thank the jurors for their service, and for returning a guilty verdict in this case.”

          This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Hinsdale Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, the Brattleboro, Vermont Police Department, and the City of Poughkeepsie, New York Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Dronzek and Charles Rombeau.

###

            CONCORD - Amy Reardon, 33, of North Haverhill, 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, as a result of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation, agents and task force officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration learned that on March 14, 2018, the defendant intended to travel from New Hampshire to a location in Lawrence, Massachusetts to purchase 140 grams of a controlled substance.  Agents conducted surveillance in the area of the transaction and observed the defendant’s vehicle arrive and depart the area.

             The agents informed a New Hampshire State Trooper patrolling Interstate Route 93 about their surveillance observations. The trooper stopped the vehicle for a traffic violation and identified the driver and Reardon as the sole passenger in the vehicle.  During questioning by the trooper,  Reardon admitted that she had fentanyl in her possession and later was found to have approximately 143 grams of fentanyl.              

            Reardon is scheduled to be sentenced on January 4, 2019.

            “Fentanyl is a deadly drug that is causing untold damage throughout the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “As this investigation shows, the law enforcement community is working together to identify and prosecute those who are bringing fentanyl into our 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 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.  

###

            CONCORD - David Fagan, 32, of Manchester, 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, as a result of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation, agents and task force officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration learned that on March 6, 2018, Fagan intended to travel from New Hampshire to a location in Lawrence, Massachusetts to purchase 50 grams of a controlled substance.  Agents conducted surveillance in the area of the transaction and observed the defendant’s vehicle arrive.  The vehicle left Massachusetts and agents followed it directly to Nashua, New Hampshire, where they stopped the vehicle.  Officers later received a search warrant and recovered approximately one gram of suspected fentanyl in the car. 

            On March 29, 2018, agents learned that Fagan again intended to travel from New Hampshire to a location in Lawrence to purchase 50 grams of a controlled substance. Agents conducted surveillance in the area of the transaction.   Investigators passed on information to the New Hampshire State Police. 

            A trooper later stopped the vehicle heading northbound on I-93.  The trooper identified the driver as the registered owner of the car and Fagan as the sole passenger. The officer spoke to both individuals and obtained consent to search the vehicle.  The trooper located approximately 50 grams of fentanyl under the hood of the car inside the air filter. 

            The investigation revealed that from February 23, 2018, through April 2018, Fagan ordered and purchased over one kilogram of fentanyl.          

            Fagan is scheduled to be sentenced on January 7, 2019.

            “Fentanyl distributors are causing grave harm to our state,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This case is an example of how members of the law enforcement community are working together to combat the deadly threat that this drug poses to 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 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.  

###

            CONCORD – Meredith Willey, 38, of Groveton, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court to 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 on-going 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.  Willey was a passenger in the vehicle.  Willey subsequently admitted that she and the driver 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 driver purchased fentanyl in Lawrence and resold the drug in New Hampshire.

            Willey is scheduled to be sentenced on January 3, 2019.

            “Fentanyl continues to pose a significant threat to our state,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We are committed to stopping the flow of fentanyl into New Hampshire.  Drug traffickers should understand that the law enforcement community is working hard each day to identify and prosecute those who are responsible for distributing this deadly drug 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 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.  

###

            CONCORD - Steven Orr, 53, of Grapevine, Texas, was sentenced on Thursday to 71 months in prison for two wire fraud offenses and unlawful possession of firearms, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in June of 2017, Orr offered to sell four loaders to a company in Windham, New Hampshire for $120,000.  Unaware that Orr did not own the loaders or have authority to sell them, the Windham company arranged for a third party to inspect the loaders and then caused $120,000 to be electronically transferred from its bank account in New Hampshire to Orr’s personal bank account in Texas.

            In August 2017, Orr agreed to sell 21 cranes owned by a company in Joliet, Illinois to a company in Lemont, Illinois, for $2.2 million.  Unaware that Orr did not have authority to sell the loaders, the Lemont company transferred a $550,000 deposit for the transaction from its bank account in Chicago, Illinois to Orr’s account in Texas.

            The court records also reveal that Orr had prior felony convictions for burglary, grand larceny, larceny of an automobile, possession of a controlled substance, and an attempt to distribute contraband in a prison.  Under federal law, it was unlawful for Orr to possess a firearm after his first felony conviction.  Nevertheless, when Special Agents from the FBI arrested Orr last September, they found a Sig Sauer .40 caliber pistol and a Taurus .380 caliber pistol in a safe that was inside a recreational vehicle Orr was renting.

            Orr previously pleaded guilty on April 5, 2018.

            “I am grateful to the FBI for its efforts to stop this defendant’s fraud schemes and bring him to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Those who commit fraud in New Hampshire should understand that they will be prosecuted and incarcerated.  This defendant’s unlawful possession of guns demonstrates his complete disregard of the law, as well as the substantial risk he posed to the community.” 

            “Mr. Orr is a convicted felon and con man who clearly hasn’t learned anything from his time in prison. Hopefully with today’s sentencing, he’ll soon learn that the only place that cheating and swindling will get you is behind bars,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The FBI will continue to seek out fraudsters like Orr, who profit through deception, by targeting hard-working businesses.” 

            The cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Kinsella.

# # #

            CONCORD – Kenneth Dunn, 60, of Nashua, pleaded guilty to making false statements to obtain federal employee disability benefits, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

            The United States Department of Labor, Office of Workers’ Compensation Program (“OWCP”) provides workers’ compensation benefits to employees of the federal government, including the United States Postal Service (USPS), who are totally or partially disabled due to injuries sustained during the course of their employment.  While receiving the benefits, a disabled employee is required to report all employment for which he or she received a salary, wage, or payment of any kind in annual reports submitted to the OWCP.  A disabled employee is also required to provide documentation from a medical doctor to demonstrate his or her continued eligibility for the benefits and report any improvements to his or her physical condition. 

             According to documents and statements made in court, Dunn was hired as a Rural Letter Carrier in April 1985.  In November 2010, Dunn began to receive OWCP disability benefits due to employment-related injuries to his neck, back, and arm.  While receiving the disability benefits, Dunn repeatedly reported to the OWCP that was not able to work in any capacity and he was not engaged in any employment activity.

            However, from 2010 through 2017, Dunn conducted thousands of transactions related to the purchase and sale of comic books on the internet, and failed to report the business activity to the OWCP.  In addition, on several occasions from October of 2016 to February of 2018, a Special Agent from the USPS – Office of Inspector General observed Dunn engaged in physical activities inconsistent with his reported symptoms and alleged total disability.  The activities included: entering and exiting his car; clearing substantial amounts of snow off, and from around, his car; driving; walking up and down a flight of 30 stairs; conducting personal and business-related errands for several hours; and lifting and carrying items of various size, shape, and weight.  Dunn was able to perform these tasks without any apparent physical limitation, pain, or discomfort and in conflict with medical documentation from Dunn’s treating physician.

            At a Comicon event in Manchester on September 17 and 18, 2016, Dunn set up a vendor booth and repeatedly bent over to place or pick up large boxes filled with comic books.  He set up and dismantled a comic book display, sold comic books for cash, and stood and sat for long periods without any apparent physical limitation or discomfort.  Dunn repeated the same activities at the Comicon event in Manchester on September 16 and 17, 2017.

            The court documents also reveal that Dunn provided false information about his physical condition to a doctor in February 2017 and March 2018, and false information about his physical condition and work-history to the OWCP in February 2017 and 2018 in order to receive the disability benefits.  Because of this fraudulent conduct, Dunn received disability benefits totaling $87,736 from September of 2016 through July of 2018.

            Dunn will be sentenced on January 3, 2019.

            “Workers’ compensation benefits are an important source of financial support for individuals who cannot work due to their disabilities,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Unfortunately, some individuals seek to take advantage of the system to obtain money that they don’t deserve.  In order to protect taxpayer money, we will not hesitate to prosecute those who defraud workers’ compensation or other benefit programs.”

            “The federal Workers’ Compensation program was created to help those who are recovering from injuries obtained on-the-job,” stated USPS-OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Modafferi.  “When a former Postal Service employee defrauds the Workers' Compensation program, the Special Agents of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General will work tirelessly with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to protect the integrity of this federal benefit program.”

            The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Kinsella.

###

            CONCORD - Sara Johnson, 36, of Manchester, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison for federal firearms crimes, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, Johnson purchased a rifle in a private sale from an individual in New Hampshire sometime in 2015.  Johnson subsequently provided the rifle to an individual Johnson knew to be a convicted felon who was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

            Johnson also purchased a pistol in 2015 in a private sale in Bow, New Hampshire.  At the time of the purchase, the pistol’s serial number was intact.  On June 9, 2016, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Johnson’s residence.  A pistol with an obliterated serial number was found underneath a mattress.  Testing later confirmed it to be the same pistol Johnson had purchased in 2015.  Possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number is a violation of federal law.

            Johnson previously pleaded guilty on February 15, 2018.

            “Those who violate federal firearms laws jeopardize public safety and often put guns in the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Because those who provide firearms to felons increase the risk that those felons will commit violent crimes, we use Project Safe Neighborhoods and our other partnerships with law enforcement to identify and prosecute those who commit gun-related offenses.”

            “The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is committed to targeting individuals who are prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and have further engaged in trafficking those firearms into other criminals hands,” said Special Agent in Charge, Mickey Leadingham.

            This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Manchester Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane B.  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. 

###

          CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Kory Almand, 35, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in early 2016 and continuing through his arrest in July of 2017, Almand conspired with other individuals in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine to obtain large quantities of fentanyl from sources in Lawrence, Massachusetts for distribution in New Hampshire and Maine.  On July 19, 2017, Almand sold 100 grams of fentanyl to an undercover New Hampshire State Police detective.  On July 25, 2017, Almand made a second sale of 198 grams of fentanyl to the undercover detective after which Almand was arrested and found to have a loaded .38 caliber firearm concealed in his waistband. Subsequent to Almand’s arrest, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on his vehicle and seized $750 in cash and an additional 267.67 grams of fentanyl.

            Almand will be sentenced on January 4, 2019.  He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years on the drug conspiracy charge and an additional five-year mandatory minimum sentence on the firearm charge.

            “The transportation of fentanyl into the State of New Hampshire poses a significant and ongoing threat to our community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “When dealers in dangerous drugs carry firearms, the peril to public safety is even greater.  In order to protect the citizens of the Granite State, we will continue to work closely with all of our law enforcement partners to put fentanyl traffickers out of business. Because of the risks presented by these crimes, we will not hesitate to seek mandatory minimum sentences for traffickers, especially those who use or possess firearms.”

                        This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, New Hampshire State Police, and the Manchester and Tilton Police Departments.   The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.

###

            CONCORD – Kristen Khanna, 42, of Windham, pleaded guilty in federal court today to healthcare fraud and prescription fraud charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Khanna is a nurse practitioner licensed to practice in the State of New Hampshire who operated Total Pain Care and Wellness, P.A. in Salem, New Hampshire, from October 2009 until December 2015.  The charges focus on 2014 and 2015, when Khanna was the only licensed provider at Total Pain Care, but had an employee who was not a medical provider.  The government’s investigation, which included patient interviews, a review of prescribing data and other investigative techniques, revealed that Khanna was often not present at Total Pain Care and allowed office visits to be conducted by the employee.  On numerous occasions, Khanna would then bill Medicare for those office visits as if she had conducted them herself, causing Medicare to reimburse Total Pain Care for the services purportedly rendered.  Medicare would not have paid for these sham office visits if it had known that the employee, and not Khanna, was providing the service. 

            Khanna also admitted that she would often leave the employee with a pad of pre-signed, but otherwise blank, prescription forms for the employee to fill out and issue to patients in what the two often referred to as “drive-by” visits.  Patients would then take those prescriptions and fill them at local pharmacies, causing Medicare to pay for the prescriptions through the Part D prescription drug program.  The government determined that more than 200 prescriptions for controlled substances were filled by more than a dozen Medicare patients in this manner in 2015.  Had Medicare known that the employee, and not Khanna, had completed and issued these prescriptions, it would not have paid for them. 

            In addition, in 2015, Khanna provided a patient covered by private insurance with pre-signed but otherwise blank prescriptions for that patient to fill out for her own use.  The patient completed the prescriptions, in some instances after exchanging text messages with Khanna, and then presented them at local pharmacies as if they had been written and provided by Khanna.  The patient was able to obtain Oxycontin, Adderall and Percocet (all controlled substances) with these fraudulent prescriptions.

            Khanna is scheduled to be sentenced on January 4, 2019.  She has agreed to pay restitution to the Medicare program in the amount of $127,264.98.  As part of her plea agreement, Khanna, who already surrendered her Drug Enforcement Administration license during the course of the investigation, has agreed to not seek a new DEA registration for a period of ten years.  She will also face a minimum five year debarment from participating in the Medicare program.

            “The battle against opioids is being waged on numerous fronts,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “One sad reality is that there are health care providers who have contributed to the opioid crisis by engaging in illegal conduct.  As this case demonstrates, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners are working together to identify and prosecute health care providers whose prescribing practices violate the law.”         

               “As New Hampshire battles the opioid epidemic we simply cannot allow unqualified individuals to recklessly oversee blank, pre-signed prescription pads,” said Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  “This investigation succeeded through joint teamwork with the Drug Enforcement Administration.  And we look forward to working with local, state, and other federal law enforcement partners on future cases.”       

            This matter was a joint investigation by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad and Office of Diversion Control.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

###

           CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Shakur Brownstein, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution FCI-Berlin, pleaded guilty to assaulting another inmate on May 22, 2018. 

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Brownstein was walking behind another inmate in the Blue Corridor of FCI-Berlin when Brownstein ran up and struck the inmate from behind.  Brownstein fractured the jaw of the other inmate, who required numerous surgeries and the surgical insertion of a titanium plate to hold his facial bones in place.  The attack was captured on videotape and lasted less than 15 seconds. 

            Brownstein will be sentenced on December 21, 2018.

            The staff at FCI-Berlin conducted the investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Donald A. Feith prosecuted the case.

###

            CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Tyler Twombly, 33, of Laconia, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

            According to court documents and statements in court, on May 30, 2017, a Manchester police officer arrested Twombly on an outstanding state arrest warrant.  During the arrest, the officer observed a firearm sticking out of Twombly’s pants.  Twombly is prohibited from possessing a firearm because he is a convicted felon.    

            Twombly previously pleaded guilty on April 26, 2018.

            “Project Safe Neighborhoods is an important effort to improve the safety of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Through this program, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to get guns out of the hands of criminals so we can reduce violent crime and protect the citizens of the Granite State.”

            The matter was investigated by the Manchester 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.  

###

            CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that John Allard, 33, formerly of Ashland, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison for fentanyl trafficking.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2017, Mr. Allard conspired with his wife and co-defendant, Stephanie Allard, to engage in fentanyl trafficking.  On May 19, 2017, an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement officers arranged a fentanyl purchase with Stephanie Allard, then travelled to her residence in Ashland, where Mr. Allard sold fentanyl to the cooperating individual.

            Mr. Allard previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of distribution of fentanyl, on June 4, 2018.

            Stephanie Allard also pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges on June 4, 2018, and she will be sentenced on September 25, 2018.

            “Fentanyl is a deadly drug that has caused grave damage to our state,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who distribute this dangerous substance.  Drug traffickers who choose to sell opioids in New Hampshire should understand that they will face substantial prison sentences for their unlawful conduct.”        

               "Disrupting drug trafficking organizations like this one is a critical part of our mission," said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.  "Fentanyl is a huge problem here in New Hampshire and our Safe Streets Gang Task Force is working very hard to take dangerous drugs off of our streets, along with the people who peddle them. This case is another great example of law enforcement working together to combat the opioid crisis and make our communities safer." 

            This matter was investigated by the FBI New Hampshire Safe Streets Gang Task Force.  The Task Force is comprised of the FBI, the New Hampshire State Police, New Hampshire Probation and Parole, and the police departments of Hudson, Manchester, and Nashua.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane B. Kelbley.

###

            CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Daniel Sullivan, 35, of Manchester, was sentenced to 168 months (14 years) in federal prison for the illegal possession of firearms.     

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2015 and 2016, Sullivan purchased and traded several firearms in New Hampshire with the help of his partner, Sara Johnson.    At the time of these transactions, Sullivan was a convicted felon who could not legally possess firearms.  In several instances, Sullivan contacted private individuals who had posted firearms for sale online, then utilized Johnson – who was not a convicted felon – to assist in the purchase of the firearms.  Once these firearms transactions came to the attention of law enforcement, federal agents obtained a search warrant for Sullivan and Johnson’s residence in Manchester, which resulted in the seizure of a .40 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number.

            Sullivan previously pleaded guilty to four counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person on May 31, 2018.

            Johnson pleaded guilty to firearms charges on February 15, 2018.  She is scheduled to be sentenced on September 20, 2018.

            “Keeping guns out of the hands of criminals helps to make our community safer,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “When felons unlawfully obtain guns, those weapons all too frequently can be used to commit violent crimes.  This substantial sentence demonstrates our commitment to work closely with our law enforcement partners to improve public safety.”

            “This sentence illustrates the seriousness of prohibited individuals illegally possessing firearms,” said Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  “ATF will continue its tireless pursuit of both firearm traffickers and illegal possessors, by coordinating our efforts with our federal, state and local partners.”

            This matter was investigated by the ATF and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane B. Kelbley.

            The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, 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.

###

            CONCORD – Jared Peterson, 28, of Dalton was sentenced on Tuesday to serve five years in prison for possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 18, 2017, after a drug investigation, law enforcement officers from the Franconia, Sugar Hill, and Littleton, New Hampshire police departments executed a search warrant at an apartment in Franconia.  In that apartment, officers found approximately 48 grams of fentanyl.  Peterson later admitted to law enforcement officers that for about a year he had been traveling regularly to Lawrence, Massachusetts to purchase fentanyl to sell in the area of Franconia, New Hampshire.

            Peterson pleaded guilty on May 29, 2018.

            “Fentanyl is a deadly drug that has damaged communities throughout the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office works closely with all of our law enforcement partners to pursue federal drug trafficking charges against fentanyl dealers who are endangering our state by selling this dangerous substance.”

            This matter was investigated by the Franconia Police Department, with assistance by the Sugar Hill and Littleton Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Dronzek.

###

            CONCORD – Yuriy Khalabuda, 37, of Ukraine, was sentenced to 16 months in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

            According to court documents, in April and May 2017, Khalabuda and another person used scanned images of gift cards on their cell phones to buy merchandise from the Best Buy store in Salem, New Hampshire.  The gift cards were stolen from individuals through an internet-based fraud scheme that targeted individuals who were looking for employment.

            Khalabuda was arrested on May 13, 2017, after an employee of the Best Buy Store saw him use stolen gift cards to buy merchandise worth more than $2,000.  While executing a warrant to search Khalabuda’s cell phone, investigators from the Salem Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation recovered numerous text messages that implicated Khalabuda in the criminal conspiracy.

            Khalabuda pleaded guilty on May 30, 2018.  After serving his sentence, he faces possible deportation.

            “The criminal conduct involved in this case caused serious financial harm to many innocent victims,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “People who commit these types of crimes should understand that they will be identified and prosecuted.  I want to commend Salem Police Department and the FBI for their collective and persistent effort to bring this defendant to justice.”

            "We're pleased to see that Mr. Khalabuda is finally being held accountable for deceiving and defrauding local businesses," said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.  "Anyone who tries to follow in his footsteps by using technology to perpetrate similar schemes should know that we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to put a stop to their criminal behavior."

            The case was investigated by the Salem Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Kinsella

###

            CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that John Furber, 46, formerly of Rochester, was sentenced to 26 months in federal prison for possessing quantities of fentanyl and carfentanil with intent to distribute.

            Court documents and statements made in court showed that during a vehicle stop in Rochester on March 29, 2017, Furber was found in possession of nearly 10 grams of fentanyl.  On April 26, 2017, officers encountered Furber at a hotel in Rochester where he was found with over nine grams of fentanyl and over 28 grams of carfentanil, as well as over $2,000 in cash.  On May 24, 2017, Furber was arrested by the United States Marshals-led New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force at an apartment in North Conway, New Hampshire.  An additional quantity of fentanyl was recovered from the defendant at that time.

            Furber pleaded guilty to the charges on February 13, 2018.  Under the terms of the plea agreement, Furber will forfeit $2,105 in drug proceeds to the United States. 

            “Those who distribute deadly opioids are jeopardizing the safety of our communities and threatening lives,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Carfentanil and fentanyl have already caused tremendous damage to the Granite State.  In order to protect public safety, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, arrest, and prosecute those who sell these dangerous substances.”

            “The state of New Hampshire is faced with an opioid crisis unlike ever before,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Those responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl and carfentanil to the citizens of New Hampshire need to be held accountable for their actions.  DEA will aggressively pursue Drug Trafficking Organizations and individuals like Mr. Furber who distribute this poison in order to profit and destroy people’s lives.  This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.” 

            This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals-led New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force, and the Rochester and Conway Police Departments.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis is prosecuting the case.

###

            CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Paul Dwayne Allen, 31, of Lebanon pleaded guilty to failing to register as a sex offender.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Allen was convicted of felonious sexual assault in Grafton County in 2008 and was required to register under the federal Sex Offender and Registration Notification Act (SORNA).  After being released from prison, Allen registered as a sex offender for several years before moving to Florida in 2015 and continued to register while living in Florida.  However, in approximately July of 2017, Allen left Florida without notifying authorities and moved back to New Hampshire.  On October 7, 2017, Allen was arrested in Enfield and was instructed to register as a sex offender on the following day, but failed to do so.    On October 27, 2017, the United States Marshals Service located Allen in Lebanon took him into custody.

            Allen is scheduled to be sentenced on December 19, 2018.

            “Sex offender registration protects public safety by helping to monitor and track sex offenders who are living in the community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to protect the public, we will be aggressive in prosecuting sex offenders who fail to comply with their registration obligations.”

            The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service with assistance from the Enfield and the Lebanon Police Departments and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold H. Huftalen.

###

CONCORD – Jose Rivera-Morales, 31, of Dover, pleaded guilty in federal court to bank robbery, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 23, 2018, Jose Rivera-Morales walked into the Kennebunk Savings Bank in Dover and gave a teller a note demanding money.  Rivera-Morales told the teller “not to be stupid” and displayed a gun, later determined to be an airsoft BB gun.   The teller gave Rivera-Morales a quantity of United States currency.  A K-9 unit tracked Rivera-Morales to a residence not far from the bank and he was apprehended soon after.  Images from the bank surveillance videos were broadcast on local news outlets and distributed via social media, leading to the positive identification of Rivera-Morales.

            Rivera-Morales is scheduled to be sentenced on January 3, 2019.

            “Bank robberies are violent crimes that often can jeopardize the safety of bank employees, customers, and other members of the community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with the law enforcement community to combat violent crimes such as bank robberies.  By combatting violent crime, our goal is ensure that the citizens of the Granite State feel safe in their local communities.”      

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

###

            CONCORD - Michael Holt, 49, of Brentwood, was sentenced in federal court to 51 months in prison for bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.  

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 13, 2018, Michael Holt walked into a TD Bank branch in Stratham, New Hampshire, and gave a teller a note claiming to have a gun and demanding money. The teller gave Holt a quantity of United States currency.  On January 19, 2018, Holt entered a People’s United Bank branch in Exeter, New Hampshire, and again gave a teller a note stating that he had a gun and demanding money. He again received a quantity of United States currency. Comparing bank surveillance video of each offense and witness descriptions allowed Stratham and Exeter police to determine that the same person had committed both crimes.  Images from the bank surveillance videos were broadcast on local news outlets and distributed via social media, leading to the identification of Holt, who was apprehended soon after.

            Holt previously pleaded guilty to two counts of bank robbery on May 10, 2018.           

            “Bank robberies are violent crimes that often can jeopardize the safety of bank employees, customers, and other members of the community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “By working with our law enforcement partners to combat violent crime, our goal is to ensure that the citizens of the Granite State feel safe in their local communities.” 

            “On multiple occasions, Mr. Holt threatened bank tellers with a firearm if they did not comply with his demands for cash,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division. “Today’s sentencing reflects the FBI’s on-going commitment in working with our law enforcement partners to protect the streets of the Granite State, from any individuals who threaten innocent citizens or commit violent crimes.”

           This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Stratham Police Department, and Exeter Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Dronzek.

###

            CONCORD – David Maclean, 71, of Swanzey was sentenced to serve 63 months in federal prison for possessing child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, the investigation began in July of 2017 with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department Cyber Crimes Unit in Phoenix, Arizona.

Maclean previously resided in Arizona.  In September of 2017, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the defendant's residence in Swanzey.  A review of various electronic devices found in the residence showed that they contained images and videos of child pornography.

            Maclean, who previously pleaded guilty, also was ordered to pay restitution to victims depicted in the images.

            “Protecting children is a high priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Child pornography crimes cause untold amounts of damage to their young victims.  We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who possess, manufacture or distribute child pornography.”        

            “This is a fitting sentence that can be taken as a warning to all who engage in this type of predatory behavior upon children, that they will be held accountable by law enforcement,” said Peter C. Fitzhugh Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston. “Homeland Security Investigations greatly appreciates the tireless work of our law enforcement partners and of the prosecution team that brought about justice in this disturbing case.”

                This matter was investigated in New Hampshire by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Helen White 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 to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov           

###

           CONCORD - Thomas S. Harris, 27, of North Haverhill, was sentenced in federal court to 18 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.    

          According to court documents and statements made in court, Harris is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms.  On August 25, 2016, Harris sold a Savage Arms, model 18-F, .410 caliber shotgun to a pawn shop in Lisbon, NH.  On September 27, 2016, Harris sold a second firearm, a Keystone Sporting Arms, model Cricket, .22 caliber rifle, to the same pawn shop.    

          Harris previously pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm on May 9, 2018.

          “In order to protect public safety, we must keep firearms out of the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Through Project Safe Neighborhoods, we aggressively enforce federal gun laws and work to improve the safety and security of our communities.”

            The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Vermont State Police, the Lisbon Police Department and the Haverhill Police Department investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra M. Walsh prosecuted this case.  

           The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, 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.

###

            CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Timothy G. Zani, 39, of Berwick, Maine was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for distribution of heroin.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in spring 2015, law enforcement officers received information that Zani was distributing heroin in the Berwick, Maine, and Somersworth, New Hampshire areas. On three occasions between May 7 and June 10, 2015, Zani sold heroin to cooperating individuals at locations in Somersworth, New Hampshire,

            “The distribution of heroin and fentanyl pose a great threat to public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will continue to work closely with all of our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who are distributing these deadly substances in the Granite State.”

             “Heroin and fentanyl are causing deaths in record numbers and DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue and bring to justice anyone who distributes these poisons,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Zani accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are fueling the opioid epidemic.”

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Berwick (ME) Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Dronzek.

###

            CONCORD - Brian R. Sanborn, 53, of Franklin, was sentenced to serve 102 months in federal prison for methamphetamine trafficking, said United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 8, 2017, the New Hampshire State Police executed a search warrant at Sanborn’s residence in Franklin and located approximately 17 grams of nearly pure methamphetamine in the basement of the house.  On the same day, Sanborn, who previously had been convicted of felonies, possessed seven firearms, including four revolvers, two shotguns, and an SKS rifle.   

            Sanborn previously pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on May 15, 2018.

           “Methamphetamine is a dangerous drug that is appearing with increasing frequency in the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to protect the public, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute methamphetamine traffickers, particular those who endanger the community by possessing firearms while engaging in the drug trade.  I want to thank the law enforcement officers whose efforts stopped this individual’s criminal activities.”

           This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police, Franklin Police Department, DEA, and ATF.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John S. Davis and Shane B. Kelbley.       

###

          CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Andrew Lynch, 37, of Rochester, pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl and heroin.

          According to court documents and statements made in court, on two occasions in May and June of 2017, Lynch sold an individual cooperating with the Drug Enforcement Administration a total of 190 pills that contained quantities of fentanyl and heroin.

          The types of pills involved in this case are commonly referred to as “dirty 30s.” These pills are extremely dangerous because they are often sold as 30 milligram oxycodone pills to individuals who are unaware that the pills actually contain fentanyl and/or heroin. 

          Lynch is scheduled to be sentenced on December 12, 2018. 

          “Fentanyl and heroin are deadly drugs that have caused grave damage to our community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “When individuals buy pills on the street, they are putting themselves at risk because the pills may not be legitimate and could be extremely dangerous.  In order to protect the citizens of New Hampshire, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute drug dealers who sell these dangerous substances.”

          This investigation was conducted by the DEA.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis is prosecuting the case.

###

CONCORD, N.H. - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Edward Espejo, 44, formerly of Las Vegas, Nevada, pleaded guilty in federal court to 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, Nevada, 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on December 7, 2018.

          “Methamphetamine is a dangerous, and sometimes deadly, drug that presents a growing threat to the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This conspiracy was responsible for distributing disturbingly large quantities of methamphetamine that posed a grave risk to public health and safety.  I commend the hard work of the investigating agents who were able to dismantle this significant cross-country drug trafficking operation.”

          “Today’s plea is an example of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking organizations that use the U.S. Mail to facilitate the distribution of narcotics such as methamphetamine.  We will continue to be focused on aggressively pursuing those who disregard our laws and bring these drugs into our state and our communities,” said Raymond Moss, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division

          This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the DEA. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Johns S. Davis and Shane B. Kelbley.

          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.  

###

            CONCORD - Darren B. Stratton, 45, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute misbranded prescription animal drugs, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, from January 2017 through September 2017, defendant Stratton worked at Horsemen’s Tack, Inc. in Newton, New Hampshire.  Among the products Stratton sold to certain customers were equine drugs that were not accompanied by the required prescriptions.  Sales of these drugs defrauded and misled the company’s drug suppliers, federal and state regulators, and the general public. 

            Although the website for Horsemen's Tack indicated that the business had a "vet on call," in fact there was no vet on call.  Instead, Horsemen's Tack had a long-standing relationship with a veterinarian licensed in New Hampshire.  Stratton regularly used the veterinarian's name and license to order prescription animal drugs from mail-order pharmacies even though the veterinarian never visited the Newton store, did not examine horses or meet with horse owners, and provided no actual veterinary services.  During the conspiracy Stratton and Horsemen’s Tack marketed, sold, and distributed numerous drugs for performance-enhancement in racehorses, including levothyroxine, estrone, amikacin, methocarbamol, dexamethasone, tranexamic acid, and erythropoietin/EPO, without lawful prescriptions and without required labels.  On September 20, 2017, federal agents executed a search warrant at Horsemen's Tack and recovered a customer list, prescription drugs, and numerous vials with labels printed on-site.    

            Stratton is scheduled to be sentenced on December 6, 2018.

            “When prescription drugs are sold unlawfully, they can end up in the wrong hands or be used for illicit purposes,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will continue to work closely with the FDA to protect the public by enforcing the laws related to prescription drugs.”

            “Prescription veterinary drugs should be dispensed only upon a valid prescription by a licensed veterinarian, and it must bear accurate and true information on the labeling,” said Jeffrey J. Ebersole, Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations’ New York Field Office. “We will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who attempt to evade the FDA’s protections of animal welfare and jeopardize the health and safety of animals.”

            This matter was investigated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.      

###

            CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that William Looney, 55, of Manchester, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for fentanyl trafficking.   

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2017, the Manchester Police Department received information that Looney was a drug dealer who was transporting large quantities of fentanyl from Massachusetts to New Hampshire.  On July 28, 2017, law enforcement officers observed Looney travel from Manchester to Massachusetts.  When he returned to New Hampshire, officers conducted a traffic stop and arrested Looney based on an outstanding arrest warrant.  In the center console of the vehicle was a package containing approximately 285 grams of fentanyl.         

            Looney previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl on May 24, 2018.   

            “Those who choose to transport fentanyl and other deadly drugs into New Hampshire should understand that they will be prosecuted aggressively,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The substantial prison sentence imposed in this case should serve as a warning to anyone who would engage in dealing illegal substances. I commend the Manchester Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation and New Hampshire State Police for their vigilance in bringing this man to justice.”  

            "Today, Mr. Looney is finally being held accountable for his role in a fentanyl trafficking operation that capitalized on people's addictions and fueled the demand for this deadly drug,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division. “This case is another example of the FBI's steadfast commitment to work with our law enforcement partners to make our communities safer and get illegal narcotics off our streets.”

             This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department, with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane B. Kelbley.

###

            CONCORD - Joseph  C. Callahan, 35, of Belmont, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court to 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 July 31, 2017, the Belknap County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at defendant Callahan's residence in Belmont, New Hampshire.  During the search, officers recovered more than 30 grams of methamphetamine, three stolen firearms, drug paraphernalia, and $13,122 in cash that was subsequently forfeited. 

            Callahan is scheduled to be sentenced on December 6, 2018.

            “Methamphetamine is a dangerous and deadly drug that is appearing in New Hampshire with increased frequency” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “This deadly substance poses a serious threat to our community and those who distribute it will be prosecuted aggressively.  I commend the law enforcement officers whose efforts protected the public by stopping this individual’s drug dealing and also recovering several stolen guns.”

            This matter was investigated by the Belknap County Drug Task Force, Belmont Police Department, Tilton Police Department, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, Merrimack County Department of Corrections, Metro Las Vegas Police Department, and the Nevada Highway Patrol.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John S. Davis and Shane B. Kelbley.

            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.  

###

            CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Meghan Bowers, 31, of Candia, New Hampshire and Albert Gordon, 45, of Manchester, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in the course of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation that included wiretaps of certain telephones, investigating agents learned that on March 7, 2018, an individual intended to travel from New Hampshire to a location in Massachusetts to purchase fentanyl.  Agents conducted surveillance in the area of the transaction and observed a hand-to-hand exchange between a known drug trafficker and the driver of the car at the driver’s side window. The vehicle left Massachusetts and agents followed it directly to New Hampshire.  A New Hampshire State Trooper stopped the vehicle.  During the traffic stop, the Trooper subsequently located an orange bag containing approximately 184 grams of fentanyl.  Gordon and Bowers admitted that another individual had asked them to drive him to Massachusetts to buy drugs and that they had agreed to do so.

            Gordon is scheduled to be sentenced on December 10, 2018. Bowers sentencing has not been scheduled by the court.

            “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to the aggressive prosecution of those who are bringing fentanyl and other deadly drugs into New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to protect the citizens of our state from further harm, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who transport and distribute these deadly substances.”

            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. 

###

            CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Alisha Morin, 30, of Northfield, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, during an ongoing drug trafficking investigation that included wiretaps of certain telephones, investigators learned that on March 9, 2018, Morin intended to travel from New Hampshire to a location in Massachusetts to purchase fentanyl.  Agents conducted surveillance in the area of the transaction and observed a hand-to-hand exchange between a known drug trafficker and the front right seat passenger of the vehicle. The vehicle left Massachusetts and agents followed it directly to New Hampshire.  A New Hampshire State Trooper stopped the vehicle for traffic violations and identified Morin as the front seat passenger.  Approximately 31 grams of fentanyl were located in the vehicle.  Some of the fentanyl was hidden in her bra.  The investigation revealed that from February 23, 2018, and continuing through April 5, 2018, Morin ordered over 400 grams of fentanyl from the drug distributors in Massachusetts.

            Morin is scheduled to be sentenced on December 10, 2018.

            “The deadly impact of fentanyl has been felt in communities throughout the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to protect the public, we will continue to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those who are responsible for distributing this dangerous drug.  I commend the law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation for stopping this defendant’s drug trafficking activities.”

            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 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.

###

            CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Brandy Rickaby, 34, of Danielson, Connecticut, pleaded guilty to drug trafficking.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 23, 2016, the defendant’s vehicle was stopped by a New Hampshire State Trooper on I-95 for traffic violations. Based on suspicious actions by Rickaby and a male passenger, the Trooper suspected the vehicle contained drugs.  A dog conducted an exterior search of the vehicle and alerted to an area near the driver’s side window.  Based on his suspicions and the dog’s alert, the trooper impounded the vehicle and applied for a search warrant, which was granted.  Inside Rickaby’s purse, the Trooper located two bags of drugs. One bag contained 302.4 grams of a mixture of cocaine, fentanyl and heroin. The second bag contained 33.2 grams of cocaine. 

            Rickaby, who pleaded guilty to possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute, will be sentenced on November 29, 2018.

            “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will aggressively investigate and prosecute those who bring illegal drugs into New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The interstate transportation of Fentanyl has brought with it overdose deaths on an unprecedented scale. Accordingly, we will continue to enhance our efforts to bring those responsible to justice.”

            The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Hampshire State Police.

            The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Debra M. Walsh.

###

            CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Jose R. Almonte-Tejeda, 40, formerly of Lawrence, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 27, 2018, the New Hampshire State Police’s Mobile Enforcement Team conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Almonte-Tejeda on I-95 in the area of Hampton Falls, New Hampshire. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of 832 grams of cocaine from Almonte-Tejeda’s vehicle.

           Almonte-Tejeda is scheduled to be sentenced on November 29, 2018. 

            “Drug traffickers who come to New Hampshire should expect that they will be arrested and prosecuted,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to stop the flow of illegal drugs by arresting and prosecuting drug dealers.”

            This investigation was conducted by the New Hampshire State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis is prosecuting the case.

###

            CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Yossi Rafael Rincon Ramirez, 42, of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy and for distributing fentanyl. 

            According to court documents and statements made in court, from at least December 6, 2016, through May 2, 2017, the defendant delivered fentanyl to customers on behalf of a drug dealer based in Lawrence, Massachusetts.  On four separate occasions, the defendant sold fentanyl to an undercover DEA agent in Nashua, New Hampshire, and on May 2, 2017, law enforcement officers arrested Rincon Ramirez as he travelled to Nashua to make another drug delivery.         

            On April 23, 2018, Rincon Ramirez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute fentanyl and four counts of distribution of a controlled substance.  He is likely to be deported to the Dominican Republic after serving his sentence.

           “Stopping fentanyl from coming into New Hampshire is a top priority of this office,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “This dangerous drug continues to cause many deaths and extensive damage our communities.  We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to prosecute traffickers who bring fentanyl into the Granite State.”  

            “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. Rincon Ramirez, 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 deadly drugs.”

            This matter was investigated by the DEA, with the assistance of the Massachusetts State Police, the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, and the police departments of Hudson, NH, Nashua, NH, and Methuen, MA.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane B. Kelbley prosecuted the 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. 

###

            CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Darlene Tirone, 42, of Seabrook, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in the course of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation that included wiretaps of certain telephones, investigators learned that on March 14, 2018, Tirone intended to travel from New Hampshire to a location in Massachusetts to purchase a quantity of fentanyl.  Agents observed Tirone arrive in a vehicle and meet with a known drug runner.  A New Hampshire State Trooper subsequently stopped the vehicle Tirone was in and Tirone admitted to concealing fentanyl within her body.  Tirone retrieved 44 grams of fentanyl.  The intercepted calls revealed that between February 23, 2018, and March 14, 2018, Tirone ordered approximately 712 grams of fentanyl from the drug trafficking organization.

            Tirone is scheduled to be sentenced on November 28, 2018.

            “Stopping the flow of fentanyl into New Hampshire is a top priority of this office,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “This dangerous drug continues to cause deaths and extensive damage to the overall wellbeing of our citizens. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to prosecute traffickers and shut down their illegal drug businesses.”   

            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.

###

            CONCORD - Keri Horan, 37, an Ohio resident who was formerly a resident of Salem, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court today to purchasing a firearm for Massachusetts man, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 2, 2015, while living in Salem, New Hampshire, Horan purchased a 9 millimeter handgun from a gun store in Plaistow, New Hampshire, for Justin Weldy, a Massachusetts resident.  In making the purchase, Horan falsely claimed that she was purchasing the weapon for herself.  Weldy previously pleaded guilty to criminal charges related to this incident in Essex County, Massachusetts.

            Horan is scheduled to be sentenced on November 29, 2018.

            “Those who make straw purchases of firearms often are putting guns in the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “In order to combat crime and protect public safety, we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who unlawfully buy guns for others.”

            This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the police departments of Haverhill, Massachusetts, and Salem, New Hampshire.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane B. Kelbley.

            The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, 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. 

###

            CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Trevor Palladino, 29, of Milford, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty today to possessing child pornography.

            According to court documents and statements in court, Palladino coached a youth softball team in Milford. He used Instagram to communicate with a minor victim who was previously on a softball team that he coached. During some of the communications, the defendant requested that the minor victim send him sexually explicit photographs of herself. She did so. In turn, the defendant sent the minor victim sexually explicit photographs of himself. A search warrant was executed at the defendant’s residence and his cell phone was seized. A forensic examination of the phone by the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force revealed sexually explicit photographs of the minor victim.

            Palladino will be sentenced on November 28, 2018. 

            “Protecting the innocence of children is one of the most important jobs of the law enforcement community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “Because of the harm that these crimes cause to their youthful victims, we will aggressively investigate and prosecute those who are engaged in child pornography offenses.”

            This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Milford Police Department, and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which includes members of several other police departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. Konesky.

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

 ###