District of New Hampshire
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Brentwood Man Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
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.
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Swanzey Man Sentenced to 63 Months for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
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
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North Haverhill Man Sentenced to Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
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.
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Maine Man Sentenced to 27 Months for Distribution of HeroinRead the Press Release
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.
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Franklin Man Sentenced to 8 1/2 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
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.
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Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl and Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
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.
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Las Vegas Man Pleads Guilty to Participating in Large-Scale Methamphetamine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
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.
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Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Misbranded Prescription Horse DrugsRead the Press Release
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.
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Manchester Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
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.
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Belmont Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
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.
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Candia Woman and Manchester Man Plead Guilty to Participating in Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
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.
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Northfield Woman Pleads Guilty to Participating in Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
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.
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Connecticut Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
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.
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Lawrence Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
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.
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Dominican Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
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.
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Seabrook Woman Pleads Guilty to Participating in Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
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.
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Ohio Woman Pleads Guilty to Straw Purchasing Firearm for Massachusetts ManRead the Press Release
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.
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Former Milford Youth Coach Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
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.
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New York Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Everton Ellis, 41, of Yonkers, New York, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2017 and January 2018, in Nashua, New Hampshire, defendant Ellis conspired with others to steal identification information of other persons and use those identities to establish new Sprint accounts. They then caused Sprint to ship thousands of dollars’ worth of iPads and iPhones on credit. As part of the scheme, Ellis and his co-conspirators: (1) obtained large numbers of Vanilla Visa debit cards; (2) used the debit cards to establish Sprint accounts in the names of individuals whose identities had been stolen; (3) pretending to be the victims whose identities they had stolen, purchased large quantities of iPhones and iPads on credit; (4) caused Sprint to ship the purchased iPhones and iPads to residences in New Hampshire; (5) soon after the goods were delivered, traveled to the New Hampshire addresses where the goods were shipped, trespassed on the properties, and took the packages into their possession; (6) rented a vehicle and a motel room in Nashua for use in the scheme; and (7) manufactured and possessed false photo ID cards in the names of New Hampshire residents.
Ellis is scheduled to be sentenced on November 29, 2018.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to coordinate closely with our law enforcement colleagues to thwart fraud schemes,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We particularly focus on cases where individuals’ identities are stolen or compromised. I commend the law enforcement officers whose work disrupted this significant fraud scheme.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to preserving the integrity of the U.S. Mail. We will continue to conduct investigations that seek prosecution of those who fraudulently use the U.S. Mail by working with our federal and local law enforcement partners.” Raymond Moss, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Nashua Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.
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Lawrence Man Pleads Guilty to Participating in Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Concord – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Jepherson Emanuel Cabrera, 18, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, a drug trafficking organization that authorities allege was led by Sergio Martinez, employed the defendant to sell fentanyl to customers from various New England States, including New Hampshire. On each day that the defendant worked, the Martinez organization provided him with at least one 200-gram bag of fentanyl and expected him to sell it and return approximately $6,000 in proceeds. On more than 20 days, Cabrera sold at least one 200-gram bag of fentanyl. Cabrera employed at least one runner to conduct actual hand-to-hand transactions with customers.
Cabrera is scheduled to be sentenced on November 29, 2018. Cabrera faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years of imprisonment and a maximum sentence of life, a fine up to 10 million dollars and a term of supervised release of at least five years and as much as life.
Thirty-three additional defendants have been charged in the fentanyl trafficking conspiracy. Cabrera is the first to plead guilty.
“Fentanyl trafficking has caused tremendous damage in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to protect the citizens of the Granite State, we will continue to work closely with the entire law enforcement community to stop the flow of this deadly drug. It is imperative that we dismantle the criminal organizations that profit from the sale of illegal substances.”
This investigation was conducted by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
The case was a collaborative investigation that involved the DEA; the New Hampshire State Police; the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office; the Nashua Police Department; the Massachusetts State Police; the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office; the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office; the Essex County District Attorney’s Office; the Internal Revenue Service; Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; United States Customs and Border Protection Boston Field Office; the United States Marshals Service; the United States Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service; the Manchester Police Department; the Lisbon Police Department; the Littleton Police Department; the Seabrook Police Department; the Haverhill (MA) Police Department; the Methuen (MA) Police Department; the Lowell (MA) Police Department; and the Maine State Police.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Georgiana L. Konesky and Seth R. Aframe.
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Citizen of Dominican Republic Extradited to New Hampshire to Face Drug Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
Concord – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Geraldo De La Cruz Cabral Pena appeared in federal court today after being extradited from the Dominican Republic to face a drug trafficking conspiracy charge.
Cabral Pena, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, is charged with participating in a conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with the intent to distribute, one kilogram or more of heroin from 2013 through October 2016. A grand jury for the District of New Hampshire indicted Cabral Pena on the charge on January 25, 2017.
After he was charged, authorities in the United States and in the Dominican Republic worked to locate Cabral Pena. He was arrested by Dominican Republic authorities in March 2018. Extradition proceedings resulted in his release to the DEA on August 16, 2018. DEA agents brought him from the Dominican Republic to the United States the same day.
“Defendants facing federal indictment on drug trafficking charges should expect that the full weight of law enforcement will be brought to bear to return them to the United States for trial” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “This was a cooperative effort and I want to thank the Dominican authorities as well as the federal, state and local law enforcement agencies that contributed to this successful result.”
“DEA is addressing the threat, both domestically and internationally,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Today’s extradition not only holds Mr. Cabral Pena accountable for his actions but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are fueling the opioid epidemic, that DEA will do everything in its power to bring them to justice. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state, federal and international law enforcement partners.”
If convicted, Cabral Pena faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison and a fine of $10,000,000.
The indictment is an allegation. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Homeland Security Investigations; the Massachusetts State Police; the Haverhill Police Department; the United States Marshals Service; the New Hampshire State Police; the Manchester Police Department; the Lawrence Police Department; and the Methuen Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Donald A. Feith is prosecuting 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.
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Lawrence Woman Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Helen Pamela Flores Feliz, 28, a citizen of the Dominican Republic most recently residing in Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced to serve 30 months in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the defendant sold fentanyl to a cooperating individual in Nashua, New Hampshire, on various occasions from May of 2017 to February of 2018. When the defendant was arrested, she attempted to assume a false identity and possessed a fraudulent birth certificate, driver’s license, and United States passport.
Flores Feliz previously pleaded guilty on May 10, 2018. After serving her prison sentence, it is likely that she will be deported to the Dominican Republic.
“Opioids are killing hundreds of residents of New Hampshire each year,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to target drug traffickers who seek to sell fentanyl and other opioids in the Granite State. I commend the law enforcement officers for protecting the community from the dangers posed by the fentanyl in this case.”
“DEA is committed to investigating Drug Trafficking Organizations and individuals like Ms. Flores Feliz who are responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl to the citizens of New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Let this sentence be a warning to those traffickers who are coming from out of state to distribute this poison in order to profit and destroy people’s lives. DEA’s top priority is combatting the opioid epidemic by working with our local, county, state and federal partners to bring to justice anyone who distributes deadly drugs.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Nashua Police Department, and the United States Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. Konesky.
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Lowell Woman Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Participating in Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Gayle McNamara, 57, of Lowell, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison for participating in a heroin trafficking conspiracy.
According to court documents and statements made in court, McNamara was one of eight defendants arrested on October 25, 2016 as part of a large investigation of heroin trafficking activities based in and around Lawrence, Massachusetts. McNamara and some of her co-defendants operated so-called trap houses, which were residences where customers of a drug trafficking organization could meet individuals who were delivering the drug to the customers. Other co-defendants picked up the drugs at the trap houses and sold them in New Hampshire and elsewhere.
On May 4, 2017, McNamara pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, heroin.
“Drug trafficking is causing serious damage to the health and safety of the citizens of the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We are committed to working with our law enforcement colleagues to arrest and prosecute those who are responsible for distributing heroin and other deadly drugs.”
“Heroin and fentanyl are causing deaths in record numbers and DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes these poisons,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Today’s sentence not only holds Ms. McNamara accountable for her crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are fueling the opioid epidemic.
This matter was investigated by the DEA; Homeland Security Investigations; the Massachusetts State Police; the Haverhill Police Department; the United States Marshals Service; the New Hampshire State Police; the Manchester Police Department; the Lawrence Police Department; the Lowell Police Department, the Methuen Police Department, and the Hillsborough County Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Donald A. Feith 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.
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Lawrence Man Sentenced for Participating in Heroin and Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Miguel Arias Velasquez, 22, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison for participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy.
According to documents filed with the court and statements made during the sentencing hearing, between approximately January 2017 and July 6, 2017, Arias-Velasquez made deliveries of heroin and fentanyl to customers of a drug organization working out of a residence on Water Street in Lawrence. Customers would call to order drugs and Arias-Velasquez and others would drive to locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire to deliver the drugs. Arias-Velasquez and his coconspirators were arrested in July of 2017.
Arias Velasquez pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge on May 8, 2018. He is likely to be deported to the Dominican Republic after serving his sentence.
“Those who choose to sell heroin or fentanyl in New Hampshire will be prosecuted aggressively,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We work each day with our law enforcement partners to protect our community by putting drug dealers out of business. Those who seek to profit from the sale of these deadly drugs will be targeted for arrest, prosecution and sentencing. This case is a product of that cooperative effort by law enforcement.”
“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 heroin to the citizens of New Hampshire need to be held accountable for their actions. DEA will aggressively pursue Drug Trafficking Organizations and individuals who are coming from out of state to distribute this poison in order to profit and destroy people’s lives. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”
This matter was investigated by the DEA, the Massachusetts State Police, the United States Marshals Service, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Lawrence Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Donald A. Feith prosecuted the case.
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Three Residents of Manchester Charged with Bank Fraud and ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Ariel Mendoza, 26, Angel Forteza-Concepcion, 18, and Katyushkanair Baez Vega, 18, all of Manchester, have been charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.
According to an Indictment that was unsealed last week, Mendoza and Forteza-Concepcion knowingly deposited stolen checks and money orders to bank accounts at Service Credit Union, TD Bank, Bank of America, and St. Mary’s Bank. The Indictment also alleges that Mendoza and Forteza-Concepcion used the proceeds of the fraudulent deposits to withdraw cash from the accounts and conduct debit card purchases with ATM cards assigned to the accounts. The Indictment also charges Mendoza with stealing a check from a mailbox in Salem, New Hampshire.
According to a second Indictment that was unsealed last week, Mendoza and Baez Vega deposited stolen checks and money orders to bank accounts at Bank of America, TD Bank, Service Credit Union, and Digital Credit Union. The Indictment also alleges that Mendoza and Baez Vega used the proceeds of the fraudulent deposits to withdraw cash from the accounts and conduct debit card purchases with ATM cards assigned to the accounts.
Mendoza and Forteza-Concepcion were arrested in Federal Heights, Colorado area on August 4, 2018. Baez Vega was arrested in Concord, New Hampshire, on August 9, 2018.
The public is reminded that an Indictment is merely an accusation and Mendoza, Forteza-Concepcion, and Baez Vega are presumed to be innocent unless the charges are proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The cases are being investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Manchester Police Department, and the Salem Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Kinsella.
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Manchester Resident Pleads Guilty to Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Debra Kerouac, 28, of Manchester, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty to one count of producing child pornography.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 20, 2018. Under the terms of a plea agreement, which is subject to review and approval by the court, Kerouac will serve 25 years in prison and remain under supervised release for 20 years after she is released from prison.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made at the change of plea hearing, sometime before May 24, 2017, Kerouac produced visual depictions of a minor female engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Kerouac used a cellular phone to produce the images. Kerouac’s activities were discovered based on a lead from a case investigated by the FBI in Duluth, Minnesota. A Duluth FBI agent notified the Bedford office of the FBI and an arrest warrant and search warrant were executed on May 24, 2017 in Manchester.
“Few crimes are as reprehensible as the sexual exploitation of a child,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The impact of such acts on the child, family members, and those close to them may be severe and long-lasting. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting our children and making our community safer by prosecuting those who produce child pornography.”
“The production of child pornography is an assault against the most vulnerable members of our society, and with today's plea, Ms. Kerouac is accepting responsibility for preying on and exploiting her young victim,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division. “The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to identify and apprehend predators like her who carry out these heinous crimes.”
The FBI and the Manchester Police Department participated in the investigation of this case. Staff from the Hillsborough County Child Advocacy Center assisted in the case. Assistant 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.
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Goffstown Woman Sentenced to 200 Months in Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Katrina Jones, 39, formerly of Goffstown, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 200 months in federal prison for drug trafficking offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Jones and Dustin Moss led a drug distribution network in New Hampshire. Together, they organized a system to facilitate deliveries of methamphetamine to various New Hampshire addresses. Jones and Moss imported a large quantity of nearly pure methamphetamine, contained in multiple packages mailed from Las Vegas, Nevada, to New Hampshire, beginning in mid-2016 and continuing until April 2017. Many of the packages weighed more than 5 pounds. Federal agents intercepted some of the packages in transit through the postal system. The final two packages, intercepted in April 2017, contained a total of 20 pounds of methamphetamine. In addition, 21 packages containing cash payments for the methamphetamine were sent from New Hampshire to the Las Vegas-based methamphetamine supplier. Jones controlled communications with the supplier and traveled to Las Vegas to meet with her supplier. She also used a U-Haul storage facility in Manchester, New Hampshire, to receive drug packages, sometimes in concert with Moss. Finally, Jones also distributed fentanyl as well as methamphetamine.
Jones pleaded guilty on April 27, 2018, to three felony drug distribution counts for distribution of fentanyl, distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, and distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
On August 2, 2018, Dustin Moss was sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to drug distribution and firearms charges. On June 28, 2018, Sabrina Moss, who was also part of the drug distribution network, was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to participating in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy.
“Illegal drug distribution rings, like the one prosecuted in this case, are a threat to public health and safety, particularly when they traffic in drugs as dangerous as methamphetamine and fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The significant prison sentence imposed in this case should serve notice that the cost of illegal drug dealing in New Hampshire will be high and that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is vigilant in prosecuting drug traffickers. I commend the law enforcement agents whose dedication and hard work led to the discovery and dismantling of this drug distribution network.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service works diligently to rid the U.S. Mail of illegal drugs,” said Raymond Moss, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Field Division. “Postal Inspectors accomplish this by focusing on illicit drug mailers, distribution rings and by maintaining an aggressive drug parcel-detection program. Today’s sentencing is a result of a coordinated effort with our federal law enforcement partners to keep these highly addictive drugs off our streets.”
“DEA is committed to bring to justice those that distribute methamphetamine,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “DEA and its local, state and federal law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to keep this highly addictive drug off the streets of New Hampshire.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the DEA, and prosecuted by former Assistant United States Attorney William Morse and Assistant U.S. Attorneys John S. Davis and Shane B. Kelbley.
OCDETF: This case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
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Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Making a False Statement During the Acquisition of a FirearmRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. – Tyler Bourgoin, 24, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to making a false statement during the acquisition of a firearm, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 16, 2017, Bourgoin purchased a Glock, Model 42, .380 caliber pistol from Riley’s Sport Shop, a federally licensed firearms dealer located in Hooksett, New Hampshire. When Bourgoin completed the required paperwork to make the purchase, he falsely claimed that he was the actual purchaser of the firearm. An investigation revealed that in fact, Bourgoin bought the gun for another person who had given him the money to make the purchase. The Manchester Police Department later recovered the gun in June 2017 during an unrelated drug investigation.
Bourgoin is scheduled to be sentenced on November 20, 2018.
“So-called ‘straw purchases’ of guns like the transaction in this case may endanger the public by putting firearms in the hands of criminals who use them to commit other crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Prosecuting these cases is a top priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to deter illegal firearms transactions and get illegally acquired guns off the street.”
This case was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra M. Walsh.
The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes.
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Inmate at FCI-Berlin Sentenced for Attempted Drug PossessionRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. –United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that John McLaurin, 28, an inmate at FCI-Berlin, was sentenced to an additional six months in federal prison for attempting to possess a controlled substance within a federal prison.
According to documents filed with the court and statements made at the sentencing hearing, McLaurin placed a greeting card in the mail at the prison on or about September 15, 2017. Prison staff intercepted the card and found a note hidden in the card. The note provided detailed instructions for obtaining a synthetic cannabinoid (commonly referred to as K2) and smuggling it into the prison.
McLaurin previously pleaded guilty on April 19, 2018.
The Bureau of Prisons investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Donald A. Feith prosecuted this case.
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Weare Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Dustin Moss, 31, formerly of Weare, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in April of 2017, Moss purchased a large package of methamphetamine from a drug supplier in Las Vegas, Nevada. Moss also arranged, through his sister, Sabrina Moss, to have another individual, Brian O’Rourke, pick up the package. On April 19, 2017, federal agents intercepted the package. After obtaining a search warrant, they discovered 12 pounds of 92-percent pure “ice” methamphetamine inside the package.
Later that day, agents delivered the package, now containing “dummy” drugs, to O’Rourke. Agents then followed O’Rourke to a location in Manchester where Moss was waiting. Once O’Rourke transferred the package to Moss, agents arrested both men. Inside Moss’ car, agents found, among other things, a loaded Smith & Wesson firearm, throwing knives, and two black ski masks, as well as $10,590 in cash, a digital scale, and drug packaging and distribution paraphernalia. The $10,590 was forfeited to the United States in an administrative forfeiture proceeding and the firearm will be forfeited pursuant to a civil forfeiture proceeding.
Moss previously pleaded guilty on April 25, 2018, to one count of attempting to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The drug count carried a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, and the firearm charge carried a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years.
On June 28, 2018, Moss’s sister, Sabrina Moss, was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to participating in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy. O’Rourke pleaded guilty on December 22, 2017, and is awaiting sentencing.
“This lengthy prison sentence serves notice that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is fully committed to aggressively prosecuting drug traffickers, particularly those who use firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Methamphetamine is a rising threat to public health and safety and dealers should expect serious penalties after conviction. I commend the law enforcement agents whose efforts ended this defendant’s drug trafficking business. We will continue to identify, arrest and prosecute those who choose to distribute this dangerous drug.”
“The sentence imposed today on Dustin Moss demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and our partners in law enforcement, and at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, to the prosecution of mailers and recipients of illegal drugs to the fullest extent of the law,” said Delany De Leon-Colon, Acting Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the U.S Postal Inspection Service “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to keeping methamphetamine and other highly addictive drugs, from destroying lives."
“DEA is committed to bring to justice those that distribute methamphetamine,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Today’s substantial sentence not only holds Mr. Moss accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning that DEA and its local, state and federal law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to keep this highly addictive drug off the streets of New Hampshire.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the DEA. It was prosecuted by former Assistant United States Attorney William Morse and Assistant U.S. Attorneys John S. Davis and Shane B. Kelbley. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Rabuck is handling the asset forfeiture matter.
This case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
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Salem Woman Pleads Guilty to Illegally Purchasing Firearms for Massachusetts ResidentRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Angelina Keenan, 24, formerly of Salem, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court to illegally purchasing firearms for a Massachusetts resident, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on two occasions in December 2016, Keenan purchased guns from federally licensed firearms dealers in Hooksett and Pelham. During each purchase, Keenan filled out an ATF Form 4473, a form that all federally licensed firearms dealers are legally required to complete for over-the-counter firearms sales. In filling out the form, Keenan falsely stated that she was purchasing the firearms for herself, when in fact, she was purchasing the guns for a Massachusetts man who could not legally purchase them for himself in New Hampshire. In addition, Keenan represented on the purchase forms that she was not an unlawful drug user, when in fact she was addicted to heroin.
Keenan pleaded guilty to two counts of making a material false statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 15th, 2018.
“Those who purchase guns for others illegally can endanger the public because the guns often are used to commit violent crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Through Project Safe Neighborhoods, the law enforcement community in New Hampshire works each day to keep guns out of the hands of criminals in order to safeguard our community.”
“Firearms trafficking continues to be a top priority for ATF and our law enforcement partners. ATF is committed to identifying and disrupting the sources of illegal firearms which jeopardize the safety of our communities,” said Mickey Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. 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.
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Lawrence Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Federal Prison for Oxycodone TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that John Jacome, 35, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced to serve 37 months in federal prison for oxycodone trafficking.
Court documents and statements in court showed that on four separate occasions from January to May of 2017, Jacome sold quantities of oxycodone pills to undercover DEA agents at a location in Kingston. On June 19, 2017, Jacome was arrested by the New Hampshire State Police during a traffic stop after Jacome was found to be in possession of 500 oxycodone pills. In total, Jacome distributed or possessed with the intent to distribute over 1,500 oxycodone pills.
Jacome pleaded guilty on March 20, 2018, to four counts of distributing oxycodone and one count of possession of oxycodone with the intent to distribute. After serving prison sentence, he will be on supervised release for three years.
“The illegal distribution of oxycodone and other opioids presents a serious hazard to public health and safety,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Many of those who struggle with addiction to heroin or fentanyl began by using oxycodone. We will continue to work in conjunction with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who unlawfully distribute these deadly substances.”
“The DEA is committed to investigating and bringing to justice those who illicitly distribute oxycodone,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Opiate abuse is a major problem in New Hampshire and throughout New England. The diversion of prescription pain killers, in this case oxycodone, contributes to the widespread abuse of opiates, is the gateway to heroin and fentanyl addiction, and is devastating our communities. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts in the Granite State to aggressively pursue any group or individual that traffics these drugs.”
This investigation was conducted by the DEA and the New Hampshire State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis prosecuted the case.
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Salem Man Pleads Guilty to EscapeRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Liam Delorey, 37, of Salem, pleaded guilty in federal court to escape, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Delorey had been in federal custody since 2017. He was serving a sentence for violating the terms of his supervised release following a federal felony conviction for narcotics distribution. In May of 2018, he was transferred from a Bureau of Prisons facility to a residential reentry center in Manchester, New Hampshire, to start pre-release programming. On June 18, 2018, the defendant signed out of the center to go to work. Although he knew he was required to return by 8:00 p.m. that night, he did not do so. His whereabouts were unknown until he self-surrendered to the U.S. Marshals in Concord, New Hampshire on the evening of June 19, 2018.
Delorey is scheduled to be sentenced on November 8, 2018.
This matter was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Dronzek.
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Dominican Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Raul Vantroi Arias Ruiz, of the Dominican Republic, 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, from at least December 6, 2016, through May 2, 2017, the defendant arranged for the sale of fentanyl to customers in New Hampshire, using his co-defendant, Yossi Rafael Rincon-Ramirez, to make drug deliveries. Four of the fentanyl sales he arranged during that time period were made to an undercover DEA agent in Nashua, New Hampshire.
Based on these drug buys, law enforcement officers arrested the defendant at his residence in Methuen, Massachusetts, on May 2, 2017. After obtaining a search warrant for the residence, which included two adjacent apartments on the second floor of the building, law enforcement officers found approximately $941,994 in U.S. currency and two firearms, as well as approximately 90 grams of fentanyl, 20 grams of heroin, and 30 pounds of marijuana.
The $941,994 was forfeited to the United States in a civil forfeiture proceeding. As part of his plea agreement, Arias Ruiz also will forfeit the firearms.
Arias Ruiz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 30, 2018.
State charges remain pending against him in Massachusetts related to the drugs and firearms seized from the Methuen residence.
Rincon-Ramirez previously pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 22, 2018.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to stopping the transportation and distribution of fentanyl and other deadly drugs into New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We will continue to coordinate with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who are responsible for introducing these lethal substances into the Granite State. We also will use federal forfeiture laws to ensure that drug dealers and their suppliers are not able to profit from their criminal activities.”
“The state of New Hampshire is faced with a fentanyl crisis unlike ever before,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Those responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl to the citizens of New Hampshire need to be held accountable for their actions. DEA will aggressively pursue Drug Trafficking Organizations and individuals who are coming from out of state to distribute this poison in order to profit and destroy people’s lives. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”
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. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane B. Kelbley. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Rabuck handled the asset forfeiture matter.
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Pembroke Woman Pleads Guilty to Participating in Methamphetamine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Katie Jo Waters, 29, of Pembroke, pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between January 2018 and May 2018, Waters received multiple packages of methamphetamine mailed by persons in Las Vegas, Nevada. Over the same period, to pay for the drugs, Waters made 11 separate money transfers, totaling $18,700, to suppliers in Las Vegas. Postal Inspectors intercepted two of the mailed packages destined for the defendant’s address and seized a total of more than one pound of nearly pure methamphetamine. On April 11, 2018, a New Hampshire State Trooper stopped Waters and another individual in Canterbury, New Hampshire, and eventually seized more than 38 grams of methamphetamine and a Sig Sauer 9 mm. pistol from the car she was driving. Defendant Waters was arrested on federal charges on May 9, 2018.
Waters pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, methamphetamine. She is scheduled to be sentenced on October 31, 2018.
“Even as we struggle with the opioid crisis, methamphetamine poses an increasing threat to the citizens of New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “This dangerous drug can cause damage to those who use it and it also creates substantial public safety concerns. I am grateful for the efforts of the law enforcement officers who worked together on this case to stop this defendant’s drug trafficking activities.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to conduct investigations with our counterparts to combat drug trafficking and to send a clear message that the use of the U.S. Mail to facilitate drug trafficking will not be tolerated,” said Acting Inspector in Charge, Delany De Leon-Colon, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division.
“DEA is committed to bringing to justice those that distribute methamphetamine,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “DEA and its local, state and federal law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to keep this highly addictive drug off the streets of New Hampshire.”
This matter was investigated by the DEA, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the New Hampshire State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. 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.
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Franklin Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Stephen Marando, 57, formerly of Franklin, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court to fentanyl trafficking charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 13, 2017, Marando and another individual drove from Franklin, New Hampshire, to Lawrence, Massachusetts in order to buy fentanyl. After they obtained the fentanyl and were on their way back to Franklin, the New Hampshire State Police conducted a traffic stop on their vehicle. During the course of the stop, the other individual attempted to discard a package containing 91 grams of fentanyl that they had picked up in Lawrence.
Marando pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 31, 2018.
“Each day, law enforcement officers in New Hampshire are working to stop the deadly flow of fentanyl into our state,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Interrupting the transportation of drugs frequently requires that New Hampshire state troopers engage traffickers on our highways. Often they are our first line of defense. We will continue to work with State Police and all of our law enforcement partners to prevent drug dealers from further damaging our community and endangering our citizens.”
“With today's plea, Mr. Marando is now accepting responsibility for trafficking fentanyl, which has killed more people in New Hampshire and the United States than any other drug. The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, are committed to working to defeat this menacing threat, one drug trafficking organization at a time,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Laconia Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane B. Kelbley.
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Nashua Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. – Arthur Voutselas, 27, previously of Nashua, pleaded guilty in federal court to a fentanyl trafficking charge, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on two separate occasions in January 2018, Voutselas sold small quantities of cocaine to a cooperating individual working with law enforcement. In February 2018, a state court judge granted a search warrant for Voutselas’ Nashua residence, and the subsequent search yielded approximately 76 grams of fentanyl, over $10,000 in U.S. currency, and other indicia of narcotics trafficking, including a scale, ledgers and bagging materials. Voutselas was arrested by state authorities and has been in custody since February 21, 2018.
Voutselas, who pleaded guilty to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, will be sentenced on October 26, 2018. He also will forfeit $12,955 to the United States.
“The deadly impact of fentanyl trafficking is being felt each day throughout the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working closely with all of our law enforcement partners to protect lives and promote public safety. We will concentrate our efforts on identifying and prosecuting those who are selling this dangerous substance.”
“Fentanyl is causing deaths in record numbers and DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison in order to profit and destroy lives,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities so every time we take fentanyl off the streets, lives are saved. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative local, county and state law enforcement efforts in New Hampshire and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Nashua Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L Rombeau.
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Laconia Man Sentenced to 50 Months in Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. - Peter Dauphin, 45, of Laconia, was sentenced to serve 50 months in federal prison for methamphetamine trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on five separate occasions in April and May of 2017, Dauphin sold “ice” methamphetamine to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement officers. All of the transactions took place at Dauphin’s automotive repair shop in Gilford, New Hampshire.
“Even in the midst of the opioid crisis, New Hampshire continues to experience problems associated with the distribution of other drugs, including methamphetamine,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Prosecutions such as this demonstrate that the law enforcement community is continuing in its cooperative effort to stop all forms of drug trafficking in the Granite State.”
“Mr. Dauphin took advantage of the addiction problem that many people are struggling with here in the Granite State, and targeting dangerous drug dealers like him will continue to be the collective focus of the FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force because no one in our community should have to live in fear of the activity that drug trafficking brings to their neighborhoods,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division.
This matter was investigated by the Police Departments of Gilford and Laconia, in conjunction with 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.
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Former Lawrence Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Yomar Maldonado, 22, formerly of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced serve 60 months in federal prison for participating in a fentanyl distribution conspiracy.
Court documents and statements in court showed that from December of 2016 through February of 2017, Maldonado conspired with others to sell approximately 95 grams of fentanyl to an undercover New Hampshire State Police detective inside the Rockingham Mall in Salem, New Hampshire.
Maldonado pleaded guilty on April 10, 2018. After serving his prison sentence, he will be on supervised release for four years. He also faces potential deportation to Spain after serving his sentence.
“Fentanyl is a deadly drug that continues to cause grave damage to the people of the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to protect the safety of our community, we will use every resource at our disposal to investigate and prosecute drug dealers who sell fentanyl in New Hampshire.”
This investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Hampshire State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis is prosecuting the case.
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Laconia Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Seven Bank Robberies in New Hampshire and MassachusettsRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. - Chaka Meredith, 43, previously of Laconia, New Hampshire was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison for committing seven unarmed bank robberies in late 2016 and early 2017, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
On January 18, 2018, Meredith pleaded guilty to the following crimes: (1) the December 29, 2016, robbery of a Bank of America branch location in Boston, Massachusetts; (2) the January 3, 2017, robbery of an East Boston Savings Bank branch location in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts; (3) the January 11, 2017, robbery of a Meredith Village Savings Bank branch location in Laconia, New Hampshire; (4) the January 17, 2017, robbery of a Santander Bank branch location in Lawrence, Massachusetts; (5) the January 24, 2017, robbery of a TD Bank branch location in Lawrence, Massachusetts; (6) the January 25, 2017, robbery of a Lowell Five Cent Savings Bank branch location in Pepperell, Massachusetts; and (7) the January 30, 2017, robbery of a Santander Bank branch location in Plaistow, New Hampshire. The bank robberies proceeded in much the same fashion with Meredith presenting a demand note, receiving a sum of cash, and proceeding to flee on foot. Meredith has been in custody since his arrest by the Lawrence, Massachusetts Police on February 1, 2017.
Meredith was originally indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Concord, New Hampshire, with the Plaistow robbery. He waived venue and agreed to plead guilty to the Massachusetts robberies in order to resolve all of his pending charges in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire resulting from the month-long bank robbery spree.
Following his release from prison, Meredith will serve 3 years on supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $10,438 in restitution to the seven banks he robbed.
“Bank robberies jeopardize the safety of bank employees, as well as members of the public,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In our efforts to reduce crime and protect our citizens, the law enforcement community works together to identify and prosecute those who commit bank robberies and other crimes that undermine public safety.”
“As a result of the close and efficient collaboration with our law enforcement partners, Chaka Meredith will now spend the next several years behind bars paying for his multi-state crime spree. The FBI is extremely grateful that nobody was injured by this serial bank robber, and we’ll continue to do everything we can to identify and disrupt others like him who commit violent crimes,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Laconia Police Department, the Plaistow Police Department, the Belknap County Sheriff’s Department, the Brookline, MA Police Department, the Lawrence, MA Police Department, the Pepperell, MA Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police. The Middlesex, Essex, and Suffolk District Attorneys’ Offices in Massachusetts as well as the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office also provided invaluable assistance to investigators. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.
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Former Manchester Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Derick Jennings, 48, formerly of Manchester, was sentenced to serve a total of ten years in federal prison for fentanyl trafficking offenses.
Court documents and statements in court showed that, while on supervised release for a prior drug trafficking crime, Jennings sold fentanyl on three separate occasions in January and February 2016, to an individual who cooperated with the Rochester, New Hampshire Police Department. On April 6, 2016, two individuals were arrested in Manchester during a traffic stop that resulted in the seizure of 244.45 grams of fentanyl that had been packaged for sale. Investigators determined that the individuals were drug “runners” for Jennings. On July 18, 2016, the DEA executed a search warrant at Jennings’ Manchester, New Hampshire apartment and seized 57.7 grams of fentanyl, a digital scale, multiple cellphones, and $6,100 in cash. The cash was later forfeited to the United States.
Jennings pleaded guilty on February 15, 2018, to three counts of distributing fentanyl, one count of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, and one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
Jennings was sentenced to serve eight years in federal prison for the drug trafficking offenses and two years of additional imprisonment for violating the terms of his supervised release, for a total of ten years in prison.
When released from federal prison, Jennings will be on supervised release for four years.
“The Attorney General’s recent visit to New Hampshire once again highlighted the damage that fentanyl is doing to our community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to protect the public, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to target, prosecute and deter the drug traffickers who distribute this deadly drug in the Granite State.”
“Fentanyl is causing deaths in record numbers and DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Jennings accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are fueling the opioid epidemic.
This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshal’s New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force, the Strafford County Drug Task Force and the Manchester and Rochester, New Hampshire Police Departments. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis prosecuted the case.
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FCI-Berlin Inmate Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Assaulting Prison StaffRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. –U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Bashir Masaoud, 31, an inmate at FCI-Berlin, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for assaulting staff members at the prison.
According to court documents and statements in court, on May 23, 2017, Masaoud left his cell on Unit A-3 of the prison, crossed the common area of the unit, and grabbed the shirt of a correctional officer. Masaoud attempted to strike the officer with a closed fist. Masaoud was subdued with pepper spray and the assistance of other officers. Masaoud kicked another officer who was assisting in getting Masaoud under control.
Massoud pleaded guilty on August 2, 2018, to two counts of assaulting federal officers.
Masaoud is currently serving a ten-year sentence for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The 24-month sentence will start after Masaoud completes his current sentence.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Prisons staff at FCI-Berlin. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald A. Feith.
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Members of Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy Charged with Drug Distribution Resulting in Death, Money Laundering, and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Concord – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray and Brian D. Boyle, the Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New England Field Division, announced that additional charges have been brought against members of a drug trafficking conspiracy.
On April 25, 2018, U.S. Attorney Murray announced that 32 individuals were charged with participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy. On Wednesday, a superseding indictment charged Sergio Martinez, 28, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, with aiding and abetting a distribution of fentanyl that resulted in death. The indictment also charged four individuals, Sergio Martinez, Joshua Smith, 29, of Plaistow, New Hampshire, Jesus Rivera, 20, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, and Julio Saldana, 18, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, with possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Finally, it charges three individuals, Sergio Martinez, Raulin Martinez, 36, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, and Luz Perez-Demartinez, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, with money laundering.
Two additional individuals, Luz DeJesus, 33, and Henry Marte, 21, both of Lawrence, Massachusetts, were charged with participating in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
If convicted, each defendant charged in the fentanyl distribution conspiracy faces a mandatory minimum of ten years in prison and a maximum sentence of life, as well as a fine of up to $10 million. If convicted of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, Sergio Martinez faces a mandatory minimum of twenty years in prison and a maximum sentence of life, as well as a fine of up to $10 million.
The charges were the culmination of a year-long investigation by the DEA in coordination with federal, state, and local authorities in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine. In addition to the 34 defendants charged in this indictment, thirteen individuals were charged in related indictments with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl.
The investigation, which culminated in the execution of various search warrants on April 9, 2018, led to the seizure of over 30 kilograms of suspected fentanyl, two firearms, and over $500,000 in cash. In court documents, the government has alleged that the investigation targeted a drug trafficking organization led by the Martinez brothers, Sergio and Raulin. The conspiracy was extensive and organized. The Martinez brothers allegedly used a vast network of dispatchers and distributors to serve customers large and small with knowledge that a substantial amount of drugs were going to New Hampshire. They allegedly maintained a residence in Lawrence, Massachusetts, staffed by dispatchers who took drug orders over various “customer phones.” Dispatchers allegedly then communicated with distributors located throughout the Merrimack Valley to arrange for customers to meet them.
The indictments are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
“New Hampshire knows all too well about the deadly nature of fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We are fully committed to ending the opioid epidemic and will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who are responsible for distributing fentanyl and other dangerous drugs.”
“DEA is committed to investigating and dismantling Drug Trafficking Organizations like this one who are responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl to the citizens of New Hampshire, said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “DEA’s top priority is combatting the opioid epidemic by working with our local, county, state and federal partners to bring to justice anyone who distributes this poison.”
This investigation was the product of an investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
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 cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Georgiana L. Konesky, Seth R. Aframe, and Debra M. Walsh.
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Attorney General Sessions Announces Operation Synthetic Opioid SurgeRead the Press Release
Concord – Attorney General Jeff Sessions and U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray yesterday announced Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), a new program that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas and to identify wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers.
As part of Operation S.O.S., the Department will launch an enforcement surge in ten districts with some of the highest drug overdose death rates, including the District of New Hampshire. New Hampshire has experienced record numbers of deaths from fentanyl overdoses and has one of the highest per-capita overdose death rates in the United States.
Each participating United States Attorney’s Office will choose a specific county and prosecute every readily provable case involving the distribution of fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and other synthetic opioids, regardless of drug quantity. The surge will involve a coordinated DEA Special Operations Division operation to insure that leads from street-level cases are used to identify larger scale distributors. Operation S.O.S. was inspired by a promising initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Florida involving Manatee County, Florida. In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will focus its efforts on Hillsborough County. This county, which includes Manchester and Nashua, has the highest number of overdose deaths in the state. The program is expected to be initiated in the near future.
"When it comes to synthetic opioids, there is no such thing as a small case," Attorney General Sessions said. "In 2016, synthetic opioids killed more Americans than any other kind of drug. Three milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal--that's not even enough to cover up Lincoln's face on a penny. Our prosecutors in Manatee County, Florida have shown that prosecuting seemingly small synthetic opioids cases can have a big impact and save lives, and we want to replicate their success in the districts that need it most. This new strategy—and the new prosecutors who will help carry it out—will help us put more traffickers behind bars and keep the American people safe from the threat of these deadly drugs."
“The opioid crisis has had a devastating impact on New Hampshire, taking promising young lives and damaging our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “I am grateful to the Attorney General for his ongoing commitment to assist our state’s efforts to respond to this issue. Through Operation S.O.S., we will be able to enhance our aggressive efforts to identify and prosecute those who are distributing fentanyl and other deadly opioids in the Granite State. We look forward to partnering with the Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office and all of the law enforcement agencies operating in that county to implement this program. Working together, we can ensure that fentanyl dealers are required to face justice in federal court.”
The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Executive Office will send an additional two-year term Assistant United States Attorney to each participating district to assist with drug-related prosecutions. In addition to New Hampshire, the following districts also will receive additional prosecutors:
Northern District of Ohio
Southern District of Ohio
Eastern District of Tennessee
Eastern District of Kentucky
Southern District of West Virginia
Northern District of West Virginia
District of Maine
Eastern District of California
Western District of Pennsylvania
Operation S.O.S. is based upon successful prosecution efforts in the Middle District of Florida. Aggressive prosecutions of synthetic opioid traffickers in Manatee County resulted in a 77.1 percent reduction in overdoses and a 74.2 percent reduction in deaths.
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Northwood Woman Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Victoria Duford, 26, formerly of Northwood, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to participating in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from July 2016 through April 2017, Duford purchased large amounts of methamphetamine from her co-conspirator Katrina Jones. In addition, on at least six occasions during the same time period, Duford received postal packages containing large quantities of methamphetamine on behalf of Jones at addresses in New Hampshire. Duford would bring the packages to Jones, who would often give Duford a portion of the methamphetamine as payment. Jones pleaded guilty on April 27, 2018, to several counts of drug trafficking, including two counts of distributing methamphetamine.
Duford is scheduled to be sentenced on October 23, 2018.
“While opioids have presented a serious threat to our state for some time, the distribution of methamphetamine is rapidly becoming a major concern,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “This dangerous drug can cause serious harm to those who use it, as well as to our communities. We will be vigilant and aggressive in our efforts to address the public safety issues presented by methamphetamine.”
“DEA is committed to bring to justice those that distribute methamphetamine,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “DEA and its local, state and federal law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to keep this highly addictive drug off New Hampshire streets. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement in the Granite State to aggressively pursue anyone who traffics this poison.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to keeping the U.S. Mail, its employees, and customers safe. Those who use the U.S. Mail to transport dangerous or illegal substances, such as methamphetamine, will be investigated and brought to justice," said Delany De Leon-Colon, Acting Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division.
This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the N.H. Attorney General’s Drug Task Force and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Davis and Shane Kelbley.
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Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Juan Garcia, 34, of Roxbury, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty on Thursday in federal court to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in early 2016, the FBI received information regarding a drug dealer known as “Tony,” who was distributing drugs in Nashua and elsewhere. “Tony” was later identified as the defendant, who has used multiple names, including Juan Garcia. In February and March of 2016, the FBI used a cooperating individual to buy over 40 grams of fentanyl from the defendant and his associates in Lawrence, Massachusetts. The defendant was subsequently arrested in April 2017.
Garcia is scheduled to be sentenced on October 10, 2018.
“Fentanyl trafficking poses a grave danger to the health and safety of our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to protect the public, we will aggressively target and prosecute those who are distributing this lethal drug in the Granite State.”
"This defendant had no regard for the people to whom he peddled his poison, and the FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force will continue to do work with our law enforcement partners to do everything it can to put a stop to drug dealers like him in an effort to make our communities safer, " said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division
This matter was investigated by the FBI New Hampshire Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which is comprised of the FBI, the New Hampshire State Police, New Hampshire Probation and Parole, and the Police Departments of Hudson, Manchester, and Nashua. Assistance was provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane Kelbley and First Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Farley.
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Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Scheme to Defraud State of New Hampshire in Connection with Untaxed Tobacco ProductsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today that Imtiaz Shaikh, 46, of Manchester pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud the State of New Hampshire.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Shaikh’s scheme involved the purchase of tobacco products other than cigarettes, referred to as “other tobacco products” or “OTP,” from various suppliers located in Pennsylvania. Shaikh and others then transported the products to New Hampshire for sale to retail businesses. In New Hampshire, wholesale distributors of OTP must be licensed and are required to file reports identifying the quantity of OTP sold each month. During the period of the scheme identified in the charging document, New Hampshire taxed OTP at 65.03 percent of the wholesale sales price. Shaikh avoided most of the licensing and reporting requirements by conducting business through a number of shell corporations. Except for a single report filed in September 2014, Shaikh and the entities he created failed to pay the taxes owed to the State of New Hampshire. The state lost an estimated $1.5 million in tax revenue as a result of the scheme.
A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for October 16, 2018.
“Although no one likes to pay taxes, we all are required to follow the law,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “This defendant’s fraud scheme deprived the state of lawful tax revenue in order to enhance his personal income. Those who choose to engage in schemes like this should understand that we are committed to the aggressive prosecution of individuals who engage in fraudulent conduct.”
“The guilty plea entered today by Mr. Shaikh brings an end to his elaborate scheme to avoid paying taxes through the sale and distribution of tobacco products. The state of New Hampshire and its taxpayers are the really the ones who have suffered the consequences of his actions. The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to stop this type of criminal activity, and make sure the taxpayers are made whole,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division.
Mr. Shaikh’s tax evasion scheme increased the burden on New Hampshire’s law-abiding citizens, forcing them to make up the difference,” said Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Boston. "Today, honest taxpayers have been reassured that no one is above the law. We will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners on these important investigations to protect the integrity of the American tax system."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the IRS Criminal Investigation, Boston, the New Hampshire State Police, the Manchester Police Department, the Salem New Hampshire Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police and the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration all participated in the investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Donald A. Feith prosecuted the case.
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Farmington Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Kyle Leavy, 32, of Farmington, pleaded guilty in federal court to fentanyl trafficking charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2017, Leavy sold fentanyl to an individual who was cooperating with the FBI on three separate occasions at locations in Rochester, New Hampshire. During the third drug deal, Leavy sold more than 40 grams of fentanyl.
Leavy pleaded guilty to three counts of distributing a controlled substance. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 16, 2018.
“Fentanyl traffickers pose a substantial risk to public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Because this deadly substance has caused major damage to our community, we will work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who are responsible for distributing fentanyl in the Granite State.”
"With today’s plea, Mr. Leavy is accepting responsibility for his role in the opioid crisis. However, there’s much more work to be done. The FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force will not stop until we have leveraged every available resource to identify others like him who are flooding our communities with fentanyl, preying on people’s addictions, and contributing to their deaths,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division.
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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane B. Kelbley.
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Attorney Charged with Loan Fraud Schemes and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Joseph A. Foistner, 67, an attorney and resident of New Boston, New Hampshire, was arrested on charges of bank fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.
According to an Indictment that was unsealed earlier today, Foistner is licensed to practice law in Massachusetts. Until May 2017, he owned and managed “The Law Office of Joseph A. Foistner, Esquire & Affiliates, P.C.”
The five-count Indictment alleges that Foistner received a $2.9 million personal loan from North American Savings Bank through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Program in November of 2015. The Indictment also alleges that he received a $250,000 business loan from Newtek Small Business Finance, LLC, through the U.S. Small Business Administration loan guaranty program in April of 2017. According to the Indictment, Foistner obtained the loans by providing false information about his law office’s income production and his personal income to the bank and Newtek.
According to the Indictment, the VA’s Home Loan Guaranty Program is designed to help veterans of the U.S. military achieve home ownership and the SBA’s loan guaranty program is designed to promote the creation, expansion and development of small businesses.
In the money laundering charge, the Indictment alleges that Foistner engaged in a monetary transaction in criminally derived property of a value greater than $10,000 when he caused $201,000 from the proceeds of the $250,000 business loan to be deposited to a bank account owned by an entity known as the “JFL Nominee Trust.”
During a hearing in U.S. District Court earlier today, Foistner’s trial was scheduled for September 5, 2018.
The public is reminded that an Indictment is merely an accusation and Foistner is presumed to be innocent unless the charges are proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigation Division; the U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Asssistant U.S. Attorney Robert Kinsella and John S. Davis.
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Manchester Woman Sentenced in Methamphetamine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Sabrina Moss, 32, formerly of Manchester, New Hampshire, was sentenced to serve six years in federal prison for participating in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy.
According to court documents, in April of 2017, Sabrina Moss agreed with her brother Dustin Moss to enlist another person to “catch” a large package of methamphetamine to be purchased by Dustin Moss and mailed by a supplier in Las Vegas, Nevada. Sabrina Moss recruited another New Hampshire man, Brian O’Rourke, to receive the package, and agreed to pay him with a quantity of crack cocaine. On April 19, 2017, federal agents intercepted the mailed parcel, obtained and executed a search warrant, and discovered 12 pounds of 92 percent pure methamphetamine inside. Later that day, agents delivered the package, now containing “dummy” drugs, to O’Rourke. Agents then followed him to a location in Manchester where Dustin Moss was waiting to receive the package of drugs.
Both Dustin Moss and O’Rourke were arrested that day. They both have pleaded guilty to federal charges and are awaiting sentencing.
Sabrina Moss was arrested on November 20, 2017. She pleaded guilty on March 19, 2018.
“Although opioids remain a high priority for prosecution, methamphetamine also presents a significant risk to the community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “This addictive substance is appearing in the Granite State with greater frequency and it poses a serious danger to the health and safety of those who ingest it. We will continue to partner with the law enforcement community to identify and prosecute those who are distributing this very dangerous drug.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, along with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, will continue to dedicate the resources necessary to combat drug trafficking,” said Acting Inspector in Charge Delany De Leon-Colon. “Today’s sentencing is a result of a coordinated effort to keep methamphetamine and other drugs out of our communities. When the U.S. Mail is used to transport illegal drugs, it is taken very seriously. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service works diligently to preserve the integrity of the mail by investigating and bringing to justice, those who use it illegally.”
“This sentence reflects DEA’s commitment to bring to justice those that distribute methamphetamine,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “DEA and its local, state and federal law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to keep this highly addictive drug off the streets of New Hampshire. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement and our partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to aggressively pursue anyone who traffics this poison.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the DEA, and prosecuted by former Assistant United States Attorney William Morse and Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.
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