District of New Hampshire

             CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Wilkin Andre Beltre Arias, 39, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced on Monday to serve 54 months in federal prison for participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed substantial quantities of heroin.

            Documents filed with the court established that the defendant participated in a drug trafficking organization between June 2016 and October 2016.  He received drugs from this organization and delivered drugs to his customers from Massachusetts and New Hampshire.   The defendant worked at a barbershop in Lawrence and used the shop as a delivery point for his customers.

            The defendant pleaded guilty on September 21, 2017, to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with the intent to distribute, heroin.  Court records show that he faces likely deportation to the Dominican Republic following his prison sentence.

            The investigation and prosecution of this defendant were part of a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) effort to address heroin distribution in New Hampshire.  In addition to this prosecution, Alberto Guerrero Marte, 38, was sentenced to 15 years; Toribio Guerrero Marte, 34, was sentenced to 10 years; Maria Miguelina Lara, 33, was sentenced to 36 months; Allan Raymond Pimentel, 22, was sentenced to 57 months; Jose De La Altagracia Pimentel Lara, 26, was sentenced to 63 months; Allison DeJesus, age 19, was sentenced to five years of probation; and Jonaly DeJesus, 22, was sentenced to time served and five years of supervised release.  In a related case, Mark Gagnon, 54, of Candia, was sentenced to 48 months.  Michell DeJesus, 34, Santo Rodolfo Garcia Mendez, 33, and Edward Garcia, 31, are awaiting sentencing. 

            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. 

            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.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Feith.

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            CONCORD – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire announced that the Honorable Scott W. Murray was sworn in today as the United States Attorney for the District of New Hampshire.  Chief U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante administered the oath of office at the federal courthouse in Concord.

            U.S. Attorney Murray is the 57th U.S. Attorney for the District.  He was nominated by the President on December 1, 2017, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on February 15, 2018.  As the U.S. Attorney, Mr. Murray is the chief federal law enforcement officer in New Hampshire.

            U.S. Attorney Murray has been a prosecutor throughout his legal career.  He was elected County Attorney for Merrimack County in 2010.  He began serving as County Attorney in 2011 and was serving his fourth consecutive two-year term in that position.  Prior to becoming County Attorney, he served as the Chief Prosecuting Attorney for the City of Concord from 1983 to 2011.  

            U.S. Attorney Murray received his B.A. and M.P.A. from the University of New Hampshire and his J.D. from Franklin Pierce Law Center (now known as the University of New Hampshire School of Law).

            “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the United States Attorney,” U.S. Attorney Murray said.  “As a career prosecutor, I look forward to working with my federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to combat drug trafficking, violence, and other threats to the safety of the residents of the Granite State.  Close cooperation is absolutely critical if we are to effectively address crime associated with the current opioid crisis.”  

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            CONCORD - Eric Collins, 44, of Epsom, was sentenced to serve 78 months in prison for firearms and drug trafficking offenses, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, in February of 2017, Concord police officers executed a search warrant for the defendant’s vehicle and recovered two firearms, over $7,500 in cash and various controlled substances, including fentanyl and methamphetamine. As part of the defendant’s plea agreement, he agreed to forfeit his interest in the cash and firearms.

            Collins previously pleaded guilty on November 21, 2017, to using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute.

           This matter was investigated by the Concord Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. Konesky.

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

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          CONCORD, N.H. – Nicole Roskos, 30, of Epsom, pleaded guilty today in federal court to drug trafficking conspiracy and firearms charges, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.

          According to court documents and statements made in court, the investigation of the defendant began in 2017 when she sold fentanyl to a cooperating individual. In September of 2017, police executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence and found four firearms, ammunition, over 511 grams of fentanyl, and approximately $24,000.         

          Roskos pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.  A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for June 11, 2018.

          “Opioids are killing hundreds of residents of New Hampshire each year,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “The danger posed by drug trafficking is further increased when drug dealers use firearms to further their unlawful activities.  We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to target drug trafficking and violent crime.  I commend the law enforcement officers for protecting the community from the dangers posed by the fentanyl and firearms in this case.” 

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

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            CONCORD – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Joseph Norko, 50, of Saint Johnsbury, Vermont, pleaded guilty today to two counts of attempted online enticement and one count of interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual activity.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Norko’s charges were based on two online undercover investigations. One investigation was conducted by the Portsmouth Police Department and one was conducted by the Lebanon Police Department. In July of 2017, the defendant responded to an online advertisement posted by a Portsmouth police officer purporting to offer sex with a 12-year-old girl. In September of 2017, he responded to an online advertisement posted by a Lebanon police officer purporting to be a 15-year-old girl. The defendant then traveled from Vermont to New Hampshire in order to engage in sexual contact with the person he thought was 15 years old. 

            A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for June 1, 2018.

            “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect the children of the Granite State,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This case is yet another example of the dangers that lurk on the Internet.  I am grateful to the law enforcement officers whose work led to the conviction of this Internet predator.”

            “Online exploitation of children is one of the most disturbing crimes we investigate. It’s always very satisfying when our close coordination with our federal and state partners successfully brings the predators who engage in this behavior to justice,” said Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge, for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in Boston.

            This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Lebanon Police Department, the Portsmouth 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 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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            CONCORD – Peter Morency, 34, of Derry was sentenced in federal court to serve 35 years in prison for producing child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Morency filmed and photographed himself performing sexual acts on two children. The children, who were known to Morency, appeared to be sleeping at the time. A forensic examination of devices possessed by Morency uncovered over 5,000 still images and over 2,000 videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children, of which approximately 30 still images and 37 videos were created by the defendant. The defendant admitted to possessing and to producing the images.

            Morency pleaded guilty to three counts of producing child pornography on November 13, 2017.  After serving his prison sentence, he will be on supervised release for the rest of his life.

            “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect the children of the Granite State,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Those who sexually exploit children cause untold amounts of harm to their victims and our entire community.  We are grateful that this defendant will not be able to harm any additional children and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute other individuals who commit crimes against children.”

          "The sexual exploitation of children is a heinous crime that causes irreparable harm to its young victims," said Michael Shea, acting special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston. "To rescue these innocent victims, HSI works closely with our law enforcement partners to protect our communities from child predators."

           This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Derry Police Department, and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which includes members of several other police departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana 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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CONCORD, N.H. – Brett Gessay, 55, of Exeter, pleaded guilty in federal court to making a false statement in order to obtain Social Security benefits, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.

            According to public records in the case, Gessay began receiving Social Security disability benefits in January 2007.   Beginning in at least January of 2008, Gessay was self-employed as a construction worker.   His income from this job rendered him ineligible to get most of the Social Security disability benefits that he received while he was self-employed.   Gessay did not report this work activity to the Social Security Administration (SSA), and concealed his self-employment and self-employment income from the SSA.   In mid-2016, Gessay admitted to investigators that he had concealed his work and income from the SSA in order to continue receiving disability benefits.  As a result of his concealment, Gessay received over $48,000 in disability benefits that he would not have received if he had disclosed his self-employment income.

            Gessay is scheduled to be sentenced on May 30, 2018.

            “Social Security disability benefits provide important financial support for those deserving individuals who are unable to work,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We will continue to partner with the SSA’s Office of Inspector General to identify and prosecute those who use fraudulent means to obtain benefits that they are not entitled to receive.  This will ensure that benefits only go to those who truly deserve them.”

            Scott Antolik, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General, said “Mr. Gessay’s material omission of key facts resulted in him receiving thousands of dollars in disability benefits he was not entitled to.  Protecting the Social Security Trust Fund from those who conceal their work activity is one of my office’s highest priorities.  I thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their partnership in prosecuting those who seek to defraud the government”. 

            The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General, New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Special Investigations Unit,  and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew T. Hunter and Karen B. Burzycki.

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Robert A. Ruggiero, 24, of New Boston, was sentenced to serve 37 months in federal prison for bank robbery, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 8, 2017, Ruggiero walked into a Citizens Bank branch in Goffstown, New Hampshire, and handed the teller a note demanding money. The teller gave Ruggiero a quantity of United States currency. Surveillance cameras captured images of the robbery, which were broadcast on local news outlets and distributed via social media. Numerous individuals identified Ruggiero from the photographs and he was apprehended later that day. 

            Ruggiero pleaded guilty to the offense on November 9, 2017.  After serving his sentence, he will be on supervised release for three years.

            “Bank robbery is a violent crime that endangers both bank employees and members of the public,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who commit bank robberies and other violent offenses so that we can improve the safety of our community.”

          “Mr. Ruggiero's unlawful behavior brought fear and concern to bank employees," said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Boston Division. "The FBI is grateful for the public's assistance in helping us identify him, and we are fully committed to working with all of our law enforcement partners to combat violent crime and improve the safety of our communities."

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

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Michael Dube, 48, of Tewksbury, Massachusetts, was sentenced to five years of probation and a $16,500 fine for mailing threatening communications, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

             According to court documents and statements made in court, between March 2, 2016 and June 2, 2016, Dube sent three letters to victims located in New Hampshire, which contained threats to break the addressee’s legs, sexually assault his daughter, and to kill his son.  The letters were postmarked in Boston and delivered to a residence in Sandown, New Hampshire.        

            Dube previously pleaded guilty to three counts of mailing threatening communications.

            “By sending these threatening communications to the victim, the defendant attempted to create a climate of fear and intimidation,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Such conduct cannot be tolerated.  I commend the law enforcement officers whose work led to the successful identification and prosecution of this defendant.”

          “Mr. Dube was blinded by his obsession and oblivious to the impact of his crimes. He carried out a relentless stalking campaign whereby he violated his victim’s privacy and threatened those around him,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division. (FBI)  “Violence through words or actions cannot be tolerated and the FBI will continue to do everything it can to identify, arrest, and bring those to justice who engage in similar criminal conduct.”

            This Sandown Police Department initiated the investigation of the case.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Derry Police Department, the Salem Police Department, the Raymond Police Department, and the Tewksbury Police Department assisted in the investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Helen Fitzgibbon and Donald Feith.

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Sara Johnson, 35, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to federal firearms charges, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

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

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

          Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on May 24, 2018.

            “Protecting the community from violent crime is a high priority of the United States Department of Justice,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Those who purchase guns for criminals are contributing to the violent crime problem.  Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to use the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative to take guns out of the hands of criminals and to protect the safety of our communities.”

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

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

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Derrick Jennings, 48, formerly of Manchester, pleaded guilty to fentanyl trafficking charges.

          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 was cooperating with the Rochester Police Department.  On April 6, 2016, two individuals were arrested by the Manchester Police Department during a traffic stop after a search of the vehicle 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, 57.7 grams of fentanyl, a digital scale, multiple cellphones, and $6,100 in cash were recovered when a search warrant was executed at Jennings’ apartment in Manchester.  Jennings became a fugitive, but was arrested in November of 2016.  The cash was forfeited to the United States.

            Jennings pleaded guilty to three counts of distribution of fentanyl, one count of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, and one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.  He will be sentenced on May 31, 2018.

          “The aggressive investigation and prosecution of fentanyl trafficking is a top priority of the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Individuals like this defendant who seek to profit from the sale of this deadly drug are causing grave damage to our community.  We will work tirelessly to stop fentanyl trafficking and to protect the citizens of the Granite State from its deadly effects.”

          “Those suffering from the disease of opioid addiction need access to treatment and recovery,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson.  “But those responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl to the citizens of New Hampshire need to be held accountable for their actions.  DEA’s top priority is combatting the opioid epidemic by working with our local, county and state law enforcement partners to bring to justice those that distribute this poison.”

            This investigation was conducted by the DEA, the Strafford County Drug Task Force, and the Manchester and Rochester, New Hampshire Police Departments.  The United States Marshals-led New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force also provided valuable assistance.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis is prosecuting the case.

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that John Furber, 45, formerly of  Rochester, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty to fentanyl and carfentanil trafficking charges.

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

          Furber pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.  Under the terms of the plea agreement, Furber will forfeit $2,105 in drug proceeds to the United States.  Furber’s sentencing is scheduled for May 29, 2018. 

          “The aggressive investigation and prosecution of individuals engaged in heroin, fentanyl and carfentanil trafficking in New Hampshire remains a top priority of the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners at the local, state and federal level,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “The recent presence of carfentanil in New Hampshire, a drug that is hundreds of times more powerful than fentanyl, will result in an even greater number of overdose deaths and presents unprecedented public safety concerns for law enforcement and first responders.  The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to prosecute those who are responsible for distributing these dangerous drugs in our state.”

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

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          CONCORD, N.H. – Eric Judkins, 34, formerly of Nashua, has been sentenced to serve 14 months in prison for escaping from the Hampshire House Residential Reentry Center in Manchester, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, Judkins received a 210-month federal prison sentence in 2000 for a bank robbery he committed in New Hampshire.  While serving the sentence in a federal prison in Pennsylvania, Judkins pleaded guilty to assaulting an inmate and received an additional 27-month prison sentence.

          On June 13, 2017, Judkins was transferred from a federal prison in Kentucky to the Hampshire House, with an expected release date of April 8, 2018.  With permission from the Hampshire House staff, Judkins left the facility on August 28, 2017, and was required to return before 4:30 p.m.  He failed to return as required.  On August 31, 2017, Judkins was arrested by Deputy United States Marshals and local law enforcement officers in Howard, Pennsylvania.

          Judkins pled guilty to escaping from the Hampshire House on November 3, 2017.

          The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Kinsella.

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             CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Maria Miguelina Lara Lara, a/k/a Maribel Santiago-Ramos, a/k/a La Cuna, a/k/a Miguelina, 33, of the Dominican Republic was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison for participating in a heroin trafficking conspiracy.

            Documents filed with the court established that Lara Lara participated in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) between October 2015 and October 2016 during which time she delivered drugs to customers of the DTO on a daily basis.  The Lawrence-based organization distributed heroin to customers from Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

           The defendant pleaded guilty on July 24, 2017, to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, heroin. 

           The investigation and prosecution of Lara Lara was part of a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) effort to address heroin distribution in New Hampshire.  In addition to Lara Lara’s prosecution, Alberto Guerrero Marte, 38, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, his brother Toribio Guerrero Marte was sentenced to 10 years in prison, Allison DeJesus, 19, was sentenced to five years of probation, Jonaly DeJesus, 22, was sentenced to time served and five years of supervised release, Allan Raymond Pimentel, 21, was sentenced to 57 months in prison, and Jose De la Altagracia Pimental Lara a/k/a Luis Colon, 26, was sentenced to 63 months in prison.  Michell DeJesus, 34, Santo Rodolfo Garcia Mendez, 33, Wilkin Andres Beltre Arias, 39, and Edward Garcia, 31, are all awaiting sentencing.    In a related case, Mark Gagnon, 54, of Candia, was sentenced to 48 months.

           “Members of the law enforcement community are working together to stop the flow of heroin and other deadly drugs into New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “While we strongly support access to treatment for those suffering from addiction, those who profit from the distribution of these substances will be prosecuted aggressively.”

           "The state of New Hampshire is faced with a fentanyl and heroin crisis unlike ever before," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson.  "Those suffering from fentanyl and heroin addiction need treatment and recovery, but those that distribute and profit from spreading this misery need to be held accountable.  This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal partners and our strong relationship with the U.S. Attorney's Office."

           “This case is a great example of how close cooperation among federal, state and local law enforcement can successfully complement the overall fight against the devastating opioid epidemic which has tragically destroyed so many lives nationwide and throughout our region,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Mike Shea, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

           This matter was investigated by the DEA; HSI; the Massachusetts State Police; the Haverhill Police Department; the United States Marshals Service; the New Hampshire State Police; the Manchester Police Department; the Lawrence Police Department; the Lowell Police Department, the Methuen Police Department, and the Hillsborough County Drug Task Force.   The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorney Donald Feith.

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

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Concord, N.H. -  Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Thomas William Hickey, 34, of Nashua pled guilty today to failing to register as a sex offender.

            According to statements made in court, Hickey was convicted in Florida in 2003 of lewd or lascivious molestation, of a 12 year old girl.  As a result of that conviction, he was required by law to register as a sex offender.  After his release from prison, Hickey later registered as a sex offender in Florida and Massachusetts.

            In July of 2017, the Nashua Police Department reported to the United States Marshals Service (USMS) that it has received a tip that Hickey was a sex offender who had been living in Nashua for a period of months without registering.  The USMS confirmed with Massachusetts authorities that Hickey was in fact a sex offender who had been living in Massachusetts, but that they were unaware Hickey had moved to New Hampshire.

            Hickey later was interviewed by a Deputy U.S. Marshal and a Nashua Police Detective and admitted that he had moved to New Hampshire in 2017 because he did not want people to know he was a sex offender.   

            Hickey is scheduled to be sentenced on May 30, 2018. 

            “When those who are required to register as sex offenders fail to comply with their obligation to do so, they will be prosecuted,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “I commend the work of the United States Marshals Service and the Nashua Police Department for their efforts to protect the community.”

            “This investigation was a combined effort between the New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force and the Nashua NH Police Department.  Since the inception of the New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force in 2002, these partnerships have resulted in over 7,029 arrests,” said Senior Inspector, Mark Lewis, USMS. “These arrests have ranged in seriousness from murder, assault, unregistered sex offenders, probation and parole violations and numerous other serious offenses. Nationally the USMS fugitive programs are carried out with local law enforcement in 94 district offices, 85 local fugitive task forces, 8 regional task forces, as well as a growing network of offices in foreign countries.”

             This case was investigated by the USMS and the Nashua Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold Huftalen.

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Arthur Nunes, III, 41, formerly of Dover, New Hampshire, was sentenced to serve 13 months in federal prison for making a false statement to obtain Social Security benefits, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, in February of 2012, Nunes submitted an application for Child’s Insurance Benefits to the Social Security Administration (SSA) on behalf of his two children based on the earnings record of their mother, who had passed away in January of 2012.  On the application, he indicated that the children resided with him.  The application was approved and Nunes, as the children’s representative payee, began receiving monthly benefits in March of 2012.  As their representative payee, Nunes was responsible for using the benefits he received on behalf of his children for their current needs, such as food, clothing, housing, and medical care.

          In reality, however, after the death of their mother in January 2012, Nunes’s children lived with another relative and Nunes used his children’s benefits for his own use.  Nunes’s concealment of his children’s true residency and his failure to use the benefits for their needs caused him to get $36,526 in Child’s Insurance Benefits payments that he was not entitled to receive.

          Nunes, who pleaded guilty on October 27, 2017, also was ordered to pay $36,526 in restitution.

          “Federal benefit programs provide an important source of support for many deserving families,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Unfortunately, there are some individuals who attempt to defraud the system and obtain money that they are not entitled to receive.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office works closely with the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General to ensure that those who attempt to defraud the SSA are identified and prosecuted so that government funds are available for those who should be receiving them.” 

          “As this sentence demonstrates, the SSA OIG is committed to investigating cases of representative payee fraud, which involves the theft of government funds and harm to innocent children who are deserving of Social Security benefits,” said Scott Antolik, Special Agent-in-Charge of the SSA Office of the Inspector General Boston Field Division. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney's Office to investigate and prosecute all forms of Social Security fraud.”

          This matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Berwick, Maine Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew T. Hunter and Karen B. Burzycki.

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Kenneth Bailey, 53, of Weare, New Hampshire was sentenced in federal court to serve 18 months in prison for drug trafficking, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.  

          According to court documents and statements made in court, on five occasions in 2013 and once in 2014, a cooperating individual purchased methamphetamine or a combination of cocaine and methamphetamine from Bailey at his residence.       

          Bailey pleaded guilty to six counts of distributing controlled substances on October 25, 2017.  In addition to his prison sentence, the defendant was fined $1,000 and will be on supervised release for three years.

          “The law enforcement community is united in the effort to stop the distribution of dangerous drugs in New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We will continue to identify and prosecute drug traffickers in order to protect the safety of our community.” 

           “Mr. Bailey will now pay the price for distributing dangerous drugs that pose a serious threat to our community,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division. “Together, with our law enforcement partners, the FBI New Hampshire Safe Streets Gang Task Force will continue to do everything we can to crack down on illegal drug distributors and the violence that is associated with them.”

          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.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney 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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          CONCORD, N.H. - David Morris, 57, of Columbia, New Hampshire, was sentenced to serve 99 months in prison for possession of child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.

          According to court documents and statements in court, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at two residences associated with the defendant on July 20, 2016.  A review of various electronic devices found in the residences showed that they contained hundreds of images and videos of child pornography.

          Morris pleaded guilty on October 25, 2017.  After serving his 99-month sentence, he will be on supervised release for the rest of his life.

          “Child pornography offenses are terrible crimes that have, at their core, the abuse of the children depicted in the images,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting children from predators and pornographers.  Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to identify and prosecute those who possess, distribute or produce child pornography in order to protect our children and our community.”

          The case was investigated by the New Hampshire Crimes Against Children Task Force in conjunction with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Manchester, as well as the Lincoln, Littleton, and Columbia police departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Seth Aframe and Georgiana 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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             CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that late Tuesday afternoon, a federal jury found Edward McLarnon, 69, of Malden, Massachusetts, guilty of receiving firearms with intent to commit murder, as well as three related weapons and explosive charges, after a six-day trial.           

            Evidence presented at trial showed that in October of 2015, McLarnon made contact with a person he believed to be an arms dealer (who was actually an undercover FBI agent) for the purpose of buying illegal weapons.  McLarnon negotiated with the undercover agent at a store in Chichester, New Hampshire and paid a total of $700 in cash to obtain the weapons.  On November 6, 2015, the defendant took possession of a .22 caliber pistol with a silencer, an AK-47-style semi-automatic rifle, ammunition, and two hand grenades containing high explosives at a rest stop in Seabrook.  He was taken into custody shortly after taking possession of these items.  The evidence further showed that McLarnon intended to use the weapons to kill his ex-wife's husband, as well as a Boston federal judge, and a former Massachusetts Attorney General.      

            The jury found the defendant guilty of: (1) receiving an unregistered silencer; (2) receiving firearms with the intent to commit murder; (3) receiving explosive materials; and (4) receiving an explosive with the intent to harm persons or property.  He faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison for each count of conviction.  He will be sentenced on May 10, 2018.

            “I am grateful to the jury for rendering this swift and just verdict,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “The evidence at trial demonstrated that the defendant devised a frightening plan to use weapons to kill several individuals to express his frustration with the legal system.  Thanks to the hard work of the brave law enforcement officers who participated in this investigation, the defendant’s violent plan was stopped before anyone was hurt.”

            “Edward McLarnon purchased an AK-47, grenades, a silencer, and ammunition with the sole intent of killing the former Massachusetts Attorney General, a sitting federal judge, and other government officials. Today’s conviction ensures that Mr. McLarnon will not be able to further endanger innocent lives,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Boston Division. “This case is a testament to the tireless efforts of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, where the close coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement led to the successful disruption of McLarnon’s plot.  Each and every day, the Joint Terrorism Task Force strives for a perfect record, and we’d like to thank all of our partners for their dedication and hard work in bringing this case to a safe and successful conclusion.”

            This matter was investigated by the FBI, U.S. Secret Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter.

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            CONCORD, N.H. - Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Matthew Riehl, 25, of Goffstown, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for producing child pornography.

            According to court documents and statements in court, Riehl coached youth sports teams in Goffstown.  Between July of 2015 and August of 2016, while posing as a teenage girl, he contacted his victims using social media accounts, including Instagram, Snapchat and KIK Messenger, and persuaded his victims to take sexually explicit photographs of themselves and send the photographs to him.  When some of the victims sent pictures that were not sexually explicit, Riehl worked to convince them to take photographs showing more sexually explicit conduct.  In some instances, Riehl was able to coerce the victims to send explicit photographs by threatening to post on social media photographs that the victims previously had sent to him. 

            On August 31, 2016, a search warrant was executed at the defendant’s residence in Goffstown and Riehl’s cell phone was seized.  A forensic examination of the phone by the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force revealed approximately 500 photographs of minor boys, in various states of dress, including examples of child pornography.  Numerous photographs depicted individuals who were members of teams that Riehl had coached.

            Riehl, who previously pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release.  He will also have to register as a sex offender for life. 

            “This 25-year sentence demonstrates that those who use the Internet to prey on young victims will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “It is a sad fact of modern life that some individuals adopt false identities on the Internet in order to manipulate and exploit their young victims.  We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who create child pornography.  I commend the bravery of the victims and their families who cooperated with this investigation and encourage all parents to speak to their children about the dangers that lurk on the Internet.”

            “This case involves an egregious breach of public trust, given Mr. Riehl’s former position in the community, and today’s significant sentencing ensures that he no longer has access to children,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Shea of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Boston.  “HSI is proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our law enforcement partners and other stakeholders aggressively engaged in the effort against child predators.”  

            “This investigation is another fine example of the collaborative efforts of state, local and federal law enforcement agencies working to bring to justice those who prey on society's most innocent victims,” said Detective Sergeant Thomas A. Grella, Commander, New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. 

            The Goffstown Police Department would like to thank everyone involved in this case for coming forward and providing crucial information that has been instrumental in seeing this case come to a successful conclusion.

            This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Goffstown and Bedford Police Departments, the Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office, and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which includes members of several other police departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Arnold Huftalen and Georgiana 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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            CONCORD, N.H. –Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Ross Gould, 30, formerly of Winchester, New Hampshire was sentenced to 8.5 years in federal prison for participating in a heroin trafficking conspiracy.

           Court documents and statements in court showed that beginning in 2011 and continuing through mid-March 2015, Gould distributed quantities of heroin throughout the Keene, New Hampshire, area.  Investigators determined that Gould initially sold gram quantities of heroin, but later started selling larger quantities of heroin to individuals in Keene and the surrounding towns.  From mid-2014 through Gould’s arrest in March of 2015, Gould’s drug trafficking increased substantially.  He obtained approximately two kilograms of heroin every four or five weeks from a heroin source in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Gould used a drug courier to obtain the heroin from the source and transport the drugs back to the Keene area where the drugs were distributed by Gould and other drug couriers. 

           After the lengthy investigation, Gould was arrested in March, 2015.  A search of Gould’s Winchester residence resulted in the seizure of approximately five grams of heroin, $11,000 cash and 14 firearms. A subsequent search of a safe that Gould kept at another residence resulted in the seizure of 1.7 kilograms of heroin, 392 grams of cocaine and a small quantity of miscellaneous pills.

           Gould pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute over one kilogram of heroin on October 5, 2017.  Under the terms of the plea agreement, Gould consented to liquidate personal property purchased with drug proceeds that resulted in the forfeiture by the United States of approximately $ 28,000.  Gould also forfeited to the United States 14 firearms that he purchased with drug proceeds. The United States previously forfeited the $11,000 cash seized from Gould’s residence.

           Three of Gould’s drug couriers have been sentenced to federal prison as a result of their participation in this drug trafficking organization. Jamie Hilow, 29, formerly of Winchester, is serving an 11-year prison sentence. Hilow’s wife, Jaclyn Hilow, 31, also formerly of Winchester, is serving a 10-year prison sentence.  Jason Daigle, 40, formerly of Nelson, is serving an eight-year prison sentence.

           Two of Gould’s sources from Lawrence also have been convicted on drug trafficking charges.  Jonathan Cruz-Marte, 34, was sentenced to 55 months in prison and Felix Portes, 56, was sentenced to 57 months in prison.

           “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to target individuals who are distributing illegal drugs in New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “While those who suffer from addiction need access to treatment, those who seek to profit from the distribution of heroin and other deadly drugs will be prosecuted aggressively.  I commend the work of the law enforcement officers who worked together during this long-term investigation to disrupt and dismantle a major drug trafficking organization that was responsible for the distribution of large quantities of heroin in the Keene area.”

            The investigation was conducted by the: (1) Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations; (2) New Hampshire Attorney General’s Drug Task Force; (3) Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; (4) New Hampshire State Police; (5) Keene, New Hampshire Police Department; (6) Richmond, New Hampshire Police Department; and (7) Salem, New Hampshire Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis 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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            CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Anthony Barth, 26, of Derry, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for fentanyl trafficking.

            According to statements made in court, Barth sold fentanyl to a cooperating individual on two occasions in July and August of 2016. On August 17, 2016, the individual placed an order for 50 “fingers” or approximately 500 grams of fentanyl. The defendant arrived at the predetermined meeting location in Derry, New Hampshire where officers attempted to arrest him. Barth tried to flee, hitting a police car and eventually abandoning his own vehicle behind a nearby business. He ran into a wooded area where he attempted to discard the drugs, but he was apprehended shortly thereafter. Officers searched the wooded area and found the drugs, which contained approximately 490 grams of fentanyl.  

            On June 5, 2017, Barth pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of a controlled substance and one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

            “Most overdose deaths in the Granite State are being caused by fentanyl,” Acting U.S. Attorney Farley said.  “The substantial amount of fentanyl that this defendant was distributing could have placed many lives at risk.  While the law enforcement community recognizes that those who suffer from addiction require treatment, those who seek to profit from the sale of these deadly products are damaging the fabric of our communities.  We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to seek substantial penalties for those who threaten our state by selling fentanyl and other deadly drugs.”

           “The state of New Hampshire is faced with a fentanyl crisis unlike ever before,” said Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson.  “Those suffering from opioid addiction need access to treatment and recovery, but those that distribute and profit from lethal drugs like fentanyl to the citizens of New Hampshire need to be held accountable.  This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal partners and our strong relationship with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

            This case was investigated by the DEA and the Manchester and Derry Police Departments. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. Konesky.

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            CONCORD, N.H. - Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Kaisle J. Raikes, 25, of Manchester, was sentenced to serve 96 months in prison for drug trafficking and firearms offenses.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on three separate occasions in May of 2017, Raikes sold methamphetamine to an individual who was cooperating with the Manchester Police Department.  Raikes displayed firearms during two of the drug transactions.  At the time of his arrest, Raikes possessed cocaine and methamphetamine.  He also had a loaded firearm in his sock.  After the police found the firearm on Raikes, he stated, “I’m no fool, you have to be ready. I would never turn it on one of you guys though.”  Members of the Manchester Police Department also executed a search warrant at the defendant’s apartment and seized two loaded firearms, ammunition, methamphetamine, cocaine, Suboxone, a digital scale, and baggies.  

            Raikes previously pleaded guilty on October 26, 2017, to three counts of distribution of a controlled substance, one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  He will be on supervised release for five years after serving his prison sentence.  The firearms have been forfeited to the United States.

            “Drugs and guns are a potentially deadly combination that can threaten the safety of our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “When drug dealers arm themselves, there is a great risk that they will commit acts of violence.  Through the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to target those who use guns to commit crimes so that we can protect our citizens from violent crime.  Those who choose to use firearms to commit crimes in New Hampshire should expect to spend many years behind bars.”

            This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra M. Walsh prosecuted the case.

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

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            CONCORD, N.H. - James Cunningham, 61, of Laconia, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court to four counts of distributing methamphetamine, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, Cunningham, a member of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, sold quantities of methamphetamine on four separate occasions in 2013 to an individual who was cooperating with the FBI.   Three of the drug transactions took place in Manchester and one occurred in Merrimack.

            Cunningham is scheduled to be sentenced on May 9, 2018.

            “Drug trafficking crimes cause tremendous damage to our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “In addition to the terrible problems of overdoses and addiction, drug trafficking often is associated with violence and can jeopardize the safety of the citizens living in the Granite State.  We continue to work each day with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute drug traffickers so that we can decrease violence and improve the quality of life in New Hampshire.”

               "We're pleased to see Mr. Cunningham, a member of one of the most violent and notorious gangs in the United States, finally accepting responsibility for trafficking illegal narcotics," said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Boston Division. “The FBI New Hampshire Safe Streets Gang Task Force is fully committed to eradicating gang violence, and the flow of illegal drugs that comes with it. Together, with our law enforcement partners, we're going to take back our communities from violent offenders who are inhibiting the safety and growth of our neighborhoods."

            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 Laconia police department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane B. Kelbley.     

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            CONCORD, N.H. -   Jody Swett, 38, of Weare, New Hampshire, has been sentenced to an 18- month term of imprisonment for possessing multiple firearms and ammunition following convictions for crimes of domestic violence, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.

            According to court records, on April 30, 2015, Swett pleaded guilty to a crime that involved domestic violence in Nashua District Court.  On October 14, 2016, Swett pleaded guilty in the same court to another crime that involved domestic violence.  As a result of the convictions, it was unlawful under federal law for Swett possess firearms and ammunition.

            Nevertheless, in a private transaction that occurred in Manchester in July 2016, Swett bought a Ruger pistol for $375.  In another private transaction that occurred in Hillsborough in October 2016, Swett bought a shotgun for $250 and a bulletproof vest. Additionally, during a search of Swett’s residence in Weare on February 10, 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation seized two .22 caliber rifles, a 9 millimeter pistol, and more than 100 rounds of ammunition.

            On July 17, 2017, Swett pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing firearms following a conviction for a crime of domestic violence.  After serving his sentence, Swett will be on supervised release for a period of 3 years.  The firearms and ammunition were forfeited to the United States.

            “It is vital to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals who present a risk of violence,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Those who have committed acts of domestic violence are prohibited from possessing guns.  We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute those who possess firearms unlawfully and to protect the safety of the community.”

            “This case is a testament to the priority we place on addressing violent crimes to keep our communities safe. Mr. Swett's actions in illegally possessing firearms shortly after his convictions for domestic crimes is a clear violation of the law,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, (FBI), Boston Division.  “The FBI will continue to collaborate with the ATF to prevent gun offenses and protect the public from dangerous criminals.” 

            The FBI and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert Kinsella prosecuted the case.

# # #

            CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Rahshim Carter, an inmate at the federal prison in Berlin, New Hampshire, was sentenced yesterday to 18 months after pleading guilty to possessing Suboxone and a homemade weapon known as a shank.  The sentence will run consecutive to his current sentence for being a felon in possession of a weapon.

            Pleadings filed with the court and statements made at the sentencing hearing established that staff at FCI-Berlin were conducting a health and sanitation check at the prison on November 24, 2016.  When they opened Carter’s cell, the staff smelled smoke.  Carter exited his cell and immediately tried to evade the prison staff by running around the second tier of the unit and jumping to the first tier.  Prison staff eventually subdued Carter and a search found the homemade weapon and a quantity of Suboxone, which is a controlled substance.

            The case was investigated by the staff at the Bureau of Prisons, FCI-Berlin.  Assistant United States Attorney Donald Feith prosecuted the case.

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             CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Jose De La Altagracia Pimentel Lara, a/k/a Luis Colon. a/k/a Jose Pimentel, a/k/a Todolindo, a/k/a El Lindon. a/k/a Lindy, 26, of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced to serve 63 months in federal prison for participating in a heroin trafficking conspiracy.

            Documents filed with the court established that Pimentel Lara participated in a drug trafficking organization that distributed heroin in Massachusetts and New Hampshire between July 2016 and September 2016.  While participating in the conspiracy, the defendant obtained heroin from the drug trafficking organization and delivered it to his customers. 

            The defendant previously pleaded guilty on September 8, 2017, to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with the intent to distribute, heroin.   

            “The drug problem in New Hampshire is worsened by those who seek to profit from the addictions of others,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who are responsible for distributing the drugs that are endangering our community.”

            “Those suffering from the disease of opioid addiction need access to treatment and recovery,” said Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson.  “But, those responsible for distributing lethal drugs like heroin to the citizens of New Hampshire need to be held accountable for their actions.  DEA and its local, state and federal partners are committed to bringing to justice those that distribute this poison.”

            The prosecution of Pimentel Lara was part of a larger DEA investigation seeking to combat heroin distribution in New Hampshire.  Other defendants also have been convicted for their involvement in this drug trafficking organization.  Alberto Guerrero Marte, 38, received a 15-year sentence, Toribio Guerrero Marte, 32, received a 10-year sentence, Allison DeJesus, 19, received a sentence of five years of probation, Jonaly DeJesus, 22, received a sentence of time served and five years of supervised release, and Allan Raymond Pimentel, 21, received a sentence of 57 months in prison.  Alfredo Gonzalez, 51, Michell DeJesus, 34, Maria Miguelina Lara Lara, 33, Santo Rodolfo Garcia Mendez, 33, Wilkin Andres Beltre Arias, 39, and Edward Garcia, 31, are all awaiting sentencing.    In a related case, Mark Gagnon, 54, of Candia, was sentenced to 48 months in prison.

            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 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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            CONCORD, N.H. - Aaron Pelchat, 36, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to bank robbery, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 23, 2017, Pelchat walked into a Northway Bank in Manchester, New Hampshire, and handed the teller a note demanding money. The teller gave Pelchat a quantity of United States currency. Surveillance cameras captured images of the robbery which were broadcast on local news outlets. Numerous individuals identified Pelchat from the photographs and he was apprehended the next day, May 24, 2017.          

            Pelchat is scheduled to be sentenced on May 8, 2018.

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

               “The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) would like to thank the concerned citizens who came forward with information to help identify Mr. Pelchat.  Robbing banks can put innocent lives at risk and we’re lucky Mr. Pelchat was arrested before anyone got hurt,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division. “Together with our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to do everything we can to make our communities safer.”

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

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            CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Brad Smith, 33, of Franklin, New Hampshire was sentenced to 50 years in federal prison for producing child pornography.  A jury previously found Smith guilty of six counts of producing child pornography after a three-day trial in April 2017.

            Evidence presented at trial showed that in January of 2016, law enforcement officers in Lafayette, Louisiana received a tip that an email address associated with the defendant was distributing child pornography. Officers traced the email address to a farm in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, where the defendant was living at the time. With the defendant’s consent, officers conducted an analysis of a hard drive owned by the defendant and uncovered a series of videos apparently created by the defendant. The investigation determined that the defendant had filmed himself engaging in multiple sexual acts with a three-and-half-year-old child in Loudon, New Hampshire. The defendant saved the videos to a hard drive and took them with him to Louisiana.

         “Today's sentence demonstrates that this community will not tolerate the horrific acts that the defendant committed against a defenseless young child,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “The United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will work tirelessly to prosecute individuals who steal the innocence of young victims.  I commend the performance of the law enforcement officers and prosecutors whose work secured this very substantial sentence.  I hope that the sentence provides some comfort to the victim’s family.”

          “This case, which involved dedicated work from Homeland Security Investigations  (HSI) both in Louisiana and in New Hampshire, as well as local, state and other federal law enforcement, serves as a testament to what persistent, professional investigative work can achieve,” said Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent–In -Charge, HSI, Boston. “HSI is proud to be part of the team that helped bring about justice in this truly disturbing case of child victimization.”

            The investigation in this case was led by Homeland Security Investigations in Lafayette, Louisiana and Manchester, New Hampshire, the Louisiana State Police, and the Concord, New Hampshire Police Department with the assistance of the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Seth Aframe and Georgiana Konesky.

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

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            CONCORD, N.H. - David Frediani, 28, of Epsom, pleaded guilty on Thursday in federal court to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, the investigation began when the defendant sold fentanyl to a cooperating individual. In September of 2017, police executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence and found four firearms, ammunition, over 511 grams of fentanyl, and approximately $24,000.    

           The defendant’s plea agreement includes a binding stipulated sentence of 150 months’ imprisonment. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for May 14, 2018.

            “Opioids are killing hundreds of residents of New Hampshire each year,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “The danger posed by drug trafficking is further increased when drug dealers use firearms to further their unlawful activities.  I commend the law enforcement officers for protecting the community from the dangers posed by the fentanyl and firearms in this case.” 

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

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            Concord, N.H.—Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Jose Serrano Ayuso, 31, and Lilian Zapata, a/k/a Marta Arus, 52, both previously of Manchester, New Hampshire, have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl in 2016.

            According to court records and statements in court, on several occasions between August and October of 2016, investigators used a cooperating individual to make purchases of heroin from Ayuso.  On two occasions when Ayuso was unavailable, Zapata delivered the requested drugs.  Laboratory analyses later showed that the defendants actually were distributing fentanyl.

            During the execution of a search warrant at the defendants’ shared residence in Manchester in October 2016, investigators found more than 230 grams of fentanyl, a handgun, drug ledgers, over $5,000 of U.S. currency, and identifying documents in Ayuso’s bedroom.  In the apartment kitchen, investigators found an iced tea container containing over 640 grams of fentanyl.  Investigators also located a scale and a press for forming “fingers” of fentanyl for distribution in other areas of the apartment. In total, this investigation led to the seizure of more than one kilogram of fentanyl. 

            Both Zapata and Ayuso pleaded guilty in fall 2017.  On January 5, 2018, Zapata received a sentence of 54 months in prison.  On January 18, 2018, Ayuso received a sentence of 144 months in prison.

            “As our state grapples with the challenges of the opioid crisis, there are still those who seek to profit from the sale of fentanyl and other deadly drugs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Far too many lives in New Hampshire have been lost to drug overdoses.  Those who choose to sell fentanyl and other deadly drugs are endangering their customers and causing great damage to our community.  We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to stop the flow of fentanyl into the Granite State and to protect our community from further harm.”

            “Mr. Ayuso and Ms. Zapata will now pay the price for their roles in a large scale drug operation that distributed more than a kilo of fentanyl, the top cause of drug related deaths in New Hampshire,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Boston Division.  “Each and every day, the FBI New Hampshire Safe Streets Gang Task Force is hard at work targeting distributors and their supply chains, who are blatantly contributing to the tragic opioid crisis that is wreaking havoc in communities all over our state.” 

            The matter was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which consists of FBI Special Agents and members of the Manchester Police Department, the Hudson Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, the Nashua Police Department, and the New Hampshire Department of Corrections Probation and Parole.  Investigators also received assistance of the New Hampshire HIDTA.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

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            CONCORD, N.H. - Matthew Felton, 38, of Somersworth, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of production of child pornography, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, the defendant used several social media accounts to disguise his identity, pose as a female representative of a modeling agency, and solicit sexually explicit photographs of young girls purportedly to help them secure modeling contracts. Specifically, he persuaded three girls (ages 12 through 14), all of whom were located in Canada, to photograph themselves engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The girls sent the photographs to the defendant over the Internet.

            Felton is scheduled to be sentenced on April 26, 2018.

            “Those who produce child pornography cause untold amounts of damage to their youthful victims,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Unfortunately, the widespread use of social media has increased the opportunities for young people to be victimized.  While we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to prosecute those who rob children of their innocence by committing crimes like this, we also encourage parents to speak to their children about the need to be extremely cautious when communicating on social media.”

               “This case was a great example of what strong coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutors can achieve in combatting the scourge of child pornography and child endangerment from those who would engage in such depraved acts”, said Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent–In -Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston. “HSI is committed to ensuring that justice is delivered against these type of predators.”

            This matter was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations, the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and law enforcement authorities in Canada.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana Konesky. 

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

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            CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Cory Danis, 29, of Rochester, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing child pornography. 

            According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2015 the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) was contacted by a New York firm that was in the business of producing canvas prints from photographs.  The firm had received a photograph of a minor in a sexually explicit pose as part of an order for a canvas print of the image.  The firm provided the FBI with contact information for the customer.  Further investigation by the FBI resulted in the identification of Danis as the customer who possessed the image that was sent to the New York business and who ordered the canvas print.

            Danis, who pleaded guilty on August 22, 2017, was also sentenced to 5 years of supervised release, which will begin after he is released from prison.

            “The protection of children is one of the most important missions of law enforcement,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Through Project Safe Neighborhoods, we will work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to combat child pornography and other crimes that exploit children.”

            “When children are sexually assaulted to produce photos, they are not just victimized once, but repeatedly re-victimized through the on-line trading of their images,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division. “It takes an engaged and attentive community to counter these threats to our most vulnerable, and the FBI would like to thank the concerned citizen who came forward to report these egregious acts and remind others of the importance of reporting these crimes to law enforcement.”

            The FBI conducted the investigation of this case with assistance from the Rochester Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Helen White Fitzgibbon and Assistant United States Attorney Donald Feith.

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

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            CONCORD, N.H. – Chaka Meredith, 42, previously of Laconia, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court to the robberies of seven banks in late 2016 and early 2017, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, 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.   Meredith has been in custody since his arrest by the Lawrence, Massachusetts Police on February 1, 2017. 

            Meredith was originally indicted for a robbery in Plaistow on March 8, 2017, and his guilty plea today resolves all of his pending charges in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire resulting from the month-long bank robbery spree. 

Meredith is scheduled to be sentenced on May 9, 2018.  As part of his plea agreement, he will be required to pay restitution to the financial institutions he robbed. 

            “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to combat violent crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This defendant’s crime spree is the type of conduct that creates fear in our communities.  Those who engage in such criminal activities will be prosecuted aggressively in order to protect the safety of the citizens of the Granite State.”

            “Mr. Meredith is finally accepting responsibility for his multi-state crime spree, where very fortunately, no one was harmed.   Due to the close collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we were able to track him down and safely get him off the streets,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division (FBI). “This case demonstrates the commitment of the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force in bringing to justice those who break the law and intimidate hard-working citizens.”

            This matter was investigated by the FBI, 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

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             CONCORD, N.H. – A former corrections officer at the Federal Corrections Institution in Berlin, New Hampshire, Latoya Sebree, 37, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison for accepting bribes from inmates, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced.

               According to court documents, the criminal investigation began when law enforcement agents received information that Sebree was providing marijuana and other controlled substances, cell phones, tobacco and other contraband to inmates in exchange for cash payments. Thereafter, during communications that were monitored by the law enforcement agents, Sebree agreed to deliver a cell phone and a quantity of tobacco to in an inmate in exchange for $2,000.  The items were shipped in a package to Sebree’s post office box.  Sebree removed the package from the post office and then drove to her former residence in Milan, New Hampshire.  When investigators went to Sebree’s home to execute a search warrant, she gave them the $2,000 and the cell phone. While being questioned by law enforcement agents, Sebree admitted that she had provided controlled substances, cell phones, and other prohibited items to inmates over a several week period, in exchange for cash.  During the search of Sebree’s home, investigators seized Suboxone strips, a heat sealer, tobacco in various stages of packaging, as well as other evidence.

            Sebree pleaded guilty on September 5, 2017 to accepting bribes.  After serving her sentence, Sebree will be on supervised release for one year.

            “The public deserves honest service from its civil servants,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This officer betrayed the public trust and undermined the safety and integrity of a federal prison facility by taking bribes to smuggle contraband into a prison.  This type of conduct cannot be tolerated.  Those who attempt to profit from their public positions will be prosecuted aggressively.”

            “The smuggling of cell phones and drugs into our federal prison system puts correctional officers and staff, inmates, and the community at risk,” stated Ronald G. Gardella, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Department of Justice (“DOJ”), Office of the Inspector General’s New York Field Office.  “The OIG will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to investigate and bring to justice any DOJ employee involved in prison contraband smuggling.”

            “It’s very troubling that Ms. Sebree sought to profit from her position by accepting bribes from inmates and providing contraband for cash,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division (FBI).  “Greed and corruption have no place in our criminal justice system, and the FBI is committed to identifying corrupt public employees like Sebree, who undermine the confidence and trust expected from those in public service.”

The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, with support from FCI-Berlin’s Office of the Special Investigative Supervisor.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert Kinsella.

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            CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Audie Cruz-De Los Santos, 40, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Berlin, New Hampshire, was sentenced to serve an additional 24 months in federal for assaulting another inmate with a box cutter. 

            According to statements made in court and documents filed with the court, Cruz-De Los Santos assaulted another inmate from behind and slashed the neck of the inmate using a box cutter.  The video surveillance system at FCI-Berlin captured Cruz-De Los Santos placing an object in a recycling container located within the unit where the assault took place.  Prison staff retrieved a blood stained box cutter from the container immediately after the assault.  The assaulted inmate was treated at Androscoggin Valley Hospital and then transferred to Dartmouth Hitchcock for surgery to treat the wound.

            The defendant previously pleaded guilty on September 26, 2017.  The sentence will run consecutive to the defendant’s current federal prison sentence for possessing a firearm.

            The case was investigated by the staff at the Federal Bureau of Prisons.  Assistant United States Attorney Donald Feith prosecuted the case.

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            CONCORD, N.H. - Jason Stone, 39, of Greenland, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing child pornography, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the defendant's residence in October 2016.  A review of various electronic devices found in the residences showed that they contained more than 100 images and videos of child pornography.     

            Stone is scheduled to be sentenced on May 1, 2018.

            “Child pornography crimes jeopardize the innocence of young people,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.   “Through the Project Safe Childhood initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office works closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who possess child pornography, as well as those who produce or distribute this material.”

               This matter was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

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

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            CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Toribio Guerrero Marte, a/k/a Luis Rodriguez Lugo, a/k/a Boss, 32 of the Dominican Republic was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for heroin trafficking.

            Documents filed with the court established that Guerrero Marte participated in a drug trafficking organization between June 2015 and October 2016.  This organization distributed heroin to customers from Massachusetts and New Hampshire.  The defendant admitted that he delivered drugs to customers of the organization on a daily basis. 

            The defendant pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute heroin on August 7, 2017.  After serving his prison sentence, he will be on supervised release for 3 years.   He also faces possible deportation to the Dominican Republic after he has served his sentence.

            The investigation and prosecution of Guerrero Marte was part of a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) effort to address heroin distribution in New Hampshire.  In addition to Toribio Guerrero Marte’s prosecution, his brother Alberto Guerrero Marte, 38, received a 15-year sentence, Allison DeJesus, age 19, received a sentence of five years of probation.  Jonaly DeJesus, 22, received a sentence of time served and five years of supervised release, and Allan Raymond Pimentel, 21, received a sentence of 57 months in prison.  Michell DeJesus, 34, Maria Miguelina Lara Lara, 33, Santo Rodolfo Garcia Mendez, 33, Wilkin Andres Beltre Arias, 39, Edward Garcia, 31, and Luis Colon, 30, are all awaiting sentencing.    In a related case, Mark Gagnon, 54, of Candia, was sentenced to 48 months in prison.

           “Members of the law enforcement community in New Hampshire are united in our effort to stop the flow the flow of heroin and other deadly drugs into the Granite State,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Those who attempt to profit from the sale of these drugs will be identified and prosecuted.  I salute the law enforcement agencies whose teamwork made this prosecution possible.”

           “Those suffering from the disease of opioid addiction need access to treatment and recovery,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson.  “But, those responsible for distributing lethal drugs like heroin to the citizens of New Hampshire need to be held accountable for their actions.  DEA pledges to aggressively pursue Drug Trafficking Organizations or individuals who are coming from out of state to distribute this poison in order to profit and destroy people’s lives.  This investigation would not have been a success without the continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”

            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 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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            CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that  Paul Channel, 27, of Belmont, was sentenced to  41 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number and possession of a controlled substance – fentanyl.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 25, 2017, after a telephone call from a concerned citizen, an officer with the Manchester Police Department stopped Channel while he was driving a vehicle on Elm Street.  The officer conducted a pat- frisk of Channel and located three syringes and a clear plastic baggie containing a controlled substance that subsequently tested positive for fentanyl.  Channel did not have a prescription for the fentanyl.  The police also located a firearm with an obliterated serial number in Channel’s vehicle.  Channel is prohibited from possessing a firearm because he is a convicted felon.

            Channel previously pleaded guilty on October 2, 2017.  In addition to the 41 month prison sentence, the Court ordered Channel to serve 3 years of supervised release.

            “Stopping violent crime is one of the highest priorities of the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Through the Project Safe Neighborhoods program, we work with our law enforcement partners to keep guns out of the hands of criminals.  By prosecuting those who possess guns illegally, we will reduce the risk of violent crime and make our communities safer.”

               This case was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra M. Walsh prosecuted the case.

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

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          CONCORD, N.H. – Thomas Kellermann, 65, of Bedford, pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to tampering with a consumer product and obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.   

          According to court documents and statements in court, Kellerman was employed as a pharmacist at a pharmacy in Bedford that dispensed prescription drugs to patients, including patients at hospice facilities.  In 2011, Kellermann began abusing narcotic pain relievers.  In March of 2012, Kellermann took medical leave from his position.  While on medical leave in March and April 2012, Kellerman repeatedly returned to the pharmacy after business hours and on weekends and stole narcotic pain medication for his personal use.  Kellermann removed the plastic top of vials containing hydromorphone and morphine, inserted syringes into the vials, and withdrew drugs from the vials.  He then injected saline into the vials, placed a small amount of glue on top of the vials to reattach the plastic caps, and placed the vials back into pharmacy stock.  This made it appear that the vials were unused.  Kellermann also accessed hydromorphone that had been prepared for delivery to a patient, but which had been returned to the pharmacy and wasted. 

          The tampering was discovered when an employee of the pharmacy detected irregularities in certain vials of drugs.  After the tampering was discovered, some of the vials were analyzed by an independent laboratory and found to be substantially below their labeled strength.

          Kellermann pleaded guilty to a two-count Information charging him with one count of tampering with a consumer product and one count of obtaining a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, deception, or subterfuge.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 9, 2018.

          “Tampering with controlled substances by health care workers is a very serious crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This type of activity is a betrayal of the trust that patients place in the health care system.  Tampering and diversion not only can deprive patients of needed medicine but also can expose patients to other substantial health risks. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute health care workers who engage in this very dangerous conduct.”

          “Patients deserve to have confidence that they are receiving the proper treatment from those entrusted with providing their medical care,” said Jeffrey J. Ebersole, Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations’ New York Field Office. “We must hold medical personnel accountable when they take advantage of their unique position and tamper with drugs needed by their patients. Tampering can not only endanger the health of patients by exposing them to contaminated products but also may deny them access to the treatments they need.”

          “The reckless action by this health care worker is not only a violation of the Controlled Substance Act but a betrayal of the public trust,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson.  “In response to the ongoing opioid epidemic DEA’s obligation is to improve public safety and public health, and we are committed to working with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to ensure that these rules and regulations are followed.”

          The investigation was conducted by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Criminal Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold H. Huftalen and Special Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Hawkins of the FDA’s Office of Chief Counsel.

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            CONCORD, N.H. – Einstin Antonio Cantos, 40, a citizen of Ecuador who was residing in California, has been sentenced to serve 18 months in prison for making false statements on an application for a United States passport, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.

            According to court documents, in December 2005, Cantos completed an application for a U.S. passport using the name, date of birth, social security number, and other personal identifying information that belong to a United States citizen, “J.S.”  The application was submitted to the National Passport Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with passport-sized photographs of Cantos and a certified copy of J.S.’s birth certificate.  Relying on the information in the application and the supporting documentation, the Passport Center issued a U.S. passport to Cantos in J.S.’s name.  In 2013, Cantos applied for a U.S. passport card in the name of J.S.  He later obtained a passport card based upon his false representation that he was J.S. 

            Cantos pleaded guilty on September 1, 2017 to making false statements.  After serving his time in prison, he will be deported back to Ecuador.

            “It is vital to ensure that United States passports are not issued to individuals who are not entitled to receive them,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “In order to protect the integrity of the passport process, those who use fraud or false statements in order to obtain passports will be identified and prosecuted.”

             “The Diplomatic Security Service is firmly committed to working with the U.S. Department of Justice and our other law enforcement partners to investigate allegations of crime related to passport and visa fraud and to bring those who commit these crimes to justice,” said Michael Bishop, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Los Angeles Field Office of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS).

            The U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert Kinsella prosecuted the case.

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CONCORD, N.H. – Kenneth Feliz, 53, of Manchester and the former owner of the Smug Peach check cashing business in Nashua, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for his role in a fraudulent federal income tax scheme, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.

           According to court documents and statements made in court, from January 2012 to December 2013, Gladys Pena, a resident of Bronx, New York, couriered 161 U.S. Treasury tax refund checks, totaling more than $1.1 million, from New York New York, to Feliz in New Hampshire.  As Pena knew, the checks were obtained from the Internal Revenue Service by conspirators who filed fraudulent income tax returns using legitimate taxpayers’ stolen social security numbers and other personal identifying information.  Feliz knowingly cashed the checks in exchange for fees that were equal to 10 percent of the value of each check.

           Feliz previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal public money, theft of public, money and aggravated identity theft. 

           On May 22, 2017, Pena was sentenced to a 54-month term of incarceration for her role in the scheme.  Feliz and Pena are also required to make restitution payments totaling $1,095,879.44 to the United States Treasury.

            “Tax refund schemes such as this not only steal money from taxpayers but also cause serious harm to the individuals who have their identification information stolen,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We will continue to work closely with the IRS to protect the integrity of the tax system and to protect the public from identity theft crimes.”

            “Investigating identity theft and tax refund fraud is a top priority for IRS Criminal Investigation,” said Special Agent in Charge Joel P. Garland.  “Each phase of this crime is a serious offense, from stealing innocent victims’ identities, to filing false tax returns, and cashing fraudulently-obtained refund checks as Mr. Feliz did.  This sentence highlights our commitment, along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, to eradicate identity theft, safeguard honest taxpayers and protect the integrity of our Nation’s tax system.”

           The case was by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Manchester, with assistance from the IRS/CI office in New York, N.Y.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Bill Morse and Bob Kinsella.

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             CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Allan Raymond Pimentel, 21, of Lawrence, Massachusetts was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for his participation in a heroin trafficking conspiracy.

            Court filings and statements made in court established that Pimentel participated in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) between June 2016 and October 2016 during which time he delivered drugs to his own customers while being supplied by the DTO.  Pimentel also delivered drugs to customers of the DTO. 

            Pimental, who previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute heroin, will serve three years of supervised release after serving his prison sentence.

           The investigation and prosecution of Pimentel a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) effort to address heroin distribution in New Hampshire.  In addition to DeJesus’s prosecution, Alberto Guerrero Marte, 38, was sentenced to 15 years in prison.  Michell DeJesus, 34, Luis Rodriguez Lugo, 34, Maria Miguelina Lara, 33, Santo Rodolfo Garcia Mendez, 33, Wilkin Andres Beltre Arias, 39, Edward Garcia, 31, and Luis Colon, 30, all entered guilty pleas and are awaiting sentencing.  Allison DeJesus, age 19, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years of probation.  Jonaly DeJesus, 22, was sentenced to time served and five years of supervised release.  In a related case, Mark Gagnon, 54, of Candia, was sentenced to 48 months in prison.

           “The law enforcement community is united in its effort to stop the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and other dangerous drugs into our state,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “This defendant and his associates were responsible for the distribution of significant amounts of heroin.  Those like this defendant who choose to profit from the sale of deadly drugs will be prosecuted aggressively.” 

           “Opioid abuse is at epidemic levels in the Granite State and those suffering from heroin and fentanyl addiction need access to treatment and recovery,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson.  “But, those responsible for distributing lethal drugs like heroin to the citizens of New Hampshire need to be held accountable for their actions.  DEA is committed to aggressively pursue Drug Trafficking Organizations or 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; 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.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald A. Feith.

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

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Elizabeth Salinas-Roldan, 42, previously of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

         According to court documents and statements made in court, between May and July 2016, the defendant arranged with others to distribute cocaine to a cooperating individual in transactions that were audio and video-recorded.   The defendant was arrested in December of 2016.

          Salinas-Roldan will be sentenced on April 12, 2018.  She has been in custody since her arrest.

          “The U.S. Attorney’s Office works each day with our law enforcement partners to stop drug trafficking in our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “I commend the hard work of the law enforcement officers whose efforts resulted in this conviction.”

          “This guilty plea not only exemplifies Ms. Salinas-Roldan's full acceptance of her criminal activity, but her role in fueling the flow of illegal narcotics right here in Manchester,” said Special Agent in Charge, Harold H. Shaw, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division (FBI).  “The FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force will continue do everything in its power to address violence and gang activity within our communities, as well as stop the sale of illegal drugs and dangerous substances impacting our neighbors, families, and friends across the region.”

          This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which consists of FBI Special Agents and members of the Manchester Police Department, the Hudson Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, the Nashua Police Department, and the New Hampshire Department of Corrections Probation and Parole.  It was also 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.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

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            CONCORD, N.H. - Nicole Perry, 22, of Berwick, Maine, was sentenced in federal court to 57 months’ in prison for fentanyl trafficking, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 20, 2016, members of the Strafford County Drug Task Force conducted surveillance on a vehicle in which Perry was a passenger as it travelled from Gonic, New Hampshire to Lawrence, Massachusetts.  As the car returned to New Hampshire, law enforcement officers conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 16, just beyond the Dover tolls.  Perry admitted that she had purchased drugs, which were concealed in her clothing.  A later search revealed that Perry was in possession of approximately 116 grams of fentanyl.           

               In September of 2017, Perry pleaded guilty to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute.  Upon her release from federal prison, Perry will serve a period of three years of supervised release. 

            “Fentanyl continues to be the primary cause of the large number of deadly overdose deaths that are plaguing the Granite State,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “I commend the work of the law enforcement officers in this case who successfully prevented the distribution of a large quantity of this deadly drug.  We will continue to work closely each day with our law enforcement partners to stop the flow of fentanyl and other deadly drugs into our state.”

               This matter was investigated by the Strafford County Drug Task Force, including officers from the police departments of Dover and Rochester, NH, the Strafford County Sheriff’s Department, and the New Hampshire State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Davis and Shane B. Kelbley.

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that

Brian O’Rourke, 54, of Manchester, pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. 

          According to court documents and statements made during today’s plea hearing, on or about April 19, 2017, U.S. Postal Inspectors intercepted a suspicious package mailed to O’Rourke from Las Vegas, Nevada, that they opened pursuant to a federal search warrant.  Inside, they found 5.349 kilograms – approximately 12 pounds -- of highly potent methamphetamine.  After removing the methamphetamine and substituting a “dummy” substance to restore the package to its original weight, Postal Inspectors arranged for the delivery of the package to O’Rourke.  Surveilling law enforcement officers then watched O’Rourke as he drove to an area behind a Manchester furniture store, where O’Rourke met with Dustin Moss, and transferred the package to Moss.  Four days later, O’Rourke received another package, which Postal Inspectors opened with O’Rourke’s consent.  Inside was an additional 3.571 kilograms – or eight pounds -- of highly potent methamphetamine. 

          Dustin Moss, 29, of Manchester, Katrina Jones, 39, of Goffstown, and Sabrina Moss, 31, of Manchester, also face federal charges related to this methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy.  Dustin Moss and Katrina Jones are scheduled for trial on March 6, 2018.  Sabrina Moss is scheduled for trial on January 23, 2018.

          O’Rourke’s sentencing has been scheduled for March 30, 2018. 

          “Although our state is facing a significant opioid crisis, other dangerous drugs continue to present a threat to the Granite State,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “Methamphetamine is a deadly drug that has been linked to overdoses in New Hampshire.  I commend the law enforcement officers for their work in this case, which prevented a very substantial amount of methamphetamine from being distributed in our community.”

            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 Bill Morse and John Davis. 

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          CONCORD – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Casey Jones, 41, formerly of Rochester, New Hampshire, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for fentanyl trafficking.

          Statements made in court and court filings established that during the late evening hours of March 31, 2016, a New Hampshire State Police Trooper on patrol in Dover, New Hampshire observed the defendant driving his vehicle erratically. As a result, the trooper conducted a traffic stop of the defendant’s vehicle. During the course of the traffic stop, $2,266 in cash was located on the defendant’s person. A search of the defendant’s vehicle at the scene resulted in the seizure of a digital scale, cell phone, plastic baggies commonly used for packaging narcotics, and hypodermic needles.  The vehicle was towed to the New Hampshire State Police barracks and a search warrant was obtained for the vehicle.  During the search, over 77 grams of fentanyl were found in a duffle bag within the vehicle.

          In September of 2017, Jones pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute.  Upon his release from federal prison, Jones will serve a period of three years of supervised release.

          “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to address the significant presence of heroin and fentanyl in New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We will continue to target those who are distributing these deadly drugs in the streets of New Hampshire and to prosecute drug trafficking offenses aggressively.  I commend the Trooper whose work prevented a significant amount of fentanyl from being distributed in New Hampshire.”

          The investigation was conducted by the New Hampshire State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis prosecuted the case.

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         CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Matthew Adey, 47, of Malden Massachusetts was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison for producing child pornography.

         According to statements in court and court documents, on February 26, 2017, the defendant met a 14-year-old boy in an online local interest chat group. The defendant, aware of the child’s age, requested a photograph of the child engaging in sexually explicit conduct, which the child took and sent to the defendant. The defendant continued to communicate with the child over the Internet.  On March 4, 2017, the defendant traveled from Massachusetts to the child’s residence in New Hampshire. On March 4 and March 5, 2017, the defendant engaged in sexual intercourse with the child multiple times. A subsequent forensic analysis of the defendant’s computers indicated that he possessed various images and videos containing additional child pornography.

         Adey, who previously pleaded guilty, will be on supervised release for ten years following his release from prison.

          “Those who produce child pornography rob children of their innocence and cause immeasurable harm,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “We work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who prey on minors.  Lengthy sentences like this should send a clear message that this type of behavior will not be tolerated in our community.” 

          The investigation in this case was led by the Londonderry, New Hampshire Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police Computer Crimes Unit, and Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Massachusetts Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Georgiana L. Konesky.

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

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Cassandra Chandler, 25, of Franconia, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley of the announced today.

          According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 18, 2017, after an investigation of Chandler's possession of drugs, law enforcement officers from the Franconia, Littleton, and Sugar Hill, New Hampshire police departments executed a search warrant for Chandler's apartment in Franconia, New Hampshire. In Chandler’s bedroom, within arm's reach of her bed, officers found approximately 48 grams of fentanyl.

          Chandler is scheduled to be sentenced on March 29, 2018.

          “Fentanyl and other deadly drugs are causing tremendous harm in New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “I commend the work of the police officers in this case.  By getting this fentanyl off the streets, they may have saved several lives.”

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

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          CONCORD, N.H. - Felicia Jordan, 28, of Concord, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for drug trafficking, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

          According to court documents and statements made in court, Concord police offices conducted several undercover drug buys from Jordan in March 2016.  On May 19, 2016, police executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence, resulting in the seizure of almost 100 grams of fentanyl. 

          On September 13, 2017, Jordan pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.

          “As the large number of fatal fentanyl-related overdoses in our state show, fentanyl is a deadly drug,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “The law enforcement community in New Hampshire is working hard each day to stop the flow of this deadly drug into our state.  While those suffering from addiction need access to treatment, those who choose to distribute fentanyl in the Granite State will be prosecuted aggressively.”

          This matter was investigated by the Concord Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shane B. Kelbley and Georgiana L. Konesky.

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