District of New Hampshire

CONCORD – A Manchester man was sentenced today in federal court for illegally possessing a firearm, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Anthony Clagon, age 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante to 23 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.  In June 2025, Clagon pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person.

“This defendant has already taken a life and remains prohibited from possessing firearms as a result of his previous criminal conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan. “By illegally arming himself with a gun and ammunition, he put our communities at serious risk. Today’s sentence makes clear that we will hold repeat offenders accountable and do everything we can to keep deadly weapons out of the hands of those who are legally barred from having them.”

“In its investigations of dangerous felons in possession of firearms, ATF seeks to prioritize the most violent offenders posing the greatest threat to public safety. As a convicted murderer who immediately persisted in a life of crime upon his release from state prison, Clagon represents such an individual. This prosecution represents a vital component of ATF’s mission to protect the public and we would like to thank our partners at the Manchester Police Department for their collaboration on this investigation,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Clagon was convicted of second-degree murder in 2010 and, as a result, could not legally possess a firearm. After completing his sentence on that charge, Clagon began selling drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, and crack. In November 2024, Clagon sold marijuana to a customer who eventually paid for the drugs with a firearm and two magazines. Law enforcement searched Clagon’s apartment and found the firearm and two magazines, each containing nine .45 caliber rounds of ammunition.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. The Manchester Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter prosecuted the case.

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CONCORD –A Derry man was indicted for distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Joseph Baran, 55, was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint. He appeared in federal court on August 21, 2025.

According to court documents, Baran was involved in the collection and distribution of CSAM as part of a technically sophisticated, anonymous, online group.

The investigation was led by the FBI’s Headquarter-based Child Exploitation Operational Unit, with assistance from the FBI’s Boston Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo is prosecuting the case. Trial Attorney Kaylynn Foulon for the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section at the U.S. Department of Justice provided valuable assistance.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. 

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CONCORD – A Groveton man was sentenced to more than 4 years in federal prison for traveling from New Hampshire to Vermont to sexually abuse a minor victim, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Brandon Couture, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott to 51 months imprisonment and 7 years of supervised release. On May 22, 2025, Couture pleaded guilty to one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual activity.

“This defendant’s conduct was predatory and calculated. He crossed state lines with the sole purpose of abusing a child,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan. “This 51-month sentence underscores our commitment to protecting children from those who aim to exploit them, and it sends a clear message: If you prey on minors, we will use every tool and resource at our disposal to investigate you, prosecute you, and ensure you are held accountable.”

“It’s grimly ironic that Brandon Couture, a father himself, admitted to actively planning, and traveling across state lines to sexually abuse a 15-year-old girl. This predator victimized a vulnerable minor and with today’s sentence, he’ll pay a steep price for his atrocious behavior,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “Those who sexually exploit children do serious lasting harm, and the FBI is committed to finding and bringing them to justice.” 

On June 13, 2024, Couture was arrested after a law enforcement investigation revealed that had he traveled from New Hampshire to Vermont to engage in criminal sexual activity with a minor victim.

The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The Northumberland Police Department and the Essex County, Vermont Sheriff’s Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. 

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CONCORD – A Manchester man was sentenced on September 9th, 2025, in federal court for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Joseph Coffey, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Joseph N. Laplante to 60 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.  On February 25, 2025, Coffey pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.  Coffey’s co-defendant, Zachary Austin, also pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison.

“The defendant and his co-conspirator worked to introduce a significant amount of methamphetamine into the Manchester area,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan. “Methamphetamine has inflicted tremendous damage on our communities over the past decade, and law enforcement in the Granite State will continue to relentlessly work to dismantle large-scale drug distributors.”

“DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes poisons like methamphetamine in order to profit and destroy lives,” said Special Agent in Charge, Jarod Forget, New England Field Division.  “Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities so every time we take drugs off the streets, lives are saved. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative local, state and federal law enforcement efforts and our strong partnership with U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

According to the plea agreement and statements made in court, Coffey and Austin operated a methamphetamine distribution business out of their shared Manchester apartment.  Between July and September 2024, Coffey and Austin sold methamphetamine to law enforcement on five occasions.  Searches of their apartment and vehicle later uncovered additional methamphetamine.  In total, law enforcement recovered approximately 3.66 pounds of methamphetamine.

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen prosecuted the case.

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CONCORD – A Massachusetts man was sentenced today in federal court for firearms trafficking and illegally possessing a firearm, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Gicliff Rodriguez, age 24, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Steven J. McAuliffe to 63 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. In May 2025, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to firearms trafficking and possession of firearms by a prohibited person. On June 30, 2025, Rodriguez’ co-defendant, Rachael Cummings, was sentenced to 12 months of probation.

“Federal law is clear: if you are prohibited from possessing a firearm, you cannot try to get around that restriction by having someone else buy one for you,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan. “This defendant’s actions put the public in danger, and we will continue to prosecute those who attempt to sidestep the law at the expense of public safety.”

“The illegal trafficking firearms always poses a risk to the public. Rodriguez placed firearms in the hands of criminals who used them to commit acts of violence,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo. “Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of that risk to the public and should serve as a warning to everyone that the unlawful trafficking of firearms will not be tolerated. ATF also commends the exemplary work of our partners at the Lowell Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2024, Rodriguez and Cummings drove from Massachusetts to a firearms and ammunition store in New Hampshire, where Rodriguez instructed Cummings to purchase three semiautomatic weapons for him. As a previously convicted felon, Rodriguez could not legally own or possess firearms. Investigators later recovered two of the three handguns purchased for Rodriguez, after they were used in violent crimes in Massachusetts.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S Attorney Matthew T. Hunter is prosecuting the case.

This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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CONCORD – A Manchester woman was arrested on an indictment charging her with the distribution of animal crush videos, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Lynn Seymour, 51, of Manchester, was indicted on one count of distribution of animal crush videos and one count of conspiracy.  Seymour appeared in federal court today and was released pending further court proceedings.

According to the charging documents, Seymour is alleged to have participated in and served as the administrator for private online groups which included hundreds of members.  The purpose of the groups was to exchange and distribute animal crush videos depicting the torture, murder, sexually sadistic mutilation and sexual abuse of animals, specifically baby and adult monkeys.

The charge of distribution of animal crush videos provides a sentence of no greater than 7 years in prison, and the conspiracy charges provides a sentence of no greater than 5 years.   Both charges can carry terms of supervised release of up to 3 years and fines of up to $250,000.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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CONCORD – A Rhode Island man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Concord to conspiring to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Antonio Aguasvivas, 30 years old, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott to 51 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. In February 2025, Aguasvivas pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, namely, cocaine and fentanyl.  The defendant was originally charged with conspiracy on April 26, 2023, along with 20 other defendants. To date, 10 defendants have been sentenced.

“This sentence reflects the seriousness of trafficking drugs in our communities and underscores our commitment to holding those at every level of the supply chain accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan. “Every role within these criminal networks is critical to their operation, and all involved will be held responsible for their contribution to the drug trade in the Granite State.”

“Antonio Aguasvivas led a major drug trafficking organization in our region that pumped large quantities of deadly narcotics into our communities, profiting off the addiction of others,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “Now Mr. Aguasvivas will spend the next four years behind bars where he can’t harm anyone else. The FBI and our partners will continue to investigate and disrupt sprawling drug trafficking operations like this one, as we work to make our neighborhoods safer.”

“New Hampshire is in the midst of a devastating opioid crisis, as deaths from fentanyl soar. The DEA will continue to use every resource available to identify those, like Mr. Aguasvivas, who are contributing to the crisis by distributing dangerous drugs like fentanyl and cocaine in our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge, Jarod Forget, New England Field Division. “Yesterday’s sentence holds Mr. Aguasvivas accountable for his crimes, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to put other callous distributers like him behind bars.”

According to the plea agreement and statements made in court, the defendant played a lead role in a Massachusetts-based drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine in Manchester and elsewhere.  The organization used a dispatch operation to sell drugs: customers called a phone line to purchase narcotics and would speak to the defendant who would then put the customer in touch with a drug runner to complete the drug sale.  Between October 6, 2022 and March 7, 2023, law enforcement agents observed and recorded ten sales of fentanyl and crack cocaine in Manchester conducted by the defendant and others working for him.  Law enforcement obtained information that, during this timeframe, the defendant would drive to New Hampshire every day from Rhode Island to deliver large amounts of narcotics to his runners.  When customers called the dispatch line, on some occasions, the defendant would personally deliver the narcotics to customers himself, while on others, his runners would do so.  Law enforcement recovered 120 grams of fentanyl and 70 grams of crack cocaine from runners’ vehicles and drug sales the defendant conducted with individuals working for law enforcement.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Kennedy is prosecuting the case. 

This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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CONCORD – A Mexican national pleaded guilty today to transporting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) while illegally crossing from Canada into the United States, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Jose Rodriguez-Garcia, 27, a Mexican national pleaded guilty to one count of transporting child sexual abuse material. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Landya McCafferty scheduled sentencing for December 15, 2025.

According to the charging documents and statements made in court, on June 6, 2024, Rodriguez-Garcia and another man were observed by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol crossing from Canada into New Hampshire at Hall Stream Road.  A search of the defendant yielded several electronic media devices, including a thumb drive which depicted CSAM.

The charge of transporting CSAM carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau is prosecuting the case. 

This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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CONCORD – A Keene man pleaded guilty to a child exploitation offense, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Connor Mueller, 31, pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

U.S. District Judge Steven McAuliffe scheduled sentencing for December 16, 2025.

In 2023, an undercover law enforcement operation identified Mueller as using specialized peer-to-peer software to receive videos containing CSAM. The same software allowed other users to access materials shared by Mueller. Law enforcement subsequently searched Mueller’s home and discovered multiple devices which together contained numerous images and videos depicting child sexual abuse.

The charging statute provides a sentence of up to 20 years. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statues which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. 

Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Keene Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo is prosecuting the case.

The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.

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CONCORD – A Guatemalan national pleaded guilty and was sentenced for unlawful reentry into the United States, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.
 

Jorge Misael Niz, 43, a Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in Salem, pleaded guilty and was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha D. Elliott to time served, or two months. Niz is currently in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for removal to Guatemala.

Niz was previously ordered to be removed from the United States by an Immigration Judge and was deported to Guatemala on March 30, 2006. On the evening of April 27, 2025, the Salem Police Department responded to an apartment after receiving a report of a domestic violence incident. Law enforcement arrested Niz for simple assault. After learning of the defendant’s immigration status, they referred him to ICE.

ICE led the investigation. The Salem Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo prosecuted the case.

This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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CONCORD – A Guatemalan national was sentenced for bringing in and harboring an illegal alien, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Esdras Aaron Calel-Cumes, 30, a Guatemalan man unlawfully residing in Massachusetts, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante to time served.  Calel-Cumes is in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody for deportation to Guatemala.  Calel-Cumes’ co-defendant Xiloj-Ambrocio was charged with one count of illegal entry and deported back to Guatemala.

“Individuals who cross our borders illegally will be held accountable. This case demonstrates our ongoing commitment to supporting our law enforcement partners along New Hampshire’s northern border,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan. “We will continue to bring federal prosecutions when appropriate to protect the integrity of our borders and the safety of our communities.”

“We will continue to vigorously patrol the New Hampshire/Canada border to interdict and investigate smuggling cases like this one,” said Acting Patrol Agent in Charge William Laymon of the Beecher Falls, VT Border Patrol Station. “Illegal entry and alien smuggling are federal crimes, and we will seek criminal prosecution on those who commit them.”

On September 9, 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection detected Calel-Cumes’ co-defendant, Luis Felipe Xiloj-Ambrocio, crossing illegally from Canada to the United States in Pittsburg, New Hampshire. Calel-Cumes traveled from Massachusetts to pick up Xiloj-Ambrocio. At the time of their apprehension by law enforcement, Calel-Cumes and Xiloj-Ambrocio were driving south on U.S. Route 3.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection led the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen prosecuted the case.

This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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CONCORD – A Dominican man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in connection with a drug trafficking organization distributing large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, United States Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Raynerson Marcos De La Paz Matos, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.  U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty scheduled sentencing for December 2, 2025.

According to court documents, law enforcement purchased fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine from the drug trafficking organization in Manchester on 10 occasions.  These purchases resulted in the total seizure of more than 350 grams of fentanyl, more than 40 grams of cocaine, and more than 25 grams of crack cocaine.  On September 11, 2024, law enforcement searched two residences on Cilley Road and Dubuque Street in Manchester.  The search of the Cilley Road residence yielded a total of more than 1,600 grams of fentanyl, more than 480 grams of cocaine, and drug proceeds totaling $4,675. The search of the Dubuque Street residence yielded drug proceeds totaling $54,370 and assorted jewelry with an estimated value of $161,675.

The charging statute provides a sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five (5) years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $10,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Manchester Police Department led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar A. Vega is prosecuting the case. 

 This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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CONCORD – An Epping man pleaded guilty today in federal court for his conduct involving the sexual exploitation of minors, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

David Mendum, 46, pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity. U.S. District Judge Paul Barbadoro scheduled sentencing for November 25, 2025.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Mendum was paying child sex traffickers in the Philippines to create live-stream child sexual abuse material and transmit it to him over the internet.

The Department of Homeland Security led the investigation. The New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Epping Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski is prosecuting the case.

The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.

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CONCORD – A Harrisville man was sentenced today in federal court for possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Ryan Vallee, age 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha D. Elliott to 108 months in federal prison and 5 years of supervised release. Vallee was also ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution. In April 2025, Vallee pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the production of child sexual abuse material. 

“The defendant is a recidivist offender who illegally sought out CSAM while on federal supervised release,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan. “This case is one of many that highlights the importance of reporting child sexual exploitation to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). A cyber tip to NCMEC alerted law enforcement to online activity that led to the detection of the defendant’s crime.” 

According to the charging documents and statements made in court, on June 6, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Vallee’s home, car, and electronics. During the search, law enforcement found a cellphone that contained four videos of CSAM and 175 images of CSAM, and an SD card that contained 11 videos of CSAM. At the time, Vallee was on federal supervised release following prior convictions in 2017 for interstate threats, computer fraud and abuse, aggravated identity theft, and cyberstalking.

The Department of Homeland Security led the investigation. The New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Merrimack County Sheriff’s Office, the Harrisville Police Department and the Belmont Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski is prosecuting the case.

The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.

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CONCORD – Erin Creegan has been appointed as the Interim United States Attorney for the District of New Hampshire. United States Attorney Creegan was appointed to the position by United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi on August 11, 2025, effective today.

As Interim United States Attorney, Ms. Creegan is the Chief Federal Law Enforcement Officer in New Hampshire. She supervises the prosecution of all federal crimes and the litigation of all civil matters for the United States within the district. She leads an office of approximately 54 prosecutors, civil litigators, support personnel and professional staff members.

“Extraordinary work is already being done across New Hampshire to protect our communities and uphold the rule of law,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “As someone who calls the Granite State home, my focus will be on building on that foundation and marshaling every available resource to ensure New Hampshire continues to receive the full measure of federal support it deserves.”

U.S. Attorney Creegan has years of experience as a prosecutor in the United States Department of Justice having served in roles including as an Associate Deputy Attorney General and a prosecutor in the Counterterrorism Section in Washington D.C. Immediately prior to her appointment as the United States Attorney, Ms. Creegan served as the General Counsel for the New Hampshire Judicial Branch where she advised on all legal matters affecting the state judiciary.

For more information on the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nh.

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CONCORD – A Greenville man was indicted for robbing a TD Bank branch in New Ipswich, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Eric Lord, 54, was indicted on August 6, 2025, on one count of bank robbery. Lord is currently in state custody on related charges. He will appear in federal court on a later date.

According to court records, Lord robbed the TD Bank branch on April 2, 2025.  At that time, he was on federal supervised release in connection with robbing the same TD Bank branch in 2014

The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Ipswich Police Department led the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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CONCORD –Georgina Exposito of Florida, owner of 3rd Party Services of Florida, agreed to pay $400,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by submitting false claims to Medicare and TRICARE based on fake medical diagnoses, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

According to the settlement agreement and the complaint in partial intervention, Exposito and her company altered patients’ medical diagnoses to obtain prior authorizations on behalf of pharmacies, including PerforMix Specialty Pharmacy, a compounding pharmacy located in Amherst. This resulted in the submission of false claims to Medicare and TRICARE.

“Submitting false claims to federal health care programs like Medicare and TRICARE undermines the integrity of our health care system and diverts critical resources away from patients who need them,” said U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “Accountability in cases like this helps restore trust in our health care system and ensures taxpayer dollars are protected.”

“The submission of falsified prior authorization requests undermines an important safeguard against unnecessary Medicare costs,” said Special Agent in Charge Roberto Coviello of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).  “This settlement highlights HHS-OIG’s ongoing commitment to combatting fraud in the taxpayer-funded Medicare program, and we will continue to thoroughly pursue allegations of False Claims Act violations.”

The False Claims Act permits whistleblowers to file civil lawsuits alleging that false claims have been submitted to the United States. This FCA settlement resolves allegations against Georgina Exposito’s company originally brought in a lawsuit filed by a whistleblower.  As part of the settlement the whistleblower will receive a portion of the settlement amount.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. The United States’ case against the other defendants named in the complaint in partial intervention continues. 

 This case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Defense, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Raphael Katz.

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CONCORD – An Andover man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court for producing and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Dale Howe, age 37, pleaded guilty in federal court to three counts of Production of Child Pornography and one count of Possession of Child Pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Paul J. Barbadoro scheduled sentencing for November 5, 2025.

According to the charging documents and statements made in court, the defendant provided the minor victim with drugs and sexually assaulted the minor victim. The defendant created images of the sexual abuse, which were found during a search of his phone. The defendant distributed at least three of the child sexual abuse images through a social media platform. The defendant was also in possession of more than 3,500 files of unrelated CSAM.

The charges for Production of Child Pornography provide for a sentence with a minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years. The charge for Possession of Child Pornography provides for a sentence with a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Homeland Security Investigations, the Andover Police Department, and the New Hampshire State Police, the Merrimack County Sheriff’s Office, New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) and the Derry Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S Attorneys Heather A. Cherniske and Anna Z. Krasinski are prosecuting the case.

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CONCORD – A Manchester man was sentenced yesterday in federal court for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy responsible for distributing methamphetamine in the Manchester area, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Zachary Austin, 41, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Joseph N. Laplante to 84 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.  On February 25, 2025, Austin pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Austin’s co-defendant, Joseph Coffey, has also pleaded guilty and will be sentenced at a later date.

“Distributing three pounds of methamphetamine is a serious crime with serious consequences,” said Acting United States Attorney Jay McCormack. “This seven-year sentence reflects the harm these drugs inflict on our communities and the commitment of law enforcement to hold drug traffickers accountable.”

“DEA stands committed to keeping highly addictive drugs like methamphetamine off the streets of New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division.  “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Austin accountable for his crimes but should serve as a warning to those traffickers who are contributing to the drug crisis in New England and across the United States.  This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The DEA is dedicated to bringing to justice those that commit these crimes.”

According to the plea agreement and statements made in court, Austin and Coffey operated a methamphetamine distribution business out of their shared Manchester apartment.  Between July and September 2024, Austin and Coffey sold methamphetamine to law enforcement on five occasions.  Searches of their apartment and vehicle later uncovered additional methamphetamine.  In total, law enforcement recovered approximately 1.66 kilograms, or 3.66 pounds, of methamphetamine.

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.

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Manchester, New Hampshire, based Global Plastics LLC (Global Plastics) and Melville, New York, based Marco Polo International LLC (Marco Polo), both subsidiaries of MGI International LLC, have agreed to pay $6.8 million to resolve their civil liability under the False Claims Act for knowingly failing to pay customs duties on certain plastic resin imported from the People’s Republic of China (PRC). In connection with the settlement, the United States acknowledged that MGI International and its subsidiaries took a number of significant steps entitling them to credit for cooperating with the government.

To enter goods into the United States, an importer must declare, among other things, the country of origin of the goods, the value of the goods, whether the goods are subject to duties, and the amount of duties owed. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) collects applicable duties.

In 2024, MGI and its subsidiaries disclosed to CBP and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire that, beginning in May 2019, Global Plastics and Marco Polo failed to declare the correct country of origin and value on certain entries of plastic resin products manufactured in the PRC and, as a result, failed to pay the proper duties owed to CBP.   

“The Department will pursue those who gain an unfair trade advantage in U.S. markets, including those who knowingly evade or underpay duties owed on foreign imports,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “As today’s settlement reflects, when importers fail to pay customs duties owed, they can mitigate the consequences by making timely self-disclosures, cooperating with investigations, and taking appropriate remedial measures.”

“Companies doing business in the United States must play by the rules, including paying full custom duties owed for imports,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack for the District of New Hampshire. “This resolution demonstrates that when companies self-disclose misconduct, cooperate fully with the government’s investigation, and take meaningful corrective action, they can receive credit for those admissions. We will continue to hold accountable those who attempt to avoid paying what they owe to the federal government, while also recognizing responsible corporate behavior.”

“When companies use unfair trade practices and fraudulent methodologies to avoid paying customs duties, it robs the American people of revenue and undermines our economy,” said acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Susan S. Thomas of the Office of Trade, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “I am proud that CBP was able to work with the Department of Justice to help ensure a level playing field for law abiding businesses.”

MGI cooperated with the United States’ investigation by, among other things: making a timely voluntary self-disclosure of the potential violations; performing a thorough and independent internal investigation;  preserving, collecting, and disclosing facts not known to the government but relevant to its investigation; conducting an analysis of potential damages that was shared with the government; and implementing appropriate remedial actions, including disciplining personnel and making improvements to compliance procedures. As a result, MGI, Global Plastics, and Marco Polo received credit under the Department’s guidelines for taking disclosure, cooperation, and remediation into account in False Claims Act settlements.

This resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire, with assistance from the CBP’s Office of Chief Counsel.

This matter was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Raphael Katz of the District of New Hampshire and Senior Trial Counsel Art J. Coulter of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

Note: Read the Settlement here

CONCORD – A Maine man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Concord in connection with his manufacturing of THC-laced ice cream that was unknowingly consumed by four people in Newmarket, sickening them, in March 2023, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Marc Flore, age 45, of Portland, Maine, pleaded guilty in federal court in Concord to one count of tampering with consumer products. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty scheduled Flore’s sentencing for November 4, 2025.

According to the charging documents and statements made in court, in March 2023, four people in Newmarket fell ill after eating coffee Oreo ice cream from Angelo’s Amore. All four experienced dizziness, elevated heart rate, vomiting, and three of the four were briefly hospitalized. A subsequent investigation revealed that the batch of coffee Oreo ice cream contained THC. The defendant added the THC to the ice cream when he made the batch in September 2022. While the ice cream was intended for the defendant’s personal use, he stored it in the ice cream café’s freezer with other commercial ice cream, without properly labeling that it contained THC. Staff then unknowingly provided the THC-laced ice cream batch to the four customers who got sick in March 2023.  

The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years of imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Criminal Investigations and the Newmarket Police Department led the investigation. Assistant U.S Attorney Charles L. Rombeau is prosecuting the case.  

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CONCORD – A Manchester woman plead guilty today in federal court for operating a fraudulent real estate investment scheme, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Robynne Alexander, age 63, plead guilty in federal court to one count of wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Samantha D. Elliott scheduled Alexander’ sentencing for October 15, 2025.

According to the charging documents and statements made in court, beginning in 2018, the defendant, previously a real estate investment coach, began raising funds from her coaching clients for a New England real estate venture, Raxx‑LeMay, LLC. Despite promising to acquire and renovate two commercial properties in Manchester she only raised $700K of the $2M minimum required by the May 2018 deadline. Among the terms of her agreement with investors, if the minimum dollar amount was not raised by that date, investors were to get their money back with interest. Despite not having raised the required minimum dollar amount, the defendant did not return investor money with interest, but instead proceeded to use investor money for purposes that were not permitted under the offering terms. Nevertheless, she completed the purchase in July 2018 using expensive hard‑money loans and improperly diverted investor funds to other entities she controlled, to repay outside investors, and to fund additional projects.

Over the next few years, the defendant used investor capital across multiple projects without proper authority or disclosure. For example, she transferred the Raxx‑LeMay properties to a new entity she controlled in early 2022, despite lacking investor approval, leaving Raxx‑LeMay with no assets and investors with total losses of about $850,000. In a separate project, Elm and Baker, LLC, Alexander solicited $750,000 to convert a Manchester property to apartments but diverted more than half of the funds to repay unrelated investors and personal loans, culminating in foreclosure on that property in 2023. Similarly, in late 2022, she solicited funds for a large‑scale resort project in Laconia receiving $250,000 from investors toward the purchase before misappropriating at least $75,000 and ultimately failing to close on the property, causing the project to dissolve. Across at least eight ventures, the defendant defrauded at least 24 investors of roughly $3,023,000.

The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 20 years of imprisonment. The statute provides for a supervised release term of up to 3 years, and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the pecuniary gain, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation.  The Securities and Exchange Commission and the New Hampshire Bureau of Securities Regulation provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S Attorney John J. Kennedy is prosecuting the case.

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CONCORD – A Manchester man was sentenced yesterday in federal court for bank robbery, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Jesse Hippolite, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul J. Barbadoro to 60 months in federal prison.  On April 22, 2025, Hippolite pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery.

“The defendant is a prolific bank robber with a long history of victimizing bank employees to line his own pockets,” said Acting U.S. Attorney McCormack.  “His choices have made him a danger to the public, and thanks to the efforts of law enforcement, he will spend the next five years in federal prison.”

“Jesse Hippolite was a crime spree unto himself, robbing a dozen banks before this one” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “This sentence nips his burgeoning bank robbery career in the bud and holds him accountable for menacing innocent people who are just trying to make an honest living.  This case is just one example of how the FBI continues to support our partners in pulverizing violent crime to improve public safety.”

According to the plea agreement and statements made in court, Hippolite has multiple state and federal convictions for robbery in New York.  In 2011, he went on a bank robbery spree in New York City and was involved in multiple separate robberies.  Each time, he was unarmed but passed a note threatening to kill people if his demands for money were not met.  He was released from federal prison, in connection with those convictions, in February 2023. He then moved to New Hampshire, where he remained on federal supervised release.

In February 2025, Hippolite robbed a credit union in Manchester.  He wore a disguise and was unarmed.  Hippolite passed a note to three tellers reading:

$100,000

ALL $100 Bills

*No Dye Packs

Give Back Note

Hippolite stole $3,139 before fleeing.  He was subsequently identified on nearby surveillance cameras.

The FBI and Manchester Police Department led the investigation.  The U.S. Probation Office provided valuable assistance.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen prosecuted the case.

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CONCORD – An El Salvadorian national, who was previously deported three times, pleaded guilty and was sentenced for unlawful reentry into the United States, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces. 

Juan Ruiz, 30, an El Salvadorian national who was unlawfully residing in Manchester, pleaded guilty and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Samantha D. Elliott to time served, or two months.  Ruiz is in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody for deportation to El Salvador.

Ruiz illegally entered the United States previously on three separate occasions and was deported on June 12, 2016, May 18, 2017, and October 14, 2021. On the evening of April 22, 2025, the Manchester Police Department responded to Ruiz’s apartment after receiving a report of a domestic violence incident.  Law enforcement arrested Ruiz for simple assault. After learning of the defendant’s immigration status, they referred him to ICE.

ICE led the investigation.  The Manchester Police Department provided valuable assistance.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen prosecuted the case. 

This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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CONCORD – A Manchester man was sentenced yesterday in federal court for possessing fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute as well as possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Eddie Veilleux, age 58, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha D. Elliott to 52 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.  Veilleux was also ordered to forfeit a 2020 Black BMW sedan. In March 2025, Veilleux pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person. 

“This sentence reflects the serious consequences that come with trafficking drugs while illegally possessing a firearm,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “We remain committed to investigating and disrupting drug traffickers and holding accountable armed convicted felons whose actions put our communities at risk.”

“Drug trafficking, along with the violence that all too often accompanies it, is a serious threat to the safety and security of our communities,” said Acting DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau, New England Field Division. “Drug dealers are responsible for fueling drug addiction and much of the violent crimes across New England. This is unacceptable and will not be allowed to happen. DEA and its local, state and federal partners are dedicated to bringing to justice those that commit these crimes.”

On November 24, 2023, Veilleux was arrested on outstanding state charges.  A search of his vehicle found small baggies of crack cocaine, powder cocaine and fentanyl, as well as a scale, ledger, and other drug trafficking paraphernalia. A loaded Ruger .44 magnum revolver was found in the trunk of the defendant’s car.  As a previously convicted felon, Veilleux was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation with valuable assistance from the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Kennedy prosecuted the case.

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CONCORD – A Boston man was sentenced today in federal court in Concord in connection with a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine in New Hampshire, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Juan Ramon Soto Baez, 55, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott to 100 months in federal prison.  In February, Soto Baez plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, namely, cocaine and fentanyl. He was charged along with 20 other defendants in April 2023. To date, 15 defendants involved in the conspiracy have been convicted.

“The defendant led a major drug trafficking organization in our region, pumping deadly narcotics into our communities and profiting off of addiction,” said U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “Today’s sentence ensures that he can no longer fuel the devastation cause by methamphetamine and fentanyl. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt these organizations and combat the spread of these narcotics before they claim more lives in the Granite State.”

“As the leader of a large-scale drug trafficking organization, Juan Ramon Soto Baez pumped poison into Granite State neighborhoods for over four years, trafficking fentanyl and cocaine from Massachusetts into New Hampshire at a time when the number of drug related deaths in the state was at an all-time high,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “This lengthy prison sentence removes this career criminal from the streets and highlights the FBI’s ongoing commitment to identify and disrupt those seeking to bring dangerous narcotics into our communities.”

According to the plea agreement and statements made in court, the defendant was the leader of a Massachusetts-based drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in New Hampshire, particularly Manchester, between September of 2019 and April of 2023.  The organization was run like a business, operating “dispatch” telephone lines where customers could call in to order narcotics. The defendant or a trusted member of the conspiracy working for him would take customer orders on the phone, and then he would either deliver the order himself or send a runner to conduct the drug sale at an arranged meeting location.

During the timeframe of the conspiracy, law enforcement agents observed and recorded the defendant and his co-conspirators selling fentanyl and cocaine on nineteen occasions. On the day of the defendant’s arrest, a search of a residence associated with the conspiracy yielded $15,000 and drug ledgers. A search of a vehicle used by the drug trafficking organization yielded roughly 94 grams of fentanyl and 196 grams of cocaine packaged in small baggies for distribution.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Kennedy prosecuted the case. 

This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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CONCORD – A Farmington man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to the possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Michael F.J. Murphy, age 45, pleaded guilty in federal court in Concord to one count of possession of child pornography.  U.S. District Court Judge Paul Barbadoro scheduled Murphy’s sentencing for October 14, 2025.

According to the charging documents and statements made in court, in December 2023, the defendant shared a video depicting CSAM with law enforcement using a file-sharing platform.

The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years of imprisonment, but if any image of child pornography involved in the offense involved a prepubescent minor or a minor who had not attained 12 years of age, the maximum penalty is increased to 20 years of imprisonment. The statute provides for a supervised release term of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Idaho Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit led the investigation. The New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the United Kingdom South East Regional Crime Unit, and the Farmington Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S Attorney Charles L. Rombeau is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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CONCORD – A Dominican Republic national was arrested yesterday for possessing with the intent to distribute illegal narcotics in Manchester, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Daris Rafael Melo Vittini, age 39, a Dominican Republic national unlawfully residing in Dorchester, Massachusetts, was arrested on one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, namely fentanyl and crack cocaine. He appeared in federal court today and was detained.

According to the charging document and statements made in court, on June 30, 2025, the Manchester Police Department observed the defendant driving around the city in a car that was known to law enforcement as being involved in narcotics distribution. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop, and a narcotics-detecting K-9 positively alerted to the odor of narcotics coming from the car. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement found inside a “hide” in the center console approximately 114 grams of suspected fentanyl and 13 grams of suspected crack cocaine, all in pre-packaged baggies. Also inside the hide was approximately $1,500. The defendant had approximately 45 grams of suspected fentanyl and 37 grams of suspected crack cocaine on him, all in pre-packaged baggies. In total, law enforcement recovered approximately 119 pre-packaged baggies of suspected fentanyl and crack cocaine. 

Possession with intent to distribute carries a maximum prison term of 20 years, a maximum fine of $1,000,000, and a term of supervised of at least three years and up to life.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Major Offender Task Force and the Manchester Police Department led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon is prosecuting the case.

This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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CONCORD – A Honduran national was arrested for his unlawful reentry into the United States after previously being deported twice, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Ever Calderon Ramirez, 27, a Honduran national unlawfully residing in Manchester, was charged in federal court with one count of unlawful reentry into the United States. He appeared in federal court today.

According to the charging documents, Calderon Ramirez was deported from the United States to Honduras on April 7, 2017, and again on September 28, 2018. On September 22, 2024, law enforcement encountered him in New Hampshire driving a moped with two young children on it without helmets.

The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than two years in prison, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement led the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Hunter is prosecuting the case.

This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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CONCORD – A Keene man was sentenced yesterday in federal court for his role in sexually exploiting a minor female victim under the age of 12-years-old to produce child sexual abuse material (CSAM), Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Paul Baird, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Steven J. McAuliffe to 300 months in federal prison and 20 years of supervised release. In March 2025, Baird pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the production of child sexual abuse material. 

“The defendant committed an appalling betrayal of trust by abusing a child in his care to produce sexually exploitative material,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “Yesterday’s lengthy sentence reflects the gravity of his crimes and ensures that he will not be able to harm other children. This office has zero tolerance for crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children.”

"Yesterday’s sentencing of Paul Baird underscores our staunch commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society. The heinous acts committed by Baird are a stark reminder of the critical importance of our work in combating child exploitation,” said Special agent in charge of HSI New England Michael J. Krol. “HSI New England, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue justice for victims and ensure that perpetrators of such abhorrent crimes are held accountable.”

According to the court documents and statements made in court, on or about January 29, 2024, Paul Baird illegally engaged in sexually explicit conduct with a minor female victim he was babysitting for the purpose of producing a CSAM. He took at least one sexually explicit photograph of the minor victim’s genitalia and shared three sexually explicit images of the minor victim on a dark website dedicated to CSAM.

At the time of his arrest, Paul Baird was employed as a bus driver by the Student Transportation of America, which is a school transportation company that services the Contoocook Valley (ConVal) School District.

The Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. The Keene Police Department provided valuable assistance with the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski prosecuted the case.

The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.

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CONCORD – A Franklin man pleaded guilty today in federal court for making a threat in violation of federal law, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Brian Landry, age 69, pleaded guilty in federal court in Concord to one count of transmitting a threat in interstate communication.  U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott scheduled Landry’s sentencing for October 2, 2025.

According to the charging documents and statements made in court, on May 17, 2023, Landry left a voicemail at U.S. Senator #1’s district office stating: “Hey stupid I’m a veteran sniper.  And unless you change your ways, I got my scope pointed in your direction and I’m coming to get you.  You’re a dead man walking you piece of f***ing sh*t.”  Investigators identified the phone call as coming from a number associated with Landry.  When they interviewed Landry, he admitted to having called the Senator’s office but did not initially recall exactly what he said in the voicemail.

The charge of conviction provides for a sentence of up to 5 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Capitol Police led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the New Hampshire State Police, the Franklin Police Department, and the Manchester Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau is prosecuting the case.

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CONCORD – A Swanzey man was sentenced yesterday in federal court for stealing 18 firearms from Trader John’s Gun Shop in Winchester, New Hampshire, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Khale Guillou, 20, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliot to 18 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.  In March 2025, Guillou pleaded guilty to one count of theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee (FFL). 

“The defendant stole 18 guns from an FFL and, just days later, shell casings were found in his car. This case highlights the dangerous link between gun thefts and violent crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “Yesterday’s sentence sends a message that we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who fuel gun violence are held accountable.” 

“ATF’s collaboration with our industry partners forms the first line of defense against firearms trafficking and diversion,” said Acting ATF SAC Scott Riordan. “ATF prioritizes investigations which both victimize those industry partners and endanger the community by placing guns in criminal hands. This investigation reflects ATF’s commitment to protect federal firearm licensees and ensure firearms in lawful commerce are not diverted for criminal use.”

According to the court documents and statements made in court, on the night of July 6, 2024, Guillou broke into Trader John’s Gun Shop and stole 17 handguns and one rifle. Nine days later, Guillou’s car was involved in a shooting in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. Law enforcement recovered three of Trader John’s stolen firearms from the trunk of Guillou’s car and spent shell casings from inside the vehicle. Three additional stolen firearms were recovered from Guillou’s home, two of which were also taken from Trader John’s Gun Shop.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led the investigation. The Keene, Swanzey, Winchester, and Tewksbury Police Departments provided valuable assistance.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski prosecuted the case.

This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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CONCORD – A Dominican Republic national was arrested yesterday, in connection with an enforcement action last week, for his role in a drug trafficking organization operating out of Massachusetts and distributing illegal narcotics in Manchester, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Cesar Joel Perez Mejia, age 30, a Dominican Republic national unlawfully residing in Hyde Park, Massachusetts, was arrested on one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. He will appear in federal court today at 4:30pm.

According to the charging documents and statements made in court, on June 23, 2025, the defendant facilitated a drug sale with an undercover officer. When the defendant arrived at the agreed upon location, law enforcement searched the defendant’s vehicle and found small individually wrapped bags containing approximately 57 grams of suspected fentanyl and 43 grams of suspected crack cocaine.

Possession with intent to distribute carries a maximum prison term of 20 years, a maximum fine of $1,000,000, and a term of supervised release of at least three years and up to life.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Major Offender Task Force and the Manchester Police Department led the investigation.  DEA New England, HSI New England, and the Boston, Attleboro, Methuen, Lynn, and Providence Police Departments provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Shannon and Heather Cherniske are prosecuting the case.

This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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CONCORD – A Laconia man was sentenced today in federal court for firearms offenses, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Joshua McLean, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante to 87 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. In March 2025, McLean pleaded guilty to three counts of possession of firearms and ammunitions by a prohibited person and two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm.

“As a convicted felon, the defendant was prohibited from owning any firearms, yet he chose to surround himself with unregistered and illegal deadly weapons,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “His drug trafficking activity only deepened the threat he posed. This case underscores our commitment to removing armed, prohibited individuals from our communities before they can do greater harm.”

“The sentence imposed reflects the seriousness of the offense,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Scott Riordan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive’s Boston Division. “The defendant’s possession of firearms while trafficking drugs jeopardizes public safety and is compounded by the trafficking of firearms with obliterated serial numbers which only serve illicit purposes.”

According to the court documents and statements made in court, McLean sold six firearms to an undercover officer knowing that some had obliterated serial numbers, and one was a sawed-off shotgun. When law enforcement searched his home, they found another gun, ammunition, and distribution quantities of illegal drugs.  McLean was legally prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition based on a previous felony drug conviction.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Violent Crime Task Force led the investigation. The Laconia, Manchester, and Tilton Police Departments provided valuable assistance with the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski prosecuted the case.

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CONCORD – Eight defendants have been indicted in connection with drug trafficking organizations operating out of Massachusetts and distributing illegal narcotics in Manchester. One defendant was also in the United States following a previous deportation, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

On June 18, 2025, law enforcement arrested six of these defendants each on one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl, and one defendant was also charged with one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.

The following defendants have been indicted and arrested in connection with these charges:

1. Ariel Lara Aguasviva, age 35, of South Attleboro, MA; and is in federal custody.
2. Victor Manuel Mejia Guzman, age 49, of Methuen, MA; and is in federal custody.
3. Jarlin Soto Jimenez, age 29, of Lynn, MA; and is in federal custody.
4. Robert Alexis Pena Lara, age 25, of Providence, RI; and is in federal custody.
5. Edwin Manuel Mejia Mejia, age 43, of Dorchester, MA; and is in federal custody.
6. Carlo De Los Santos Ruiz, age 28, of Dorchester, MA; and is in federal custody. 

According to the charging documents, between November 20, 2023 and May 7, 2025, the defendants knowingly and intentionally conspired to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl.

Additionally, according to the charging documents, Victor Manuel Mejia Guzman, a Dominican Republic national unlawfully residing in Methuen, was previously deported on November 19, 2007. Mejia-Guzman was charged with one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Major Offender Task Force and the Manchester Police Department led the investigation.  DEA New England, HSI New England, and the Boston, Attleboro, Methuen, Lynn, and Providence Police Departments provided valuable assistance.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Shannon and Heather Cherniske are prosecuting the case.

This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations.  The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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CONCORD – A Gilford man was sentenced today in federal court for drug offenses, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Spiros Athanasopoulos, 46, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Paul J. Barbadoro to 60 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.  In February 2025, Athanasopoulos pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance.

“This sentence reflects the serious danger posed by those who traffic fentanyl and methamphetamine, especially when they also attempt to flee law enforcement and endanger the public,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “Our office remains committed to holding drug traffickers accountable and protecting our communities from the devastating impact of these drugs.”

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a large-scale drug trafficking organization, or an individual like Spiros Athanasopoulos who was distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine out of his home in Gilford, New Hampshire, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will do everything we can to put those who have furthered the scourge of drugs in our neighborhoods out of business,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Investigations like this prove the essential value of strong law enforcement partnerships as we work together to make our communities safer.”

“Drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine are causing tremendous damage to our communities,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge, Stephen Belleau, New England Field Division.  “Those who distribute these drugs are endangering the safety of the citizens of the Granite State. DEA’s top priority is combatting the drug epidemic by working with our local, state and federal partners to bring to justice anyone who distributes these poisons.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2021, Athanasopoulos fled from the New Hampton Police Department on a stolen motorcycle. The chase ended in a crash and law enforcement recovered a jar containing fentanyl and methamphetamine that Athanasopoulos threw from his backpack during the chase. Later that evening, law enforcement searched Athanasopoulos’s home and found large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as money, several firearms, and body armor. Laboratory testing confirmed that Athanasopoulos possessed more than 100 grams of fentanyl and more than 200 grams of methamphetamine.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Gilford Police Department and the New Hampton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew T. Hunter prosecuted the case.

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CONCORD – A Guatemalan national was indicted on the charge of unlawful reentry into the United States, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Jorge Misael Niz, 42, a Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in Salem, was previously deported back to Guatemala on March 30, 2006.  He was located in Salem on April 27, 2025. Niz is currently in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody. He will appear in federal court at a later date.

The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than two years in prison, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement led the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo is prosecuting the case.

This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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CONCORD – A Hooksett man was sentenced yesterday in federal court for distributing methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Erik Pena, age 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha D. Elliott to 90 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.  In February 2025, Pena pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of a controlled substance.

“The distribution of methamphetamine devastates communities, fuels addiction, and endangers public safety. Drug trafficking will not be tolerated in New Hampshire. We will vigorously support law enforcement and prosecute offenders to stop the spread of drugs in the Granite State,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack.

“Methamphetamine traffickers must be held accountable for the pain, suffering, and destruction inflicted by their crimes,” said Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Make no mistake, the FBI’s Major Offender Task Force will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue dangerous drug traffickers like Erik Pena in order to make New Hampshire a safe place for everyone who lives and works here.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2023 and 2024, law enforcement purchased over two pounds of methamphetamine from Pena. Investigators identified and searched Pena’s stash house and located distribution level quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, as well as four firearms, ammunition, and body armor. Additional fentanyl pills were found at Pena’s residence.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation Major Offender Task Force led the investigation. The New Hampshire State Police and the Hooksett Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherniske prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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CONCORD – A Dominican man was arrested in connection with immigration and drug offenses, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Robely Eladio De Jesus Guerrero, 37, a citizen of the Dominican Republic unlawfully residing in Massachusetts, was charged with unlawful reentry of a deported alien and distribution of controlled substances, specifically methamphetamine and fentanyl. He appeared in federal court today and was detained. His next hearing is scheduled for June 20, 2025.

According to the charging documents, De Jesus Guerrero was deported to the Dominican Republic from the United States in November 2021. He was encountered again by law enforcement in August and September 2024 in New Hampshire.

Between August and September 2024, De Jesus Guerrero allegedly distributed approximately 120 grams of fentanyl and approximately one pound of methamphetamine.

The charges of distribution of a controlled substance and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance carry a sentence of up to 20 years’ incarceration, not less than 3 years of supervised released, and a fine up to $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter is prosecuting the case.

This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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CONCORD – An Albany man was arrested for posing online as a teenage boy to obtain child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from a minor victim, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Brian Hargraves, 54, was arrested on Tuesday and indicted yesterday on charges of Possession of and Access with Intent to View Child Pornography.  He appeared in federal court on May 21, 2025.

According to the charging documents, on April 29, 2025, law enforcement conducted a search of Hargraves mobile phones following a citizen complaint. A review of one of the phones revealed sexually explicit images and videos of a 16-year-old minor victim.  Hargraves allegedly met the minor victim online and told her that he was a teenage boy and asked her to create explicit videos and images of herself to send to him.

The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 10 years. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department and the Conway Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo is prosecuting the case.

The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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CONCORD – A Dover man plead guilty yesterday in federal court for stalking three women he was in romantic relationships with by using anonymous phone numbers and email accounts to create a fictious stalker, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Jason Subirana, age 48, pleaded guilty in federal court in Concord to three counts of Stalking. U.S. District Court Judge Steven J. McAuliffe scheduled sentencing for August 27, 2025.

According to the charging documents and statements made in court, between November 2016 - December 2021, the defendant stalked three women he was in romantic relationships with. He used more than 50 anonymous phone numbers, provided by TextNow, and anonymous email accounts to send over 650 harassing messages to the three victims from a fictious stalker. He attempted to manipulate his victims, catch them in lies, and cause emotional distress. For example, he sent one victim a text message that read:

“How can you b*tch to everyone about your birthday? You should be grateful he’s put up with all your lies and shit for so long. Stop trying to make him look like a bad guy, he’s the best thing you have and lucky he hasn’t put you to the curb like the trash bag that you are. Own your shit and stop lying to everyone. You want more? Be honest to EVERYONE around you. Stop thinking you are smarter than everyone.”

In addition to sending harassing communications to the victims, the defendant also sent himself harassing messages from the fictious stalker using anonymous accounts. For example, the defendant texted himself from an anonymous TextNow number, “Do you really think you're the only one she's banging? You really should get yourself tested. Put something in the mail for you keep an eye out for it.” On February 10, 2021, the defendant texted himself from an anonymous TextNow number, “How many times do you think she’s going to take it this afternoon before coming to give you sloppy seconds?"

The defendant also collected compromising information about the victims and then sent the compromising information to himself under the guise that he received it from “the stalker”. For example, the defendant gained access to Victim 2's email account and forwarded himself an email exchange from 2015 where Victim 2 mentioned a potential romance with an acquaintance of hers. The defendant orchestrated a series of email forwards through anonymous accounts before making its way back to Victim 2. This email controversy led to Victim 2 admitting to the defendant a prior romantic relationship with that acquaintance, with the defendant responding, “You're only telling me this now because of the email you got. What else are you hiding from me?” and "What wlse [sic] is out there? Has this all been based on lies???”

The defendant actively distanced himself from “the stalker” by accusing innocent individuals of being his victim’s “stalker.” For example, the defendant sent numerous harassing messages to a male colleague of Victim 3. Between April 22, 2018, and August 15, 2018, the defendant sent 52 harassing text messages to the victim’s colleague from at least five anonymous TextNow numbers. The defendant also sent the victim’s colleague numerous explicit photos of a woman's body that resembled Victim 3 but was not in fact Victim 3. When Victim 3 described this to the defendant in messages, he then sent himself multiple messages from “the stalker,” including two of the explicit photos that he had sent to the victim’s colleague and suggested to Victim 3 that her colleague was in fact her stalker.

The charging statute provides for a sentence of a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Assistant U.S Attorney John Kennedy is prosecuting the case.

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CONCORD – A Dunbarton man was sentenced in federal court for possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Scott Currier, age 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott to 144 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release. Currier was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $38,000. In May 2024, Currier pleaded guilty to one count of possession of CSAM.

“The defendant is a convicted sex offender who repeatedly exploited children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “Thanks to the vigilant efforts and critical leads from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, law enforcement was able to identify the defendant and swiftly investigate his conduct. This office will relentlessly pursue and hold predators accountable, and we will use every tool at our disposal to protect children from exploitation and revictimization.”

“Currier’s criminal history of aggravated felonious sexual assault makes his possession of hundreds of images of child sexual abuse material all the more troubling. Friday’s significant sentence takes a repeat sex offender off the streets and puts him into federal prison for over a decade while also offering restitution to identified victims of child sexual exploitation found in the materials he possessed,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations New England.

The defendant was identified through a CyberTip reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children based on internet activity that was traced to his residence.  Based on that tip, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the defendant’s home that resulted in the seizure of a computer that was found to contain over 700 files of suspected CSAM.  The defendant faced enhanced penalties in this matter due to a prior state conviction for aggravated felonious sexual assault.

Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation.  Valuable assistance was provided by the Dunbarton Police Department and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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CONCORD – A Manchester man was sentenced for his involvement in a scheme to fraudulently obtain CARES Act funds from the United States government and the State of New York, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Kyereem Sackey, age 25, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty to 18 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.  Sackey was also ordered to make restitution in the amount of $295,167.  In January 2025, Sackey pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of bank fraud.

“The defendant exploited a national crisis for personal gain,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “He stole nearly $300k in pandemic relief funds that were meant to support struggling families and small businesses. This office will continue to investigate and prosecute those who stole from the government during the pandemic and intentionally depleted the public fisc for personal profit.”

"While the entire world was focused on dealing with a pandemic, Kyereem Sackey was selfishly focused on exploiting programs designed to help people struggling financially to instead enrich himself,” said Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “With today’s sentence, Mr. Sackey has been held accountable for cheating taxpayers, and the FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and bring to justice those who have committed similar crimes.”

“Kyereem Sackey and his co-defendants engaged in a scheme to fraudulently obtain New York Department of Labor pandemic-related unemployment insurance benefits and Small Business Administration Payroll Protection Program loans. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who seek to exploit these critical benefit programs,” said Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge, Northeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.

According to the court documents and statements made in court, Sackey used social media to conspire with others to file false and fraudulent unemployment insurance claims. Sackey filed unemployment insurance claims in the State of New York on behalf of a co-defendant, which he was not entitled to.  When the money was deposited into the co-defendant’s bank account, a portion of the money was sent to Sackey and another co-defendant.  Sackey and his co-defendants filed approximately $50,000 in fraudulent unemployment insurance claims.  In addition to the claim made on behalf of his co-defendant, Sackey filed claims on behalf of a dozen individuals as well as himself resulting in more than $250,000 in fraudulent unemployment benefits to be paid by the State of New York.

Sackey also used a co-defendant’s information to apply for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans using a false and fraudulent business that did not exist.  Sackey provided the bank with false documents, including fabricated tax documents.  Court records show that Sackey fraudulently applied for and obtained more than $30,000 in PPP loans.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General led the investigation.  Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Kennedy is prosecuting the case.

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CONCORD – A Dominican national was sentenced today in federal court for reentering the United States after a previous deportation, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Angel David Aybar Carmona, 30, a Dominican national unlawfully residing in Massachusetts, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha D. Elliott to 9 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. On February 3, 2025, Aybar Carmona pled guilty to one count of Re-Entry After Deportation.

On or about July 19, 2024, Aybar Carmona was encountered by law enforcement in New Hampshire after being previously deported. Aybar Carmona was deported and removed from the United States on or about March 15, 2022. 

U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement investigated the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the New Hampshire State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Strelzin prosecuted the case.

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CONCORD – An Alton man was sentenced today in federal court for violating his sex offender registration requirements, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay Mccormack announces.

Chad Amodio, 52, of Alton, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty to 120 months in federal prison and 20 years of supervised release.  In November 2024, Amodio plead guilty to three counts of failure to register his online identifiers.

“Sex offenders are legally required to register their online identifiers so law enforcement can monitor and prevent predatory behavior,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “The defendant willfully ignored that requirement, undermining a critical safeguard designed to protect children. Today’s sentencing sends a clear message: law enforcement in the Granite State will hold sex offenders accountable when they attempt to evade oversight and will continue to prioritize the safety of our communities, especially our children.”

The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”) requires individuals convicted of certain sex offenses to report their internet or online identifiers, which includes screen names and user profiles on social media accounts. Amodio is required to register as a sex offender under SORNA due to his 2014 conviction in the District of Maine. Despite knowing this requirement, between December 2023 and January 2024, Amodio was using the screen name “CookieMunchin” in an internet chat room for teenagers and did not report the profile as required.

Within the chat room, Amodio began communicating with a purported 13-year-old girl. Amodio exchanged hundreds of sexual messages with the purported minor. Amodio requested photographs of the purported minor and suggested that they meet in person, even offering to pick her up from school so they could engage in illegal sexual activity. After identifying Amodio, authorities discovered two other online identifiers that Amodio had failed to report.

The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, at least 5 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The United States Marshals Service investigated this case. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations, the Alton Police Department, and the Haverhill Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Hunter and Kasey Weiland prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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CONCORD – A convicted felon from Laos was arrested this morning for the unlawful possession of a firearm, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Vongpasith Khamvongsa, 45, a Laotian national unlawfully residing in Somersworth, was indicted on charges of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm and being a felon in possession of a firearm.  He appeared in federal court today.

The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Somersworth Police Department led the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.

This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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CONCORD – A Puerto Rico man was sentenced today in federal court for drug trafficking in New Hampshire, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay Mccormack announces.

Lewistone Baez Miranda, 50, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Samantha Elliott to 78 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.  In January of this year, Baez Miranda pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.  He was indicted on this conspiracy charge along with five other co-defendants in December 2023.

“The defendant will spend the next six years in federal prison because he chose to use the United States Postal Service to facilitate his drug trafficking enterprise by shipping multiple kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay Mccormack. “The United States Postal Inspectors in New Hampshire are tireless in their efforts to prevent the mail from being used for drug trafficking.  Drug traffickers should take today’s sentence as a warning of what awaits if they try to use the mail for crime in the Granite State.”

“Illegal narcotics have no place in our neighborhoods or in the U.S. Mail. Mr. Miranda’s actions endangered not only communities in New Hampshire, but he also endangered the U.S. Postal Service employees who move and deliver the mail every day. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue our work to investigate and prevent the mail stream from being used by drug traffickers. We commend the efforts and collaboration between our agency and the Manchester Police Department for the successful outcome of this case,” said Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division

According to court documents and statements made in court, the defendant was the leader a drug trafficking organization that shipped cocaine from Puerto Rico to Manchester, New Hampshire. The defendant’s son, based in Puerto Rico, used fictitious information to send packages of cocaine through the United States Postal Service to Manchester at the direction of the defendant. The cocaine was often packaged in 500-gram or 1,000-gram bundles and hidden inside children’s games. The defendant employed co-conspirators to retrieve the packages of cocaine for him in Manchester. The defendant also sent suspected drug proceeds to his son in Puerto Rico, in one instance sending him a parcel containing $11,000. Between September 2020 and December 2021, the defendant’s drug trafficking organization shipped over 5.6 kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Manchester for redistribution.

The charging statute for the drug offense provides a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a term of supervised release of at least three years, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The United States Postal Inspection Service led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Gingrande and Cesar Vega are prosecuting the case.  

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A New Hampshire doctor pleaded guilty today to unlawfully distributing a controlled substance. This is the first conviction of a doctor in the District of New Hampshire from a joint investigation by the New England Strike Force and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

According to court documents, Robert G. Soucy Jr., D.O., 72, of Columbia, New Hampshire, illegally prescribed opioids from his home in Columbia, New Hampshire. Dr. Soucy knew that pharmacies in and around Colebrook, New Hampshire, would not fill his prescriptions for several of his patients. To have the unlawful prescriptions filled, Dr. Soucy specifically instructed a patient to bring his prescriptions to a pharmacy in another location. Dr. Soucy also continued to prescribe opioids to the patient, who the defendant knew had a substance-abuse disorder, without conducting any medical evaluation or testing and after the patient had moved out of New England.

Dr. Soucy faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. He surrendered his DEA registration and is no longer authorized to prescribe controlled substances.

Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting United States Attorney Jay McCormack for the District of New Hampshire, Acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau and Acting Diversion Program Manager George Lutz of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New England Division, and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.

The DEA and HHS-OIG investigated the case.

Trial Attorneys Thomas D. Campbell and Danielle H. Sakowski of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

Anyone needing access to opioid treatment services can contact HHS-OIG’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 24/7 National Helpline for referrals to treatment services at 1-800-662-4359. 

CONCORD – After a 3-day trial, a Hudson man was convicted by a federal jury for attempting to sex traffic a 12-year-old in a proactive federal and local law enforcement operation on November 14, 2024, Acting United States Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Stacey Lancaster, age 46, was convicted of one count of attempted sex trafficking of a minor. United States District Court Judge Paul Barbadoro ordered Lancaster detained pending sentencing, which is scheduled for August 18, 2025.

On November 14 and November 15, 2024, in a proactive law enforcement operation, agents posted and monitored an advertisement on a website commonly used to advertise commercial sex. The advertisement contained images of what appeared to be two minor females, and a contact phone number. Law enforcement agents monitored the phone line and used it to communicate with potential sex buyers, including Lancaster. During a text conversation between an undercover agent and Lancaster, the agent stated that he/she had a 12-year-old girl available to perform sex acts in exchange for money. The agent then provided Lancaster with the address of a hotel in Manchester. Once at the hotel, the defendant met with an undercover agent and confirmed that he was in possession of the agreed upon $100 to pay for the commercial sex act, and that he would use a condom. 

Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Manchester Police Department, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Krasinski and Matthew Vicinanzo are prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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CONCORD – An El Salvadorian national, previously deported or removed three times, and a Guatemalan national were indicted on unrelated charges of unlawful reentry into the United States, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Juan Ruiz, 30, an El Salvadorian national unlawfully residing in Manchester, was previously deported or removed to El Salvador three times on June 10, 2016, May 18, 2017, and October 14, 2021. He was located in New Hampshire on April 22, 2025.

Jorge Abelino Roque-Mejia, 36, a Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in the United States, was previously deported to Guatemala on May 22, 2009.  He was located in New Hampshire on April 20, 2025.

Both Roque-Mejia and Ruiz are currently in ICE custody.  They will appear in federal court at a later date.

The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than two years in prison, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement led the investigations.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the cases.

This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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