District of Rhode Island
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Registered Sex Offender Charged with Attempting to Transfer Obscene Material to a MinorRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A 31-year-old registered sex offender living in Smithfield, RI, who allegedly claimed during Instagram communications with two minor boys in Florida to be 17-years-old, has been ordered detained in federal custody in Rhode Island on charges he attempted to send obscene material, including live video of him performing a sex act on himself, to one of the boys.
According to court documents, on May 18, 2021, a woman reported to the North Port, FL, Police Department that an unidentified person had sent inappropriate sexual communications to her 13-year-old son via an Instagram account with the identity of “Jackasslures.” The Instagram account held itself out as a fishing-related online site. The mother reported that her son also had received a package from Forestdale, RI, containing a fishing lure sent by a person associated with the Instagram account. North Port Police determined that the Instagram account belonged to Nicholas Sannicandro, 31, of Smithfield, RI, and that the 13-year-old learned of the online fishing site from a 14-year-old middle-school classmate who lives in nearby Englewood, FL. Law enforcement located the 14-year-old and determined that he allegedly had been communicating with “Jackasslures” since late January 2021.
According to court documents, a North Port law enforcement officer assumed the online identity of the 14-year-old and began communicating with “Jackasslures” in an undercover capacity. The officer stated to “Jackasslures” that he had just turned 14-years-old, and that he would be travelling to Warwick “as a treat.” In response, on June 10, 2021, “Jackasslures” allegedly sent an image of himself, images of the inside of his boat docked in Warwick, an image of himself wrapped in a blanket on the boat with the caption of “I’M COZY IN MY BED ON. MY BOAT[.]” and an invitation to go out on the boat with him. During further online communications on June 14, Sannicandro allegedly sent a sexually explicit image to the undercover. On June 15, among other messages exchanged between the two, Sannicandro allegedly sent the person he believed to be the 14-year-old a live video of him performing a sex act on himself.
On Tuesday, FBI agents, with the assistance of the North Port, Florida, Police Department, Rhode Island State Police, members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Warwick Police Department, arrested Sannicandro on a federal criminal complaint charging him with attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor and commission of a specified sexual exploitation offense by a person required to register as sex offender. Law enforcement agents and officers also executed court-authorized searches of Sannicandro’s Smithfield residence and boat docked in Warwick.
A federal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The arrest of Nicholas Sannicandro is announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John P. McAdams, with assistance from Assistant United States Attorney Denise M. Barton.
According to court records, Nicholas Sannicandro was convicted in 2011 in Massachusetts for possession of child pornography, and he was required to register as a sex offender. Subsequently, he was convicted twice in 2018.
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Three Indicted in Drug Conspiracy as Kidnapping Investigation ContinuesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – As U.S. Postal Inspection Service agents, with the assistance of Rhode Island State Police and Pawtucket Police, continue to investigate the alleged kidnapping of a postal carrier on June 1, 2021, a federal grand jury in Providence today returned a two-count indictment in a related investigation charging three men with participating in a conspiracy to possess and distribute significant quantities of cocaine shipped through the U.S. Postal Service, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus.
It is alleged that on June 1, 2021, a Postal Service employee was abducted in Pawtucket and driven by two masked men to his home. At least one of the abductors claimed to be seeking the contents of an empty package they said the postal carrier delivered to a residence in Pawtucket on May 24, 2021. After the abductors learned the postal employee did not have a key with him to enter his locked home, he was returned unharmed to an area near where his postal truck was parked.
According to court documents, based on information provided by the Postal Service employee, witness statements, surveillance videos, and various databases, investigators identified the vehicle allegedly used in the kidnapping, and its owner, Edgar Medina, 37, of Johnston.
During the investigation into the alleged kidnapping, Postal Inspection Service agents learned of several packages that had previously been shipped from fictitious addresses in Puerto Rico to actual addresses in Pawtucket, Cranston, Johnston, and Providence, some of which are associated with Medina.
As the investigation continued, Postal Service Inspectors intercepted three additional packages that a Rhode Island State Police K-9 alerted for the presence of narcotics. Court-authorized searches of the packages resulted in the discovery of a total of more than three kilograms of cocaine. Postal Inspectors arranged for controlled deliveries of the packages on June 8, while the recipient addresses were under surveillance by U.S. Postal Service Inspectors, members of the Rhode Island State Police High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, and the Rhode Island State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force. As the packages were delivered, Medina, Andres Garay, 34, of Providence, and Ronald Hall, 38, of Providence, were arrested. Court-authorized searches of vehicles and residences associated with the defendants resulted in the seizure of, among other things, masks and a winter cap fitting the description of items worn by the individuals involved in the kidnapping, as well as batons, a set of brass knuckles, and a Taser.
A grand jury today returned an indictment charging Medina, Andres, and Garay with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. They have been detained in federal custody since their arrest.
A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christine D. Lowell and Lee H. Vilker.
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U.S. Recovers $650,000 from Local Providers Who Billed Medicare and Medicaid for Screening Tests Not PerformedRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus announced today that the United States has reached a settlement that resolves civil claims against Zaheer Shah, M.D. Park Square Urgent Care, Inc., and several affiliated entities, related to the defendants’ alleged submission of false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for urine drug screening tests they were ill-equipped to perform.
The agreement, under which the defendants will pay a total of $650,000, resolves a civil case filed by the government in federal court in the District of Rhode Island: United States of America v. Park Square Urgent Care, Inc., et al. No. 20-cv-00110-WES-LDA. The settlement is based on an analysis of the defendants’ ability to pay based on an extensive review of their current financial condition.
The government’s case alleged that these medical providers, acting under the direction of Dr. Shah, submitted tens of thousands of false claims to Medicare and Medicaid, seeking reimbursement for urine drug tests that they did not, and could not, perform, because their testing laboratories lacked the equipment or capability to carry out the tests. Despite the fact that these labs could only perform simpler tests, which carry a lower reimbursement rate, the labs were alleged to have knowingly billed Medicare and Medicaid for more complex, and expensive, drug screening tests.
In announcing the settlement, Acting United States Attorney Myrus thanks Attorney General Peter F. Neronha for the support and cooperation of the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control and Patient Abuse Unit in this investigation.
The government’s case was litigated by Assistant United States Attorney Bethany N. Wong, and was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.
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Providence Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A Providence man who took possession of a package containing more than a kilogram of cocaine shipped from Puerto Rico moments after it was delivered by the U.S. Postal Service to the front porch of a Providence residence was sentenced today to five years in federal prison.
Modesto Batista, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 60 months in federal prison to be followed by four years of federal supervised release. He pleaded guilty on March 11, 2021, to possession of over 500 grams of cocaine with the intent to distribute.
According to documents filed with the court, on December 10, 2020, Batista, while under surveillance by law enforcement, was seen sitting inside of a vehicle parked near a Providence residence as the U.S. Postal Service delivered a package, which law enforcement knew to contain cocaine. Shortly after the package was left on the front porch, Batista retrieved the package and immediately drove to his residence.
Moments after Batista arrive at his home, Homeland Security Investigations agents, U.S. Postal Inspection Service agents, and detectives assigned to the Rhode Island High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, forcibly entered the building. Batista was found standing at the foot of the stairs leading to the upstairs portion of the house. The package Batista was seen removing from the front porch and transporting to his residence was found at his feet. The package contained more than 1,400 grams of cocaine.
A court-authorized search of Batista’s residence resulted in the seizure of a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and a magazine with fourteen rounds of live ammunition.
Batista’s sentence is announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William J. Ferland.
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Massachusetts Man Sentenced for Robbing Two Rhode Island BanksRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A Weymouth, MA, man was sentenced today to four years in federal prison for robbing two Rhode Island banks.
In December 2019, Kevin Donovan, 43, pled guilty as charged by way of a federal indictment with two counts of bank robbery.
At the time of his guilty plea, Donovan admitted that on May 23, 2019, he walked into a Citizen’s Bank branch in East Providence, handed a teller a note that read, “No die packs. Sorry,” grabbed $3,475 from a teller draw the bank teller placed on the counter, and fled.
Donovan also admitted, that on June 4, 2019, he entered a Citizen’s Bank branch in North Providence, handed a teller a blank note, and left the bank. About 45 minutes later he entered a Citizen’s Bank branch in Pawtucket, handed a teller a note that read, “Please don’t yell, lets make this fast. It was either this or kill myself No die Packs. Quick! Very sorry.” Donovan left the bank with a bag containing $3,371.90 and a dye pack.
Today, U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith sentenced Donovan to a term of 48 months of incarceration in federal prison to be followed by three years of federal supervised release. Donovan was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $6,846.90.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ly T. Chin.
The robberies were investigated by the East Providence Police Department, North Providence Police Department, Pawtucket Police Department and the FBI.
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Cranston Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Possessing and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A Cranston man arrested in May 2018 on state kidnapping, indecent exposure, and domestic violence charges, and later found also to be in possession of images of child pornography, some of which he regularly distributed to another person, was sentenced today to ten years in federal prison on possession of child pornography and distribution of child pornography charges.
According to documents on file with the court, on May 27, 2018, Robert E. Soares, 41, was arrested and charged by Cranston Police after he forcibly confined a woman to a bedroom, exposed himself to others, and engaged in fighting and violent behavior.
A subsequent investigation determined that Soares had persuaded a 14-year-old girl to allow him to take photographs and a video of her dressed only in her underwear. The images were created in a makeshift movie set Soares constructed in his basement. Additionally, from August 21, 2017, until September 22, 2017, and from mid-February 2018 through May 16, 2018, Soares repeatedly distributed images of child pornography and child erotica to a friend, often referring to these images of prepubescent children being sexually abused as his “pervy pic” of the day.
According to court records, Soares, who was previously convicted on state assault, robbery, and drug charges, pleaded nolo contendere in state court on September 13, 2018, to domestic violence – kidnapping, and was sentenced to 15 years in prison - 3 years to serve, 12 years suspended
On November 22, 2019, Soares pleaded guilty to federal charges of distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography. Today, U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith sentenced Soares to a term of incarceration of 120 months in federal prison and lifetime federal supervised release. U.S. District Court Judge Smith ordered Soares federal sentence be served consecutive to his term of incarceration in state prison.
Soares’ federal sentence is announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise M. Barton.
The matter was investigated by the Cranston Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.
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Operation River Fork Defendant Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A Woonsocket man, one of eighteen individuals arrested during a ten-month Project Safe Neighborhoods drugs and firearms investigation in Woonsocket, Providence, and Cranston in 2020, that resulted in the recovery of six loaded firearms and more than a kilo of crack cocaine, pleaded guilty today to a charge of distributing crack cocaine.
Bradley Dewalt, 29, admitted to the court that on February 27, 2020, at the direction of another person, already the subject of a Rhode Island FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force investigation termed “Operation River Fork,” he contacted an individual seeking to arrange for the purchase of crack cocaine. Dewalt and that person met later that day in Bellingham, MA, where Dewalt sold the individual an ounce of crack cocaine for $1,150.
Dewalt, previously convicted on assault, drug trafficking, and firearm charges, and charged in this matter on October 6, 2020, by way of a federal criminal complaint, appeared today before U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy and pleaded guilty to distribution of crack cocaine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 17, 2020.
Anthony Medeiros, 30, of Woonsocket, the person that arranged for the contact between Dewalt and the person seeking to purchase crack cocaine, pleaded guilty in federal court on May 6, 2021, to conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and three counts of distribution of cocaine base. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 27, 2021.
Dewalt's and Medeiros’s guilty pleas are announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey P. Veroni.
These cases are being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The Rhode Island FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force consists of agents and law enforcement officers from the FBI, United States Marshals Service, Central Falls Police Department, Cranston Police Department, Pawtucket Police Department, Providence Police Department, West Warwick Police Department, Woonsocket Police Department, and Rhode Island State Police.
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Two Indicted, Third Person Sought in Schemes to Defraud Rhode Island BanksRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Two Providence men indicted by a federal grand jury on Friday were arraigned today while a third person is being sought for allegedly leading schemes to create and deposit nearly a quarter of a million dollars in counterfeit business and personal checks, and quickly withdrawing the funds before banks determined that the checks were created using stolen personal identifying and bank account information.
It is alleged in the indictments that Terrance Richardson, aka Teebobe Juheard, 29, and Richard Koboi, aka Sunnyboy Taylor, 26, obtained stolen checks and stolen banking information of actual businesses and individuals they used to create fraudulent checks. It is alleged that the two men recruited and paid individuals with actual bank accounts to allow the counterfeit checks to be deposited into their accounts. It is alleged that as part of the scheme, once the counterfeit checks were deposited and prior to banks discovering that the checks were counterfeit, Richardson and Koboi made rapid withdrawals of cash, made cash transfers, and made debit card purchases.
It is alleged in an indictment that between April 27, 2020, and March 3, 2021, Richardson executed schemes to deposit and withdraw funds represented by at least eleven counterfeit checks for between $2,824 and $60,322.
It is alleged in a separate indictment that between January 23, 2020, and March 3, 2021, Koboi executed schemes to deposit and withdraw funds represented by seven counterfeit checks for between $2,896.43 and $9,637.02.
Additionally, it is alleged that Koboi, previously convicted and sentenced on felony charges of breaking and entering and domestic violence, purchased, possessed and later sold a 9mm pistol.
On Friday, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Koboi with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, seven counts of bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and felon in possession of a firearm. The grand jury returned a separate indictment charging Richardson with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, eleven counts of bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
As part of this investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the FBI, a third individual, Patrick Johnson, 36, previously of Providence, has been charged by way of a federal criminal complaint with wire fraud, bank fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft. A federal arrest warrant has been issued for Johnson whose whereabouts are unknown.
It is alleged in court documents that in addition to participating in bank fraud schemes with Koboi and Richardson, Johnson mailed counterfeit Home Equity Line of Credit checks throughout the country from Post Offices in and around Providence.
A federal indictment and criminal complaint are merely accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The charges brought against Terrance Richardson, Richard Koboi, and Patrick Johnson are announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ly T. Chin.
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Two Detained, Three Kilos of Fentanyl Pills SeizedRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Two men have been ordered detained in federal custody following a Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force investigation into the trafficking of fentanyl pills that resulted in the seizure of more than three kilograms of fentanyl pills.
According to court documents, in April and May, an individual assisting DEA task force agents arranged for two deliveries of large quantities of fentanyl pills. On April 29, the individual arranged for the delivery of 1000 fentanyl pills for $5,000. The pills were delivered in the parking lot of a Pawtucket restaurant by one of two men who arrived in a car bearing Massachusetts license plates. Shortly after the delivery, the pills were seized by task force agents while other agents followed the vehicle to apartment complexes in Lawrence, MA.
On May 24, the same individual arranged to purchase 25,000 fentanyl pills for $125,000. Two days later, as the delivery of the pills was allegedly in progress inside a passenger van in the parking lot of a Dorchester, MA, restaurant, Rhode Island DEA task force agents moved in and seized from two men inside the van a large plastic garbage bag containing 3.4 kilograms of fentanyl pills. The pills were packaged in numerous clear plastic bags.
The investigation determined that the two men inside the van in Dorchester, Roberto Anibal Nieves Zayas, aka Jose Diaz, 35, of Naguabo, Puerto Rico, and Mervin Roberto Cabral Roche, 46, of Soltero, Dominican Republic, are the same men that allegedly delivered the 1,000 fentanyl pills a month earlier in Pawtucket.
Nieves Zayas and Cabral Roche appeared in U.S. District Court in Providence on Friday and were ordered detained in federal custody on a federal criminal complaint charging them with conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus.
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey P. Veroni.
The Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force is comprised of personnel from the DEA; United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General; Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation; Rhode Island State Police; the East Providence, Central Falls, Coventry, Newport, North Kingstown, Pawtucket, Providence, South Kingstown, Warwick, West Warwick, and Woonsocket Police Departments; and Amtrak Police Department.
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Pawtucket Man Admits to Attempting to Send Obscene Material to a MinorRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A Pawtucket man today pleaded guilty in federal court in Providence to attempting to send obscene material to a minor.
Tomy J. Fitton, 41, admitted that he sent photographs of his exposed genitalia to a person he believed to be a 14-year-old girl with whom he had been communicating with online. The person he was communicating with was a member of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
According to court documents, during the chatroom communications, in addition to sending the images of his genitalia, Fitton arranged to meet the supposed 14-year-old girl at a location in Providence. When he arrived at the location, Fitton was taken into custody by members of the ICAC Task Force. A cursory search of a cellphone in Fitton’s possession at the time of his arrest revealed the chatroom communications with a member of the ICAC Task Force and the digital images sent to the person he believed to be a 14-year-old girl.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Fitton pleaded guilty to attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus.
If accepted by the court, a plea agreement filed in this matter recommends that Fitton be sentenced to serve a 24-month term of incarceration in federal prison. Fitton, who is currently detained in federal custody, is scheduled to be sentenced on August 18, 2021.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
The Rhode Island ICAC Task Force is comprised of members of the Rhode Island State Police Computer Crimes Unit, agents from Homeland Security Investigations, and detectives from the Warwick Police Department, Cranston Police Department, Newport Police Department, East Providence Police Department, Pawtucket Police Department, Bristol Police Department, and Portsmouth Police Department.
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Massachusetts Man Admits to Trading Firearms for Fentanyl in Rhode IslandRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A Franklin, MA, man today admitted to a federal court judge in Rhode Island that on at least four occasions he traveled to Rhode Island and traded a firearm for fentanyl.
Appearing in U.S. District Court in Providence today, Timothy J. Valle, 37, of Franklin, MA, admitted that between December 2018 and November 2020, he sent various photographs of firearms he owned to an individual he knew to be involved in selling drugs, proposing to trade firearms for fentanyl. Valle admitted that on at least four occasions he reached a deal to trade a firearm for fentanyl and, after obliterating the serial numbers, he exchanged firearms for fentanyl.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith, Valle pleaded guilty to possessing or receiving a firearm which has had the serial number removed, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus.
Valle is scheduled to be sentenced on August 20, 2021.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys William J. Ferland and Ly T. Chin.
Acting United States Attorney Myrus thanks the FBI for their assistance in the investigation of Timothy Valle.
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Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A convicted felon found to be in possession of a loaded semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number when he was pulled over by Pawtucket Police in October 2020 for not wearing a seat belt and for driving a vehicle that had not been properly registered is, according to court documents, facing five years in federal prison after pleading guilty today to a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to information presented to the court, Jonathan Reyes, 35, of Pawtucket, was stopped by Pawtucket Police on October 14, 2020, when he was observed not wearing a seatbelt and driving a car with out-of-state license plates that were registered to a different vehicle. Reyes claimed to police that he had just purchased the vehicle. He provided them with a Bill of Sale that did not contain a VIN, date of sale/purchase, or signatures of the buyer/seller.
While speaking with an officer, the officer noticed a dark satchel in the middle of the back seat. When asked what he removed from his chest as he was being pulled over, Reyes responded that he had removed his seat belt. During a search of the vehicle, officers discovered a loaded Sig Sauer semi-automatic handgun with an obliterated serial number inside the black satchel.
As Reyes was being placed under arrest, he briefly attempted to flee police but was quickly apprehended.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court William E. Smith, Reyes, who was previously convicted on felony drug trafficking and misdemeanor domestic assault charges, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus.
If accepted by the court, a plea agreement filed in this matter jointly recommends that Reyes be sentenced to serve a 60-month term of incarceration in federal prison. Reyes, who is currently detained in federal custody, is scheduled to be sentenced on August 20, 2021.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ly T. Chin and William J. Ferland.
The matter was investigated by the Pawtucket Police Department with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
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Three-Cities Nonviolence Program Launched; Job and Resource Fair Held for High School StudentsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – As graduation day draws close, Central Falls High School seniors today participated in an employment and resource fair hosted by the Nonviolence Institute, Family Service of Rhode Island, and the United States Attorney’s Office as part of the Institute’s Three-Cities Nonviolence Program. Dozens of agencies and employers made resource information available and met one-on-one with students to discuss career opportunities, training programs, and social service and community support programs.
The Three-Cities Nonviolence Program, supported by a $318,199 grant awarded by the Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile and Delinquency Prevention, targets youth victims and families of gang-related violence in Central Falls, Pawtucket, and Providence by providing direct support services to prevent re-victimization. The program effectively identifies victims of gang violence and gang-related crime, and uses data driven, evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies to provide an appropriate response, to include Nonviolence Streetworker Outreach, Social Worker-Police Go-Teams, and Hospital-based violence intervention.
Nonviolence Institute Executive Director Cedric Huntley commented, "The Nonviolence Institute is very pleased to work with the United States Attorney’s Office and other organizations in organizing and collaborating to provide youth with a summer opportunities fair in the City of Central Falls. It is this kind of collaboration that addresses issues in providing meaningful outcomes in Central Falls."
Today’s employment and resource fair is a great opportunity to offer these high-school seniors career information and to introduce the Three-Cities Nonviolence Program to the community,” said Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus. “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to reducing urban violent crime and creating safer communities in Rhode Island through the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. A cornerstone of violence reduction is the work of community organizations that focus on outreach and furnish resources to young adults. We are proud to provide our support to the Nonviolence Institute’s Three-Cities Nonviolence Program, a comprehensive prevention program to help break the cycle of youth gang violence in Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls.”
Key partners of the Nonviolence Institute’s Three-Cities Nonviolence Program include Family Service of Rhode Island, the Central Falls, Pawtucket, and Providence Police and School Departments, the United States Attorney’s Office, the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, and Rhode Island Hospital.
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Telemarketing Fraudster Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – An Indian national who admitted to being a key participant in a wide-ranging telemarketing fraud scheme that targeted and defrauded United States residents, primarily senior citizens, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Providence to three years in federal prison.
Himanshu Asri, 34, of Delhi, India, admitted that for at least the five years that preceded his arrest in early 2020, he ran a call center in India that engaged in Tech Fraud, a scheme to extract money from computer users by deceiving them into believing that their computers were subject to attack. As part of the scheme, Asri had pop-up advertisements appear on computer users’ screens. The ads falsely asserted that malware had been detected on those computers and urged that a telephone number be called for assistance. Those who called spoke to operators at Asri’s call center and at other call centers based in India. The operators reiterated the lie that malware had been detected on the callers’ computers and offered the callers fictious computer protection services for an exorbitant price. Those who fell prey to this scam paid on average $482, and sometime over $1000, and did not receive any actual computer protection service or assistance.
From call data obtained for a three-month period, it was estimated that over five years Asri’s scheme led approximately 6,500 people to view Asri’s deceptive pop-up ads and encounter call center operators who made the Tech Fraud pitch. It is estimated that 1,950 of those people fell prey to Tech Fraud. Asri and his coconspirators defrauded that group of at least $940,995.74. Had all of the attempts to defraud been successful, victims would have lost an estimated total of $3,133,000.
Asri pleaded guilty on December 3, 2020, to wire fraud. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 36 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of federal supervised release, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus.
Asri faces deportation proceedings upon completion of his term of incarceration.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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Smithfield Sex Offender Indicted for Multiple Child Sexual Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A registered sex offender living in Smithfield was ordered detained by a federal magistrate judge Tuesday after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with multiple child sexual exploitation offenses. Mathew Hoard, 35, was charged in a five-count indictment with Attempted Enticement of A Minor to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity; Attempted Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor; Distribution and Possession of Child Pornography; and Committing Offenses While Required to Register as a Sex Offender.
According to court documents and information presented to the court, Hoard was convicted of possession of child pornography in Rhode Island Superior Court in 2010 and sentenced to five years of probation and required to register as a sex offender. According to information received by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, in February 2020 an individual uploaded child pornography to a social media application. Members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) traced the upload to Hoard.
Meanwhile, in a separate ICAC investigation, Hoard was allegedly communicating via a social media application with an individual he believed was a 14-year-old girl. Hoard allegedly sent obscene images to the 14-year-old; requested the 14-year-old send nude images of herself to him; said he wanted to marry her, and repeatedly asked the 14-year-old to meet for sex. Court-authorized searches discovered electronic media devices owned by Hoard that allegedly contained child pornography and other evidence related to the case.
Hoard was arrested on Tuesday by members of the ICAC and Homeland Security Investigations and was ordered detained by United States Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond following an initial court appearance in U.S. District Court, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus.
If convicted as charged, Hoard faces a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 15 years in federal prison.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams. It was investigated by the Rhode Island Stated Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force with assistance from the Homeland Security Investigations.
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Kevin Love Hubbard Sworn-In as Assistant U.S. AttorneyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus today announced the appointment and swearing-in of Kevin Love Hubbard as an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Rhode Island. Mr. Hubbard has been assigned to the Civil Division of the United States Attorney’s Office.
A native of Ft. Collins, Colorado, Mr. Hubbard graduated in 2007 from the Pennsylvania State University. Mr. Hubbard earned his Juris Doctor at Yale Law School in 2012. While attending Yale Law School, Mr. Hubbard was Chair of the Iraqi Refugee Assistance Project.
Prior to joining the United States Attorney’s Office, Mr. Hubbard was a partner at Medina Orthwein in Boston, MA, and Oakland, CA, serving as lead counsel in employment discrimination, whistle blower, and constitutional civil rights matters.
Prior to joining Medina Orthwein, Mr. Hubbard was an associate at Morrison & Foerster and at Sanford Heisler Sharp in San Francisco, CA. Earlier in his career, Mr. Hubbard clerked for Judge Neil Wake in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona.
In welcoming Mr. Hubbard to the Office, Acting United States Attorney Myrus said, “We’re thrilled that Kevin is joining our team. He is a seasoned litigator with great skills and extensive experience in complex civil litigation. He will be an excellent addition to the Office.”
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Guilty Plea in First-In-The-Nation Cares Act fraud CaseRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE - A Massachusetts man who faked suicide shortly after he and a co-defendant became the first in the nation to be charged with fraudulently seeking hundreds of thousands of dollars in forgivable pandemic relief small business loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to commit bank fraud and failure to appear in court.
The CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) allowed qualifying small businesses to receive forgivable or low interest loans to meet payroll costs and mortgage, rent, and utility payments.
David Adler Staveley, a/k/a Kurt David Sanborn, a/k/a David Sanborn, 54, of Andover, MA, admitted he conspired with David Andrew Butziger, 53, of Warwick, RI, to file four fraudulent PPP loan applications with a Rhode Island bank, falsely claiming they owned businesses with large monthly payrolls when, in fact, they did not own the businesses. Staveley admitted that he and Sanborn filed fraudulent loan applications seeking $185,570 to pay employees at Top of the Bay restaurant in Warwick, RI; $144,050 at Remington House Inn restaurant in Warwick, RI; $108, 777 at On The Trax restaurant in Berlin, MA; and $105,381 for employees at Dock Wireless, an unincorporated business.
Remington House Inn and On The Trax were closed at the time the loan applications were submitted, and remain closed; Staveley has no ownership interest in Top of the Bay; and Dock Wireless had no employees and no wages were ever paid by the business.
In May 2020, Staveley and Butziger became the first individuals in the nation charged with defrauding the CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program. Three weeks after appearing in federal court and being released to home detention with electronic monitoring, Staveley removed his electronic monitoring device and fled. Staveley staged his suicide by, among other things, leaving suicide notes with associates and in his car, which was located by the ocean in Massachusetts, unlocked and with his wallet inside. Law enforcement determined that between May 26 and July 23, 2020, Staveley, who was to have appeared in federal court on June 2, 2020, traveled to various states using false identities and stolen license plates. He was apprehended by the United States Marshals Service in Alpharetta, GA., on July 23, 2020.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy, Staveley pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and failure to appear in court as required, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus. Staveley is scheduled to be sentenced on August 2, 2021.
Butziger pleaded guilty on September 18, 2020, to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 23, 2021.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee H. Vilker.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.
The Justice Department acknowledges and thanks the SBA Office of Inspector General and the FDIC, Office of Inspector General for their assistance in the investigation.
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Interstate Theft Scheme Ringleader Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Cranston man today admitted to a federal court judge that he led a nine-person conspiracy that participated in a four-state scheme to steal heavy construction equipment, sport boats, jet skis, all-terrain vehicles, and trailers.
According to court documents, Jose A. Montes, aka Jose Rivera, aka “Tuto”, 36, led the group of individuals that broke into businesses in four New England states in order to steal three Bobcat excavators, ten jet skis, three boats, eight all-terrain vehicles, and fourteen trailers, valued at nearly $700,000.
Appearing in federal court in Providence today, Montes admitted that he personally participated in
- The October 22 and 23, 2019, break-in of a Rehoboth, MA, business and the theft of four jet skis and two trailers valued at approximately $64,000. Two of the watercrafts were later recovered in Cranston by Cranston Police.
- A November 18, 2019, break-in at a South Kingstown marina and the theft of a sport boat and trailer valued at $30,000. The boat and trailer were later recovered by law enforcement in Sarasota, FL.
- A December 28, 2019, break-in at a Tiverton business and the theft of two sport fishing boats and trailers valued at nearly $200,000. The boats were first towed to Johnston. Montes admitted that he removed the engine from one of the boats and then left the boat in Scituate. The engineless boat was later recovered by police. The second boat was towed to Sarasota, FL, to be sold. It was recovered by law enforcement in Sarasota.
- The April 10, and 11, 2020, break-ins at an Auburn, MA, Bobcat dealer and the theft of three Bobcat machines valued at a total of approximately $195,000. Two of the Bobcats were later recovered by Johnston Police. The third stolen Bobcat was recovered by North Providence Police.
- The April 12, 2020, break-in at a Waterford, CT, business and the theft of a jet ski and trailer valued at $17,000. The stolen items have not been recovered.
- The July 17, 2021, attempted break-in at a Vernon, CT, business and the attempted theft of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), a three-wheeled sport vehicle, and a trailer. The break-in was interrupted by police. Montes and a person working at his direction fled the area. Later that evening, Montes admitted, he and the second person stole $58,000 worth of items from a Stafford, CT, business, to include an ATV, a jet ski, and two trailers.
- On July 20, 2020, Montes, directed a group of men who travelled together in three vehicles to an Easton, MA, business where they stole three jet skis and three trailers valued at a total of nearly $48,100. The stolen items were transported to Providence.
- On July 29, 2020, Montes and others working at his direction broke-in to a Hampstead, NH, business and stole four ATVs, three jet skis, a three-wheeled sport vehicle, and two trailers, valued at a total of $90,400.
On August 2, 2020, Providence Police located a stolen ATV parked in the rear of a Providence residence. On August 9, 2020, Easton Police recovered a trailer stolen in that town. On that same date, Hampstead, NH, Police recovered an ATV stolen in that town.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Mary S. McElroy, Montes pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property and eight counts of interstate transportation of stolen property, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus.
Montes is scheduled to be sentenced on August 3, 2021.
The investigation into the stolen items was launched by the Johnston and North Providence Police Departments, and joined by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, and merged with a parallel investigation by Rhode Island and Connecticut State Police, and the Easton, MA,, and Hampstead, NH, Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys William J. Ferland and Ly T. Chin.
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Hopkinton Man Arrested for Third Time on Child-Related Sex ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Hopkinton man arrested and charged in Rhode Island state court in July 2020 on charges that he allegedly arranged online to meet with a 14-year-old girl to engage in sexual intercourse, and arrested again in October 2020 after a Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigation determined that he allegedly downloaded and stored child pornography earlier in 2020, has been charged in federal court with possessing child pornography and with allegedly downloading images of child pornography in March of this year while on bail related to his previous arrests.
In April 2021, the ICAC Task Force received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that child pornography had been downloaded in March via an online social media program, using an IP address assigned to an Internet subscriber in Rhode Island. It was determined by the ICAC Task Force that the IP address belonged to a residence where Christopher Leherissier, 36, resides. As a result of further investigation, Leherissier was arrested on Wednesday by ICAC Task Force members and Homeland Security Investigations agents on a federal criminal complaint charging him with possession of child pornography.
Prior to Wednesday’s arrest, Leherissier had been arrested twice in the past 10 months by members of the ICAC Task Force on sex-related charges involving minors.
In July 2020, Leherissier was arrested by members of the ICAC Task Force when he arrived at a location where he allegedly was to meet and have sexual intercourse with a minor whom he had been communicating with online for several months. The person he was allegedly communicating with was, in fact, a member of the ICAC Task Force. A smart phone seized from Leherissier allegedly contained numerous images of child pornography.
In a separate investigation, in May 2020, the ICAC Task Force received information from NCMEC that an individual had uploaded seven files of child pornography to a Dropbox storage account. It was determined by members of the task force that the files were allegedly uploaded from an IP address where Leherissier resided. A court-authorized search of the Dropbox account resulted in the discovery of approximately 55 files depicting child pornography. Leherissier was arrested on October 22, 2021 by ICAC Task Force members on a state charge of possession of child pornography. A forensic review of electronic devices seized during Leherissier’s second arrest allegedly resulted in the discovery of 42 mages and 10 videos depicting child pornography.
Leherissier appeared today in U.S. District Court in Providence before Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond on a federal criminal complaint charging him with possession and distribution of child pornography. He was ordered detained in federal custody.
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Leherissier’s arrest and initial appearance in U.S. District Court is announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus, Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker, and Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni.
The case in U.S. District Court is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dulce Donovan.
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Acting U.S. Attorney Myrus Recognizes National Police WeekRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE - In honor of National Police Week, Acting U.S. Attorney Richard B. Myrus recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Sunday, May 9 through Saturday, May 15, 2021.
“This week is a time to honor our law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” said Attorney General Garland. “I am constantly inspired by the extraordinary courage and dedication with which members of law enforcement act each day, putting their lives on the line to make our communities safer. To members of law enforcement and your families: we know that not a single day, nor a single week, is enough to recognize your service and sacrifice. On behalf of the entire Department of Justice, you have our unwavering support and eternal gratitude.”
“It is an honor for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and for me personally to work with our law enforcement partners as they serve and protect the communities of Rhode Island,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Myrus. “The work of law enforcement officers is often profoundly challenging and dangerous, but it is essential to protecting the rights of community members and upholding the rule of law. The officers of our federal, state, and local law enforcement organizations have my deepest respect for their bravery, compassion, and sacrifice.”
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities that they have sworn to serve.
During the Roll Call of Heroes, a ceremony coordinated by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), more than 300 officers will be honored. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), of the law enforcement officers who died nationwide in the line of duty in 2020, nearly 60 percent succumbed to COVID-19.
Additionally, according to statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 46 law enforcement officers died as a result of felonious acts and 47 died in accidents in 2020. LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website.
The names of the 394 fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Thursday, May 13, 2021, during a Virtual Candlelight Vigil, which will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 pm EDT. The Police Week in-person public events, originally scheduled for May, have been rescheduled due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns to October 13-17, 2021. An in-person Candlelight Vigil event is scheduled for October 14, 2021.
Those who wish to view the Virtual Candlelight Vigil on May 13, 2021, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF. The FOP’s Roll Call of Heroes can be viewed at www.fop.net. To view the schedule of virtual Police Week events in May, please view NLEOMF’s Police Week Flyer.
To learn more about National Police Week in-person events scheduled for October, please visit www.policeweek.org.
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Three Plead Guilty, Face 5-40 Years in Prison in Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – Three people charged in a wide-ranging FBI drug and firearm trafficking investigation face between 5-40 years in federal prison after admitting to a judge today that they participated in a conspiracy that distributed significant quantities of crack cocaine and fentanyl in Woonsocket and elsewhere.
Angel Aviles, 20, of Cranston, and Juan Batista, 35, and Natalie Cassidy, 27, both of Woonsocket, are among nearly two-dozen individuals charged during an expansive investigation begun in January 2020 by the FBI Rhode Island Safe Streets Gang Task Force targeting sources of supply for drugs and firearms. The investigation determined that Aviles, Batista, and Cassidy worked together to distribute fentanyl and crack cocaine.
According to information presented to the court, Aviles often brokered the sale of fentanyl and crack cocaine supplied by Batista, who, at times, brokered his own drug deals. On several occasions, Cassidy delivered crack cocaine and fentanyl purchases, collected payment from the buyer, and offered to be a point of contact for drug purchases.
Between February 26, and June 23, 2020, members of the FBI Task Force surveilled at least six occasions when drug purchases were requested from and delivered by members of the conspiracy. The transactions included deliveries of between 7.4 and 36.2 grams of crack cocaine and 5.3 grams of fentanyl, for between $360 and $1,800.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Juan Batista pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 28 or more grams of cocaine base, distribution of 28 or more grams of cocaine base, and possession with intent to distribute 40 or more grams of fentanyl; Angel Aviles pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 28 or more grams of cocaine base and distribution of 28 or more grams of cocaine base; Natalie Cassidy pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 28 or more grams of cocaine base, distribution of cocaine base and fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute 40 or more grams of fentanyl.
At sentencing, the defendants face statutory penalties of between 5-40 years of incarceration in federal prison.
Angel Aviles, Juan Batista, and Natalie Cassidy’s guilty pleas are announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine D. Lowell.
The FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force consists of agents and law enforcement officers from the FBI, Rhode Island State Police, the Providence, Cranston, Woonsocket, Pawtucket, West Warwick, and Central Falls Police Departments, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
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Woonsocket Man Twice Charged with Trafficking Cocaine Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Woonsocket man arrested by members of the FBI’s Safe Streets Violent Gang Task Force in July 2019 and by Woonsocket Police in June 2020 for trafficking crack cocaine was sentenced today to 41 months in federal prison.
According to court documents, beginning in March 2019, during an investigation into the drug trafficking activities of Sean Breton, 28, and others, members of law enforcement surveilled numerous drug transactions, including seven sales of crack cocaine by Breton. Breton pleaded guilty on November 8, 2019, to possession with intent to distribute cocaine base.
Subsequently, in June 2020, while awaiting sentencing on his conviction in federal court, Breton was arrested by Woonsocket Police on drug trafficking, fireworks, and firearm charges. At the time of his arrest, law enforcement seized from Breton’s residence 10 grams of crack cocaine, more than $22,000 in cash, gold jewelry, and two BB guns – one realistically resembling an M4 military weapon, the other a pistol. On August 19, 2020, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Breton with possession of cocaine base. He pled guilty on March 4, 2021, as charged in the indictment.
Sean Breton was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith to 41 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised federal release, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta, and Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas Oates.
The cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine D. Lowell and Sandra R. Hebert.
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Pawtucket Man Facing 5-40 Years in Prison for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Pawtucket man who sold a kilogram of cocaine while under law enforcement surveillance faces between 5 and 40 years in federal prison, having pleaded guilty today to conspiracy and distributing 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Appearing before U.S. District Court Mary S. McElroy, Modesto Mercado, 37, admitted that on February 12, 2020, he met by Facetime and later in person at a Providence restaurant to arrange with an individual to sell him a kilogram of cocaine for $30,000. During the second meeting, Mercado told the buyer that the price for the kilogram was actually $31,500, with the additional $1,500 going to Mercado and a person assisting him to arrange the purchase. At the second meeting, Mercado told the buyer he could supply as many kilograms of cocaine as the buyer wanted to purchase.
According to information presented to the court, later that evening Mercado met with the buyer and another individual and sold him a kilogram of cocaine. After the buyer claimed he could not pay more than the original agreed upon price of $30,000, Mercado indicated he wanted to remove and keep 150 grams of pure cocaine from the kilogram and replace it with cocaine that had been mixed with cutting agents, keeping the 150 grams for himself.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy, Mercado pleaded guilty to conspiracy with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and distribution of 500 grams or more of cocaine, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus and Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker.
At sentencing on July 26, 2021, Mercado faces statutory penalties of between five and forty years in federal prison to be followed by between four years and lifetime federal supervised release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald F. Gendron.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.
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Providence Contractor Charged in Murder-For-Hire PlotRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Providence man has been ordered detained in federal custody in an alleged murder-for-hire plot. It is alleged that Agustin Vinas, 51, attempted to hire a person to kill two men, one a contractor he claimed owed him $8,500 and who threatened to harm his family if he did not stop his repeated requests for payment, and the second an employee of the contractor.
It is alleged in court documents that on April 19, 2021, Vinas had a chance meeting with an acquaintance. Vinas told that person of his unsuccessful attempts to collect money he was owed by a contractor, of the contractor’s threat against his family, and that he wanted to hire someone to kill the contractor and another man. Vinas’s acquaintance told him that he might know of someone interested in the job and that he would be in touch shortly.
The next day, while under surveillance by members of the FBI Rhode Island Safe Streets Task Force, the two met again in a parking lot in Providence. In a recorded conversation, Vinas allegedly repeated that he wanted the contractor and another person killed. Vinas offered to pay $3,000 for the killings and an additional $500 to make the bodies “disappear.” Vinas explained that he would like to have the victims tortured before they are killed.
It is alleged in court documents that two days later Vinas’s acquaintance arranged to meet with Vinas to introduce him to a “hitman.” They arranged to gather in a parking lot in Pawtucket and then follow Vinas to a second Pawtucket location. Once there, they moved to a third location and met in Vinas’s vehicle. During the meeting, Vinas identified the intended targets, and provided the “hitman” with the contractor’s cellphone number, address, and a description of the vehicle the contractor drives. Vinas told the “hitman,” who was actually an undercover law enforcement officer, that the contractor was the primary target and that he wanted him killed first. Vinas specified that the second victim was not as important but that he would be an easy person to kill. Vinas offered to pay the undercover law enforcement officer $3,000 to kill both individuals. Vinas agreed to provide a deposit for the killings, and stated, “I’m not dying until this guy is dead.”
On April 26, 2021, Vinas provided the officer with a $100 deposit for the killings with a promise of an additional $300 at their next meeting. At the meeting, Vinas showed the officer two checks made payable to his son totaling $2,700. Vinas said the checks would be cashed and the proceeds provided as payment once the murders occurred. Three days later, Vinas and the undercover officer met again, and Vinas provided the undercover officer an additional $200 in cash. Vinas was asked on several occasions at that meeting if he was certain he wanted the murders committed. He responded, “I am one hundred percent sure,” and offered to sign a contract.
Vinas was arrested by members of the FBI Rhode Island Safe Streets Task Force on Friday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire. He was ordered detained by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond.
The FBI Safe Streets Task Force is comprised of officers from the Providence Police Department, Cranston Police Department, Pawtucket Police Department, Central Falls Police Department, Woonsocket Police Department, West Warwick Police Department, Rhode Island State Police, and the United States Marshals Service. The arrest and detention of Vinas is announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta.
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.
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Woonsocket Man Sentenced for Laundering Proceeds in Transcontinental Drug Trafficking OperationRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Woonsocket man with a lengthy Rhode Island state and federal criminal record and a history of violating conditions of his probation and supervised release was sentenced today to four years in federal prison for laundering as much as $500,000 in proceeds from the trafficking of marijuana in the Woonsocket area; the marijuana was obtained from a west coast-based drug trafficking organization.
Kyle S. Minot, 31, previously admitted to the court that he employed at least five individuals to deposit the proceeds of dozens of drug sales into “feeder” bank accounts, representing payment he owed his marijuana suppliers, a California-based drug trafficking organization. “Feeder” accounts, held in fictious names, conceal the origin and ownership of the money. Each deposit was kept to just under $10,000 to avoid bank reporting laws. The proceeds were withdrawn from the accounts by members of the drug trafficking organization in California.
According to information presented to the court, Minot’s drug trafficking and money laundering activities came to light during a long-term DEA and IRS led Boston Strike Force investigation begun in the fall of 2014 into the leadership of the transcontinental marijuana trafficking and money-laundering organization. Minot was later identified as having met in nearby Massachusetts with the leader of the organization in furtherance of the scheme.
According to court documents, Minot’s role in the marijuana trafficking and money laundering organization came to light while Minot was simultaneously the subject of a wide-ranging Rhode Island State Police investigation into the criminal activities of members of a motorcycle gang code named Operation Patched Out. Minot was heard on a State Police wiretap discussing his ongoing marijuana trafficking activities and obtaining stolen equipment for use in his landscaping business. Minot was incarcerated after his arrest as a state probation violator and was later convicted in state court on 14 charges, including receiving stolen property and drug trafficking offenses. He was sentenced to five years in prison – one year to serve, the remainder suspended with probation.
At the time Minot was overheard on the State Police wiretap discussing his then-ongoing criminal activities, Minot was subject to federal supervised release, having been convicted and sentenced for firearms trafficking. Separately, while on federal supervised release in that matter, Minot was convicted in state court on drug trafficking charges and a motor vehicle offense.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy, Minot, who pled guilty on October 25, 2019, to money laundering, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of federal supervised release, and to pay a fine of $20,000, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division Brian D. Boyle, and Acting Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Ramsey E. Covington.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gerard B. Sullivan.
Acting United States Attorney Myrus thanks the Woonsocket Police Department and Rhode Island State Police for their assistance in this matter.
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Guatemalan National Sentenced for Illegal Re-entry, Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Guatemalan national previously convicted in Rhode Island state court for participating in two gang rapes, who failed to register as a sex offender, and who re-entered the United States illegally after being deported, was sentenced today to 30 months in federal prison.
According to court documents, in 2003, Manuel Pablo Alonzo, 37, participated in the gang rape of two women in separate incidents on the same night. One of the victims was stabbed. Alonzo was convicted in Rhode Island state court in March 2005 on four counts of first-degree sexual assault and one count of kidnapping.
After serving a 15-year sentence in state prison, Alonzo was deported to Guatemala on February 20, 2014.
According to information presented to the court, on January 3, 2020, Alonzo was arrested for driving under the influence in Warwick. An investigation determined that Alonzo re-entered the United States illegally and had been living in Providence with family members. Further investigation determined that Alonzo failed to register as a sex offender, as previously ordered by a Rhode Island state court judge.
Alonzo pleaded guilty on January 5, 2021 to illegal re-entry after deportation and failure to register as a sex offender. He was sentenced today to 30 months in federal prison to be followed by one year of federal supervised release. Alonzo will again face deportation proceedings following completion of his term of incarceration.
Alonzo’s sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy, is announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus, United States Marshal Wing Chau, Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker, and Warwick Police Chief Colonel Bradford Connor.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Zechariah Chafee.
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CARES Act Fraud Unit Bolstered with Appointment of New Assistant U.S. AttorneyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus today announced the appointment and swearing-in of G. Michael Seaman IV as an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Rhode Island.
Mr. Seaman has been assigned to the CARES Act Fraud Unit in the United States Attorney’s Office Criminal Division, the fourth Assistant United States Attorney assigned to work with federal and state law enforcement in the investigation and the federal prosecution of CARES Act fraud cases. To date, the CARES Act Fraud Unit has charged two-dozen individuals who allegedly targeted more than $30 million in federal CARES Act funding.
A native of Long Island, NY, Mr. Seaman graduated in 2011 from State University of New York at Albany. Mr. Seaman earned his Juris Doctor at State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law, graduating cum laude in 2014.
Mr. Seaman is a Marine Corps reservist, and a former active duty JAG for the USMC. As a Judge Advocate in Okinawa, Japan, he handled a variety of criminal offenses, although his primary focus was investigating and prosecuting Marines for government entitlements fraud. Prior to being stationed in Japan, Mike was stationed in Newport, RI.
Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, G. Michael Seaman IV served as a Litigation Associate at Phillips Lytle, LLP in Buffalo, NY, where he managed and litigated a wide variety of matters, including civil actions, civil rights, data security, and fraud.
In welcoming Mr. Seaman’s to the United States Attorney’s Office, Acting United States Attorney Myrus said, “We are very pleased that AUSA Seamen is joining the Office. He is an experienced prosecutor with a demonstrated commitment to serving his country. He will be an excellent addition to our team prosecuting CARES Act fraud cases.
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U.S. Attorney's Office Joins Law Enforcement Partners, Advocates and Family Members for 40th Annual National Crime Victims' Rights Week CeremonyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – In commemoration of the 40th annual National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, Attorney General Peter F. Neronha, joined by Deputy Criminal Chief Lee H. Vilker, United States Attorney’s Office; General Treasurer Seth Magaziner; Colonel James M. Manni, Superintendent of State Police and Director of Public Safety; Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Providence Chief of Police, gathered in Memorial Park in Providence to honor the strength and resiliency of victims and victim service providers.
“Our Victim Services team is truly part of the backbone of our office,” said Attorney General Neronha. “Throughout the pandemic, while victim service providers have grappled with strained resources and formidable barriers to victim outreach, they have continued, along with advocates from around the state, to work with victims to achieve justice on their behalf.”
Myra Latimer and Diana Garlington, both mothers of homicide victims, courageously shared their personal stories at the ceremony.
Diana Garlington stepped into her role as an activist when her daughter Esscence lost her life to gun violence at the age of 21. Since then, Diana has worked to educate the public on gang violence and gun safety. Her daughter’s killing remains unsolved.
Myra Latimer lost her son Steven to gun violence in 2011. In the years since, she has directed her grief to create positive change, establishing the Steven K. Latimer Memorial Foundation, which raises money for kids who have lost a parent or loved one to violence.
In February 2021, a Boston man was indicted for Steven Latimer’s murder.
“I remember when Myra Latimer was here with us two years ago, in this very spot, being honored for her advocacy work. At that time, we had not yet seen the beginnings of justice for Steven Latimer,” said Attorney General Neronha. “I am grateful today that we are now on the road to justice for Myra and Steven, thanks to the work of the Providence Police Department and members of our office.”
State officials and law enforcement leaders provided words of support in recognition of victims and victim service providers.
“Each year we gather in springtime to renew and recommit our support to victims of crime, to build trust, and to engage our community,” said Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus. “Now more than ever, when so many people are feeling isolated and alone, and at a time when resources are harder to come by, we must marshal our collective resources and our voices to ensure that not a single crime victim’s voice goes unheard and that not a single crime victim goes without access to critical support services.”
“The impacts of crime are often costly, and victims shouldn’t be made to carry that financial burden,” said Treasurer Magaziner. “Our office's Crime Victim’s Compensation Program assisted over 1,000 Rhode Islanders during 2020 in paying medical bills, legal fees, meeting relocation costs and getting through a difficult time in their lives. If you or someone you know has suffered a crime and need assistance, my office is here for you at RICVCP.com.”
“The 40th Anniversary of National Crime Victims’ Right Week reinforces our commitment to victims of physical, emotional, and financial crimes,” said Colonel Manni. “Earlier this year, the Rhode Island State Police established a Special Victims Unit with specially trained members assigned to investigate sexual assault, domestic violence, along with crimes against children and other vulnerable populations. These crimes traumatize not only victims but also their friends and family. This week, we honor those who have been impacted by crime and remember those who have lost their lives to criminal acts.”
“Today in Rhode Island we recognize and salute the countless victims of crime throughout the past year,” said Colonel Clements. “Every day, along with our Victim Advocates, we strive to get individuals to a new and better place in their lives with the support and services they desperately need.”
Since 1981, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) has been a time to renew our commitment to serving all victims of crime, to acknowledge the achievements in victim services and allied professions, to honor those who have gone above and beyond in their service to others, and to remember crime victims and survivors.
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Providence Man Detained After Accepting Cocaine ShipmentRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Dominican national living in Providence was arrested on Monday on a federal drug trafficking charge shortly after he allegedly retrieved a package from a Providence Post Office that contained more than two kilograms of cocaine shipped from Puerto Rico.
According to court documents, on April 15, 2021, Postal Service employees intercepted a heavily taped package shipped from Puerto Rico to a Providence residence. The packaging resembled packages law enforcement previously intercepted that were packaged in a way to avoid K-9 detection from the odor of controlled substances. Additionally, postal workers were unable to associate a “Jose A azcona” at the shipping address.
According to court documents, on April 15, shortly after a Postal Service employee attempted to make a controlled delivery of the package to the address on the package, the postal worker was approached by an individual claiming to be a relative of the addressee. The person claimed the package contained medication for his relative and requested to take custody of it. The individual was informed that the addressee would have to inquire about a redelivery and personally claim the package.
After a series of telephone calls to the Post Office, on April 17, a person claiming to be “Jose Azcona,” and another person, went to the Elmwood Post Office attempting to claim the package, but were told they would have to contact the redelivery unit. On April 19, having contacted the redelivery unit, “ Jose Azcona” was told he could retrieve the package at the main Post Office in Providence. In the meantime, a court-authorized search revealed the package contained approximately 2.22 kilograms of cocaine. “Jose Azcona,” accompanied by the second person, retrieved the package, and was detained by law enforcement in the parking lot.
Following his arrest, law enforcement determined that “Jose Azcona” was actually 37-year-old Robinson Padilla-Rosario. He was found to be carrying a Rhode Island driver’s license depicting his photograph and the name Jose A. Azcona, and a home address being the same address to which the package containing the cocaine was mailed. The driver’s license number on the license seized by law enforcement is assigned to another person with a North Providence address.
While reviewing Padilla-Rosario’s cell phone, it was discovered that he was using an online app to communicate with a person in Puerto Rico. Included in the communication was an image of the Postal Service redelivery slip for the package containing the cocaine.
Padilla-Rosario appeared in U.S. District Court on Tuesday and was ordered detained, charged by way of a federal criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and using a communication facility to facilitate a drug felony, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus, Joshua McCallister, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, and Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni.
According to court documents, Padilla-Rosario was issued a voluntary return to the Dominican Republic on February 15, 2004, after being encountered by Border Patrol in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ly T. Chin.
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Virginia Truck Driver Detained in Rhode Island for Allegedly Transporting a Minor with Intent to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Virginia truck driver detained by Naval Station Newport Police on April 2, 2021, when a routine background check conducted prior to his being allowed to enter the Navy base determined that he was wanted in Texas for felony assault of a child, appeared today in federal court in Providence on a charge of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in sexual activity.
David Romero Reyes, 50, of Stafford, Virginia, was charged in U.S. District Court in Providence after an FBI and Rhode Island State Police investigation determined that Reyes allegedly had sexual contact in several states with a 15-year-old girl who was discovered in the sleeping compartment of his tractor-trailer by Naval Station Newport Police. The girl was reported missing from her Virginia home in July 2020, when she was 14 years old.
The girl entered the United States as an unaccompanied minor in February 2020. She was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and placed in a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) facility. HHS documents found in the truck indicate that in May 2020 she was removed from a Houston, Texas, HHS-funded facility by Reyes, who, according to HHS documents, identified himself as the girl’s distant relative. An FBI and Rhode Island State Police investigation determined that Reyes is a long-time friend of the girl’s father who lives in El Salvador and a distant cousin of the girl.
According to court documents, the girl resided in the Houston, TX, area with her mother and other relatives for several weeks after leaving the immigration detention center. The young teenager eventually left Texas with Reyes and began living in Virginia with a relative of Reyes. Shortly after moving to Virginia, when it became known by a family member that Reyes and the girl allegedly had a sexual relationship, the family member reported Reyes to law enforcement. Shortly thereafter, in July 2020, the girl left the home on a bicycle and was picked up nearby by Reyes. She was reported missing and had not been seen since. According to court documents, during the week the two travelled together in trucks driven by Reyes. On weekends they stayed at hotels or at an apartment rented by Reyes.
According to court documents, during interviews with law enforcement, Reyes and the now 15-year-old admitted to traveling together and engaging in sexual contact in multiple states. Investigators determined that Reyes, using the name David Romero, traveled in or through Rhode Island on at least six dates between February 1, 2021, and April 2,2021, the date of his arrest.
Reyes, detained in state custody since his arrest, appeared today in federal court in Providence on a criminal complaint charging him with transportation of a minor with intent to engage in sexual activity and was ordered detained, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus, Newport Naval Station Police Chief Lieutenant Ruben Gutierrez, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta, and Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni.
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Transportation of a minor with intent to engage in sexual activity is punishable by statutory penalties of 10 years to life imprisonment and lifetime federal supervised release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.
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Three Indicted in ID Theft, Fraudulent Credit Card SchemeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A federal indictment returned by a grand jury on April 2, 2021, and unsealed on April 16, 2021, charges three individuals with having been in possession of dozens of fraudulent drivers’ licenses, fraudulent credit cards, equipment to produce credit cards, and lists of individuals stolen personal identifying information.
It is alleged in the indictment that Courtney Hilaire, 28, of Providence, Hugh A. Martin, 32, of Pawtucket, and Shawn K. Hilaire, 30, of Avon, MA, possessed devices and equipment used to create fraudulent credit cards with the use of stolen credit card numbers and personal identifying information, such as names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers.
According to information presented to the court following the arrest of Courtney Hilaire on April 5, 2021, a Warwick Police Department Captain discovered the three men reclined in a vehicle parked in a hotel parking lot in the early morning hours of July 3, 2020. It was determined that the license plate on the vehicle was allegedly stolen from Norwood, MA.
After removing the individuals from the vehicle, Warwick Police allegedly discovered 33 counterfeit credit cards, numerous fraudulent drivers’ licenses from multiple states, equipment used to read and transfer information onto credit card magnetic strips, listings of individuals identities and personal identifying information, and approximately $13,000 in crisp, clean $100 and $50 dollar bills.
The indictment charges the three men with conspiracy to possess fifteen or more counterfeit or unauthorized access devices, possession of fifteen or more counterfeit or unauthorized access devices, possession of device-making equipment, and aggravated identity theft.
Since the issuance of the indictment, further investigation into Courtney Hilaire’s alleged criminal activity has resulted in the return of 17-count indictment charging Courtney Hilaire with using stolen Social Security numbers and personal identifying information of numerous individuals to apply for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funded unemployment insurance compensation from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and for Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the Small Business Administration.
Courtney Hilaire is currently detained in both state and federal custody at the ACI. Arrest warrants have been issued for Hugh A. Martin and Shawn K. Hilaire.
The indictment of Hugh A. Martin, Courtney Hilaire, and Shawn K. Hilaire is announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus, Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker, Warwick Police Chief Colonel Bradford Connor, and Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Ferland.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Warwick and Pawtucket Police Departments.
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Providence Man Indicted for CARES Act FraudRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A federal grand jury in Providence on Friday returned a 17-count indictment charging a local man, who used the moniker “Mr. Vacation,” with using stolen Social Security numbers and personal identifying information of numerous individuals to apply for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funded unemployment insurance compensation from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and for Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the Small Business Administration.
It is alleged in the indictment that beginning in March 2020, Courtney Hilaire, 28, obtained from the Internet personal identifying information, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth of numerous individuals, then accessed commercial public records data bases to obtain additional information about the identity of his victims. In July 2020, using the stolen identities, Hilaire filed a least six applications for unemployment insurance payments from the State of Pennsylvania. On at least seven occasions beginning in August 2020, Hilaire withdrew fraudulently obtained CARES Act unemployment funds from bank accounts he accessed through ATMs in Rhode Island.
It is also alleged in the indictment that Hilaire, using the moniker “Mr. Vacation,” solicited the assistance of another individual to defraud the Small Business Administration by fraudulently seeking CARES Act Economic Injury Disaster Loans, a program which provides economic relief to small businesses that have experienced a temporary loss of revenue during the pandemic. It is alleged that Hilaire filed at least twenty-eight fraudulent applications with the Small Business Administration for Economic Injury Disaster Loans if he was not entitled to receive.
Hilaire, charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 14 counts of wire fraud, and two counts of aggravated identity theft, is the latest individual charged in federal court in Providence with allegedly running schemes to defraud CARES Act programs. Earlier this month, the United States Attorney’s Office publicly detailed investigations and charges brought against fraudsters who collectively have targeted more than $31 million in CARES Act funding.
To date, the United States Attorney’s Office in Rhode Island has charged 24 individuals with allegedly defrauding state unemployment agencies in Rhode Island and elsewhere and the Small Business Administration, of CARES Act relief funds made available to assist American families and business in need due to the pandemic. Several investigations are ongoing.
The indictment of Courtney Hilaire is announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus, Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker, Warwick Police Chief Colonel Bradford Connor, and Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves.
A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The investigation that resulted in an indictment being brought against Hilaire for CAREs Act fraud was conducted by the Warwick Police Department, Pawtucket Police Department Special Squad, and Homeland Security Investigations.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William F. Ferland.
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Dominican National Indicted for Identity Theft, Theft of Public Money, Passport and Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Dominican national living in Providence who, since at least 1994, allegedly used the stolen Social Security number and other personal identifying information of a person who lived in Puerto Rico and who subsequently passed away in September 2018, to fraudulently gain a U.S. passport and federally-funded food and health care benefits, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of aggravated identity theft, passport fraud, and fraudulently obtaining publicly funded health care and food stamp benefits, among other charges.
According to court documents and information presented to the court, Diomedes Ramirez Rodriguez, 48, twice used the stolen personal identifying information when applying for and receiving U.S. Passports in June 2008 and June 2010. Rodriguez allegedly submitted several forms of ID in the name of the person from Puerto Rico, including a birth certificate and a photo ID depicting his own photograph. Both passports were later reported lost.
It is alleged that in March 2014, Rodriquez applied for and was approved to receive health care benefits from Rite Care, Rhode Island’s Medicaid Managed Care Program, in the name of the victim whose identity he allegedly stole. It is alleged that Rodriquez provided a Commonwealth of Puerto Rico birth certificate, a Rhode Island driver’s license, a U.S. Passport, and a Social Security card, all in the name of the identity theft victim. It is alleged that between September 2016 and August 2020, Rodriquez obtained $34,727.94 in medical, pharmaceutical, institutional, and dental services he was not entitled to receive.
It is further alleged that in March 2017, Rodriguez applied for and was approved to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, having provided a Commonwealth of Puerto Rico birth certificate, a Rhode Island driver’s license, a U.S. Passport, and a Social Security card all in the name of the person whose identity he allegedly stole. It is alleged that between March 2017 and May 2020, Rodriquez received $7,342.64 in SNAP benefits he was not entitled to receive.
It is further alleged that Rodriguez used the stolen identity and Social Security information to obtain Rhode Island driver’s licenses and a Rhode Island identification card.
On Friday, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Rodriguez with false representation of a Social Security number, health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, theft of public money, false representation of citizenship, and misuse of passport, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus; Jon Davidson, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office; Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker of Homeland Security Investigations’ Boston SAC Office; Scott E. Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Office of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General/Office of Investigations; Bethanne M. Dinkins, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Region of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General; and Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’, Office of Inspector General’s Boston Field Office.
According to court records, Rodriguez, while allegedly using the stolen identity, was arrested in Florida, New York, and Rhode Island on at least 14 occasions, and convicted on, among other things, drug and stolen goods charges. Acting United States Attorney Myrus thanks the FBI for their assistance in linking Rodriguez to these prior arrests.
A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.
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Convicted Felon Detained on Firearm and Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Providence man previously convicted in Rhode Island state court on felony drug charges and awaiting trial in state court on additional assault and firearm charges, has been detained in federal custody on unrelated drug trafficking and weapons charges, following an ATF and Providence Police investigation that determined the man was allegedly delivering fentanyl to customers in Massachusetts, at times trading for firearms as payment.
It is alleged in court documents that two individuals confirmed to ATF agents that they purchased fentanyl from Joaquin Fabian, 23, one claiming they exchanged firearms as payment.
According to court documents, beginning in January 2021, ATF agents, with the assistance of Providence Police, employing various surveillance techniques, determined that on several occasions Fabian allegedly drove to Southeastern Massachusetts to conduct his drug trafficking business. Law enforcement also surveilled Fabian participate in meetings in Providence that agents believe were related to his alleged drug trafficking activity. During this time, Fabian routinely changed vehicles and, at times, employed counter-surveillance techniques while driving.
It is alleged that on Wednesday, Fabian drove to Franklin, Massachusetts, consistent with past trips he made to meet with his drug customers. About an hour later, as law enforcement monitored Fabian’s social media accounts, Fabian allegedly posted a photograph of a handgun positioned in between what appeared to be his legs while seated in a motor vehicle. As Fabian returned to the area of his Providence residence, ATF agents and Task Force officers conducted a traffic stop of his vehicle. Fabian exited the vehicle, hesitated, grabbed towards his waistline consistent with the drawing of a firearm, and fled on foot. Agents quickly located and approached Fabian, who had his hands raised. Three cell phones were located on the ground beside him. A firearm, consistent with the firearm earlier posted in a photograph to Fabian’s social media account, was located nearby.
On Fabian’s person, agents allegedly found a packet containing 2.7 grams of fentanyl. In his vehicle agents located and seized a pound of marijuana. A court-authorized search of his residence resulted in the seizure of three plastic bags containing 70 grams of fentanyl, 439.9 grams of marijuana, three loaded magazines of ammunition, a box containing 44 rounds of ammunition, a plastic bag containing 249 rounds of various types of ammunition, and $18,802 in cash.
Fabian appeared on Thursday before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond on a federal criminal complaint charging him with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person, possession of more than 40 grams of fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Fabian’s arrest and detention are announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of ATF Kelly D. Brady, and Providence Police Chief Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William F. Ferland.
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Manufacturer Sentenced for Conspiring to Manufacture and Sell Counterfeit GoodsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Brooklyn, NY, businessman who admitted to arranging the manufacture of counterfeit clothing, apparel, and gear, in China and Pakistan, that was shipped to wholesalers for distribution in the United States, including to the United States military, has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison and ordered to pay a $15,000 fine.
Bernard Klein, 40, conspired with New York wholesaler Ramin Kohanbash, 51, to arrange the mass production of goods in China and Pakistan that carried counterfeit markings and labels identical to genuine trademarks registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
According to court documents, Klein was provided samples of genuine clothing, apparel, and gear by Kohanbash, for reverse engineering in China. Prior to the approval of mass production of the counterfeit goods, Klein provided a preproduction sample of the counterfeit and falsely labeled goods to Kohanbash, and Klein emailed photographs of the counterfeit goods, as well as false hangtags and labels, to Kohanbash for approval. After making changes ordered by Kohanbash, Klein facilitated the manufacturing of goods that contained counterfeit markings identical to genuine marks registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. During the course of the conspiracy, Kohanbash paid Klein $10.9 million dollars for the counterfeit and falsely labeled goods.
Among the counterfeit items produced in China and Pakistan, and shipped to Kohanbash in the United States for distribution, were counterfeit FREE® hoods, counterfeit Polartec® fleece shirts, counterfeit United Joint Forces® Multicam® APEC parkas, and Gen III Level 7 parkas bearing counterfeit Primaloft® and ADS® hangtags. The FREE® hoods were falsely labeled as meeting flame resistance standards, when in fact they lacked such safety features. Likewise, the Multicam® APEC parkas lacked the important near-infrared signature management technology designed to make the wearer more difficult to detect with equipment such as night-vision goggles. Klein and Kohanbash instructed the Chinese factories on how to package the counterfeit goods and to affix removable “Made in China” stickers to avoid detection by U.S. Customs.
Klein pleaded guilty on August 26, 2020, to conspiracy to commit mail fraud. He was sentenced on April 9, 2021, by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith to 18 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of federal supervised release, and ordered to pay a fine of $15,000, together with restitution to be determined at a later date.
In tandem with the criminal case, Klein also entered into a civil settlement agreement under which he has paid $348,000 to resolve liability to the United States under the federal False Claims Act for goods sold to certain government purchasers.
Klein’s sentence is announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus; Patrick Hegarty, Special Agent-in-Charge of Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Joseph P. Dattoria, General Services Administration Office of Inspector General, New England Regional Investigations Office; Resident Agent in Charge Michael D. Conner, Major Fraud Unit, US Army Criminal Investigation Command; William W. Richards, Special Agent in Charge, Office of Special Investigations, Office of Procurement Fraud Detachment 6, Joint Base Andrews, MD; Homeland Security Investigations Newark, NJ, Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina; and Marty C. Raybon, Acting Director of Field Operations, Customs and Border Protection, New York Field Office.
On June 13, 2019, Ramin Kohanbash pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and trafficking in counterfeit goods. At the time of his guilty plea, Kohanbash admitted that among the items he and others arranged to counterfeit were 200 military parkas of a type used by U.S. Air Force personnel stationed in Afghanistan. These parkas were falsely represented to be genuine Multicam. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 7, 2021. Kohanbash has separately paid a $694,398 civil False Claims Act settlement arising out of his admitted role in ordering, producing, procuring and selling foreign made products that were intended for sale to government purchasers.
Terry Roe, 48, of Burlington, ND, a manager of a Minot, ND, company that sold uniform items and gear to the United States military and its Base Supply centers, the National Guard, police, and other government agencies, was indicted on September 30, 2020, for his alleged role in the conspiracy. Roe is awaiting trial on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and trafficking in counterfeit goods; mail fraud and aiding and abetting; and trafficking in counterfeit goods and aiding and abetting.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sandra R. Hebert, Zachary A. Cunha, and Lee H. Vilker.
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Dominican National Sentenced for ID Theft, Theft of Public FundsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Dominican national who used the stolen Social Security number and identity of a person living in Puerto Rico to fraudulently collect more than $50,000 in government- funded benefits in Rhode Island has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and is expected to face deportation proceedings.
Beginning in February 2014, Sonia Jourdain, 56, began using the stolen Social Security number and identity when applying to obtain Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. On the SNAP application, Jourdain falsely stated that neither she, nor anyone in her household, was not a United States citizen.
In May 2016, Jourdain used the stolen identity to fraudulently obtain a Rhode Island driver’s license, and, later, twice obtained temporary disability insurance (TDI) from the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.
According to the government’s evidence presented at sentencing, Jourdain fraudulently obtained $40,070.90 in Medicaid benefits, $3,800.56 in SNAP benefits, and $8,213 in TDI payments.
On February 5, 2020, Jourdain pleaded guilty to false representation of citizenship, false representation of a Social Security number, aggravated identity theft, theft of public money, and two counts of wire fraud. She was sentenced on April 7, 2021, to 30 months in federal prison to be followed by one year of federal supervised release, and to pay restitution in the amount of $52,084.46.
Jourdain is expected to face deportation proceedings upon completion of her term of incarceration.
Jourdain’s sentence is announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus; Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker; Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General Phillip Coyne; Michael C. Mikulka, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Region of the Department of Labor - Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations; and Bethanne M. Dinkins, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Region of the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dulce Donovan.
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CARES Act Fraud Investigations Identify Twenty-Three Individuals Targeting Thirty-One Million DollarsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – The United States Attorney’s Office, the Office of the Rhode Island Attorney General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Rhode Island State Police today publicly updated information on criminal investigations and prosecutions of individuals who are alleged to have targeted and defrauded federally funded programs created to assist businesses and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the Paycheck Protection Program and Unemployment Insurance Program.
Since the enactment of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in March 2020, a team of federal and state law enforcement personnel led by the Rhode Island State Police and the FBI, along with federal and state prosecutors, have worked together to identify, investigate, charge, and prosecute individuals who knowingly defrauded or attempted to defraud federally funded programs that provide emergency COVID-19 financial assistance to Rhode Islanders and others.
To date, federal charges have been brought against 23 individuals, including 15 this week, for fraudulently applying for aid from CARES Act funded programs. Investigators have identified more than $31 million dollars allegedly targeted by these fraudsters.
This week, 15
Defendants were charged by way of federal criminal complaints in U.S. District Court with wire fraud and money laundering, according to documents being unsealed today by the court. It is alleged that each defendant filed multiple claims for unemployment compensation in Rhode Island and in other states. Cumulatively, these defendants allegedly filed fraudulent unemployment claims in eleven states totaling $578,571. Of that, investigators and prosecutors have identified approximately $126,000 worth of fraudulent claims allegedly filed by these defendants with the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.“It’s disgraceful that anyone would attempt to fraudulently obtain CARES Act funds intended for hard working Americans during the current health crisis, and we are committed to vigorously pursuing the criminals who commit this fraud,” said Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus. “Our team of agents and prosecutors has the reach, coordination, and expertise necessary for effective enforcement efforts against the scourge of COVID-19 relief fraud, and our investigations are far from over.”
“We are all aware that there are individuals who have taken advantage of the pandemic to advance their own financial interests,” said Attorney General Peter F. Neronha. “This broad, ongoing investigation, including the cases charged so far, involves precisely that type of activity. There are various aspects to this probe and varying kinds of schemes, but they all come down to this: as alleged, these defendants and others like them are fraudulently lining their own pockets at the expense of other Rhode Islanders and Americans at the most inopportune time.”
“What these individuals are accused of doing is selfish and despicable. They cashed in on a public health crisis by targeting nearly $31 million in federal funds that were meant to be a lifeline for tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders, and other Americans who are struggling to feed their families and keep their businesses afloat. It is critical that every dollar spent goes to those who need it, not to greedy con artists trying to cheat the system,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Those who blatantly steal taxpayer dollars by defrauding government programs during a national emergency will soon find themselves in federal court to answer for their crimes.”
“This federal money was earmarked for both business owners and individuals who were facing serious economic hardship as a result of COVID-19. The State Police, working closely with the FBI, US Attorney and RI Attorney General made it a priority to identify those individuals who felt emboldened to take advantage of a crisis affecting our entire nation,” said Colonel James M. Manni, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police.”
In addition to the 15 defendants charged this week, the United States Attorney’s Office in Rhode Island, working closely with its federal and state law enforcement partners, has charged the following cases in U.S. District Court in Providence:
- In May 2020, five weeks after the CARES Act was enacted by Congress, this office filed the first federal prosecution in the country alleging CARES Act fraud. In that case, it is alleged that two businessmen sought more than a half-million dollars in forgivable loans in Rhode Island, guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (CARES) Act.
- In September 2020, a Middletown businessman was charged with fraudulently seeking $4.7 million dollars in Paycheck Protection Program loans. The businessman, who has pleaded guilty, is awaiting sentencing.
- In October 2020, five individuals in Florida were charged in federal court in Rhode Island and arrested for allegedly engaging in identity theft and using stolen identities to open multiple bank accounts and to file a significant number of fraudulent unemployment insurance claims to the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, and elsewhere. In that case, more than $1.1 million dollars in cash, several hundred debit cards in the names of individuals whose identities were allegedly stolen, a large collection of high-end jewelry, and eight firearms were seized.
According to court documents, the fraud perpetrated by these defendants is significant. A preliminary review of nationwide unemployment data shows that IP addresses used by one of the defendants was used to file approximately 5,291 claims in 37 states, including Rhode Island, totaling $25 million dollars.
The team of federal, state, and local law enforcement agents and officers continue to investigate several other known subjects suspected of committing CARES Act fraud, and are committed to identify other individuals and groups it can be determined are committing CARES Act fraud.
Acting United States Attorney Myrus acknowledges the FBI, Rhode Island State Police, United States Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, Small Business Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, United States Secret Service, Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Providence Police Department for their investigative work resulting in the latest arrests.
Acting United States Attorney Myrus thanks the Lincoln, East Providence, North Providence, Warwick, Cranston and Newport Police Departments for their added support.
Cases charged to date are being prosecuted in U.S. District Court by Assistant United States Attorneys Denise M. Barton, Stacey P. Veroni, and Lee H. Vilker, and Rhode Island Assistant Attorney General John Moreira, cross-designated as a Special Assistant United States Attorney.
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Dominican National Admits to Trafficking Fentanyl, Health Care Fraud, ID TheftRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Dominican national living in Pawtucket faces between seven and fifty-seven years in federal prison after admitting to a federal court judge that in addition to operating a drug stash house and arranging for the sale of fentanyl on at least four occasions, he used the identity of an individual unknown to him, including the person’s Social Security number and other personal identifying information, to gain Rhode Island Medicaid benefits and Rhode Island driver’s licenses and permits.
According to information presented to the court, since 2010, Jeurin Celado, a/k/a “Tony,” 30, used the name, date of birth, and Social Security number of a person he does not know to gain permits and driver’s licenses from the Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Celado’s most recent successful filing with the DMV using the stolen identity occurred on August 5, 2019.
Additionally, beginning in August 2014 and continuing through July 2018, Celado used the same stolen identity, Social Security number, and date of birth to obtain Rhode Island Medicaid benefits, health insurance that as a non-United States citizen he was not eligible to receive. Celado obtained Medicaid benefits valued at approximately $4,342.18.
In 2019, Celado was the target of an undercover drug investigation by the Woonsocket Police Department. The investigation revealed that on four occasions – August 28, September 3, September 10, and September 17, 2019, an individual contacted Celado, whom that individual knew by the name of “Tony,” to arrange the purchase of fentanyl. On each of these occasions, Celado directed the person to a location where that person was met by a “runner” who sold him the drugs in exchange for cash.
On October 7, 2019, law enforcement executed a court-authorized search of an apartment in Manville used by Celado as a stash house, where he stored, cut, and packaged fentanyl he sold as part of his drug operation. Investigators located between 40 and 400 grams of fentanyl in the apartment, along with other items consistent with a drug distribution operation.
Appearing on Friday before U.S District Court Judge William E. Smith, Celado pleaded guilty to false representation of a Social Security number, aggravated identity theft, health care fraud, and conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus, Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas Oates, Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker, Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.
At sentencing on July 9, 2021, Celado faces statutory penalties of 5-40 years imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl; up to 10 years imprisonment for health care fraud; up to five years imprisonment for false representation of a Social Security number; and a mandatory sentence of two years imprisonment for aggravated identity theft, to be served consecutive to all other sentences imposed in this case. In total, Celado faces between seven and fifty-seven years imprisonment to be followed by five years of federal supervised release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dulce Donovan.
Acting United States Attorney Myrus acknowledges and thanks the United States Marshals Service for its assistance in locating the defendant.
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Convicted Fraudster Indicted for Providing False Information on Government-Backed Home Loan ApplicationRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A North Providence woman, serving a term of federal supervised release for having conspired to use the stolen personal identity information of numerous individuals to steal nearly $400,000 from the United States Treasury, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly making false statements related to her incarceration and the court-ordered requirement that she pay back the stolen money when she applied for a U.S. Federal Housing Administration-backed home mortgage.
It is alleged that Juliana Martins, 52, in June 2019, falsely represented on a home loan application, and in July 2019 on a closing document, that there were no outstanding judgements against her, when in fact she is under court order to pay restitution to the government totaling $385,533.58.
According to the indictment, when responding to requirements to truthfully disclose to the bank her credit report, assets, liabilities, and income, Martins falsely stated to the bank that “the reason I have a job gap in my employment was because I was away on a family emergency for over two years,” when in fact during that time she was incarcerated in federal prison. Additionally, it is alleged, Martins provided a false explanation for an inquiry from the Department of Justice on her credit report.
In March 2014, Martins pleaded guilty to conspiracy to embezzle United States Treasury checks, theft of government property, and aggravated identity theft, admitting that she was a leader of a criminal enterprise that possessed hundreds of people’s personal identifying information that was used to open bank accounts into which fraudulently obtained government checks were deposited. Martins was sentenced in September 2014 to serve 48 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of federal supervised release.
On Friday, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Martins with making false statements on bank loan applications, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus and Christina D. Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Region of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - Office of Inspector General.
The indictment requires, upon conviction, that Martin forfeit to the government her interest in her North Providence house and property.
A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Martins is scheduled to appear before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A Sullivan on Tuesday for a supervised release violation hearing.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra R. Hebert.
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Prison Inmate, Two Others Charged in Amphetamines Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – An ACI inmate who is alleged to have continued to operate a drug trafficking business while incarcerated at the ACI, the inmate’s girlfriend, whom he allegedly instructed by telephone from inside the ACI on how to continue to operate the business, and an alleged supplier of amphetamine pills for them to sell, have been charged by way of federal criminal complaints filed in U.S. District Court.
Arrested today as he exited the ACI on charges of conspiracy to possess amphetamines with intent to distribute and possession of amphetamine with intent to distribute, Ronald M. Kramer, 36, of Providence, is also charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. It is alleged in court documents that Kramer, previously convicted and sentenced on state robbery, breaking and entering/domestic, and felony assault charges, instructed his girlfriend, Rebecca L. Beauchamp, 36, of North Providence not only on how to continue his drug trafficking business, but also about how to locate and sell a firearm he owned. Beauchamp allegedly sold the gun to an undercover ATF agent.
It is alleged in court documents that on February 18, 2021, the same day Kramer was detained at the ACI on drunk driving, obstruction, and resisting arrest charges following his arrest by Providence Police, he began a long series of telephone conversations, often multiple times a day, with Beauchamp instructing her on contacting his supplier of amphetamine drugs and his customers, guiding her on executing drug transactions, and about how to locate and sell his gun.
According to court documents, at Kramer’s direction, numerous sales of varying quantities of amphetamines were allegedly conducted, including several sales made to undercover ATF agents.
As part of the investigation, on March 19, 2021, law enforcement agents executed a federal court-authorized search at the home of Davith Hoy, 41, of Cranston, the alleged supplier of amphetamines to Kramer and Beauchamp. Agents seized approximately 3,900 amphetamine (Adderall) pills, 110.6 grams of pills that tested positive for the presence of fentanyl, a pill press, and various items used in the packaging and sale of drugs. Hoy shares the residence with his wife and their three young children.
Hoy was arrested on charges of possession of amphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. Hoy was ordered detained in federal custody.
Today, law enforcement agents executed a court-authorized search at the North Providence residence of Rebecca Beauchamp, and arrested Beauchamp on charges of conspiracy to possess amphetamines with intent to distribute and possession of amphetamine with intent to distribute. Agents seized a small amount of amphetamine pills and approximately $11,000 in currency. Beauchamp was released on unsecured bond following an initial appearance in U.S. District Court.
The arrest and filing of criminal complaints in this matter against Kramer, Beauchamp, and Hoy are announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Kelly D. Brady, and Providence Police Chief Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Ferland.
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Acting United States Attorney Myrus acknowledges and thanks the Office of the Rhode Island Attorney General, Rhode Island Department of Corrections, United States Postal Inspection Service, United States Marshals Service, Rhode Island State Police, and the Pawtucket, Providence, Cranston, and North Providence Police Departments for their assistance in the investigation of this case.
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Indictment Charges Pawtucket Woman with Embezzling $580,000Read the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Pawtucket woman was arraigned in federal court in Providence today and released on personal recognizance, charged by way of indictment with allegedly executing a scheme to defraud her auto body repair shop employer of approximately $580,000.
It is alleged in the indictment unsealed today that Idalee Johnston, 47, a secretary employed at Ideal Auto Body in Cranston, devised a scheme whereas she absconded with the proceeds from approximately 190 checks provided to customers by insurance companies as payment for repairs to their vehicles.
It is alleged in the indictment that as part of the scheme, for two years beginning in 2016, Johnston either did not have some customers sign direct payment forms for insurance payments to be made directly to the auto body shop, or did not forward signed payment forms to insurance companies. As a result of her actions, insurance payment checks were sent directly to customers who, in turn, provided the checks to Johnston as a representative of Ideal Auto Body as payment for repairs made to their vehicles.
It is alleged in the indictment that Johnson devised a scheme to steal and deposit some of the checks, some on which she forged signatures, into her bank account. In other instances, stolen checks were provided to family members to be deposited into their bank accounts. Johnston instructed family members to deposit the stolen checks, withdraw the funds, and provide the money to her. In return, Johnston provided the family members with a small portion of the proceeds.
Johnston, arrested earlier today by FBI agents, appeared before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan charged with mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. Johnston was released on personal recognizance.
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The arrest and arraignment of Johnston is announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lee H. Vilker and Terrence P. Donnelly.
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Central Falls Man Sentenced to Thirty-Five Years in Prison for Creating and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Central Falls man who admitted to repeatedly abusing a toddler that he photographed and filmed in various stages of undress, displaying her genitalia, and of him engaged in sexually explicit conduct with her, was sentenced today to 35 years in federal prison.
According to court documents, Jose A. Cortes, 41, had regular access to a female toddler and used that relationship with her to sexually abuse her multiple times. He memorialized the abuse by filming and taking photographs of his actions.
In addition to creating a library of photographs and video of his abuse of the toddler beginning when she was approximately two-and-a-half years old, Cortes admitted to amassing a sizeable collection of thousands of images of child pornography, including a video of a prepubescent child in bondage being raped.
According to court documents, Cortes criminal conduct first came to the attention of the Central Falls Police Department when an acquaintance of Cortes told police that Cortes showed him images on a tablet of teenaged girls and images of babies being molested. While showing off the images, Cortes came upon images of the known victim and said, “That’s me with [redacted] daughter.”
According to court documents, Cortes told the induvial he would place the toddler’s sibling in another room with video games and treats so he could “do what he does to her.” He added, “If you’re gonna do this, you gotta get the children that don’t talk, they’re babies.”
Jose Cortes, detained since his arrest on April 19, 2018, pleaded guilty on June 15, 2020, to two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of possession of child pornography.
Cortes was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith to 35 years in federal prison to be followed by lifetime federal supervised release, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus and Central Falls Police Chief Colonel Anthony Roberson.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise M. Barton.
Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus acknowledges and thanks the Rhode Island State Police and Homeland Security Investigations for their assistance in the investigation, and the Rhode Island Department of the Attorney General for their assistance preparing the case for prosecution in U.S. District Court.
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Law Firm Bookkeeper Sentenced for Fraud, Identity TheftRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A former bookkeeper/office manager who admitted to embezzling more than $740,000 from a Rhode Island law firm that employed her, fraudulently collecting nearly $20,000 in temporary disability insurance payments, and filing fraudulent documents when applying for a mortgage from a Rhode Island bank, was sentenced today to five years in federal prison.
According to court documents, Sarah Gaulin, 39, a former employee of the law firm of Hamel, Waxler, Allen and Collins (HWAC), devised and executed multiple schemes and forged law firm checks to fraudulently obtain $740,953 in law firm funds.
Gaulin previously admitted to the court that she prepared and cashed HWAC checks made payable to herself, which included the forged signature of a law firm partner; prepared HWAC checks payable to her own creditors; and prepared HWAC checks payable to law firm credit card companies and other third party vendors to pay for personal purchases and expenses, such as her rent, mortgage, automobile lease and repairs, AT&T service, and credit card debts.
Additionally, according to court documents, Gaulin used more than 550 forged HWAC checks to purchase $292,190 worth of gift cards from Staples.
Gaulin also admitted that she submitted fraudulent bank statements to a Rhode Island bank as part of a mortgage application she filed with the bank. Gaulin admitted to submitting personal bank statements reflecting a positive balance when in fact her actual account was routinely overdrawn. Gaulin reflected that among her expenses was rent she paid monthly, when, in fact, she had been using funds she illegally obtained from HWAC to make the payments.
Additionally, as detailed in court documents, from March 26, 2016, to July 23, 2016, and from May 5, 2018, to August 11, 2018, Gaulin fraudulently collected approximately $19,588 in temporary disability insurance payments from the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training. Gaulin claimed she was unable to work due to injury or illness, when, in fact, she remained employed during the time she was collecting the benefits.
On October 13, 2020, Gaulin pleaded guilty to two counts of bank fraud, and one count each of aggravated identity theft and wire fraud.
Gaulin was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith to 60 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Additionally, Gaulin was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $760,541, to include $740,953 to HWAC and $19,588 to the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.
Gaulin’s sentence is announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard B, Myrus, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni, and Christina D. Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Region of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dulce Donovan.
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Second Defendant Pleads Guilty in Conspiracy to Steal and Sell Construction Equipment, Boats, and Sport Vehicles.Read the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Providence man, one of nine individuals indicted by a federal grand jury for participating in schemes in several states to steal and sell nearly $700,000 worth of excavators, sport boats, jet skis, all-terrain vehicles, and trailers, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy and interstate transportation of stolen goods charges, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus.
The indictment alleges that nine individuals participated in a conspiracy to steal, transport, and sell stolen excavators, boats, jet skis, ATVs, and trailers from businesses in South Kingstown and Tiverton, RI; Auburn, Rehoboth, and Easton, MA; Waterford, Vernon, and Stafford, CT; and Hampstead, NH. Many of the stolen items were stored in Providence, Johnston, Warwick, North Providence, Scituate, and Glocester, R.I. Several of the stolen items were hauled to Florida to be sold.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy, Jared J. Santiago, 28, admitted that as a participant in the conspiracy, in December 2019, he and others stole two boats, a 24-foot boat valued at $102,065, and a 22-foot boat valued at $90,914, from Don’s Marina in Tiverton, RI, and transported one of the boats to Sarasota, Florida.
Santiago pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property and interstate transportation of stolen property, and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17, 2021.
On December 21, 2020, Luis M. Morales, 37, of Providence, admitted that on July 17, 2020, he drove his pick-up truck to a Stafford, CT, dealership where he and others stole a 2020 Yamaha watercraft, a 2019 Can-Am Maverick Sport off-road vehicle, and two trailers; and that on July 20, 2020, he drove his pick-up truck to a dealership an Easton, MA, dealership and stole three jet skis. Morales admitted that the stolen items were transported into Rhode Island.
Morales pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property and two counts of interstate transportation of stolen property. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 21, 2020.
Seven other defendants, including the alleged leader of the conspiracy, Jose A. Montes, aka Jose Rivera, aka “Tuto”, 36, of Cranston, are awaiting trial.
The investigation, launched by the Johnston and North Providence Police Departments, and joined by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and merged with a parallel investigation by Rhode Island and Connecticut State Police, and the Easton, MA, and the Hampstead, NH, Police Departments, determined that between November 2019 and July 2020, three Bobcat excavators, ten jet skis, four boats, eight all-terrain vehicles, and ten trailers valued at over $700,000 were stolen.
Two Bobcat excavators each valued at $60,000 and one valued at $75,000, were allegedly stolen from an Auburn, Mass., dealer between late Friday, April 10, 2020, and late Saturday April 11, 2020. Using GPS built into the equipment, the excavators were located on April 13, 2020, and recovered by law enforcement. Two of the excavators were discovered in Johnston. The third was found in North Providence. GPS data showed that two of the stolen machines were stored on a farm in North Scituate before being moved to Johnston. One of the excavators was brought briefly to a residence in Warwick.
GPS data showed that the third excavator was first taken to a location in Glocester then moved to North Providence, where it was located and seized by law enforcement.
An ATV stolen from a dealership in Hampstead, New Hampshire in July 2020 was discovered on Gallup Street in Providence and towed by police to an impound facility. The ATV was subsequently stolen again from the impound.
A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys William J. Ferland and Ly T. Chin.
Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus thanks the Tiverton, South Kingstown, Scituate, Cranston and Providence, RI, Police Departments, the Auburn MA, Police Department, and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office in Florida for their assistance in the investigation.
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Cranston Man Admits Incinerating Providence Police Cruiser During Providence RiotRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Cranston man admitted to a federal court judge today that he sprayed a flammable liquid into a Providence Police Department cruiser causing a fire to intensify and destroy the vehicle moments after he and others unsuccessfully attempted to flip-over the cruiser during the June 2020 riots in downtown Providence.
Nicholas L. Scaglione, 31, admitted to the court that he climbed on top of the unoccupied marked Providence Police cruiser, threw an object at the vehicle, joined with others in an unsuccessful attempt to flip it onto its side, and then ultimately sprayed a flammable liquid into the cruiser.
Scaglione admitted that after another individual had poured an accelerant into the passenger side of the vehicle and applied a flame to the accelerant with only minimal success in starting a fire, Scaglione then sprayed a flammable liquid accelerant into the passenger compartment. Soon after, flames engulfed and destroyed the vehicle, rendering it unrecognizable.
According to information presented to the court, the FBI, Rhode Island State Police, and Providence Police, used a variety of investigative methods to identify Scaglione and determine the specifics of his crime,, including a review of video taken at the scene, witness statements, and cellphone records including text messages from Scaglione admitting that he burned the police cruiser. Scaglione said he did so because of anger towards law enforcement, and that he was willing to do it again.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy, Scaglione pleaded guilty to malicious attempt to damage or destroy a vehicle, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni, and Providence Police Chief Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr.
Scaglione is scheduled to be sentenced on June 16, 2021.
Attempted malicious destruction of a vehicle by fire is punishable by a statutory penalty of up to twenty years in federal prison, with a mandatory minimum term of five years of imprisonment, and a term of supervised release of three years.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.
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North Attleboro Man Admits to Leading Steroid Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A North Attleboro, MA, man arrested twice for leading a conspiracy to import and distribute large quantities of steroids faces up to 40 years in federal prison and will, according to a plea agreement filed with the court, forfeit more than $640,000 derived from his criminal activity, after pleading guilty today in federal court in Providence to conspiracy and money laundering charges.
David M. Esser, 47, first arrested in February 2020, and rearrested in December 2020, admitted that he arranged for the importation of large quantities of raw steroids from international suppliers, primarily based in Hong Kong. The raw steroids were shipped directly to various locations in the United States where individuals, working at Esser’s direction and paid by Esser, “cooked” the raw steroid product into liquid form, packaged the product in vials, and shipped the vials to a stash house in North Attleboro. From there, Esser and others shipped the product to customers throughout the United States.
Esser, who was released on $50,000 unsecured bond while awaiting trial following his arrest on February 14, 2020, was re-arrested on December 14, 2020, on charges he arranged with a Virginia resident he conspired with in the past to resume the sale, packaging, and distribution of anabolic steroids.
Esser was ordered detained in federal custody following his second arrest.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Esser pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids, conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids while on release, and money laundering, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus and Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker.
According to a plea agreement filed with the court, Esser will forfeit proceeds from his criminal activity to include a total of $160,359.85 in cash and bank accounts seized at the time of his arrests; cryptocurrency equal to $268,692.74; $214,000 – the value of thirteen properties purchased by Esser in Pennsylvania, purchased using proceeds from his criminal activity; four vehicles; and jewelry.
Esser, who remains detained in federal custody, is scheduled to be sentenced on June 7, 2021.
At sentencing, Esser faces statutory penalties of up to 40 years imprisonment; two years to lifetime supervised release; and a fine of $1.5 million dollars.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gerard B. Sullivan.
Acting United States Attorney Myrus acknowledges and thanks the United States Postal Inspection Service, Alamance County North Carolina Narcotics Enforcement Team, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Internal Revenue Service, HSI Special Agents in the Houston and Winston-Salem Field Offices, and officers and detectives from the North Attleboro and Mansfield Police Departments for their assistance in the investigation of this matter and arrest of defendants involved in this matter.
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Ice Company Fined, Required to Remedy Clean Air Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – J.P. Lillis Enterprises, Inc., D/B/A Cape Cod Ice, a cold storage warehouse and ice manufacturing facility that stores over 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia at its facility on the banks of the Seekonk River, was fined $90,000 an placed on federal probation for three years by a federal court judge in Providence today for repeatedly failing to implement a Risk Management Plan (RMP) to be executed in the event of an accidental release of anhydrous ammonia, an extremely hazardous substance.
The facility, located in an industrial area adjacent to residential area, and in the vicinity of an elementary school, was assessed civil penalties by the Environmental Protection Agency as far back as 2012 for failing to develop and submit an RMP, and since has repeatedly been found to contain equipment in need of repair to avoid a potential release of anhydrous ammonia.
Subsequent inspections by EPA, OSHA, and the East Providence Fire Department found the existence of corrosion on ammonia-carrying pipes and on the facility’s high- pressure ammonia receiver; the failure of corrosion-preventing insulation on the pipes; and inadequate inspection, testing, and maintenance of the ammonia piping and receiver.
Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus and Tyler Amon, Special Agent in Charge of the Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation’s Division Boston Area Office announced today that in addition to a $90,000 fine imposed by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Cape Cod Ice will, within 90 days, engage a qualified independent ammonia refrigeration consultant to conduct an audit that (1) evaluates Cape Cod Ice’s compliance with the Clean Air Act and address deficiencies identified by the EPA, OSHA, and East Providence Fire Department and (2) includes a required maintenance inspection program.
Acting United States Attorney Myrus said, “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with EPA to ensure that companies doing business in Rhode Island fully comply with the Clean Air Act. Exposure to anhydrous ammonia can cause serious health issues. Today’s resolution will help to mitigate the risk of accidental release of ammonia by ensuring that Cape Cod Ice conducts a thorough third-party audit of its ammonia refrigeration system and implements an appropriate Risk Management Plan under the Clean Air Act.”
"Protecting Rhode Island communities from hazardous chemical releases is a priority for EPA" said Tyler Amon, Special Agent in Charge of EPA's Criminal Investigation Division. "Today's sentence emphasizes the importance of companies abiding by Risk Management Plans (RMP), put in place to protect workers, emergency responders and the surrounding residents."
Cape Cod Ice is required to submit to the United States Attorney’s Office and to United States Probation within 30 days of the completion of the audit an action plan to address the findings of the audit and a timeline of completion of actions to be taken by the company.
Background
In January of 2017, EPA sent a letter to Cape Code Ice, urging Cape Cod Ice to ensure compliance with the RMP requirements. In April of 2017, EPA inspected the facility and again observed numerous violations of the RMP and PSM regulations, including the existence of corrosion on ammonia-carrying pipes and on the facility’s high-pressure ammonia receiver, and the failure of corrosion-preventing insulation on the pipes. In June of 2017, EPA also issued an Administrative Compliance Order to Cape Cod Ice.
In May of 2017, the East Providence Fire Department inspected the facility and issued a Notice of Violation finding, among other things, that ammonia piping was rusted and showed signs of excessive corrosion, with areas that had moldy insulation or no insulation; and that the ammonia receiver was corroded. The Fire Department ordered the facility to come into compliance. Cape Cod Ice has submitted reports to the East Providence Fire Department and to EPA indicating that it has taken steps to bring the facility into compliance.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Terrence P. Donnelly, with the assistance of Dianne Chabot, EPA Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel.
The matter was investigated by the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division.
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East Greenwich Man Arrested on Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – An East Greenwich man was arrested on Wednesday following a court-authorized search of his home by federal Homeland Security Investigations agents and members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force that resulted in the seizure of electronic devices that a preliminary examination showed allegedly contained images and videos of child pornography.
An investigation determined that an electronic device using an IP address assigned to the residence where John Daniel Macintyre, 32, resides, had allegedly accessed and downloaded child pornography from websites accessible via the dark web. Information that led investigators to investigate Macintyre was first provided by a foreign law enforcement agency to the FBI.
According to court documents, it is alleged that the dark web website accessed by Macintyre facilitates the sharing of child abuse materials such as images, links, and videos, with an explicit focus on indecent material depicting boys. Accessing the website on the dark web required numerous affirmative steps by the user and, to do so, Macintyre downloaded a special browser and software designed specifically to facilitate anonymous communication over the Internet.
During the court-authorized search of the residence where Macintyre resided, law enforcement seized a laptop computer, 11 digital storage hard drives, and a cellular telephone allegedly belonging to Macintyre. Several videos of child pornography were allegedly discovered during a brief forensic review of one of the devices conducted by a Rhode Island State Police Computer Forensics Analyst.
John Daniel Macintyre appeared on Wednesday before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond on a federal criminal complaint charging him with possession of child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus, Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta, and Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni.
Macintyre was released on $10,000 unsecured bond.
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
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Telemarket Fraudster Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – An Indian national who owned and operated an India-based call center that targeted and defrauded Americans, mostly senior citizens, and who assisted other India-based call centers in doing the same, that collectively intended to bilk Americans out of millions of dollars, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Providence to three years in federal prison.
Sahil Narang, 29, of Gurgoan Haryana, India, who was in the United States illegally at the time of his arrest in May 2019, is described in court documents as a key participant in sophisticated so-called Tech Fraud and Refund Fraud online telemarketing schemes that targeted technologically unsophisticated computer users, usually senior citizens.
In the Tech Fraud scheme, Internet pop-up advertisements were used to deceive computer users into believing that they needed computer protection services. The pop-up ads provided a telephone number to call, and on dialing the number, the victims were routed to call center operators who perpetuated the lie that malware had been detected on the victims’ computers and offered the victims supposed computer protection services at exaggerated prices.
In the Refund Fraud scheme, call center operators telephoned those who had fallen prey to Tech Fraud and offered to refund the sum previously paid. Through manipulation – usually the display of false bank account balances on the victims’ computer screens – the operators convinced the victims that sums far in excess of the refund amount had accidentally been deposited into the victims’ accounts. Because the victims had not in fact received any money, those who “returned” money were actually sending more of their own money to the fraudsters.
According to information presented to the court, between August 30, 2019, and May 1, 2019, employing the Tech Fraud scheme, Narang and others worked together to manipulate thousands of callers, seeking to obtain from them an estimated $1.5 million to $3 million dollars. An FBI investigation determined that over a nine-month period Narang routed on average more than 70 calls to call centers every day. It is also estimated that Narang’s Tech Fraud scheme was successful 30% of the time.
In round two of the scheme, the Refund Fraud scheme, executed during the same nine-month period, Narang and others associated with call centers sought to obtain from their victims cumulatively $560,900 dollars. The FBI investigation identified at least nine individuals who fell victim to the Tech Fraud Scheme at a total loss of $110,900, which the FBI was able to intercept and return to the victims. During the investigation the FBI interceded and prevented loss when a tenth victim was on the verge of losing up to $450,000 to the fraudsters.
Sahil Narang pleaded guilty on December 11, 2020, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and ten counts of wire fraud. He was sentenced today to 36 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus. A restitution order will be forthcoming from the Court.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah.
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Former Development Manager Sentenced for Fraud, Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A former construction project manager for a Newport-based real estate development company who admitted, on the eve of trial, that he executed a nearly two-year long scheme to defraud his employer, banks, and construction companies of more than $200,000, which he used to fund the purchase of a boat, pay yacht club fees and scuba diving expenses, and to take trips to Florida, Jamaica, Mexico, and Grand Cayman, was sentenced today to 42 months in federal prison.
According to court documents, within two months of being hired by Landings Real Estate Group (Landings), Gregory Meeker, 57, of Barrington, who oversaw various real estate development projects including the Newport Beach Club and Long Meadow Landings projects, devised a scheme to submit invoices to Landings, many of which were false or inflated, in the names of subcontractors. Landings made checks payable to the subcontractors that were then provided to Meeker for delivery. Instead of delivering the checks to the subcontractors, Meeker forged endorsements on the back of the checks and deposited them into his own bank account.
Meeker admitted that, in some instances, false invoices and subsequently forged endorsements on checks bore the names of individual subcontractors as opposed to business names, including at least two individuals known to him.
Meeker also admitted that he provided Landings with false paperwork related to GMC Construction, an entity he previously operated, including a false name and address, and the use of the Social Security number of an unrelated individual. He prompted Landings to issue over $12,000 in checks to GMC Construction, which he endorsed and deposited into his own bank accounts.
Additionally, Meeker admitted that he forged the endorsement of the Town of Portsmouth on the back of three checks made payable to “Town of Portsmouth – Inspection Department.” He deposited the checks into an account he controlled and used for his fraudulent activity.
Meeker pleaded guilty on January 23, 2020, to twelve counts of bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to 42 months in federal prison to be followed by two years of federal supervised release, and to pay $1,400 in special assessments, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta.
A restitution order will be forthcoming from the court.
The case, investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sandra R. Hebert and Christine D. Lowell.
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