District of Rhode Island
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
East Side Realtor Convicted of Attempting to Engage in Sex with a MinorRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - A realtor from the East Side of Providence has been found guilty by a federal court jury in Providence of attempting to entice a 10 year-old girl into sexual activity.
The jury convicted Thomas McLucky Hammond, 52, of one count of attempting to persuade, entice, induce or coerce a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni, and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh.
According to the government’s evidence presented at trial, in June 2017, Hammond responded to an advertisement in the “casual encounters” section of Craiglsist.com. Over a period of three days, Hammond communicated with a man he believed was the step-father of a 10 year-old girl in Warwick. Hammond asked the step-father if he was sexually abusing the 10 year-old, and proposed joining in the abuse at a pool party at the family’s residence. Hammond agreed to meet the step-father in a parking lot on Post Road in Warwick before returning to the home for the pool party. When Hammond arrived at the parking lot on June 21, 2017, he was arrested by members of the Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a federal and state task force designed to investigate and prevent online child sexual exploitation. The purported step-father was actually a member of the ICAC operating in an undercover capacity.
At trial, Hammond claimed that he is a gay man with no sexual interest in female children. Hammond testified he receives sexual gratification from talking to straight men who talk about sexually abusing children. Hammond claimed he was merely engaged in sexual fantasy and would not have gone through the sexual activity.
The jury rejected this defense and found Hammond guilty after approximately 3 hours of deliberation.
Hammond is scheduled to be sentenced on November 14, 2019, by Chief Judge William E. Smith, who presided over the four-day trial. Hammond is currently detained at the Wyatt Detention Center.
Attempted enticement of a minor is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, up to 30 years; lifetime supervised release; and a $250,000 fine.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John P. McAdams and Christine D. Lowell, with assistance from Assistant United States Attorney Terrence P. Donnelly.
The case was investigated by the Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the Rhode Island State Police and Homeland Security Investigations.
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Veteran Prosecutor Joins United States Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman today announced the appointment and swearing-in of veteran Rhode Island state prosecutor Stacey P. Veroni as an Assistant United States Attorney.
Ms. Veroni, who most recently held the title of Senior Trial Attorney with the Rhode Island Department of the Attorney General, began her career as a state prosecutor in 1992. During her tenure with the Department of the Attorney General, Ms. Veroni, at various times, served as Chief of the Criminal Division, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division, Chief of the Narcotics and Organized Crime Division, and Chief of the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Unit.
A graduate of Boston College, Ms. Veroni earned her Juris Doctor at Suffolk University.
Ms. Veroni currently serves as an adjunct professor at Salve Regina University, Providence College, Community College of Rhode Island, and Johnson and Wales University.
In welcoming Ms. Veroni to the United States Attorney’s Office, United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman commented, “We so much look forward to the deep experience, work ethic, and legal skills that Stacey will continue to bring to bear, now as a federal prosecutor, for the people of Rhode Island.”
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Auto Transport Company Owner Charged with Falsifying U.S. DOT Records, Fraud, ID Theft, Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – The owner of an East Providence automobile transport company was arraigned in U.S. District Court in Providence today on charges he falsified U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) records, fraudulently obtained more than $400,000 from various financial institutions, utilized another person’s personal identifying information to continue to illegally operate his auto hauling business after being ordered to shut down by the FMCSA for safety violations, and took numerous evasive steps to avoid paying personal income taxes to the IRS.
Michael Chaves, 39, owner of CAT Inc., was arraigned in U.S. District Court in Providence today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond on a ten-count information that charges him with falsification of records, aggravated identity theft, five-counts of bank fraud, two-counts of wire fraud, and tax evasion, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Kristina O'Connell, and Special Agent in Charge of the Region II U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General Douglas Shoemaker.
It is alleged in court documents that Chaves attempted to influence and impede FMCSA investigations and administrative compliance reviews by falsifying U.S. DOT records. FMCSA inspections include a review of driver’s hours of service, maintenance and inspection, driver qualification, commercial drivers (CDL) license requirements, financial responsibilities, accidents, hazardous materials, and other safety and transportation records.
It is also alleged in court documents that Chaves operated various schemes to fraudulently obtain loans and funds from several banks and credit unions. It is alleged that Chaves fraudulently obtained loans from at least six different financial institutions totaling $332,000, by providing fraudulent earning statements, tax returns, motor vehicle purchase contracts, and Department of Motor Vehicle documents.
It is also alleged that Chaves employed a fraudulent check scheme by submitting 15 fraudulent checks he allegedly created to an automobile seller’s bank account from which he withdrew $64,453 and that he allegedly caused the fraudulent wire transfer between financial institutions of $72,864.28.
It is also alleged in court documents that Chaves received taxable income that he did not report to the Internal Revenue Service and that he took several steps to evade income taxes by, among other things, commingling business and personal expenses; using a check casher to divert third-party income; creating fraudulent third-party checks and cashing them using a check casher, rather than a bank; and maintaining approximately 15 different bank accounts using at least 5 different company names.
An information is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dulce Donovan.
The matter was investigated by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations and the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, with the assistance of the East Providence Police Department and the National Crime Insurance Bureau.
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US Attorney Weisman to Participate in National Night OutRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – U.S. Attorney Aaron L. Weisman will join law enforcement, community leaders, and residents on Tuesday, August 6th at Rhode Island events to celebrate the 36th annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event.
National Night Out is a community-building and crime prevention campaign that promotes collaborative law enforcement-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Thousands of communities nationwide will participate in neighborhood block parties, festivals, cookouts, safety demonstrations, seminars, and activities that heighten crime and drug prevention awareness and generate support for and participation in local anticrime efforts. Events such as these help to strengthen neighborhood spirit, police-community partnerships, and demonstrate a shared commitment for strong and safe communities.
U.S. Attorney Weisman will participate in events in Providence, Warwick, and Cranston. Events are scheduled in fourteen Rhode Island communities.
“Reducing violent crime and promoting safety in American communities is a major focus of the Justice Department and U.S. Attorneys across the country,” said Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen. “National Night Out is an opportunity to strengthen the bonds, the respect, and the camaraderie between neighbors and law enforcement officers. These relationships make our country stronger and safer.”
“For 36 years, National Night Out has rallied neighborhood residents, law enforcement and community leaders in the common goal of strengthening relationships to help prevent and deter crime in our local community. I am proud to stand with my colleagues and neighbors to support safer streets and work together to drive out crime,” said U.S. Attorney Aaron L. Weisman.
Providence Police Chief Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr., said, “The Providence Police Department embodies the Community Oriented Police concept in everything we do. We are always pleased to celebrate our relationships on this very important night in our community. We always enjoy teaming up with US Attorney Weisman and his team on initiatives important to our neighborhoods.”
Warwick Deputy Police Chief Mark Ullucci added, “On behalf of Mayor Joseph Solomon and Chief Rick Rathbun, I encourage all residents from every community to come out and celebrate National Night Out. This event not only enhances community safety, it puts faces with names and establishes new relationships with a simple handshake. National Night out is an amazing platform for simple conversation, reconnection, and a positive interaction between Police Officers and the constituents they represent.”
National Night Out organizers are expecting over 16,000 communities and 38 million people nationwide to take part in community events on August 6.
Information about National Night Out is available at www.natw.org
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Hell's Angels Member Sentenced on Meth and Cocaine Trafficking, Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A “full patch” member of the Rhode Island chapter of the Hell’s Angels Motorcycle Club, arrested during a Project Safe Neighborhoods drug trafficking investigation by members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, was sentenced today to 84 months in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine and cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.
Douglas Leedham, 54, of North Providence, was arrested on February 8, 2019, by members of the Safe Streets Task Force after a court-authorized search of his residence resulted in the seizure of approximately 39 grams of methamphetamine, 21 grams of cocaine, two handguns, a 12 gauge shotgun, two body armor vests, 35 knives, four hatchets, five expandable batons, a set of brass knuckles, $6,422 in cash, and assorted items used in the packaging and distribution of drugs.
Leedham, who pleaded guilty on May 14, 2019, to possession with the intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 84 months in federal prison to be followed by 4 years supervised release.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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 case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.
The FBI’s Safe Streets Violent Gang Task Force consists of agents and law enforcement officers from the FBI, RI State Police, Providence, Cranston, Woonsocket, Pawtucket, and Central Falls Police Departments, R.I. Department of Corrections, and the Rhode Island National Guard.
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House Painter Admits to Stealing $186,000 in SSDI Benefits While Earning $400,000 in WagesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Pawtucket man who collected approximately $186,000 on Social Security disability insurance benefits while at the same time earning nearly $400,000 in wages as a house painter pleaded guilty today in federal court to fraud and theft charges.
Jose L. Gaza, 66, admitted to the Court that from July 2005 – July 2015, he worked under a fictitious name and Social Security number for a painting contractor, while fraudulently collecting a monthly Social Security disability benefit payment of approximately $1,399.
Gaza admitted to fraudulently collecting approximately $186,000 in Social Security disability benefits while earning wages totaling approximately $393,000.
Appearing before U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Gaza pleaded guilty to Social Security Fraud and theft of government funds, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and 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.
Gaza is scheduled to be sentenced on October 10, 2019.
Social Security fraud is punishable by statutory penalties of up to five years imprisonment followed by three years supervised release. Theft of government funds is punishable by statutory penalties of up to ten years imprisonment followed by three years supervised release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Terrence P. Donnelly.
The matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General/Office of Investigations.
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Former Candidate Sentenced for Fraud and Campaign FinanceRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A former candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives was sentenced today after pleading guilty to wire fraud and willfully violating the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) by operating fraudulent and unregistered political action committees.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Assistant Director in Charge Nancy McNamara of the FBI’s Washington Field Office made the announcement.
Harold Russell Taub, 30, of Cranston, Rhode Island, was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge William E. Smith for the District of Rhode Island. Taub was also ordered to pay $1,102,439 in restitution to the victims of his crimes.
According to Taub’s guilty plea, in late 2016, Taub began soliciting donations to an organization he called Keeping America in Republican Control (KAIRC), which he represented to be a legitimate political committee organized in accordance with federal law to support Republican candidates at the state and federal level. In March 2018, Taub began soliciting donations to another purported political action committee, Keeping Ohio in Republican Control (KOIRC), with the stated purpose of supporting Republican candidates in Ohio. Taub collected a total of approximately $1,630,439 in contributions to KAIRC and KOIRC, but never registered either entity with the FEC or made required reports to the FEC, as required by FECA.
Taub admitted as part of the plea that he held KAIRC and KOIRC out as legitimate, federally-registered political actions committees on his website, in social media posts, and in email solicitations that reached hundreds of donors. Taub represented that all of KAIRC and KOIRC’s staff were volunteers and that “100 percent” of donations were used to support candidates. However, of the more than $1.6 million in contributions to KAIRC and KOIRC, Taub used more than $1 million for purely personal expenses. In furtherance of his fraudulent scheme, Taub also repeatedly used the name of a former Ambassador and high-level military officer without the knowledge or permission of the person, even after being instructed not to do so.
The FBI investigated the case. Trial Attorney Peter M. Nothstein of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section is prosecuting the case.
Providence Man Admits to Trafficking Fentanyl and Heroin, Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE - A Providence man detained in federal custody since his arrest in December 2018 on drug and firearm charges pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to trafficking heroin and fentanyl, and to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Antonio Rivera, 26, pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin, distribution of fentanyl, and felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Kelly D. Brady, and Providence Police Chief Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr.
Appearing before U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Rivera admitted that on April 27, 2018, he sold an individual nearly 60 grams of heroin for $2,500, and on October 23, 2018, he sold an ATF undercover agent nearly 8.5 grams of fentanyl and a semi-automatic rifle with a high capacity magazine for $1,330.
Rivera is scheduled to be sentenced on October 15, 2019.
Distribution of fentanyl and distribution of heroin are punishable by statutory penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment followed by up to lifetime supervised release. Felon in possession of a firearm is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah.
The matter was investigated by ATF, the ATF Task Force, and the Providence Police
Department, with the assistance of the Pawtucket Police Department and the Rhode Island State Police High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.
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Little League Coach Sentenced for Interstate Travel to Engage in Sex with a MinorRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Plainfield, Conn., little league coach arrested by Rhode Island State Police in January 2019 at a Warwick, R.I., hotel where he arranged to meet with a 14-year-old boy to engage in illicit sexual activity was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison.
At the time of his arrest, Christopher L. Merchant, 34, of Woodstock, Conn., was also found to be in possession of images of child pornography that he stored on his cell phone.
In pleading guilty in U.S. District Court in Providence on March 20, 2019, to travel in interstate commerce with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and transporting child pornography, Merchant admitted that on numerous occasions, beginning in early January 2019, he engaged in a series of online sexually graphic exchanges with an individual he believed to be a 14-year-old boy. Merchant admitted that he arranged to meet with the boy at a Warwick, R.I., hotel to engage in illicit sexual activity. The defendant also admitted to sending obscene photographs to the person with whom he was communicating.
Merchant was actually communicating with a member of law enforcement assigned to the ICAC Task Force, who was conducting an investigation into online child exploitation via a dating and social networking application for smart phones.
At sentencing today, U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith ordered Merchant to serve a term of incarceration of 60 months to be followed by 15 years supervised release, and to pay a mandatory assessment of $5,000 as provided for in the Justice for Victims Trafficking Act, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni, and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee H. Vilker.
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Controller Sentenced for Embezzling $550,000 from Providence Small BusinessRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – The controller for a high-technology electronics manufacturer in Providence that has been in business for nearly 90 years was sentenced today to 33 months in federal prison and ordered to pay back more than a half-million dollars she embezzled from the small business.
Jill Martinho, 43, of Swansea, Mass., who was employed by Walco Electric Company for approximately 13 years beginning in 2005, was also ordered to pay the IRS more than $185,000 in back taxes, having failed to claim the embezzled funds on her tax returns.
Martinho pleaded guilty on April 1, 2019, to wire fraud and willfully making a false tax return.
According to information presented to the Court, Martinho was entrusted by the owner of Walco Electric to manage all of the company’s finances, including signing company checks, managing bank accounts, borrowing on the company’s line of credit, payroll, and creating monthly financial statements.
Ms. Martinho was also authorized to purchase supplies necessary for the company with the use of personal credit cards. She perpetrated the fraud by obtaining reimbursement twice for some purchases and by obtaining reimbursement for completely fictitious expenses.
From May 2015 through February 2018, although Martinho was entitled to reimbursements from the company totaling approximately $459,224, based on her fraudulent claims, including the use of fraudulently created card statements, she received approximately $1,017,295 from the company, causing the company a loss of approximately $557,974.
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith ordered Martinho to serve 33 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years supervised release. Martinho was ordered to pay $557,974 in restitution to her former employer, of which $100,000 has already been reimbursed, and $185,466 owed to the IRS.
Martinho’s sentence is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Kristina O'Connell, and Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service Stephen Marks.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee H. Vilker.
The matter was investigated by the FBI, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and the United States Secret Service.
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Liberian National Attempting to Gain Legal Status Convicted of Presenting Perjured Documents, Making False StatementRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – An international soccer player from Liberia has been convicted by a federal court jury in Providence of lying to immigration officials and providing false information on immigration documents in an attempt to gain legal status in the United States.
The jury convicted Prince Mark Boley, 30, of presentation of a perjured immigration document and false statements, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Denis C. Riordan, District Director for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services District 1, and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh.
The Court declared a mistrial on a charge of marriage fraud to evade deportation after the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on that charge.
According to the government’s evidence presented at trial, Boley entered the United States on a non-immigrant six-month visa on July 24, 2015, valid until January 23, 2016. It was extended for six months to July 2016.
In December 2015, Boley was introduced to a Rhode Island woman by his niece who, at a later date on behalf of Boley, asked the woman if she would marry Boley in order for him to obtain a green card and legal status in the United States. The woman agreed, and they were married in a civil ceremony on May 13, 2016. A marriage license and marriage certificate were filed in Lincoln, the town in which the woman resided. Boley continued to live at his Providence residence.
In September 2016, Boley and the woman signed and submitted U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) forms as Boley sought to obtain permanent legal status in the United States, based on marriage to a U.S. citizen. Both stated on their respective forms that their home address was the woman’s Lincoln residence. Their signatures certified truthfulness under penalty of perjury.
On June 8, 2017, as part of the standard immigration application process, Boley and the woman were interviewed in person, at times separately, by a USCIS officer. Both reported that they were then living together in a Harrisville, R.I. residence. During her interview with the USCIS officer, in an attempt to establish that the two had a relationship, the woman allowed the officer to review text messages on her cell phone between her and Boley. While the agent was reviewing the text messages, a new text arrived from someone other than Boley indicating she had sexual relations with someone other than Boley. The woman admitted to the agent to recently having had sex with that individual.
Due to inconsistencies in information developed by USCIS and the text message viewed by the officer, the USCIS interviewer suspected fraud and turned the matter over to the USCIS Fraud Unit. The fraud unit’s investigation included a visit to the Harrisville residence where they found little or no proof that the two were living together as a married couple. The matter was then referred to Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) criminal investigators.
At trial, the woman testified that her marriage to Boley was a sham, and that she married Boley solely for the purpose of him obtaining a green card. She testified that she and Boley did not live together and never had a physical relationship, but that Boley did take steps to create a paper trail that he resided with her, such as having some of his mail sent to her address where he did not live.
A neighbor who lived across the hall from the woman testified that Boley never lived at the residence.
Boley is scheduled to be sentenced on November 7, 2019, by U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith, who presided over the three-day trial.
Presentation of a perjured immigration document and false statements are punishable by statutory penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment, 3 years supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Zechariah Chafee.
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Georgia Man Pleads Guilty in RI to Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – An Atlanta, GA, man admitted in U.S. District in Providence today to exchanging child pornography with individuals across the country, including sending images of child pornography to an undercover member of the Rhode Island States Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
Appearing before U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Joseph Grossman, 40, pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni, and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh.
According to court documents and information presented to the Court, on January 19, 2019, a member of the ICAC Task Force, a Rhode Island State Police detective, working in an undercover capacity, set up a profile on a social networking site targeting the “fetish and kinky” community. Grossman reached out to the detective and suggested they shared a sexual interest in young children. Grossman directed the detective to a website where they could chat privately. During a series of communications, Grossman sent the detective approximately 40 images of child pornography.
Investigators were able to determine an IP address and subscriber information associated with Grossman. On February 27, 2019, the Rhode Island State Police detective and an agent from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Providence, assisted by HSI agents in Atlanta, executed a court-authorized search of Grossman’s Atlanta residence and seized several electronic devices and arrested Grossman. Grossman’s email and online accounts were reviewed. Investigators identified numerous people across the country with whom Grossman exchanged child pornography.
Grossman is scheduled to be sentenced on October 15, 2019.
Distributing child pornography is punishable by statutory penalties of 5-20 years in federal prison followed by 5 years to lifetime supervised release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra R. Hebert.
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Cranston Man Sentenced for Defrauding Social Security, Trafficking OxycodoneRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Cranston man who admitted to collecting Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI) while at the same time depositing hundreds of thousands of dollars in his personal bank account and obtaining a home mortgage for more than a quarter million dollars was sentenced today to 18 months in federal prison and ordered to pay back funds he obtained fraudulently from the Social Security Administration.
In addition to pleading guilty on June 25, 2018, to Social Security fraud, Raymond Walker, 48, pleaded guilty to attempt to possess with the intent to distribute Oxycodone, admitting to the court that he was trafficking Oxycodone.
U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith today ordered Walker to serve 18 months in prison to be followed by 3 years supervised release. Walker was ordered to pay $14,301 restitution to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Walker’s sentence is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI) Jeffrey J. Ebersole, Scott E. Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG), and Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division Brian D. Boyle.
According to information presented to the Court, Walker began receiving SSI benefits in 1992. SSI is meant to assist aged, blind, and disabled people who have little to no income. To be eligible, one has to be disabled, unable to engage in substantial gainful activity, and have limited income and resources. SSA takes into account a claimant’s resources and allows an individual to hold up to $2,000 worth of resources. “Income” includes money a claimant receives from work and other sources, such as friends and relatives. The claimant must notify SSA of any significant changes in conditions affecting the receipt of benefits, to include work activity, as either an employee or self-employed individual.
At the time of his guilty plea, Walker was receiving monthly SSI payments of $500 dollars.
In September 2017, Walker was interviewed by a SSA claims specialist and informed the claims specialist that since July 2015 his only resources were a 1988 vehicle and a bank account with no more than $200 in it at any time. He told the interviewer that he received approximately $200 per month from family members to assist with personal expenses.
However, an investigation by FDA-OCI, SSA-OIG, and the United States Attorney’s Office determined that between December 2013 and July 2017, Walker deposited $306,435 into his personal bank account; he held a $282,000 mortgage for a Cranston property, with a monthly mortgage payment of approximately $2,100; and he owned a 2016 Audi A8.
When applying for the mortgage, Walker claimed to be employed as a construction project manager earning approximately $7,400 per month.
Information was also developed by law enforcement that Walker was actively engaged in drug trafficking. On October 4, 2017, at the direction of FDA-OCI agents, a cooperating witness met with Walker at Walker’s mother’s house and sold him two bottles containing 168 inert 30 mg Oxycodone pills provided by the DEA for $5,000. When the cooperating witness returned approximately 90 minutes later to receive payment for the pills, Walker informed the individual he had already received complaints regarding the strength of the pills. In that 90 minutes, agents observed Walker’s mother’s home and saw numerous individuals stopping in front of the house and engaging with Walker to purchase the pills.
A court-authorized search of the residence that day resulted in the seizure of a money counter and $775 in cash. $5,000 was seized from inside a wheel compartment of his vehicle.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dulce Donovan.
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Three Indicted, Arraigned on Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – Three Rhode Island men were arrested by FBI agents and arraigned today in federal court on a child pornography charge contained in indictments unsealed in U.S. District Court, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta.
Scott P. Hickey, 40, of Coventry, Robert H. Gillissie, 45, of Warwick, and John A. Amaral, 26, of Providence, were arraigned before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond and released on unsecured bond.
Each is charged with possession and access with intent to view child pornography.
It is alleged that each defendant possessed child pornography accessed through an online bulletin board and web site. The defendants were charged as part of an ongoing FBI investigation.
Possession and access with intent to view child pornography is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment, 3 years to lifetime supervised release, and a special assessment of $5,000.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Terrence P. Donnelly with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
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Property Preservationist Pleads Guilty in $10 Million Dollar Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Former East Greenwich, Rhode Island, businesswoman Monique N. Brady, 44, whose company, MNB, specialized in preserving the condition of foreclosed homes for resale, yesterday admitted to utilizing her business and business contacts, often times family members, friends, and business associates, to operate a $10.3 million dollar Ponzi scheme.
Brady admitted to the Court that she fraudulently represented to potential investors that her company had secured contracts to perform large scale rehabilitation projects on foreclosed properties in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. She represented to investors that payments ranging from approximately $20,000 to $80,000 were needed to pay subcontractors to perform the work.
In reality, MNB was hired by banks to perform menial tasks such as mowing grass, changing locks, winterizing properties, boiler or electrical inspections, and snow removal. The majority of projects secured by MNB were for less than $1,000. Many were for as little as $25 dollars to a few hundred dollars.
Brady often solicited and received multiple investments for the same property. To make potential investors believe she had secured contracts for large scale rehabilitation projects, Brady provided fraudulent emails purporting to be from a national property rehabilitation company claiming Brady had been approved to rehabilitate a property. Brady included in the emails fraudulent itemizations of work to be performed. Brady also included, without permission, the identity of an actual employee of the national property rehabilitation company in an attempt to make the emails appear authentic.
Records indicate that of the 171 properties for which Brady solicited and received funds from investors for rehabilitation projects, 98 were for properties her company was never hired to preserve, on which absolutely no work was performed.
In return for their investment, 31 investors were promised a return of 50 percent of the profit realized on the project they invested in. Many investors realized little or no return on their investment. By the time the scheme ended after its discovery in the summer of 2018, 22 individuals had lost approximately $4.78M to Brady.
Brady admitted that among those defrauded were close friends in the East Greenwich community, a close friend from childhood, a close friend from law school, her step-brother, and an older woman who was essentially a nanny to her children. Other victims included three Warwick firefighters and an elderly man with Alzheimer’s disease.
Brady also admitted to attempting to obstruct an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) criminal investigation when, after being told by IRS investigators she was under investigation, she asked investors to delete or destroy all email correspondence, texts, and documents relating to their investments in MNB rehabilitation projects.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Monique N. Brady pleaded guilty to wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and obstructing an IRS investigation, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Aaron L. Weisman for the District of Rhode Island, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation Kristina O'Connell, and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta.
Brady, who remains detained in federal custody, is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 4, 2019. Wire fraud is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 20 years in prison, up to five years supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross profit/loss. Obstructing an IRS investigation is punishable by statutory penalties of up to three years in prison, one year supervised release, and a fine of $5,000. Aggravated identity theft is punishable by statutory penalties of a two year mandatory sentence consecutive to any other sentence imposed in this matter and one year of supervised release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lee Vilker of the District of Rhode Island and Trial Attorney Christopher O’Donnell of the Tax Division.
The matter was investigated by agents from IRS-Criminal Investigation and the FBI.
R.I. Man Charged with Enticement, International Travel to Engage in Illicit Sex with a MinorRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Pawtucket man was arrested today on charges he allegedly travelled to Canada to engage in illicit sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl he enticed online during a series of exchanges of messages and pornographic images.
Herbert J. Rodas, 22, was arrested by Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) agents and members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force on a federal criminal complaint charging him with transferring obscene material to a minor, enticement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity, and travelling in interstate or foreign commerce with intent to engage on illicit sexual activity.
According to court documents, in June 2019, the Winnipeg Police Service contacted the ICAC Task Force and HSI in Providence to report the sexual assault of a 13-year-old female. According to information developed by Winnipeg Police, Rodas allegedly travelled from the United States to Canada to engage in sexual activity with the minor victim after more than two months of online communications between the two.
According to court documents, it is alleged that Rodas and the victim met online and began communicating with one another in January 2019 using several social media applications. Within 10-15 minutes of the initial communication, the talk turned sexual and, after repeated requests by Rodas, the victim performed a sex act.
It is alleged that as the communications continued, at Rodas’ request, on multiple occasions the victim sent Rodas images of herself in various stages of undress, to include fully nude photos. Rodas sent the victim several sexually explicit and graphic images of himself. Some of the messages sent by Rodas using Snapchat contained user’s information, to include Rodas’ home address.
It is alleged in court documents that on April 25, Rodas flew to Canada and rented a hotel room in his name, for which he paid cash. Over the next three days, Rodas met with the victim on several occasions and engaged in illicit sexual activity with her. The victim provided physical evidence to the Winnipeg Police she said was connected to the first sexual encounter.
Rodas was arrested today by HSI agents and members of the ICAC Task Force during a court-authorized search of his Pawtucket residence, at which time law enforcement seized, among other items, Rodas’ passport, an airline boarding pass from Toronto to Boston for Rodas’ return trip from Canada, a Super 8 Motel receipt, and several electronic devices.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh, and Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni announce the arrest and filing of a criminal complaint in this matter.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Rodas was released to home confinement with electronic monitoring and ordered to have no contact with the victim.
Transferring obscene material to a minor is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and a term of 5 years supervised release. Enticement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity is punishable by a term of imprisonment of 10 years – to life, lifetime supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and a court-imposed special assessment of $5,000. Travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct is punishable by up to 30 years imprisonment, lifetime supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and a court-imposed special assessment of $5,000.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.
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Property Preservationist Pleads Guilty in $10 Million Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – Former East Greenwich, R.I. businesswoman Monique N. Brady, 44, whose company, MNB, specialized in preserving the condition of foreclosed homes for resale, today admitted to utilizing her business and business contacts, often times family members, friends, and business associates, to operate a $10.3 million dollar Ponzi scheme.
Brady admitted to the Court that she fraudulently represented to potential investors that her company had secured contracts to perform large scale rehabilitation projects on foreclosed properties in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. She represented to investors that payments ranging from approximately $20,000 to $80,000 were needed to pay subcontractors to perform the work.
In reality, MNB was hired by banks to perform menial tasks such as mowing grass, changing locks, winterizing properties, boiler or electrical inspections, and snow removal. The majority of projects secured by MNB were for less than $1,000. Many were for as little as $25 dollars to a few hundred dollars.
Brady often solicited and received multiple investments for the same property. To make potential investors believe she had secured contracts for large scale rehabilitation projects, Brady provided fraudulent emails purporting to be from a national property rehabilitation company claiming Brady had been approved to rehabilitate a property. Brady included in the emails fraudulent itemizations of work to be performed. Brady also included, without permission, the identity of an actual employee of the national property rehabilitation company in an attempt to make the emails appear authentic.
Records indicate that of the 171 properties for which Brady solicited and received funds from investors for rehabilitation projects, 98 were for properties her company was never hired to preserve, on which absolutely no work was performed.
In return for their investment, thirty-one investors were promised a return of fifty percent of the profit realized on the project they invested in. Many investors realized little or no return on their investment. By the time the scheme ended after its discovery in the summer of 2018, twenty-two individuals had lost approximately $4.78M to Brady.
Brady admitted that among those defrauded were close friends in the East Greenwich community, a close friend from childhood, a close friend from law school, her step-brother, and an older woman who was essentially a nanny to her children. Other victims included three Warwick firefighters and an elderly man with Alzheimer’s disease.
Brady also admitted to attempting to obstruct an Internal Revenue Service criminal investigation when, after being told by IRS investigators she was under investigation, she asked investors to delete or destroy all email correspondence, texts, and documents relating to their investments in MNB rehabilitation projects.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Monique N. Brady pleaded guilty to wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and obstructing an IRS investigation, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman for the District of Rhode Island, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Kristina O'Connell, and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta.
Brady, who remains detained in federal custody, is scheduled to be sentenced on October 4, 2019. Wire fraud is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 20 years in prison, up to 5 years supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross profit/loss. Obstructing an IRS investigation is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 3 years in prison, 1 year supervised release, and a fine of $5,000. Aggravated identity theft is punishable by statutory penalties of a 2-year mandatory sentence consecutive to any other sentence imposed in this matter and 1 year of supervised release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lee Vilker of the District of Rhode Island and Trial Attorney Christopher O’Donnell of the Tax Division.
The matter was investigated by agents from IRS-Criminal Investigation and the FBI.
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Four Charged in Stolen ID, Credit Card Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – Four men have been charged in federal court in Providence with allegedly participating in a conspiracy to use stolen identities and stolen credit card information to purchase tens of thousands of dollars worth of construction materials and tools at home improvement stores in several Rhode Island and Massachusetts communities.
It is alleged in court documents that the defendants participated in a conspiracy that ordered construction supplies and tools online, via telephone, or in person at or from home improvement stores. Stolen credit card information and stolen personal identifying information were used to pay for the items at pick-up.
It is alleged that in each instance, an individual would provide payment information by telephone to store cashiers. The cashiers were unaware that the personal identifying information and credit card information provided for payment were stolen. Once payment was approved, a member of the conspiracy would leave the store with the purchased items.
It is alleged that the defendants carried out this scheme on multiple occasions in at least six stores in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, visiting some stores on multiple occasions. Purchases ranged from approximately $1,000 to more than $4,000.
The matter first came to light during an investigation by Smithfield Police in September 2018, into a complaint by a Smithfield resident who reported the fraudulent use of their credit card information for the purchase of more than $2,100 worth of construction items and tools at a home improvement store in Smithfield. Working jointly with the United States Secret Service, it has been determined that members of the conspiracy have allegedly carried out this scheme from at least September 2018 through January 2019.
The investigation is continuing.
Charged by way of criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit access fraud, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft are Jose R. Delarosa, 42, of Cranston, Jose G, Rivera, 42, address unknown, and Miguel Rodrigues, 48, of Providence. Charged by way of criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit access fraud is Jose Brens, 38, of Providence.
The charges are announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Smithfield Police Chief Richard P. St.Sauveur, Jr., and Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Stephen Marks.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Terrence P. Donnelly and William J. Ferland.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Providence Man Admits to Trafficking Fentanyl and FirearmsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Providence man appeared in federal court in Providence today and admitted to selling fentanyl and firearms on multiple occasions to an individual assisting the FBI Safe Streets Task Force during a Project Safe Neighborhoods investigation into the trafficking of drugs and firearms in Providence.
Appearing before U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith, Jean Sajous, 28, admitted to the Court that between May 24, 2018 and June 20, 2018, he made multiple sales of fentanyl and on two occasions sold a firearm to a confidential source assisting the Safe Streets Task Force.
Sajous admitted to the Court that he sold the individual a total of 5.34 grams of fentanyl. Sajous also admitted to selling the individual a .25 caliber pistol and a 9mm pistol. Following each transaction, the fentanyl and the firearms were immediately seized by Safe Streets Task Force agents.
Sajous’s guilty plea to two counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl, one count of unlicensed firearms dealing, and two counts of felon in possession of a firearm is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta.
Sajous, who has been detained in federal custody since his arraignment in U.S. District Court on October 2, 2018, is scheduled to be sentenced on October 24, 2019.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Helen H. Lee and Terrence P. Donnelly.
Project Safe Neighborhoods is 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.
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Project Safe Neighborhoods Investigation Nets Twelve Arrests in WoonsocketRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A four-month FBI Safe Streets Task Force Project Safe Neighborhoods investigation into the trafficking of fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine on the streets of Woonsocket culminated today with the dismantling of at least three alleged drug trafficking conspiracies.
To date, twelve individuals have been charged, and law enforcement has seized four firearms, significant quantities of fentanyl pills, crack cocaine, cocaine, marijuana, and approximately $12,000 in cash.
Teams of federal, state, and local law enforcement agents and officers fanned out early this morning and arrested six individuals on federal criminal complaints, three individuals on state charges, and executed four federal court-authorized search warrants. Additionally, federal charges were unsealed today brought against an individual currently detained at the ACI.
Prior to today, members of the Safe Street Task Force arrested two individuals charged by way of federal criminal complaints and executed one federal court-authorized search warrant.
Leading up to today’s arrests, law enforcement made nearly two dozen undercover drug purchases and seized 1,964 fentanyl pills (332.9 grams),116.2 grams of powder fentanyl, 296 grams of marijuana, 244 grams of crack cocaine, 20 grams of powder cocaine, 3 firearms, and $1,800 U.S. currency.
Today, law enforcement seized a loaded 9 millimeter handgun, and approximately 144 grams of crack cocaine and 1,094 grams of cocaine, and $10,200 in cash.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman said, “These twelve arrests in Woonsocket should be looked upon as a warning to others: Be it in Woonsocket or in any community in Rhode Island where drug traffickers are peddling their poison and impacting the safety and quality of life in our neighborhoods, federal, state, and local law enforcement will team up and bring to bear the full-force of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.”
“Today’s arrests exemplify the epitome of law enforcement agencies working together to target and dismantle drug trafficking organizations that threaten the safety and stability of our neighborhoods,” commented Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta. “The residents of Woonsocket have been dealing with drugs and violence for far too long and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force will continue to use all of the tools we have at our disposal to make sure the people who are peddling these poisons on our streets—many of whom are repeat, violent offenders—are held accountable.”
Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas Oates added, “Working with our federal partners allows the Woonsocket Police Department to bring added resources to Woonsocket to combat illegal drug trafficking which is so harmful to our community. We will continue to use any and all resources available to us to continue to try and improve the quality of life and safety of the residents of the City of Woonsocket.”
Charged by way of federal criminal complaint in U.S. District Court:
David Bradford, 34
Conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base
Conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl
Possession with intent to deliver 28 grams or more of cocaine base
David Kennedy, 29
Conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base
Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base
Jason Simpson, 34
Conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base
Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base
Christopher Nieves, 34 (detained at the ACI)
Conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base
Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base
James Ruth, 31
Conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base
Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base
Gilbert Delestre, 29
Possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base
Possession with intent to distribute cocaine
Conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base
Sean Breton, 27
Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base
John Switzer, 37, arrested May 1, 2019
Conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl
Possession with intent to deliver and distribution of 400 grams or more of fentanyl
Charged in Rhode Island State Court:
Victoria Kinnecom, 24
13 counts of conspiracy to manufacture with intent to deliver a Schedule 1 substance
Trevis Woods, 30
4 counts of possession with intent to distribute a Schedule 1substance
9 counts of conspiracy
Christopher Grondin, 29
7 counts of conspiracy
5 counts of possession with intent to distribute a Schedule 1 substance
Damien Drolet, 32, arrested April 3, 2019 (detained at the ACI)
Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Cases charged in U.S. District Court are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra R. Hebert.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta, and Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas Oates thank the Central Falls, Cranston, Pawtucket, Warwick and Providence Police Departments, Rhode Island State Police, Rhode Island National Guard, and Adult Correctional Institutions for their assistance.
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West Warwick Man Admits to Attempting to Entice a Minor for SexRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A West Warwick man appeared in federal court in Providence and admitted to attempting to entice a minor boy he communicated with online to meet with him in a Warwick park and to engage in illicit sexual activity.
Dylan Harris, 27, admitted that in January 2017, he engaged in a series of sexually explicit online chats with an individual he believed to be a 14-year-old boy. At Harris’ request, he arranged to meet with the boy in a secluded park in the vicinity of T.F. Green Airport, and to engage in sexual intercourse.
The person Harris thought to be a 14-year-old boy was, in fact, a member of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
Appearing before U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., on Friday, Harris pleaded guilty to attempted enticement of a minor to engage in prohibited sexual activity, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni, and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh.
According to information presented to the Court, in January 2017, a member of the ICAC Task Force was conducting an investigation in the “casual encounters” section of Craig’s List. On January 4, 2017, the agent responded to a posting, later determined to have been posted by Harris, seeking “virgins or inexperienced” guys. The agent posed as a 14-year-old boy. The two engaged in a series of sexually explicit online conversations during which Harris sent the 14-year-old two photographs depicting his face and one sexually explicit photograph he told the boy was of himself.
The conversation also included discussion about the 14-year old’s school schedule.
On January 5, 2017, at Harris’ request, Harris and the 14-year-old agreed to meet in a secluded park in the vicinity of T.F. Green Airport, and to engage in sexual intercourse. Harris told the 14-year-old that he would arrive driving a Jeep. Later that afternoon, members of the ICAC Task Force observed a black Jeep Grand Cherokee, with an operator matching the description of Harris, drive into the park at the pre-arranged meeting location. Police activated their lights and sirens and attempted to initiate a motor vehicle stop. However, Harris made an abrupt left turn and accelerated through a water retention ditch and over a cement parking curb, causing damage to the front end of the black Jeep and flattening one of its tires. Harris then turned and accelerated at a high rate of speed in the parking lot. Several police officers exited their vehicles and issued loud verbal commands and hand signals, ordering Harris to stop his vehicle. Still traveling at a high rate of speed, Harris turned his vehicle in the direction of one of the detectives, narrowly missing him and causing the detective to leap out of the way. Harris then accelerated through another water retention ditch, briefly losing control of his vehicle almost striking a chain link fence separating the park and a T.F. Green Airport runway. Harris drove another three-tenths of a mile before losing control of his vehicle and rolling the vehicle onto a grass embankment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.
The matter was investigated by the ICAC Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations.
Harris is scheduled to be sentenced on September 11, 2019. Attempted enticement of a minor to engage in prohibited sexual activity is punishable by statutory penalties of life imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison; up to lifetime supervised release; a fine of $250,000; and if the Court finds the defendant is not indigent, a $5,000 special assessment.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman acknowledges and thanks the Barrington Police Department for their assistance in the investigation of this case.
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Rhode Island Man Sentenced to 180 Years in Prison for Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Westerly, R.I., man who admitted to repeatedly persuading and coercing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct which he photographed and recorded for approximately two or three years, and who admitted to distributing child pornography, was sentenced on Friday to 180 years in federal prison.
Jay Gaccione, 41, pleaded guilty on November 13, 2018, to five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, one count of distribution of child pornography, and two counts of possession of child pornography.
On November 4, 2016, agents from Homeland Security Investigations and members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force executed a court-authorized search warrant at Gaccione’s Westerly residence and seized, among other items, several electronic and digital storage devices. Forensic audits of the devices revealed numerous videos and images of child pornography produced by Gaccione with a victim between the ages of 12 and 14-years-old.
The investigation also determined that Gaccione sought to obtain images from an individual he communicated with online of a child as young as three-years-old being sexually assaulted.
The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh, and Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise M. Barton.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman acknowledges and thanks the Westerly Police Department for their assistance in the investigation of this matter.
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Providence Woman Sentenced for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Providence woman who was riding as a passenger in a vehicle she owned that was stopped by Rhode Island State Police in February 2017 and found to be carrying five kilograms of cocaine stashed inside a hidden compartment under the rear floor has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for trafficking the cocaine.
Laura G. Martinez, 25, pleaded guilty on October 15, 2018, to conspiracy with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
According to information presented to the Court, on February 17, 2017, a Rhode Island State Police trooper stopped Martinez’s vehicle after the driver failed to move out of the left lane of travel, during which the adjacent right lane was free of traffic. The trooper ordered the vehicle towed after it was determined that both the driver and Martinez’s driver’s license had been suspended. During an inventory of the vehicle, troopers discovered numerous aftermarket modifications that had been made to the underside of the vehicle. Further inspection revealed a false floor. A Rhode Island State Police K9 alerted to the presence of narcotics in the area of the false floor. A trap door allowing access to the false floor was opened. Inside, troopers discovered 5.018 kilograms of cocaine.
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith sentenced Martinez to 60 months in prison to be followed by 4 years supervised release.
Martinez’s sentence is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni, and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ronald R. Gendron and Dulce Donovan.
The matter was investigated by the Rhode Island State Police and Homeland Security Investigations.
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Registered Sex Offender Sentenced for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A registered sex offender who admitted to possessing child pornography and to sending sexually explicit text messages and images to a 14-year-old female via an online application has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.
Michael Llorca, 48, of Providence, convicted of rape in Massachusetts in August 1997, and ordered to register as a sex offender, was arrested on January 18, 2018, after a Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigation determined that in October and November 2017, Llorca downloaded files of child pornography.
The investigation also determined that in November 2017, Llorca communicated online through a social media app with a 14-year-old girl. The communications were sexual in nature and Llorca sent the girl sexually explicit photographs.
Llorca’s online activities were brought to the attention of the ICAC Task Force by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Llorca pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Providence on March 12, 2019, to possession of child pornography.
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith sentenced Llorca to 10 years in prison to be followed by lifetime supervised release. Llorca was ordered to register as a sex.
Llorca’s sentence is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Rhode Island State Police Superintendent Colonel James M. Manni, and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John P. McAdams.
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Wholesaler Admits to Conspiracy to Manufacture and Sell Counterfeit Goods to the U.S. Military & GovernmentRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Brooklyn, N.Y., clothing and goods wholesaler pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Providence today to charges related to his participation in a conspiracy that sold more than twenty million dollars worth of Chinese-made counterfeit goods to the United States military, government purchasers, and companies that supply the U.S. Government.
Among the items that Ramin Kohanbash, 49, 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®, a fabric which incorporates specialized near-infrared management technology designed to make the wearer more difficult to detect with equipment such as night-vision goggles.
Other items carried labels that made explicit, and false, representations about the product’s safety. In one case, labels on counterfeit hoods intended for military and law enforcement personnel stated that the items were “permanently flame resistant,” and that they met a specific industry standard for flame-resistant attire. In reality, the counterfeit hoods were not flame resistant.
“Our men and women in uniform confront danger every day to defend this nation and its values.” said U.S. Attorney Weisman. “The uniforms they wear and the gear they carry are meant to protect them as they carry out their mission, not to put them in harm’s way. This case should serve notice that suppliers who do business with the military must comply with the law, or they will be held to account.”
"Individuals and companies that sell counterfeit goods to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) endanger the safety and effectiveness of our military," stated Leigh-Alistair Barzey, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service's (DCIS) Northeast Field Office. "Today’s guilty plea is the direct result of a joint investigative effort with the General Services Administration OIG, Army CID, Air Force OSI and Homeland Security Investigations, and demonstrate DCIS' ongoing commitment to work with its law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney's Office to protect the integrity of the DoD's procurement process."
Kohanbash admitted to the Court that he and others provided, reviewed, and approved photographs, descriptions, and samples of tags and labels to be attached to the knockoff products, so that the counterfeit versions appeared legitimate. Trademarks and brand names of actual U.S.-made products were added to the foreign counterfeit versions to make them appear legitimate.
The goods were shipped from China to Kohanbash and sold to other wholesalers who ultimately marketed and sold the knock-off products to military and government buyers as genuine, American-made products.
Under two U.S. laws known as The Berry Amendment and the Trade Agreements Act (“TAA”), goods sold to the military and certain other government buyers are required to be manufactured in the United States and certain other designated countries; China is not one of those countries. In order to sell the counterfeit goods, Kohanbash provided wholesalers who did business with the government with false certification letters claiming that the goods were made in the U.S., and therefore complied with the Berry Amendment. In other instances, Kohanbash falsely represented that the goods met TAA requirements.
Kohanbash further admitted that the Government is entitled to forfeit twenty million dollars representing proceeds of the offenses, along with actual counterfeit goods seized during the investigation.
Kohanbash’s guilty plea to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and trafficking in counterfeit goods is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman; Leigh-Alistair Barzey, Special Agent-in-Charge of Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Luis A. Hernandez, General Services Administration Office of Inspector General, New England Regional Investigations Office; Resident Agent in Charge Michael D. Conner, Boston Fraud Resident Agency, US Army Criminal Investigation Command; Jason T. Hein, Special Agent in Charge, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Office of Procurement Fraud Investigation, Detachment; Homeland Security Investigations Newark, NJ, Special Agent in Charge Brian A. Michael, Troy Miller, Director of Custom and Border Protection, New York Field Office.
Kohanbash is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court on Chief Judge William E. Smith on January 17, 2020.
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 5 years in federal prison, 3 years supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000; Trafficking in counterfeit goods is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 10 years in federal prison, 3 years supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sandra R. Hebert and Zachary A. Cunha.
R.I. Businessman Admits Selling Misbranded DrugsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Lincoln, R.I., wholesale businessman pleaded guilty in federal court in Providence today to selling more than 500,000 capsules of a misbranded drug that contain the commonly known active ingredient in Viagra, purporting that the drug was an all-natural herbal supplement designed for male sexual enhancement.
Jeffrey Guzman, 34, of Providence, operator of Tony’s Enterprise, LLC, in Lincoln, today pleaded guilty to fraudulent introduction of a misbranded drug. Guzman admitted to distributing to various retail and wholesale businesses throughout New England and New York a product called Golden Night, which falsely was represented to be an all-natural herbal supplement designed for male sexual enhancement. In fact, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) laboratory tests demonstrated Golden Night contained the prescription drug sildenafil, commonly known as the active ingredient in Viagra.
Guzman’s guilty plea is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Jeffrey Ebersole, Special Agent in Charge of the FDA, Office of Criminal Investigations.
According to information presented in court, in 2015, an FDA inspection of a wholesaler in New York revealed quantities of Golden Night for sale at convenience stores and gas stations in the New York area. The FDA subsequently issued a public notification advising consumers not to purchase Golden Night. The notice explained that FDA analysis confirmed the presence of sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra and that these ingredients were not declared on the label. The notice warned the undeclared ingredients may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels and other potential health consequences.
An undercover FDA agent emailed the notice to Guzman and asked whether Golden Night contained Viagra. Guzman falsely replied that Golden Night did not contain Viagra, and claimed the product was safe to take. Guzman subsequently sent the FDA notice to his supplier in China and asked what to do about the FDA notice. The supplier in China advised changing the brand name of the product and continuing to sell it. Guzman admitted continuing to sell Golden Night as usual. An FDA agent subsequently purchased Golden Night which again tested positive for sildenafil.
A court-authorized search of Tony’s Enterprise in June 2018, revealed additional inventory of Golden Night, packaging and marketing materials, and various business records. In addition, email search warrants revealed numerous instances in which Guzman falsely answered customer inquiries about Golden Night by stating it was all-natural and did not contain Viagra or require FDA approval.
Laboratory tests of Golden Night also detected the presence of oxytetracycline HCI, also known as Terramycin, a discontinued prescription antibiotic that was used to treat specific diseases in humans. It is currently used in livestock feed to prevent diseases and infections in cattle and poultry.
Guzman admitted that between 2013 and 2018, Tony’s Enterprise sold more than 500,000 Golden Night capsules totaling over $1 million in sales.
Guzman is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., on September 9, 2019. Fraudulent introduction of a misbranded drug is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 3 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.
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Cranston Resident Admits to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Cranston man is facing a recommended term of incarceration of 42 months in federal prison when he is sentenced in September, after admitting to a federal court judge on Wednesday that he had been in possession of over 40,000 images and 800 videos of child pornography.
According to information presented in court, in January 2018, members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force observed an IP address sharing files of suspected child pornography. Law enforcement connected the IP address to Steven Papazian, 32, of Cranston.
On February 8, 2018, members of the ICAC Task Force executed a court-authorized search of Papazian’s residence and seized a computer and multiple digital storage devices. A forensic audit of the computer identified over 40,000 images and 800 videos of child pornography, including several previously identified victims.
Papazian’s guilty plea on Wednesday to possession of child pornography is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni, and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh.
Papazian is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith on September 26, 2019. An agreed upon plea agreement filed in this matter recommends the court impose a sentenced of 42 months in federal prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.
The matter was investigated by the ICAC Task Force, with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations.
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Cranston Man Facing 10 Years to Life in Prison for Enticing Minors OnlineRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – Paul J. Stabile, 39, of Cranston, faces 10 years to life in federal prison when he is sentenced in September, having pleaded guilty on Wednesday to one count of enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and one count of possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta.
According to information presented in Court, between October 2017 and December 2017, Stabile used an online persona “Cindi Mennillo” to pretend to be a 16 year-old old girl from Newport, R.I. Using the online persona, Stabile persuaded numerous young boys between the ages of 13-15 to engage in explicit sexual activity in live stream videos over Facebook Messenger and Skype.
The investigation began when the mother of a 14 year old boy in Nevada reported to the FBI that her son was the victim of an online enticement. The investigation uncovered chats between Stabile, pretending to be a 16 year-old girl, and the minor victim. Stabile directed the minor victim to send back live video streams of himself masturbating. As part of the effort to deceive the minor victim, Stabile falsely claimed technical difficulties were preventing “Cindi” from reciprocating with live video. Instead Stabile sent the Minor Victim images, both pornographic and non-pornographic, of an athletic young female purported to be “Cindi.”
In November 2018, a federal court authorized search warrant was executed at Stabile’s Cranston residence by law enforcement. Several computers and other media devices seized were found to contain child pornography, including videos of dozens of young teenage boys performing a sex act in a similar manner to the Nevada-based minor victim. Also found were the images sent by “Cindi” to the minor victim.
Stabile admitted to law enforcement that he used the “Cindi Mennillo” online persona to communicate with minors as young as 14, sent them sexually explicit and pornographic images, and persuaded them to livestream video of themselves engaged in explicit sexual activity, which he recorded.
At sentencing on September 26, 2019, Stabile faces a statutory mandated minimum prison sentence of 10 years, up to life in federal prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.
The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Warwick and Cranston Police Departments, and the Washoe County, Nevada Sherriff’s Department.
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"Tech Support" Telemarketing Scheme Leader SentencedRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A college intern from India who led a group of college students in Newport in their participation in a “tech support” fraud scheme that duped close to two dozen individuals out of nearly a million dollars was sentenced today in federal court in Providence to 60 months in federal prison and ordered to re-pay his victims, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Newport Police Chief Gary T. Silva, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh.
The Newport-based operation was tied to a large-scale telemarketing operation based in India.
Bishwajeet Kumar Jha, 21, and several other interns from the same college in India who were in the United States on hospitality industry internships defrauded a number of individuals of their retirement savings. The victims ranged in age from 58 years-old to 93 years-old and were duped out of between $1,180 dollars and $174,300 dollars. Over approximately three-months, the conspiracy defrauded individuals of at least $937,280.
The victims, who believed that they had purchased technology support, were led to believe that money had been erroneously refunded to their bank accounts by the tech support company. The victims were asked to return the erroneous refund and directed to send the money to the defendant and others. Some of the victims were told to send the money overseas.
The scheme was interrupted by Newport Police on November 20, 2018, when, as part of the investigation, detectives executed a court-authorized search of the residence of Jha and the other members of the conspiracy.
During the court-authorized search, Newport Police seized numerous items related to the operation of the telemarketing scheme. A subsequent investigation by members of the Newport Police Department and HSI agents determined that after the co-conspirators operating in Newport shared some of the proceeds of the scheme, large sums of money garnered from the scheme were transferred to a bank account in California. From there, the majority of funds were transferred internationally to India, China, and Singapore.
“The Department of Justice takes very seriously, and will advocate for the imposition of substantial criminal penalties for targeting vulnerable, especially elderly, victims through the commission of federal crimes such as this,” said United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman. “Investigations like this one by the Newport Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations show the strength of law enforcement working together to identify and hold accountable those whose mission it is to steal, and in some instance bankrupt, the elderly and most vulnerable in our community.”
Newport Police Chief Gary T. Silva commented, “This type of criminal activity is disturbing. Those who prey on citizens, particularly those citizens who are vulnerable, are deliberately calculating in their persistent efforts to defraud honest people. This investigation and successful prosecution of those responsible should provide notice to others contemplating similar acts that law enforcement and prosecutors are committed to actively bring to justice those responsible.”
“Today’s sentence is fitting and appropriate in light of the serious nature of the charges this defendant was convicted of,” said Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Boston. “HSI remains strongly committed to investigating those who wrongly believe they can exploit the generous nature of our immigration system to scam Americans via financial fraud schemes.”
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., sentenced Jha to 60 months in prison. A restitution order will be issued by the Court at a later date.
Jha will face deportation proceedings upon completion of his term of incarceration.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra R. Hebert.
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Convicted Felon Indicted on Drug Trafficking, Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Warwick man arrested in early May during an investigation by Newport and Warwick Police into the alleged theft of two firearms from a Newport residence has been indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearm charges.
Brian Thompson, 45, was arrested on May 8, 2019, after one of the reported stolen firearms was allegedly located under the rear seat of his pick-up truck during a traffic stop effectuated by Warwick Police, in conjunction with the Newport Police investigation. Also allegedly seized from Thompson was 19 grams of crack cocaine, $4,436 in cash, and various items used in the distribution and use of crack cocaine.
A court-authorized search warrant executed at Thompson’s Warwick residence the day of his arrest resulted in the seizure of a substantial quantity of cocaine, marijuana, assorted pills, $26,400 in cash, 64 gift cards, jewelry, and various items used in the packaging and distribution of drugs.
Thompson, previously convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon, and who had been detained in state custody since his arrest on state charges on May 8, 2019, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Thompson is now detained in federal custody.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Thompson’s indictment is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Newport Police Chief Gary T. Silva, Warwick Police Chief Colonel Rick J. Rathbun, and Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division Brian D. Boyle.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ly T. Chin.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman acknowledges and thanks the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives for their assistance to the Newport and Warwick Police Departments in the investigation of this matter and the Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force for their assistance in preparing this matter for prosecution.
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Dominican National Indicted for Identity Theft, Theft of Government BenefitsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Dominican national who allegedly failed to leave the United States after her six-month visa expired in June 2003, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Providence for allegedly using the stolen identity of a woman living in Puerto Rico to obtain a Rhode Island driver’s license and government financed health care, unemployment, disability and food stamp benefits.
The grand jury on Tuesday returned a six-count indictment charging Sonia Jourdain, 54, with false representation of citizenship, false representation of a Social Security number, aggravated identity theft, theft of public money, and two counts of wire fraud.
According to court documents, it is alleged that in February 2014, Jourdain, using a stolen identity and Social Security number of another person, filed an application to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. On the application, Jourdain falsely stated that she, nor anyone in her household, was not a United States citizen.
It is alleged that in February 2014, Jourdain used a stolen identity to obtain government paid health care benefits; in May 2016 to obtain a Rhode Island driver’s license; in December 2016 to obtain SNAP benefits; in March 2017 to receive temporary disability insurance (TDI) from the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training; and in October 2017 to obtain unemployment insurance benefits from the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.
It is alleged in court documents that Jourdain fraudulently received $9,942 in health care benefits, $5,928 in unemployment insurance benefits, $2,285 in TDI benefits, and more than $1,000 in SNAP benefits.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The indictment of Sonia Jourdain is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh; Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dulce Donovan.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations; Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General.
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Rhode Island Resident Admits Participation in International Telemarketing Scam Targeting Elderly CitizensRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Rhode Island man admitted in federal court on Monday to participating in an international telemarking scam operating out of Jamaica that primarily targets and victimizes elderly U.S. citizens. The scam leads victims, who are contacted by telephone, to believe they have won cash or prizes in a lottery or sweepstakes. However, they are told their winnings will not be released to them without upfront payment of taxes or fees.
Appearing before U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith, Shawn Whitfield, 48, of Pawtucket, R.I., admitted to receiving $109,675 in upfront payments from individuals who had been victimized by the scam from April 2015 to February 2018. The majority of funds collected by Whitfield were transferred electronically to co-conspirators and others, often times to individuals in Jamaica.
At least 20 of the individuals who sent money to Whitfield via United States Postal packages, money grams, and Western Union wire transfers, were over the age of 55. Among the payments sent to Whitfield was a check for $25,000.
Whitfield pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and mail fraud, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Boston Division.
“Telemarketing fraudsters have only one mission, to con people out of their money. Often times, the elderly are their most targeted victims,” noted United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman. “The Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative, among other things, coordinates the investigation and prosecution of financial scammers that target older Americans. Unscrupulous individuals like Mr. Whitfield will be held accountable for their actions.”
“Almost anyone under the right circumstances can fall for a phony offer or promotion, however, older Americans are usually more susceptible than others,” said Inspector in Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division. “Scammers like Whitfield lure victims in with promises of large financial winnings that are hard to turn down. The financial devastation some victims face is irreversible. Postal Inspectors here in Rhode Island and across the country are working hard to prevent others from falling victim to scams like these.”
USPIS agents, assisted by members of the Pawtucket Police Department, Rhode Island State Police, and the U.S. Marshals Service, executed a court-authorized search of Whitfield’s residence on February 20, 2018. Simultaneously, Whitfield was arrested at his place of employment in Norwood, Mass., by USPIS agents, with the assistance of members of the Norwood Police Department.
Whitfield is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith on September 27, 2019.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise M. Barton, Elder Justice Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island.
If you are a victim or know a victim of elder fraud, you can call 1-877-FTC-HELP or go to ftc.gov/complaint. For downloadable Elder Abuse Prevention resources and for information about community outreach programs in Rhode Island, visit the United States Attorney’s Office’s Elder Justice Initiative web page at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ri/elder-justice
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RI Woman Admits to Selling Prescription Narcotics on the Dark WebRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Lincoln, R.I., woman today admitted to operating a home-based business that illegally sold prescription narcotics through a Dark Web marketplace that she then shipped to customers through the U.S. Postal Service. Customers paid for their purchases with Bitcoin that she later converted to cash.
Monique Jodoin, 59, admitted to the Court that her company, “Tabletmagic,” sold illegal prescription narcotics through the Dark Web marketplace “DreamMarket.” Dating back to May 4, 2017, the “Tabletmagic” account listed 1,700 transactions and offered prescription narcotics such as OxyContin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, Suboxone, Subutex, Adderall, Ritalin, morphine, Vyvanse, Xanax, and Zolphidem.
Jodoin converted the Bitcoin proceeds from her “DreamMarket” account into U.S. currency through a Florida-based cryptocurrency exchange. On at least two occasions, the cryptocurrency exchange mailed packages containing substantial sums of cash to Jodoin’s home.
Appearing before U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Jodoin pleaded guilty to seven counts of attempt to distribute a controlled substances, five counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and two counts of money laundering, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Boston Division, and Jeffrey J. Ebersole, U.S. Food & Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI) New York Field Office.
According to information presented to the Court, in October 2017, the Postmaster of the Manville, R.I. Post Office alerted USPIS agents that an individual, later identified as Jodoin, was shipping a large number of suspicious “click-n-ship” parcels to individuals around the country. The Postmaster noted that the name and address on the “click-n-ship” labels were fictitious and that the woman dropping off the packages at the post office was not the same person listed as the sender.
During an investigation by USPIS agents, some of the packages shipped by Jodoin were seized and searched pursuant to a court-authorized search warrant. The packages were found to contain various controlled substances. In February 2018, agents executed a court-authorized search of Jodoin’s home and, among other items, seized numerous and varied controlled substances, numerous prescription bottles in other people’s names, boxes of invoices of customer orders, an alphabetized card catalog of customers, Bitcoin receipts and ledgers, $70,000 in cash – bundled and labeled, and $1,460 on Jodoin’s person.
Jodoin is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., on August 20, 2019.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
The matter was investigated by agents from the USPIS and the FDA-OIC.
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Warren Man Pleads Guilty to Enticing a Minor, Possessing and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Warren man is facing 10 years to life in federal prison after admitting to charges that he enticed a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity and that he possessed and distributed child pornography, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni, and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh.
At the time of his guilty plea to charges of using means of interstate commerce to entice a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography, Christopher Kinney, 44, admitted that beginning on April 16, 2018, he had a series of online communications with a person unknown to him, whom he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. In communications that rapidly became sexually explicit, Kinney expressed an interest in meeting the teenager at the Warwick Mall, dressing her in a diaper, walking her around the mall, and then engaging in sexual activity with her in the mall or elsewhere. He arranged to meet with the teenager at the mall food court on April 26, 2018. The person he was actually communicating with was a Rhode Island State Police Detective assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
On April 26, 2018, members of the ICAC Task Force surveilled the mall and apprehended Kinney as he arrived at the mall food court. A search of Kenney’s car resulted in the discovery of, among other items, a diaper bag containing several diapers, a pacifier and baby bottle, condoms, candy, and a canister of children’s bubble fluid. Seized from Kinney’s pocket was an Apple iPhone, on which investigators later identified approximately 56 images of child pornography and evidence that on numerous occasions he electronically received and shared files of child pornography and images of children being harshly punished and/or beaten.
Kinney, who pleaded guilty on May 30, 2019, is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith on September 13, 2019. At sentencing, Kinney faces statutory penalties of 10 years to life imprisonment, a mandatory assessment of $5,000 as provided for in the Justice for Victims Trafficking Act, and a fine of up to $250,000 on the charge of using means of interstate commerce to entice a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity; 5–20 years imprisonment, a mandatory assessment of $5,000 as provided for in the Justice for Victims Trafficking Act, and a fine of up to $250,000 on the charge of distribution of child pornography; and up to 10 years imprisonment, a mandatory assessment of $5,000 as provided for in the Justice for Victims Trafficking Act, and a fine of up to $250,000 on the charge of possession of child pornography.
Kinney is scheduled to be sentenced on September 13, 2019. He also faces child molestation charges in Rhode Island state court.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
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Warren Man Pleads Guilty to Enticing a Minor, Possessing and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Warren man is facing 10 years to life in federal prison after admitting to charges that he enticed a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity and that he possessed and distributed child pornography, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni, and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh.
At the time of his guilty plea to charges of using means of interstate commerce to entice a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography, Christopher Kinney, 44, admitted that beginning on April 16, 2018, he had a series of online communications with a person unknown to him, whom he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. In communications that rapidly became sexually explicit, Kinney expressed an interest in meeting the teenager at the Warwick Mall, dressing her in a diaper, walking her around the mall, and then engaging in sexual activity with her in the mall or elsewhere. He arranged to meet with the teenager at the mall food court on April 26, 2018. The person he was actually communicating with was a Rhode Island State Police Detective assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
On April 26, 2018, members of the ICAC Task Force surveilled the mall and apprehended Kinney as he arrived at the mall food court. A search of Kenney’s car resulted in the discovery of, among other items, a diaper bag containing several diapers, a pacifier and baby bottle, condoms, candy, and a canister of children’s bubble fluid. Seized from Kinney’s pocket was an Apple iPhone, on which investigators later identified approximately 56 images of child pornography and evidence that on numerous occasions he electronically received and shared files of child pornography and images of children being harshly punished and/or beaten.
Kinney, who pleaded guilty on May 30, 2019, is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith on September 13, 2019. At sentencing, Kinney faces statutory penalties of 10 years to life imprisonment, a mandatory assessment of $5,000 as provided for in the Justice for Victims Trafficking Act, and a fine of up to $250,000 on the charge of using means of interstate commerce to entice a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity; 5–20 years imprisonment, a mandatory assessment of $5,000 as provided for in the Justice for Victims Trafficking Act, and a fine of up to $250,000 on the charge of distribution of child pornography; and up to 10 years imprisonment, a mandatory assessment of $5,000 as provided for in the Justice for Victims Trafficking Act, and a fine of up to $250,000 on the charge of possession of child pornography.
Kinney is scheduled to be sentenced on September 13, 2019. He also faces child molestation charges in Rhode Island state court.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
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Miami Man Detained in Alleged Five-State "Cashout Scheme"Read the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Miami, Fla., man who allegedly made multiple large cash withdrawals with the use of fraudulent credit cards from ATMs at bank branch offices in Warwick, R.I., and Seekonk, Mass., has been ordered detained in federal custody in Rhode Island on fraud charges.
Dean Emmanuel Colin, 26, of Miami, was ordered detained by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan at his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Providence on charges of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and access device fraud.
Colin was arrested on May 23, 2019, by Seekonk, Mass., police after bank security officials notified the United States Secret Service that they were monitoring live video from a Seekonk bank branch office ATM of an individual allegedly making repeated fraudulent withdrawals of large sums of cash using multiple cards. The Secret Service notified the Seekonk Police Department who responded to the bank and detained Colin.
An investigation by the United States Secret Service and Warwick Police also determined that Colin allegedly fits the description of an individual who one day earlier made repeated large fraudulent withdrawals from an ATM in Warwick, R.I., at a branch office of the same bank, totaling more than $35,000.
The United States Secret Service is currently investigating an ongoing “cashout scheme” conspiracy that has fraudulently obtained nearly $1 million dollars from ATM machines in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. According to court documents, to date, ATM transactions connected to Colin by video surveillance involve at least 29 different American Express Platinum account numbers.
A “cashout scheme” is a criminal conspiracy whereby individuals utilize stolen or otherwise compromised bank or credit card company account numbers encoded on access devices such as ATM cards, credit cards, gift cards, and hotel keys, to withdraw large sums of currency from ATMs. These “cashout schemes” are often multi-layer conspiracies wherein computer hackers and their associates steal confidential financial information, including business and personal account numbers and personal identification numbers. The hackers often transmit this information to co-conspirators through an array of online communication mechanisms. Ultimately, the purchasers of the stolen financial information use the account numbers to encode plastic cards with magnetic stripes, which they then use to withdraw currency from ATMs.
According to court documents, at the time of Colin’s arrest and as the result of court-authorized searches of a rental vehicle Colin was driving at the time of his arrest and of a hotel room he was staying at in Foxboro, Mass., law enforcement seized $65,920 in cash, 11 cards with magnetic strips, a card reader/writer and USB cable used to encode bank cards, rubber bands used to wrap currency, two cellular telephones, a receipt from the U.S. Post Office in Warwick, R.I. for a package mailed to Colin’s residence in Florida, and an airline boarding pass in Colin’s name from Miami to Boston on May 22, 2019.
The arrest of Colin is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Stephen Marks, Seekonk Police Chief Frank John, and Warwick Police Chief Colonel Rick Rathbun.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Wholesaler Charged in Conspiracy to Manufacture and Sell Counterfeit Clothing and Other Goods to US Military and GovernmentRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A criminal information filed today in U.S. District Court in Providence, R.I., in an ongoing investigation, charges a Brooklyn, N.Y., clothing and goods wholesaler with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and trafficking in counterfeit goods in connection with the alleged sale of more than twenty million dollars worth of Chinese-made counterfeit goods to the United States military and other government purchasers, as well as to other companies that supply the U.S. Government.
It is alleged in the information that Ramin Kohanbash, 49, working with other members of the conspiracy, provided samples of actual military uniforms and gear to manufacturers in China to replicate. It is also alleged that Kohanbash and his co-conspirators provided, reviewed, and approved photographs, descriptions, and samples of tags and labels to be attached to the knockoff products, so that the counterfeit versions appeared legitimate. In many instances, this process allegedly involved copying the trademarks and brand names of actual U.S.-made products and adding them to the foreign counterfeit versions.
After being manufactured in China, it is alleged that the counterfeit goods were shipped to Kohanbash and sold to other wholesalers who ultimately marketed and sold them to military and government buyers off as genuine, American-made products.
Under two U.S. laws known as The Berry Amendment and the Trade Agreements Act (“TAA”), goods sold to the military and certain other government buyers are required to be manufactured in the United States and certain other designated countries; China is not one of those countries. In order to sell the counterfeit goods, it is alleged that Kohanbash provided wholesalers who did business with the government with false certification letters claiming that the goods were made in the U.S., and therefore complied with Berry Amendment. In other instances, it is alleged that Kohanbash falsely represented that the goods met TAA requirements.
The information alleges that, among other items Kohanbash and his co-conspirators arranged to counterfeit, were military parkas used by U.S. Air Force personnel stationed in Afghanistan. These parkas are made with a fabric known as Multicam®, which incorporates specialized near-infrared (“NIR”) management technology designed to make the wearer more difficult to detect with equipment such as night-vision goggles. According to the information, two hundred of these counterfeit Multicam® parkas, lacking the critical NIR management technology, were sold to a U.S. Air Force Base Supply Center. Other items carried labels that allegedly made explicit, and false, representations about the product’s safety. In one case, labels on counterfeit hoods intended for military and law enforcement personnel stated that the items were “permanently flame resistant,” and that they met a specific industry standard for flame-resistant attire. In reality, the counterfeit hoods were not flame resistant.
The filing of an information in U.S. District Court in Providence, R.I., in this matter is announced by United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island Aaron L. Weisman; Special Agent-in-Charge Leigh-Alistair Barzey, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Luis A. Hernandez, General Services Administration Office of Inspector General, New England Regional Investigations Office; Resident Agent in Charge Michael D. Conner, Boston Fraud Resident Agency, US Army Criminal Investigation Command; Jason T. Hein, Special Agent in Charge, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Office of Procurement Fraud Investigation, Detachment; and Homeland Security Investigations Newark, NJ, Special Agent in Charge Brian A. Michael.
Kohanbash is scheduled to appear before United States Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan on June 12, 2019, for an initial appearance on the charges contained in the information. An information is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 5 years in federal prison, 3 years supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000; Trafficking in counterfeit goods is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 10 years in federal prison, 3 years supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sandra R. Hebert and Zachary A. Cunha.
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Patient Convicted of Assaulting VA Medical Center Police OfficerRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A patient of the Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Providence was convicted by a federal court jury on Monday of assaulting a VA Medical Center police officer.
Don J. Civitarese, 58, of, North Attleboro, MA, was arrested by VA Medical Center police on March 2, 2018, after assaulting one officer and falling on another during an altercation at the VA Medical Center’s Primary Care Clinic. The jury convicted Civitarese of assaulting and resisting a federal officer.
Civitarese’s conviction is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center Police Chief John M. Thibodeau.
According to the government’s evidence presented at trial, Civitarese became extremely angry and verbally abusive, yelling obscenities at the medical center staff, after being told that medication he was requesting would not be dispensed until the completion of protocols for the dispensing of medication. Civitarese continued his loud, obscene ranting in a patient waiting area with other patients present as a doctor attempted to explain the reason for the delay.
A VA Medical Center police officer responded to the clinic and heard the defendant angrily yelling obscenities. Civitarese was stopped by the officer as he stormed out of the clinic into the hallway. While attempting to calm Civitarese, the officer requested that Civitarese show an ID. Civitarese refused and continued to be verbally abusive and disruptive. The officer then announced to Civitarese that he was under arrest for disorderly conduct and directed him to place his hands behind his back. Civitarese ignored the officer’s commands.
After ignoring further commands to get on the ground and to place his hands behind his back, Civitarese then struck the officer in the chest, partially sending the officer back through the exit doors. After ignoring additional warnings, the officer pulled his “pepper spray” canister and commanded the defendant, “Stop resisting and get on the ground or I will spray OC!” Civitarese continued to ignore the officer who discharged a burst of pepper spray across Civitarese’s nose and eyes. A second officer placed Civitarese in an “arm lock” as Civitarese continue to fight to remain on his feet. Civitarese was finally brought down with repeated baton strikes to the thigh and calf areas. When he fell, Civitarese landed on top of the second officer. Two additional officers who responded to the incident were able to gain control of Civitarese’s arm and place handcuffs on the defendant.
Civitarese is scheduled to be sentenced on August 8, 2019, by U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith, who presided over the one-day trial.
Assaulting and resisting a federal officer is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 8 years in federal prison, 3 years supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
The case is bieng prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zechariah Chafee.
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Florida Man Indicted in Debit Card, Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A federal grand jury in Providence, R.I., today returned an 18-count indictment charging a Florida man with participating in an alleged scheme to steal debit cards and debit card PIN numbers from mailboxes in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and using the debit cards at ATMs in both states to withdraw funds from individuals’ bank accounts without their knowledge or permission. It is alleged that the debit cards were ordered with the use of stolen personal identifying information belonging to the account holders.
United States Attorney Aaron Weisman, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Boston Division, and Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Stephen Marks announce the indictment of Stacy Moore, 47, of Miami Beach, FL, on nine counts of bank fraud, four counts each of access device fraud and aggravated identity theft, and one count of theft of mail.
According to court documents and information presented to the Court, it is alleged that from December 11, 2018, to February 10, 2019, Moore withdrew funds from at least six individuals’ personal bank accounts at banks in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, with the use of replacement debit cards and PINs linked to the bank accounts. It is alleged that multiple withdrawals from each account were made at ATMs in multiple locations.
It is alleged that with the use of stolen personal identifying and banking information, replacement debit cards and PINs were ordered for each of the victim’s bank accounts via telephone. It was requested that the replacement debit cards and PINs be delivered via the USPS to the account holders’ homes. It is alleged that an Informed Delivery account through the USPS website for the each account holder’s address was established, allowing for notification when the replacement debit cards and PINs were delivered to the mailbox. It is alleged that Moore used the stolen the debit cards and PINs to withdraw bank funds.
According to court documents and information presented to the Court, on February 19, 2019, USPS inspectors received a complaint from a bank fraud investigator that the bank had received a fraudulent request for a debit card and PIN replacement, and that they be mailed to an account holder’s home in East Greenwich. Postal inspectors surveilled the mailbox of the account holder and watched as Moore allegedly removed mail from the mailbox, including the items mailed by the bank to the account holder. When a postal inspector attempted to approach him, Moore allegedly sped off and was then involved in a hit and run accident a short distance away. Moore’s vehicle was stopped later that day in West Warwick, based on a police broadcast regarding the hit and run accident, including a description of a vehicle with Florida license plates that fled the accident scene. USPS inspectors responded to West Warwick and identified the driver as the same person they allegedly watched remove mail from the East Greenwich mailbox, and the same person seen in numerous surveillance photos taken at ATMs in Rhode Island and Massachusetts where numerous unauthorized withdrawals were made from individuals’ bank accounts using replacement debit cards and PINs.
A search of Moore’s car revealed clothing consistent with what Moore allegedly was wearing at the time of the alleged theft of mail from the East Greenwich mailbox, a USPS uniform polo shirt, approximately $11,000 in cash, and mail belonging to an alleged victim of the scam from Warwick. Earlier that day, an unknown person made $6,800 in unauthorized withdrawals from the Warwick account holder’s bank account.
It is alleged in the indictment that between December 11, 2018, and February 19, 2019, Moore made unauthorized withdrawals from at least six account holders’ accounts at numerous ATMs in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, totaling at least $26,600.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Bank fraud is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 30 years imprisonment, a fine of twice the gross gain/loss, and 5 years supervised release. Access device fraud is punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and 5 years supervised release. Theft of mail is punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and 3 years supervised release. Aggravated identity theft is punishable by a mandatory 2 years imprisonment, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment imposed by the Court.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise M. Barton.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Boston Division Joseph W. Cronin, and Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Stephen Marks thank the East Greenwich, West Warwick, Barrington and Middletown Police Departments, and the Rhode Island Department of Corrections for their assistance in the investigation of this matter.
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Two Plead Guilty to Federal Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – Two Boston area men have pleaded guilty in federal court in Providence to federal firearm charges brought as the result of a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and Woonsocket Police Department investigation into the theft of a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer in August 2018.
Charlie D. Vick, 30, of Everett, Mass., pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court on Wednesday to being a felon in possession of ammunition. Gabriel A. Rosario, 23, of Chelsea, Mass., pleaded guilty on March 7, 2019, to theft of a firearm from a licensed firearm dealer.
Vick and Rosario’s guilty pleas are announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of ATF Kelly D. Brady, and Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas Oates.
According to court documents and information presented to the Court, on August 31, 2018, Vick and Rosario traveled from Boston with the intent of buying ammunition from a Woonsocket, R.I., licensed firearm dealer, because Rhode Island state law does not require a background check for ammunition purchases, unlike Massachusetts. Once in the store, Vick asked the store manager for assistance with ammunition, and the manager accompanied Vick to an area of the store away from a countertop where a .22 caliber firearm was displayed. While Vick and the manager were away from the counter area, Rosario took the .22 caliber firearm from the countertop, placed it in his waistband, and left the store.
After Rosario left the store, the store manager and Vick returned to the counter area. Vick, a convicted felon, purchased three boxes of ammunition: a box of .38 caliber Smith & Wesson ammunition, a box of .38 special ammunition, and a box of Remington .45 caliber ammunition. After making the purchase, Vick left the store. Both Vick and Rosario are seen entering a dark colored, late model vehicle and leaving the area. The investigation determined that Vick and Rosario immediately returned to Boston. Within a few days the stolen firearm was sold on the streets of Boston.
To obtain assistance from the public in identifying the two men responsible for the theft of the firearm, ATF offered a $1,500 reward leading to the identification of one or both of the men. At least two individuals contacted the Woonsocket Police Department and identified Charlie Vick as being one of the two men depicted in surveillance camera photos publicized by law enforcement. The investigation later determined that the two men arrived and left the parking lot of the gun shop in a vehicle rented in the Boston area by Charlie Vick.
The defendants made initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Providence on January 17, 2019. Rosario is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith on June 14, 2019. Vick is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief Judge William E. Smith on August 22, 2019.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of ATF Kelly D. Brady, and Woonsocket Police Thomas Oates thank the United States Marshals Service and the Chelsea, Mass., Police Department for their assistance in the investigation and arrest of Vick and Rosario.
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Rhode Island Property Preservationist Indicted for Fraud, Money Laundering, Aggravated Identity Theft and Obstructing an IRS InvestigationRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a 14-count indictment today charging an East Greenwich, Rhode Island, business woman, whose business specializes in preserving foreclosed homes for resale, with nine counts of wire fraud, two counts aggravated identity theft, one count of money laundering, and one count each of structuring and obstructing an Internal Revenue Service investigation, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman for the District of Rhode Island, Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Kristina O'Connell, and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta.
According to the indictment and court documents, Monique N. Brady, owner and operator of MNB LLC, operated a scheme whereby she raised and pocketed millions of dollars from investors, including close friends, a family member, and business associates, by misrepresenting to them that she needed to raise tens of thousands of dollars for various repair projects. In return for their investment, investors were promised a return of 50 percent of the profit.
It is alleged that Brady fraudulently represented to potential investors that MNB had secured contracts to perform large scale rehabilitation projects on foreclosed properties in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, and that payments ranging from approximately $20,000 to $80,000 were needed to pay subcontractors to perform the work. Brady often solicited and received multiple investments for the same property. To make potential investors believe she had secured contracts for large scale rehabilitation projects, Brady forwarded to her investors fraudulent emails purporting to be from a national property rehabilitation company claiming Brady had been approved to rehabilitate a property. Brady included in the emails fraudulent itemizations of work to be performed. Brady also included, without permission, the identity of an actual employee of the national property rehabilitation company in an attempt to make the emails appear authentic.
For the majority of properties for which Brady received investments from third parties, allegedly no work whatsoever was performed by MNB. On some properties, MNB performed low-dollar tasks and was paid less than $1,000, at times as little as $25.
From January 2014 to July 2018, Brady received approximately $10.2 million dollars in investments from about 32 individuals and corporations to whom she fraudulently represented that large-scale rehabilitation projects had been awarded to MNB. These investors have sustained a loss of approximately $4.78 million. Some of the investor funds allegedly were spent by Brady on personal expenditures, to include numerous vacations, personal mortgage payments and gambling-related expenses. When individual investors demanded from Brady a return on their investment she would, at times, use other investors funds. In this way, Brady allegedly operated a “Ponzi scheme.”
The indictment further alleges Brady attempted to obstruct an IRS criminal investigation when, after being told by IRS investigators she was under investigation, she asked investors to delete or destroy all email correspondence, texts, and documents relating to their investments in MNB rehabilitation projects.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Each wire fraud charge carries statutory penalties of up to 20 years in prison, up to five years supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross profit/loss. Aggravated identity theft is punishable by statutory penalties of a two year mandatory sentence consecutive to any other sentence imposed and one year of supervised release. Money laundering is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment, three years supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Structuring is punishable by statutory penalties of up to five years imprisonment, three years supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Obstructing an IRS investigation is punishable by statutory penalties of up to three years in prison, one year supervised release, and a fine of $5,000.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lee Vilker of the District of Rhode Island and Trial Attorney Christopher O’Donnell of the Tax Division.
The matter was investigated by agents from IRS-Criminal Investigation and the FBI.
Property Preservationist Indicted for Fraud, Money Laundering, Aggravated Identity Theft, Obstructing an IRS InvestigationRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A federal grand jury returned a 14-count indictment today charging an East Greenwich, Rhode Island business woman, whose business specializes in preserving foreclosed homes for resale, with nine counts of wire fraud, two counts aggravated identity theft, and one count each of money laundering, structuring, and obstructing an Internal Revenue Service investigation, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman for the District of Rhode Island, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Kristina O'Connell, and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta.
According to the indictment and court documents, Monique N. Brady, owner and operator of MNB LLC, operated a scheme whereby she raised and pocketed millions of dollars from investors, including close friends, a family member, and business associates, by misrepresenting to them that she needed to raise tens of thousands of dollars for various repair projects. In return for their investment, investors were promised a return of fifty percent of the profit.
It is alleged that Brady fraudulently represented to potential investors that MNB had secured contracts to perform large scale rehabilitation projects on foreclosed properties in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, and that payments ranging from approximately $20,000 to $80,000 were needed to pay subcontractors to perform the work. Brady often solicited and received multiple investments for the same property. To make potential investors believe she had secured contracts for large scale rehabilitation projects, Brady forwarded to her investors fraudulent emails purporting to be from a national property rehabilitation company claiming Brady had been approved to rehabilitate a property. Brady included in the emails fraudulent itemizations of work to be performed. Brady also included, without permission, the identity of an actual employee of the national property rehabilitation company in an attempt to make the emails appear authentic.
For the majority of properties for which Brady received investments from third parties, allegedly no work whatsoever was performed by MNB. On some properties, MNB performed low-dollar tasks and was paid less than $1,000, at times as little as $25.
From January 2014 to July 2018, Brady received approximately $10.2 million dollars in investments from about 32 individuals and corporations to whom she fraudulently represented that large-scale rehabilitation projects had been awarded to MNB. These investors have sustained a loss of approximately $4.78 million. Some of the investor funds allegedly were spent by Brady on personal expenditures, to include numerous vacations, personal mortgage payments and gambling-related expenses. When individual investors demanded from Brady a return on their investment she would, at times, use other investors funds. In this way, Brady allegedly operated a “Ponzi scheme.”
The indictment further alleges Brady attempted to obstruct an IRS criminal investigation when, after being told by IRS investigators she was under investigation, she asked investors to delete or destroy all email correspondence, texts, and documents relating to their investments in MNB rehabilitation projects.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Each wire fraud charge carries statutory penalties of up to 20 years in prison, up to 5 years supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross profit/loss. Aggravated identity theft is punishable by statutory penalties of a 2-year mandatory sentence consecutive to any other sentence imposed and 1 year of supervised release. Money laundering is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment, 3 years supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Structuring is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment, 3 years supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Obstructing an IRS investigation is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 3 years in prison, 1 year supervised release, and a fine of $5,000.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lee Vilker of the District of Rhode Island and Trial Attorney Christopher O’Donnell of the Tax Division.
The matter was investigated by agents from IRS-Criminal Investigation and the FBI.
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Warwick Man Sentenced for Possessing Child Pornography Downloaded from the Dark WebRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Warwick man who purchased, downloaded, and concealed videos of child pornography he obtained from the dark web with the use of bitcoin was sentenced today to 42 months in federal prison.
According to court documents, beginning in May 2017, Stephen P. Langlois, Jr., 34, used bitcoin to subscribe to an overseas child pornography website from which he acquired and downloaded more than 100 videos of child pornography. Some of these videos included sadistic depictions of children engaged in sexual activity. Langlois concealed the videos in a music folder on his laptop.
Langlois pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Providence on January 2, 2019, to possession of child pornography. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith to 42 months in federal prison to be followed by 10 years supervised release, and ordered to pay a mandatory assessment of $5,000 as provided for in the Justice for Victims Trafficking Act.
Langlois’ sentence is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Kristina O'Connell, and Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra R. Hebert.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
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U.S. Attorney Weisman Recognizes National Police WeekRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – U.S. Attorney Aaron L. Weisman recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers in Rhode Island and from across the country on the occasion of National Police Week, which is being observed through Saturday.
In October 1962, Congress enacted a joint resolution, which the President signed, declaring May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. The resolution also created National Police Week as an annual tribute to law enforcement service and sacrifice.
Earlier today, U.S. Attorney Weisman joined fellow members of law enforcement, current and retired, their families and friends, and community leaders in Cranston to honor and remember members of law enforcement who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
“Each and every day members of every community in Rhode Island leave their families and their homes to serve and to protect us, not knowing what the day or night will bring. They do so without question and without expectation of thanks,” commented United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman.
“During Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of police officers across the state and across the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment in keeping our communities safe. We especially remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. As United States Attorney for Rhode Island, I want to acknowledge all members of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement who often face uncertain and dangerous situations. We want them to know they have our unwavering support and appreciation.”
According to statistics reported to the FBI, 106 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents in 2018.
Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing the fatal attacks are included in the sections of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2018 https://ucr.fbi.gov/leoka/2018/ released this week by the FBI.
The names of all 106 fallen officers nationwide was formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, during the 31st Annual Candlelight Vigil on Monday evening. The Candlelight Vigil is one of many commemorative events taking place in the nation’s capital during National Police Week 2019.
For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org
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Pawtucket Man Facing 10 Years to Life in Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl and CocaineRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A suspected drug trafficker who fled members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force in Pawtucket in early April and was arrested the next day in Fall River is facing a minimum of 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty in federal court in Providence today to fentanyl and cocaine trafficking charges, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.
In early April members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force suspected that Luis Leon, 24, was expecting a large shipment of fentanyl. Task force members established surveillance of Leon’s Pawtucket residence, and on April 9 watched as an individual entered Leon’s residence carrying a large duffel bag. A short time later, Leon left the residence carrying the duffel bag, which he placed in the back of a dark colored pickup truck, and then drove off in the truck.
As law enforcement moved into position to follow Leon, he repeatedly looked in his rear view mirrors at their vehicle. As they attempted to effect a traffic stop, signaling Leon to stop by illuminating their flashing lights and engaging their siren, he drove off at a high rate of speed. Because of the reckless manner in which Leon was operating the truck, investigators did not pursue the vehicle. They continued to drive the route Leon’s truck appeared to take, coming upon an accident scene a short distance away. Witnesses told police that a pickup truck struck a vehicle causing the vehicle to careen into a building. Witnesses told police the pickup truck fled the accident scene without stopping.
Several minutes later, law enforcement learned that a pickup truck with heavy front end damage was pulled into a nearby parking lot and abandoned. A witness advised law enforcement that he saw the driver get out of the vehicle, toss a duffel bag into bushes nearby, and run off. The description of the driver fit the description of Leon. Agents retrieved the bag, which was found to contain approximately 634.4 grams of suspected fentanyl and approximately 429.5 grams of suspected cocaine.
Later that night members of the task force developed information that Leon was likely staying at a residence in Fall River. They established surveillance of the residence and arrested Leon the following afternoon as he exited the building.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Leon pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 29, 2019.
Possession with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl is punishable by statutory penalties of 10 years to life imprisonment and a term of supervised release of at least 3 years and up to lifetime. Possession with intent to distribute cocaine is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment and a term of supervised release of at least 3 years and up to lifetime.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gerard B. Sullivan.
The FBI’s Safe Streets Violent Gang Task Force consists of agents and law enforcement officers from the FBI, RI State Police, Providence, Cranston, Woonsocket, Pawtucket, and Central Falls Police Departments, R.I. Department of Corrections, and the Rhode Island National Guard.
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Hells Angels "Full Patch" Member Facing 5-40 Years in Prison on Drug Trafficking, Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A “full patch” member of the Rhode Island chapter of the Hell’s Angels Motorcycle Club arrested as part of a Project Safe Neighborhoods investigation by members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force is facing between 5 and 40 years in federal prison after admitting to trafficking methamphetamine and cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.
Douglas Leedham, 54, of North Providence, was arrested on February 8, 2019, by members of the Safe Streets Task Force after a court-authorized search of his residence resulted in the seizure of approximately 39 grams of methamphetamine, 19 grams of cocaine, two handguns, a 12 gauge shotgun, two body armor vests, 35 knives, four hatchets, five expandable and four flashlight batons, a set of brass knuckles, $6,422 in cash, and assorted items used in the packaging and distribution of drugs.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Leedham pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Leedham, who has been detained since his arrest, is scheduled to be sentenced on July 29, 2019.
According to court records, Leedham was convicted in Rhode Island Superior Court in September 2013 of carrying a pistol without a license. He was sentenced to a term of five years in prison - suspended with five years’ probation.
Possession with the intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine is punishable by statutory penalties of 5 – 40 years in federal prison to be followed by a minimum of 4 years supervised release. Possession with the intent to distribute cocaine is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison and 3 years supervised release. Felon in possession of a firearm is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and 3 years supervised release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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 FBI’s Safe Streets Violent Gang Task Force consists of agents and law enforcement officers from the FBI, RI State Police, Providence, Cranston, Woonsocket, Pawtucket, and Central Falls Police Departments, R.I. Department of Corrections, and the Rhode Island National Guard.
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Two Sentenced in Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – Two of four men who admitted to being members of a Fall River based conspiracy that trafficked cocaine and crack cocaine into Newport were sentenced today to federal prison. The four men were arrested during a Project Safe Neighborhoods investigation by Newport Police in October 2017, when detectives interrupted a scheduled delivery of cocaine in the parking lot of the then Newport Grand casino.
Jose Martinez-Hernandez, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith to 36 months in prison to be followed by 3 years supervised release. Martinez-Hernandez pleaded guilty on May 16, 2018, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Jorge L. Pizzaro, aka “Chino”, 21, was sentenced by Chief Judge William E. Smith to 63 months in prison to be followed by 3 years supervised release. Pizzaro pleaded guilty on July 12, 2018, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The sentences are announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Newport Police Chief Gary T. Silva, and Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Kelly D. Brady.
According to court documents and information presented to the Court, Newport Police detectives learned of a scheduled delivery of 14 grams of cocaine for $600, to occur on October 30, 2017. The delivery was to take place in the parking lot of the then Newport Grand casino. At the time of the scheduled delivery, two vehicles arrived in tandem. Newport Police detectives surrounded the vehicles and detained the occupants. Martinez-Hernandez was found to be carrying a loaded firearm and 11 grams of cocaine. A search of the vehicles and their occupants resulted in the additional seizure of two loaded firearms, 14 grams of cocaine, and 37 individual bags of crack cocaine. Pizzaro was found to be in possession of 37 individual bags of crack cocaine. Under his seat was a loaded firearm.
Also arrested and later charged by way of a federal indictment were Manuel C. Coradin, 38, of Cranston, and Antonio Oquendo Cancel, aka “Loco,” 30, of Fall River.
Coradin pleaded guilty on November 30, 2018, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. He was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith on March 8, 2019, to 36 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years supervised release.
Cancel pleaded guilty on April 4, 2019, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief Judge William E. Smith on July 11, 2019.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra R. Hebert.
Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted the Newport Police Department and the United States Attorney’s Office in preparing this Project Safe Neighborhoods case for prosecution.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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.
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Group Home Supervisor Sentenced for Sex Trafficking a MinorRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A supervisor at a group home contracted by DCYF who repeatedly sex trafficked a missing 17-year-old girl was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Peter C. Fitzhugh, and Cranston Police Chief Colonel Michael J. Winquist.
According to court documents and information presented to the Court, in March and April 2017, Reysean Williams, 28, with the assistance of another individual, Leonardo Gomes, 20, of Pawtucket, sex trafficked the 17-year-old in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and on Long Island, New York, by posting advertisements and pictures of the teenager on Backpage.com. The ads were discovered by agents from Homeland Security Investigations and Cranston Police Department detectives.
Williams first encountered Gomes when Williams was Gomes’ supervisor in a Pawtucket residential group home contracted to provide services in DCYF care. After Gomes was released from DCYF custody, Williams recruited Gomes to participate in the sex trafficking operation. Williams often used a group home van to meet with Gomes and collect the proceeds from the sex trafficking of the 17-year-old.
To determine where the victim was being trafficked, agents responded to a telephone number listed in the ads on Backpage.com to arrange a commercial sexual encounter with the 17-year-old at an apartment established by Cranston Police. The victim and a female companion were taken into custody when they arrived at the apartment. Gomes was found sitting in a vehicle across from the apartment and was arrested. Williams was located and arrested about a week later.
The investigation determined that in early March 2017, the victim met Williams and agreed to do “plays” for him as a way of earning cash. The victim told investigators that from mid-March to mid-April she usually did around 6 plays per day, but sometimes as many as 10 per day. The victim told investigators that often times Gomes would drive her to various locations to perform sex acts in exchange for money in the Providence metropolitan area and in Massachusetts in a vehicle supplied by Williams. The victim was also driven by Gomes and Williams to locations as far away as the North Shore of Boston and on Long Island to perform sex acts in exchange for payment. Hotel rooms were paid for in cash by Williams. All of the money paid to the 17-year-old was turned over to Gomes and Williams, none of which was shared with the victim.
Reysean Williams pleaded guilty on November 30, 2018, to sex trafficking a child. He was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison to be followed by 5 years supervised release.
Leandro Gomes pleaded guilty on November 30, 2018, to travelling in interstate commerce with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. He was sentenced on March 15, 2019, to 36 months imprisonment to be followed by 10 years supervised release.
The cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Terrence P. Donnelly and John P. McAdams.
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15 Individuals Convicted, Sentenced in Heroin and Cocaine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – The fifteenth and final defendant arrested, charged and convicted for leading or participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy that repeatedly arranged for and supervised multi-kilogram shipments of heroin and cocaine from Mexico to stash houses in Cranston and Woonsocket, R.I., then distributed the drugs to mid-level drug dealers in the greater Providence and greater Boston areas and in Hartford, Conn., was sentenced today in federal court in Providence.
An FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force investigation dubbed “Operation Triple Play,” in reference to three brothers, Juan, Claudio, and Hector Valdez, all Dominican nationals who admitted to running the drug trafficking organization, dismantled the operation that imported substantial quantities of heroin and cocaine from Mexico into Rhode Island.
Juan Valdez, 51, of Milton, Mass., and Claudio Valdez, 46, of Woonsocket, R.I., are currently serving sentences of 20 years in federal prison. Hector Valdez, 45, of Woonsocket, R.I., is serving a sentence of 108 months in federal prison.
In addition to executing fourteen court-authorized searches in three states and arresting fifteen individuals, law enforcement seized nearly 3.5 kilograms of fentanyl, nearly four kilograms of heroin - most of which was laced with fentanyl, more than 1.6 kilograms of cocaine, 142 grams of crack cocaine, more than 137 pounds of cutting agents, $45,500 in cash, and nine vehicles, five of which were found to contain hidden compartments used for the transportation of drugs and money.
Eleven of the “Operation Triple Play” defendants, many who had been living in the United States with stolen identities, including the three brothers who led the drug trafficking organization, have or will face deportation proceedings. According to court records, Juan Valdez was previously deported from the United States on four occasions. Claudio and Hector were previously deported one occasion.
The conclusion of these cases brought in U.S. District Court in Providence as the result of Operation Triple Play is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Joseph R. Bonavolonta.
“This investigation by a team of hard working, relentless members of law enforcement under the direction of the Rhode Island FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force drove a spike through the heart of a significant drug trafficking organization and put them out of business. An equally committed team of prosecutors ensured that each and every defendant arrested and charged was held accountable for their actions,” said United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman. “This office and law enforcement remain committed to working together to provide the personnel and the resources necessary to disrupt and dismantle criminal drug trafficking organizations that destroy so many lives.”
Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division added, “It’s a good day when 15 drug traffickers are taken off the streets, and their drug trafficking organization is dismantled. This case shows how drug cartels based in foreign countries will go anywhere to distribute their deadly products, threatening the safety and stability of our neighborhoods. The FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively track down others like them who are recklessly poisoning our communities with illegal drugs, bringing nothing but danger—and in far too many cases death—to our cities.”
Operation Triple Play was an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation initiated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. Under the direction of the FBI, the participating agencies in this investigation included the Drug Enforcement Administration (Providence and Boston Resident Agencies); Immigration and Customs Enforcement; Rhode Island State Police; Providence Police Department; Woonsocket Police Department; Central Falls Police Department; Cranston Police Department; Warwick Police Department; and the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Joseph R. Bonavolonta thank the U.S. Department of State and United States Attorney’s Offices in the District of Massachusetts and the District of Connecticut for their assistance in the investigation of this matter. They also acknowledge and thank the DEA for their financial and technical support during Operation Triple Play.
The cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gerard B. Sullivan, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorneys William J. Ferland and Ronald A. Gendron.
Providence Man Sentenced for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Providence man who admitted to importing cocaine from Puerto Rico into Rhode Island through the U.S. Postal Service and, in return, shipping back large sums of cash to a cocaine distributor in Puerto Rico was sentenced today to one year and one day in federal prison.
Appearing before U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith, Eliot Figueroa-Rosario, 45, was also ordered to serve 3 years supervised release upon completion of his term of incarceration and to forfeit $32,500 seized by law enforcement. Figueroa-Rosario pleaded guilty on December 7, 2018, to attempted possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Figueroa-Rosario’s sentence is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Colonel James M. Manni, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police, and Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division.
According to court documents, in May 2017 and May 2018, Figueroa-Rosario was captured on video surveillance shipping parcels to Puerto Rico from the U.S. Postal Service Providence Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC). A court-authorized search of the packages found them to contain $16,000 and $26,000 respectively. The cash was seized by law enforcement.
On June 15, 2018, a Priority Mail package mailed three days earlier from Puerto Rico and addressed to Figueroa-Rosario’s Providence residence was intercepted from the mail stream at the P&DC. The package was examined by a Rhode Island State Police K-9, which detected the presence of a narcotic odor. A court-authorized inspection of the contents of the package revealed 1160 grams of cocaine.
Several days later a Postal Service Inspection undercover agent delivered the package to Figueroa-Rosario’s residence. Figueroa-Rosario accepted the package and was arrested. A court-authorized search of the residence by U.S. Postal Inspectors and members of the Rhode Island State Police High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force resulted in the seizure of, among other items, evidence of packages shipped from Puerto Rico to Figueroa-Rosario’s residence and $6,500 in cash found hidden in a floor vent.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gerard B. Sullivan.
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