District of Rhode Island
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Warwick Man Sentenced to Nearly 24 Years in Prison for Exploitation of 7-Year-Old ChildRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Sean Keener, 27, of Warwick, R.I., was sentenced today to 286 months in federal prison for exploiting a 7-year-old child by producing and distributing pornographic images and videos of the child, some of which were posted on a Russian file-sharing web site, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Bruce M. Foucart, special agent in charge of Homeland Security (HSI) Investigations for New England; and Warwick Police Chief Colonel Stephen M. McCartney.
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., also ordered Keener to serve lifetime supervised release upon completion of his prison term. Keener pleaded guilty on March 24, 2014, to an indictment charging him with one count each of production, possession and distribution of child pornography. No plea agreement was filed in this case.
In June 2013, HSI agents in Boston seized digital storage drives which contained photographs depicting child pornography, including sexually explicit photographs of a 7-year-old girl from Rhode Island. HSI agents also discovered an email address later linked to Sean Keener and to a folder he created on a Russian file-sharing website which contained numerous pictures of the same child. With the assistance of the Warwick Police Department, both Keener and the girl depicted in the photographs were identified as residents of Rhode Island.
A court authorized search by HSI agents and Warwick Police of a residence where Keener was staying resulted in the seizure of two computers and two cell phones belonging to Keener which contained more than 5,100 images and 586 videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha commented, “There are some cases that leave one almost speechless. This is just such a case. That a person entrusted with the care of a child, with no higher responsibility than to protect that child from harm, would instead victimize her in such a horrific way, is just reprehensible. Today’s long prison sentence is entirely deserved, yet no jail sentence, however long, can restore what this child has lost.”
“Crimes against children are some of the most heinous we encounter,” said Bruce Foucart, special agent in charge of HSI Boston. “I sincerely hope this sentencing serves as a first step in the recover process for the victim. Fortunately, as a result of our collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, this child predator can no longer victimize innocent children.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee H. Vilker.
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced to Seven Years Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Victor Sena, 36, of Cranston, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Providence today to 84 months in federal prison for possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute. Sena was arrested in March 2014, after law enforcement seized more than 90 grams of fentanyl found stashed inside a container of rice in the kitchen of Sena’s residence.
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith also ordered Sena to serve 3 years supervised release following completion of his prison term. Sena pleaded guilty on August 28, 2014, to one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
Sena’s sentence is announced by U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Michael Ferguson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s New England field division; Cranston Police Chief Colonel Michael J. Winquist; East Providence Police Chief Christopher J. Parella; and Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas S. Carey.
“For a drug dealer like the defendant here, there is only one reason to possess such a large amount of fentanyl: to “supercharge” heroin that he is distributing on neighborhood streets," said United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha. " As we have seen far too often this year, such conduct can lead to deadly results, when heroin users overdose on a potent heroin/fentanyl mix. Drug dealing is bad enough. Selling drug mixtures to unwitting addicts that can lead to overdose and even death is even worse. Such conduct deserves the kind of harsh punishment the defendant received today.”
According to information presented to the court, in March 2014, the DEA, in collaboration with the Cranston, East Providence and Woonsocket Police Departments, conducted an investigation into the distribution of heroin and fentanyl in Rhode Island by Sena. Information developed during the investigation led law enforcement to obtain a court authorized search warrant for Sena’s residence.
A search of Sena’s residence on March 25, 2014, resulted in the discovery of four plastic bags each containing 10 grams of fentanyl and a fifth bag with 53 grams of fentanyl, all stashed inside a container of rice. Agents and officers also discovered and seized several items used in the packaging and distribution of fentanyl.
Sena has been detained in federal custody since his arrest on March 25, 2014.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Pamela E. Chin.###
To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Rhode Island U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects $3.14 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions for U.S. Taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2014Read the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha announced today that the District of Rhode Island collected $3,149,153.03 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2014. Of this amount, $1,331.295.68 was collected in criminal actions and $1,817,857.35was collected in civil actions
Additionally, Rhode Island worked with other U.S. Attorneys’ offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $718,652.67 in cases pursued jointly with these offices.
Attorney General Eric Holder announced on Wednesday that the Justice Department collected $24.7 billionin civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2014. The more than $24 billion in collections in FY 2014 represents nearly eight and a half times the appropriated $2.91 billion budget for the 94 U.S. Attorney’s offices and the main litigating divisions in that same period.“Every day, the Justice Department’s federal prosecutors and trial attorneys work hard to protect our citizens, to safeguard precious taxpayer resources, and to provide a valuable return on investment to the American people,” said Attorney General Holder. “Their diligent efforts are enabling us to achieve justice and recoup losses in virtually every sector of the U.S. economy. And this result shows the fruits of the Justice Department’s tireless work in enforcing federal laws; in protecting the American people from violent crime, national security threats, discrimination, exploitation, and abuse; and in holding financial institutions accountable for their roles in causing the 2008 financial crisis.”
United States Attorney Peter Neronha commented, “Working with our local, state and federal partners, the outstanding Assistant United States Attorneys of this Office continue to bring the kinds of civil and criminal cases that have a real impact on the safety, well-being and quality of life of all Rhode Islanders. Those who engage in financial fraud, taking advantage of victims or the public generally, will continue to receive the full attention of both this Office’s Civil and Criminal Divisions, as will those who pose a threat to national security, who violate the public trust, who commit crimes of violence, or who engage in sex trafficking, particularly of minors.”
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Rhode Island, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $1,078,781.00 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2014. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Armed Crack Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to More Than 9 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Aaron Kwandranc, 29, of Woonsocket, was sentenced today to 110 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and for distribution of crack cocaine, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha, East Providence Police Chief Christopher J. Parella, Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas S. Carey and Daniel J. Kumor, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston field divisionof the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., also ordered Kwandranc to serve 3 years supervised release upon completion of his prison term. Kwandranc pleaded guilty on June 18, 2014, to one count each of being a felon in possession of a firearms and distribution of crack cocaine.
According to information presented to the court, in July 2011, an East Providence Police Department detective informed ATF that he had developed information that Kwandranc had offered to sell four firearms for $1,000 to an individual known to the detective. The detective had the individual arrange with Kwandranc to bring the firearms to the individual’s apartment and leave them there until he could obtain $1,000. East Providence Police watched as Kwandranc left the individual’s apartment, then went inside and retrieved from the basement a handgun and three shotguns.
According to information presented to the court, as the investigation progressed, the individual known to East Providence Police arranged to purchase 32 grams of crack cocaine from Kwandranc for $1,500. East Providence Police, Woonsocket Police and ATF established surveillance in the area of Kwandranc’s Woonsocket residence and then followed him and the individual assisting law enforcement to a second apartment in Woonsocket where law enforcement monitored conversations that indicated that inside the apartment Kwandranc was converting cocaine powder to crack cocaine. A short time later, the individual assisting law enforcement turned over to an ATF agent a packet containing more than 23 grams of crack cocaine he purchased from Kwandranc.
Kwandranc has been detained in federal custody since June 18, 2014.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gerard B. Sullivan.
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Pawtucket Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Manufacturing and Distributing Meth from Newport Motel RoomRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Sean Costigan, 51, of Pawtucket, was sentenced on Wednesday to 96 months in federal prison for manufacturing and distributing methamphetamine. Costigan was arrested in January 2014, when DEA Drug Task Force agents and detectives from the Warwick and Newport Police Departments executed a court authorized search of a Newport motel room rented by Costigan and seized materials being used to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine.
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., also ordered Costigan to serve 3 years supervised release upon completion of his prison term. Costigan pleaded guilty in July 2014 to one count of manufacturing methamphetamine and four counts of distribution of methamphetamine.
Costigan’s sentence is announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Michael Ferguson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s New England field division; Warwick Police Chief Colonel Stephen M. McCartney; and Newport Police Chief Gary T. Silva.
“Among the panoply of dangerous, indeed, life-threatening illegal drugs, meth may top the list. Meth labs are notorious for exploding without warning, and it has devastating health effects on those who use it,” said United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha. “The defendant here manufactured and sold meth with impunity, without any concern whatsoever for the buyers of his product or those residing literally footsteps away. His lengthy sentence is more than well-deserved. I want to thank all of our law enforcement partners, who worked so diligently to eliminate the threat posed by this defendant.”
“Methamphetamine is a highly addictive and dangerous drug. Clandestine labs used to produce this poison are extremely dangerous, unstable, very flammable, and can contaminate the locations in which they are found,” said NEFD DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Ferguson. “We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners in combatting this threat and have highly specialized trained DEA agents assigned to the DEA Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement Team (CLET), not only working these types of investigations, but providing training to our state and local first responders.”
At the time of his guilty plea, Costigan admitted to the court that on four occasions between October 25 and December 6, 2013, he sold methamphetamine to a Warwick undercover police officer. Three of the transactions occurred in the parking lot of a hotel in Warwick. The fourth transaction occurred in a hotel room in North Smithfield.According to information presented to the court, on January 16, 2014, DEA and DEA Drug Task Force agents, and Warwick and Newport Police detectives executed a court authorized search of a Newport motel room rented by Costigan. Inside the room, law enforcement discovered materials being used to manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine. Members of the DEA CLET dismantled the operation and seized multiple items associated with a methamphetamine manufacturing operation.
Warwick Deputy Police Chief Michael Babula noted, “The initial investigator on this case was Detective David Verity of the Warwick Police Department, our assigned member to the Drug Task Force sponsored by the DEA. The information was initially obtained by the Warwick Police Special Operations Group. This investigation was continued and brought to completion with the assistance of the task force as a whole. We strongly believe that these multi-agency task forces are the only practical way to deal with multi-jurisdictional drug trafficking. We are particularly pleased that this effort was able to take down a lab manufacturing meth, a drug which has destroyed so many lives, and in many cases, whole communities.”
Costigan has been detained since his arrest on January 16, 2014.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela E. Chin.
The DEA Drug Task Force is comprised of law enforcement agents and officers from the DEA, Rhode Island State Police, and the Cranston, East Providence, Newport, Providence, South Kingstown, Warwick, West Warwick and Woonsocket Police Departments.
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Heroin Trafficker Faces Statutory Penalties of up to 60 Years in Federal Prison; To Forfeit Heroin Sales Proceeds of $382,227 in Cash, $39,000 Rolex WatchRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Neftali Reyes, a/k/a Popi, 32, of Providence, faces statutory penalties of up to 60 years in federal prison after pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Providence today to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin and two counts of distribution of heroin. In addition, Reyes has agreed to forfeit $382,227 dollars and a Rolex watch valued at $39,000 seized by the government as a result of its investigation into Reyes’ drug trafficking activities and his arrest.
Reyes’ guilty plea is announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Michael Ferguson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New England field division.
According to court documents and information presented to the court, since April, 2014, the Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force has been conducting an investigation of a drug trafficking organization distributing heroin in Rhode Island involving the defendant, Neftali Reyes and others. To further the investigation, an undercover East Providence police officer, a member of the DEA Drug Task Force, contacted Reyes and arranged to make purchases of heroin from Reyes and his conspirators.
According to court documents, on two occasions in July 2014, the undercover East Providence police officer arranged with Reyes by telephone for the purchase of heroin. On each occasion a different “runner” met with the undercover officer at pre-determined locations in Providence and Cranston to complete the transactions. During discussions to arrange the second delivery, Reyes told the undercover officer arrangements for the sale and delivery of heroin to him was being slowed because his runners were “backed up.”
On August 25, 2014, law enforcement executed a court authorized arrest warrant issued for Reyes, arresting him as he left his residence and entered a parking garage. As Reyes was arrested, he dropped a shoebox containing $37,000 in cash, a cell phone and an iPad. A court authorized search of Reyes’ residence on the same day resulted in the seizure of $339,477 in cash from a safe, as well as additional cash and a men’s Rolex Oyster watch valued at $39,000 from the apartment.
According to court documents, Reyes admitted that the cash and the Rolex watch seized were the result of proceeds from the sale of heroin. Reyes agreed that he was selling heroin for $130 per gram and that the proceeds represent the sale of approximately 2,940 grams of heroin.
Reyes, who has been detained since his arrest, is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., on February 3, 2015. Conspiracy to distribute heroin and distribution of heroin are punishable by statutory penalties of 20 years imprisonment, a fine of $1,000,000 and a term of supervised release of life with a minimum of three years.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela E. Chin.
United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha acknowledges and thanks the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General and the East Providence Police Department for their assistance in the investigation of this matter.###
To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Armed Heroin Trafficker Pleads Guilty as Federal Jury Trial BeginsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Christian Montalvo, 40, of Providence, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Providence to drug trafficking and firearm charges as jury selection was underway in his federal court trial, announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Daniel J. Kumor, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston field divisionof the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Montalvo pleaded guilty, as charged, to one count each of possession of heroin with the intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm. At sentencing, Montalvo, who previously was convicted in Rhode Island state court of felony assault and in Puerto Rico of multiple robberies, faces statutory penalties of up to 30 years in federal prison to be followed by lifetime supervised release. No plea agreement was filed in this matter.
According to court documents, as the result of an ongoing investigation into Montalvo’s drug trafficking activities, ATF agents on November 14, 2013, executed a court authorized federal search at Montalvo’s residence and of his vehicle. During the search, agents seized nearly 10 grams of heroin found stashed inside a void in a bedroom door; a loaded .38 caliber revolver and various items used in the preparation and distribution of heroin discovered in the kitchen; and more than 58 grams of heroin discovered inside a hidden compartment inside Montalvo’s vehicle.
According to court documents, Montalvo admitted to an ATF agent that the drugs and the firearm were his and that he had purchased the firearm for $200 from a heroin user for protection.
Montalvo has been detained in federal custody since his arrest on November 14, 2013. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mary M. Lisi on January 30, 2015.
Possession of heroin with the intent to distribute is punishable by a statutory penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison; a fine of up to $1,000,000; and a life term of supervised release with a mandatory minimum term of 3 years. Being a felon in possession of a firearm is punishable by a statutory penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison; a fine of up to $250,000; and a 3-year term of supervised release.
Should the defendant be found by the court to be an armed career criminal, he could face a minimum term of 15 years and up to life in federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah.
Providence Police assisted ATF in the investigation of this matter.###
To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]New York Resident Detained in Rhode Island on Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Mathew A. Soscia, 23, of Larchmont, New York, has been ordered detained in federal custody on a criminal complaint charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Colonel Steven G. O’DonnellSuperintendent of the Rhode Island State Police.
Soscia was arrested late Saturday when Rhode Island State troopers affected a traffic stop after allegedly witnessing Soscia’s vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and crossing several lanes of traffic while heading south along Route 95 in Exeter, and then discovered a loaded firearm in the trunk of his vehicle.
According to an affidavit in support of a criminal complaint filed with the court, it is alleged that late Saturday evening Rhode Island State Police received a report of a vehicle traveling south on Route 95 in the vicinity of Route 4 at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. Shortly after the information was relayed to troopers out on the highway, two troopers who had affected an unrelated traffic stop observed a vehicle pass by them which matched the description of the vehicle reported to be traveling in excess of 100 miles per hour. The troopers activated their dash mounted radar which recorded the vehicle’s speed at 86 miles per hour.
According to the affidavit, the troopers pursued the vehicle as it continued to travel at a high rate of speed while crossing across several lanes. The troopers affected a traffic stop along Route 95 in Exeter. A criminal history check of the driver, Mathew Soscia, revealed a lengthy criminal history, including prior convictions on robbery and weapons charges. With Soscia’s permission, the troopers searched the vehicle and discovered a loaded .40 caliber Glock handgun with a mounted laser sight inside a duffel bag in the trunk of the vehicle.
According to the affidavit, Soscia admitted to the troopers that the firearm belonged to him and that he did not have a permit for the firearm.
Soscia was ordered detained in federal custody following an initial appearance on Monday before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan on a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adi Goldstein.An agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted Rhode Island State Police in the investigation of this matter.
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI Prepared to Respond to Complaints of Election Fraud & Voting Rights AbusesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE - United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Terrence P. Donnelly will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 4, 2014, general elections. AUSA Donnelly has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer for the District of Rhode Island, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on Election Day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them.To report suspected election fraud or voting rights abuses at the polls in Rhode Island, the United States Attorney’s Office can be reached by the public at (401) 709-5068. In addition, the FBI field office in Rhode Island will be prepared to receive allegations of voting fraud and other election abuses at (401) 272-8310.
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Johnston Resident Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Nicholas Pislowski, 26, of Johnston, was sentenced on Friday to 18 months in federal prison for possessing more than 2,000 images of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Colonel Steven G. O’DonnellSuperintendent of the Rhode Island State Police.
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith also ordered Pislowski to serve 5 years supervised release upon completion of his prison term. Pislowski pleaded guilty on May 8, 2014, to one count of possession of child pornography.
According to information presented to the court, in April 2012, members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force executed a court authorized search warrant for computers at Pislowski’s residence. A forensic examination of a laptop seized from Pislowski’s home resulted in the discovery of more than 2,200 videos and images depicting minor children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard W. Rose.
The Rhode Island ICAC Task Force is comprised of members of the Rhode Island State Police Computer Crimes Unit along with detectives from the Coventry, Warwick, North Smithfield, Pawtucket, North Kingstown, Portsmouth, Bristol, South Kingstown and Woonsocket Police Departments, and special agents from Homeland Security Investigations and United States Postal Inspection Services.###
To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to Federal Prison for Violating the Sex Offender Registration Notification ActRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – David Torres, 43, of Fall River, Mass., was sentenced on Friday to 27 months in federal prison for failing to register as a sex offender, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and United States Marshal Jamie A. Hainsworth.
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Mary M. Lisi also ordered Torres to serve 8 years supervised release upon completion of his prison term. Torres pleaded guilty on June 9, 2014, to one count of failure to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
According to information presented to the court, in August 2013, as required by SORNA, Torres registered his residential address in Central Falls with the Central Falls Police Department. However, an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service revealed that Torres was traveling to his place of employment in Westport, Mass., which he failed to disclose as required by SORNA.
According to court records, Torres was convicted in Bristol County, Mass., Superior Court in March 1992 of indecent assault and battery of a child over the age of 14. He was sentenced to three to five years imprisonment. Torres is also awaiting sentencing on an unrelated matter in Superior Court in Newport, Rhode Island.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard W. Rose.
The Central Falls and Fall River Police Departments assisted the U.S. Marshals Service in the investigation of this matter.###
To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Federal Grand Jury Indicts Three in Alleged Sex Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A federal grand jury in Providence returned a seven-count indictment on Thursday charging three individuals with allegedly participating in a conspiracy to traffic young females from Boston to Rhode Island with the intent to force them to participate in commercial sexual activity, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Vincent B. Lisi, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston field office of the FBI; Pawtucket Police Chief Paul King; Colonel Steven G. O’DonnellSuperintendent of the Rhode Island State Police; United States Marshal Jamie A. Hainsworth; and Arlington, Mass., Police Chief Frederick Ryan.
According to the indictment, it is alleged that on separate occasions between August 18, 2014, and August 25, 2014, Ricky Wallace, a/k/a Justice, 33, of Pawtucket, recruited two females, one of them under the age of 17, at the direction of Kemont Bowie, a/k/a Daddy, 34, of Providence, and, along with Raechyl Spooner, a/k/a Kitty, 20, of Pawtucket, against the will of the females, drove them to Spooner’s Pawtucket residence where they were forced into prostitution.
The indictment charges Wallace and Bowie with conspiracy; sex trafficking of a child; transportation of a minor for sexual activity; sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and transportation an individual for prostitution. Additionally, the indictment charges Spooner with conspiracy.
Arraignment dates have not yet been scheduled by the court.
Ricky Wallace was arrested on August 29, 2014, on a bench warrant issued from the Providence Superior Court, and is detained at the ACI; Kemont Bowie was charged in this matter by way of a federal criminal complaint and arrested on August 26, 2014, and is detained in federal custody; Raechyl Spooner will be summonsed to appear in federal court for arraignment.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela E. Chin.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBI, United States Marshals Service, Rhode Island State Police, Pawtucket Police and the Arlington, Mass. Police Department.
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Toy Manufacturer Employee Indicted, Arraigned on Federal Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. –Christi Romano, aka Christi Machala, 35, of Smithfield, R.I., was arraigned in U.S. District Court in Providence today on a federal indictment which alleges that she stole more than $274,000 from a toy manufacturer and distributor in Smithfield where she was employed, and that she allegedly lied to the FBI during an investigation into the theft, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Vincent B. Lisi, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Office of the FBI.
A federal indictment returned on October 15, 2014, charges Romano with seven counts of wire fraud and one count of making false statements.
The indictment alleges that on at least seven occasions between February 16, 2010, and March 26, 2012, Romano transferred $274,751.06 from bank accounts belonging to Chrisha Creations, a toy manufacturing and distribution business located in Smithfield, R.I., to pay personal credit card debt. The indictment also alleges that Romano made false statements to the FBI, by falsely stating to the FBI that she did not steal or misapply funds belonging to Chrisha Creations.
Appearing for arraignment today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan, a not guilty plea was entered on Romano’s behalf. Romano was released on $10,000 unsecured bond.
An indictment is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Wire fraud is punishable by a statutory penalty of up to 30 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Making false statements is punishable by a statutory penalty of up to 5 years in federal prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard W. Rose.
The matter was investigated by the FBI, with the assistance of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Providence Felon Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Federal Prison on Heroin Trafficking, Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. –Jose Fuentes, 43, of Providence, was sentenced today to 77 months in federal prison for trafficking heroin and for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Daniel J. Kumor, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Divisionof the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Mary M. Lisi also ordered Fuentes to serve three years supervised release upon completion of his prison term. Fuentes pleaded guilty on June 2, 2014, to three counts of distribution of heroin and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to information presented to the court at the time of Jose Fuentes guilty plea, on three occasions Fuentes sold various amounts of heroin to ATF undercover agents. The third sale of heroin to ATF agents included the exchange of a firearm as partial payment for heroin.
According to information presented to the court, on March 5, 2012, Fuentes sold to an ATF undercover agent 4.4 grams of heroin for $325.00; on March 16, 2012, Fuentes sold to an ATF undercover agent 9.9 grams of heroin for $650; and on October 12, 2012, Fuentes sold to an ATF agent .77 grams of heroin in exchange for a .380 semi-automatic pistol and $100 in cash.
Fuentes was taken into custody by ATF agents immediately after he took possession of the firearm and the drug transaction was completed. He has been detained since his arrest.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.###
To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Payroll Services Company Owner Pleads Guilty to Diverting $1.2 Million in Employment Taxes Due the IRSRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Warren Hebert, 67, of Barrington, R.I., owner of Checkmaster Payroll Services, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Providence today to defrauding seven businesses and the Seekonk, Mass., Water District of more than $1.2 million dollars in federal payroll taxes that were to have been paid to the IRS, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and William P. Offord, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation.
Hebert admitted to the court that he failed to pay to the IRS approximately $1,266,680 in funds he withdrew from client accounts to pay the clients’ federal employment taxes. Hebert admitted that he diverted the funds for his own use, in some instances paying the additional tax liabilities, interest and penalties of other clients whose tax returns he had previously failed to accurately prepare, file and pay-over.
Hebert admitted to the court, beginning as early as April 2009 and continuing through at least October 2011, he diverted money from at least seven businesses operating in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, including, among others, a moving and storage company, nursery school, jewelry packaging company, and marketing and communications company. Hebert also admitted to diverting funds from the Seekonk, Mass., Water District, a municipal water agency.
Appearing before U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith, Hebert pleaded guilty to eight counts of wire fraud and one count of impeding the administration of the Internal Revenue Code. He is scheduled to be sentenced on January 9, 2015.
Wire fraud is punishable by a statutory penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Impeding the administration of the Internal Revenue Code is punishable by a statutory penalty of up to 3 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.
The matter was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation, with the assistance of the FBI, Rhode Island FDA Task Force, Rhode Island State Police and Barrington Police.
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Former Narragansett Couple Sentenced to Federal Prison in Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Damon Graham, 34, formerly of Narragansett, was sentenced today to 186 months in federal prison for trafficking cocaine and crack cocaine, and for being a felon in possession of firearms. His wife, Ashley Sekator-Graham, 31, was sentenced on August 14, 2014, to 48 months in federal prison for her role in the trafficking of cocaine and crack cocaine in South Kingstown and Narragansett.
The sentences, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Mary M. Lisi, are announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha, South Kingstown Police Chief Vincent Vespia, Jr., Narragansett Police Chief Dean F. Hoxsie and Michael Ferguson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s New England field division.
At sentencing, Damon Graham was also ordered to serve eight years supervised release upon completion of his prison term. He pleaded guilty on April 23, 2014, to one count each of possession with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Ashley Sekator-Graham pleaded guilty on April 16, 2014, to one count each of possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute and conspiracy to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute. At sentencing, Sekator-Graham was ordered to serve five years supervised release upon completion of her prison term.
According to court documents and information presented to the court, an investigation in July 2013 into the distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine in South Kingstown and Narragansett, including undercover drug purchases and electronic surveillance by law enforcement, resulted in the seizure of nearly 109 grams of crack cocaine, 200 grams of cocaine powder, two firearms, $93,701 in cash and the arrest on July 18, 2013, of Damon Graham and his wife Ashley Sekator-Graham.
According to court documents, the investigation and the execution of court authorized search warrants resulted in the seizure of nearly 109 grams of crack cocaine, a 9mm pistol, ammunition and $3,751 in cash from the couple’s Narragansett residence; 201 grams of cocaine, a .38 caliber revolver, hollow-point ammunition and a safe containing $89,950 in cash from a self-storage unit rented by the couple in Narragansett.
The cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela E. Chin, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.
Rhode Island State Police and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted South Kingstown Police, Narragansett Police and the Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force in the investigation of this matter.
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Providence Woman to Face Civil Violation Hearing for Allegedly Tossing Powdery Substance in U.S. Attorney’s Office Reception Area Resulting in Providence Fire Department Hazmat ResponseRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. –Coalatta A. Cooper, 55, of Providence, will be summonsed to U.S. District Court in Providence, on a date to be determined by the court, to answer to a civil violation charging her with disturbance on federal property, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha.
Ms. Cooper is being summonsed as a result of an incident inside the lobby area of the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Wednesday, where it is alleged that Ms. Cooper intentionally spread a white powdery substance which led to the evacuation of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and a response by the Providence Fire and Police Departments. Ms. Cooper was immediately detained by a Federal Protection Service contract security guard assigned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Preliminary test results showed the powdery substance to be non-toxic. Ms. Cooper, the Federal Protection Service contract security guard and two Federal Protection Service officers were transported to Rhode Island Hospital as a precautionary measure to ensure they had not been contaminated by a toxic substance.
A preliminary investigation indicates that Ms. Cooper came to the U.S. Attorney’s Office to discuss a personal legal matter.
United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha commented, “I want to thank the Providence Fire Department, including the Hazmat Team, the Providence Police Department and the Federal Protection Service for responding so quickly and professionally, and for assisting our Office on this challenging day.”
Disturbance on federal property, a civil violation, is punishable by a statutory penalty of not more than 30 days in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
A civil violation is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair hearing in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul F. Daly. The matter was investigated by the Federal Protection Service, with the assistance of the FBI, the Providence Police Department and the Rhode Island State Police.
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Sentencing Complete for Leaders of Interstate Contraband Cigarette Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Wissam Khalil, 41, of Central Falls, R.I., and his brother, Bassam Nazir Khalil 49, of Pawtucket, R.I., were sentenced in U.S. District Court in Providence today for their roles as leaders of a complex interstate conspiracy that transported more than 6 million contraband cigarettes from Virginia to Rhode Island. The sale of the contraband cigarettes in Rhode Island resulted in the loss to the State of nearly $1.1 million dollars in tax stamp revenue.
U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith sentenced Wissam Khalil to 42 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years supervised release; Bassam Nazir was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years supervised release.
The sentences are announced by Peter F. Neronha, United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island; Colonel Steven G. O’Donnell, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police; Vincent B. Lisi, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston field office of the FBI; William P. Offord, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston field office of IRS Criminal Investigation; Bruce M. Foucart, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations for New England; 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; and William G. Squires, Special Agent in Charge of the northeast region of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General.
A federal court jury trial in July 2014 was halted when Wissam Khalil pleaded guilty to one count each of transporting, possessing or selling in excess of 10,000 contraband cigarettes; structuring; and conspiracy to defraud the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Bassam Khalil pleaded guilty to one count of transporting, possessing or selling in excess of 10,000 contraband cigarettes and one count of conspiracy to commit social security fraud.
A third brother, Najd C. Khalil, 26, of Pawtucket, surrendered to the court on Monday, having been removed from an outbound Boston flight to Paris Saturday night and detained during an alleged attempt to flee the country prior to self-surrendering to begin serving a 24 month federal prison sentence imposed for his role in the conspiracy. Najd Khalil pleaded guilty in September 2014 to one count each of conspiracy to traffic contraband cigarettes, structuring and food stamp fraud.
According to information presented to the court, between July 2011 and May 2013, more than 30-thousand cartons (6 million) of cigarettes valued at more than $1.2 million dollars were purchased in Virginia and shipped to Rhode Island via truck. The cigarettes were distributed and sold at various locations in Rhode Island at or near full-retail price. No state tax stamp was affixed to the packages of cigarettes and no tax payments were made to the State of Rhode Island, resulting in a loss of nearly $1.1 million dollars of tax revenue.
Four other individuals charged as a result of this investigation pleaded guilty and were sentenced previously to various terms of probation.
A federal arrest warrant has been issued for an eighth defendant, Nazir Khalil, 76, of Central Falls, R.I., father of Wissam, Bassam and Najd Khalil. It is believed that Nazir Khalil has remained outside of the United States since the arrest warrant was issued in September 2013.
Additionally, the government has moved to forfeit items seized from the defendants as a result of the investigation, including a Mercedes Benz SUV, Sierra pick-up truck, Chevrolet Tahoe, Toyota Camry and $121,956.08 in cash.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys William F. Ferland and Ly T. Chin.
The matter was investigated by the Rhode Island State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, United States Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General – Office of Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations and the U. S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General.
United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha also acknowledges and thanks the Virginia State Police, the Virginia Department of Attorney General, the Virginia Division of Taxation, the Northern Virginia Cigarette Tax Board, the Rhode Island Division of Taxation – Excise Tax Compliance Unit, the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General, and the Cranston and Providence Police Departments for their assistance in this investigation.###
To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]N. J. Man Sentenced for Transporting Rhode Island Minor to New Jersey to Engage in Criminal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Daniel Berger, 28, of Haskell, New Jersey, was sentenced today to 87 months in federal prison for travelling interstate for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a 13-year old female, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Vincent B. Lisi, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston field office of the FBI; Portsmouth, R.I., Police Chief Thomas F. Lee; and Colonel Steven G. O’DonnellSuperintendent of the Rhode Island State Police.
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Mary M. Lisi also ordered Berger to serve 15 years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term, to register as a sex offender and to pay restitution to the victim’s family in the amount of $909.39, for expenses incurred by the family as a result of this crime.
Berger pled guilty on July 18, 2014, to one count of transportation in interstate commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor.At the time of his guilty plea, Berger admitted to the court that on July 24, 2013, he traveled from New Jersey to Portsmouth, Rhode Island, to meet with a 13-year-old girl he befriended on the Internet. Berger admitted to the court that he transported the girl to his residence in Haskell, New Jersey, with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
Local, state and federal law enforcement from Rhode Island and New Jersey began working collaboratively to locate the victim when she was reported missing on the morning of July 24, 2013. At approximately 12:30 a.m. on July 25, 2013, the victim was located by FBI agents at the defendant’s apartment in Newark, New Jersey.
According to information presented to the court, a roommate of Berger’s pointed out a vehicle being operated by Berger to an FBI Task Force agent. Agents subsequently stopped the vehicle and detained Berger. He has been detained since his arrest.
The case was prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah.
Portsmouth, R.I., Police, Rhode Island State Police and FBI agents from Providence and Newark, N.J., were assisted in the investigation and subsequent arrest of Berger by the New Jersey State Police and officers from the Ringwood, Wanaque, Paterson and Clifton, New Jersey Police Departments.###
To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Chemical Company Fined, Placed on Probation for Violating Clean Air ActRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Roberts Chemical Company, Inc. of Attleboro, Mass., was fined $200,000 and placed on probation for five years today by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., for violating the Clean Air Act. The company failed to develop and implement a Risk Management Plan (RMP) to minimize the chance of release of ethyl ether from its former Pawtucket, R.I., facility, and to protect workers, the community and emergency and first responders in the event of a release or fire involving ethyl ether. EPA regulations require a company’s RMP to include a “worst case” response plan.
Roberts Chemical Company, Inc. is in the business of storing, distributing and repackaging chemicals, some of which are designated as extremely hazardous. The company pleaded guilty in August 2014 to violating the Clean Air Act.
The sentence is announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; John Gauthier, Acting Special Agent in charge of EPA's criminal program in Rhode Island; and Bruce Foucart, Special Agent in charge of HSI Boston
"Protecting communities from hazardous chemical releases is a priority for EPA" said John Gauthier, Acting Special Agent in charge of EPA's criminal program in Rhode Island. "Today's sentence emphasizes the importance of having a Risk Management Plan (RMP). If handled or stored improperly, flammable liquids can injure or even kill. With an RMP in place, workers and emergency responders are better prepared to deal with a chemical accident."
Ethyl ether is a volatile, extremely flammable liquid chemical. EPA regulations require facilities storing more than 10,000 lbs. of ethyl ether to develop and implement a RMP. An investigation by EPA determined that in November and December 2008, Roberts Chemical Company, Inc. failed to develop and implement a RMP while storing 27,467 lbs. of ethyl ether at their former facility at 258 Pine Street in Pawtucket.“We will continue to vigorously investigate those who are determined to line their pockets with the proceeds of crimes against the environment," said Bruce Foucart, special agent in charge of HSI Boston. "The willful falsification of EPA reports and DHS vulnerability assessments posed a triple threat to the national security, public safety, and economic well-being of the State of Rhode Island.”
In addition to paying a $200,000 fine and serving a term of 5 years probation, Roberts Chemical Company, Inc. is required to issue a public apology.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Terrence P. Donnelly.
This case was investigated by the U.S. EPA Criminal Investigation Division and Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the REFP Unit of the Office of Environmental Stewardship with EPA's Region 1 office.###
To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Former Sears Dealer Sentenced in Federal Court for FraudRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Joseph F. Kilty, 53, of Wakefield, R.I., a former authorized dealer of a Sears Hometown and Outlet, Inc. store in Middletown, R.I., was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Providence to 3 years of probation, the first six months to be served in home confinement, for defrauding Sears of more than $154,000, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Shelly A. Binkowski, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and Vincent B. Lisi, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Office of the FBI.
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith also ordered Kilty to perform 300 hours of community service and to pay restitution to Sears in the amount of $139,989. Sears previously withheld a commission check due to Kilty in the amount of $14,131. Kilty pleaded guilty on June 5, 2014, to one count of mail fraud.
At the time of his guilty plea, Kilty admitted to the court that between January 2012 through June 2013, he failed to deposit $154,120 in cash receipts into a bank account he was required by Sears to establish and into which all store receipts were to have been deposited. Kilty admitted that he deposited the receipts into other personal bank accounts which he controlled.
Kilty admitted to the court that as part of the scheme, he created false documents to make it appear that the deposits had been made, including 47 fraudulent deposit slips and several fake bank reconciliation forms.
Additionally, Kilty admitted to the court that he created two counterfeit bank checks in the amounts of $99,000 and $28,319.75 made payable to Sears Hometown and Outlet, Inc., and that he provided the checks to a Sears district manager.
The matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the FBI.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee H. Vilker.
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Cranston Man Sentenced for Threatening to Assault, Kill IRS Agent and FamilyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith today sentenced Andrew A. Calcione, 49, of Cranston, to 12 months and one day in federal prison for threatening to assault and murder an IRS agent and his family, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; J. Russell George, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration; and Robert E. O’Malley, Special Agent in Charge, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, New York Field Division.
Calcione was convicted by Chief Judge William E. Smith on May 26, 2014, based on evidence presented during a jury waived trial on May 21, 2014. Calcione was convicted of one count each of threatening to assault and murder an IRS revenue agent and threatening to assault and murder a member of the immediate family of an IRS revenue agent.
According to the government’s evidence, an IRS revenue agent in Rhode Island was assigned to examine Calcione’s personal federal tax returns for years 2008, 2009 and 2010. As a result of the examination, the agent estimated that a $330,000 tax liability would be assessed against Calcione.
In April 2013, the IRS revenue agent requested that Calcione and an ex-wife of Calcione sign a Consent to Extend Time to Assess Tax form. Calcione signed the form but his ex-wife had not. On July 12, 2013, the revenue agent left a voicemail message for Andrew Calcione inquiring as to the status of the executed form.
According to the government’s evidence, on July 15, 2013, the IRS revenue agent received two voicemail messages from Calcione. One of the messages contained a threat that if the agent called him again he would show up at the agent’s home and torture the agent, then rape and kill his wife and injure his daughter while the agent watched, before killing the agent. A second message left by Calcione requested that Calcione disregard the first message, which Calcione said was left in error.
At sentencing, Chief Judge William E. Smith also ordered Calcione to serve 3 years supervised release upon completion of his prison term.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gerard B. Sullivan.###
To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Convicted Felon Admits to Possessing 12 Firearms, Possessing and Trafficking DrugsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Philip DeBartolo, 29, of Scituate, pled guilty in federal court in Providence today to being a felon in possession of 12 firearms and to drug trafficking charges, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Daniel J. Kumor, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston field divisionof ATF; Scituate Police Chief Colonel David M. Randall; and Michael Ferguson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s New England field division.
DeBartolo faces statutory penalties of up to 80 years in federal prison, lifetime supervised release and a fine of up to $2,750,000 when he is sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith on December 19, 2014.
DeBartolo pleaded guilty as charged in an 11-count indictment to three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, one count of being a felon in possession of nine firearms, one count of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, one count of manufacture of marijuana, once count of manufacture of marijuana near a school and four counts or marijuana distribution.
No plea agreement was filed in this matter.
According to court documents, on several occasions beginning in August 2013, an undercover ATF agent spoke with and met with DeBartolo to arrange and to purchase three firearms, including a sawed-off shotgun, for between $300 and $400 dollars. In addition, on several occasions, DeBartolo sold to the agent plastic bags containing approximately one ounce of marijuana, each for between $200 & $225 dollars.
According to information presented to the court, ATF agents, with the assistance of Scituate Police and DEA agents, executed a court authorized search of DeBartolo's residence on January 15, 2014, and seized six semi-automatic pistols – five with high capacity magazines, three revolvers and a significant amount of ammunition found hidden beneath the floor boards of a second floor storage room. Agents and officers also seized 31 marijuana plants from the basement.
According to court records, DeBartolo was convicted in Rhode Island state court in 2005 on felony assault, drive-by shooting and firearm charges.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah.
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Pawtucket Drug Trafficker Sentenced to Federal Prison on Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Graviel Santos, 32, of Pawtucket, was sentenced on Wednesday to 84 months in federal prison on drug trafficking and firearm charges, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Pawtucket Police Chief Paul King.
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Mary M. Lisi also ordered Santos to serve three years’ supervised release upon completion of his prison term and to pay a fine of $1,000. Santos pleaded guilty in April 2014 to one count each of possession of heroin with the intent to distribute, possession of crack cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to information presented to the court by the government at the time of Santos’ guilty plea, in November 2013, members of the Pawtucket Police Special Squad completed an investigation into drug trafficking activities from an apartment where Santos and his girlfriend resided. Detectives conducted a court authorized search of the apartment on November 4, 2013, during which time they seized nearly 25 grams of heroin, 3 grams of crack cocaine, a loaded .45 caliber handgun and numerous items used in the packaging and distribution of illegal drugs.
The firearm was located inside a bin containing men’s clothing, within easy reach of the defendant who was lying on a couch when detectives entered the apartment.
According to information presented to the court, the defendant previously was convicted in Rhode Island state court on drug and domestic violence charges.
Santos has been detained since his arrest on November 4, 2013.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela E. Chin.
ATF and DEA agents assisted Pawtucket detectives in the investigation of this matter.
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Federal Grand Jury Indicts Driver in Fatal Accident on Naval Station NewportRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A federal grand jury in Providence, R.I., on Tuesday returned a one-count indictment charging Alan Bradley, 53, of Newport, R.I., with operating a motor vehicle in reckless disregard of the safety of others resulting in the death of another person.
Bradley was released on unsecured bond and standard conditions, with the additional condition that he not drive, following his arraignment today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan. A not guilty plea was entered.
The indictment was brought as a result of an investigation conducted by Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Rhode Island State Police into a fatal motor vehicle accident which occurred on Naval Station Newport on September 26, 2013. It is alleged that Bradley was driving a vehicle that struck and killed Navy Police Detective Frank Lema.
The indictment is announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Leo Lamont, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Field Office of Naval Criminal Investigative Service; and Colonel Stephen G. O’Donnell, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police.
An indictment is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Operating a motor vehicle in reckless disregard of the safety of others resulting in the death of another person is punishable by a statutory penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison followed by up to 3 years’ supervised release and a fine of up to $5,000.
The case is being prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch.
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]North Smithfield Construction Company Owner Sentenced for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. –Paul F. Pytko, 49, owner of Pytko Construction Corp. in North Smithfield, R.I., was sentenced today to 3 years probation, to include 20 weekends of incarceration at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls, for concealing the sale of a company asset that he agreed to sell in order to satisfy taxes owed to the IRS, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha, William P. Offord, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation and Vincent B. Lisi, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Office of the FBI.
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith also ordered Pytko to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $611,320. Pytko pleaded guilty in June 2014 to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and one count of tax evasion.
At the time of his guilty plea, Pytko admitted to the court that he had agreed to sell a large piece of construction equipment to pay down some of the more than $600,000 in debt he owed to the IRS in unremitted employee withholding taxes, penalties and interest incurred for tax periods ending in September 2003 through June 2006.
Pytko admitted to the court that he sold the piece of equipment, but that none of the proceeds were paid to the IRS as was promised. Pytko admitted to the court that some of the funds were wired into a third party account and then disbursements made to pay for business expenses and for his own personal use.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard W. Rose, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.
The matter was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation and the FBI.
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Cranston Tax Preparers Charged with Allegedly Stealing and Selling the Identities of Minors for Use as Tax Deductions on Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Court documents unsealed in federal court in Providence today reveal an alleged scheme by the owners and operators of NBP Multiservices (NBP), a tax preparation business in Cranston, R.I., to steal personal identifying information of minors named as dependents on legitimate tax returns their company prepared and selling the information to other tax filers for use on their tax returns in order to increase tax refunds, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; William P. Offord, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation; and Ted A. Arruda, Resident Agent in Charge of the Providence Office of the U.S. Secret Service.
Evelyn Nunez, 40, of Providence, and Tashia Bodden, 37, of Warwick, were arrested earlier today by agents from IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Secret Service on federal criminal complaints charging them with conspiracy to defraud the United States, false claims to the United States and aggravated identity theft. They were released on unsecured bond following initial appearances before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan.
According to court documents, the Scheme Development Center, a division of the IRS, conducted an analysis of tax returns prepared by individuals working at NBP and identified questionable use of children being claimed as dependents. The alleged use of the dependents led to the refunding by the IRS of hundreds of thousands of dollars under the Earned Income Credit available to low income taxpayers.
According to court records and information presented to the court, an investigation by IRS Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office revealed that between January 2008 and February 2012, taxpayers allegedly purchased false dependents for approximately $600 - $700 per dependent. Research of the use of dependents allegedly showed that the defendants falsely claimed dozens of children to be foster children, nieces and nephews of the taxpayers when, in reality, they had no relation to the taxpayer.
It is alleged that the scheme defrauded the IRS of more than $1.34 million dollars and defrauded the State of Rhode Island of more than $65,500 dollars.
A third defendant in this matter, Wendy Molina, 39, of Cranston, has been charged by way of an information with one count of conspiracy to defraud the government. She is scheduled to be arraigned in federal court on October 1, 2014.
A criminal complaint and an information are merely allegations and are not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee H. Vilker.
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Barrington Bank Robbery Getaway Driver Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Federal Prison; Co-defendant Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Prison for Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – David Lasseque, 33, of Providence, convicted of being the getaway driver during the armed robbery of a Barrington, R.I., bank in July 2013, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith to 140 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha, Barrington Police Chief John M. LaCross, East Providence Police Chief Christopher J. Parella and Vincent B. Lisi, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Office of the FBI.
Lasseque was convicted by a federal court jury in June 2014 of conspiracy to commit bank robbery and bank robbery. At sentencing, Lasseque was also ordered to serve 3 years supervised upon completion of his prison term.
A co-defendant in this matter, Pierre S. Rheau, 34, of Providence, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith in September 12, 2014, to 63 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years supervised release. Rheau pleaded guilty in May 2014 to one count each of conspiracy to commit bank robbery and armed bank robbery.
According to court documents and the government’s evidence presented at Lasseque’s trial, at approximately 5:00 p.m. on July 12, 2103, members of the Barrington Police Department responded to a report of an armed bank robbery at the County Road branch office of Bank of America. Witnesses told police that an individual armed with a black firearm approached tellers demanding they give him all the money. The evidence showed that the robber fled the bank with $4,871 in cash.
According to the government’s evidence, in response to a police dispatch about the bank robbery, a Barrington Police Sergeant positioned himself on Rte. 114. A short time later, the sergeant saw a vehicle traveling in a northerly direction away from the bank by an individual who fit the general description of the bank robber. The sergeant began to follow the vehicle and attempted to affect a traffic stop. However, after stopping briefly, the vehicle fled the area at a high rate of speed.
According to the government’s evidence, the suspect vehicle was pursued by police into an East Providence residential neighborhood. The vehicle came to a stop after crashing into an East Providence police cruiser traveling in the opposite direction, with its lights and siren engaged, injuring the officer.
According to the government’s evidence, the driver, David Lasseque, fled on foot but was quickly apprehended by Barrington and East Providence officers. A second individual, Pierre Rheau, later identified as the gunman who robbed the bank, was discovered lying on the back seat. From the back seat area, officers recovered a pile of loose cash, a black Daisy .177 caliber BB gun, and clothing and accessories described by witnesses as having been worn by the armed bank robber.
The cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela E. Chin.
Warren and Seekonk, Mass., Police and the Rhode Island State Police assisted Barrington Police, East Providence Police and the FBI in the investigation of this matter.
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Convicted Bank Robber on Federal Supervised Release Ordered Detained in Westerly Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. –Lawrence M. Sullivan, 38, was ordered detained today by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond, charged with allegedly robbing a branch office of the Washington Trust Company in Westerly on September 15, 2014, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Westerly Police Chief Edward W. St. Clair.
Sullivan is charged with one count of bank robbery.
According to court records, Sullivan allegedly approached a teller at the Washington Trust Company branch office, located inside a supermarket, and demanded cash. According to a teller, Sullivan threatened to “start shooting” if his demands were not met. No weapon was shown.
On September 16, 2014, Sullivan was arrested by Groton, Ct., police after he was discovered hiding inside a storage closet inside a local motel. Sullivan was returned to Rhode Island where he has been held in state custody.
According to court records, at the time of his arrest, Sullivan was serving a term of 3 years federal supervised release, having recently completed serving a 63-month federal prison sentence imposed in February 2010 for robbing two banks in Connecticut and one in Maine in 2008 and 2009. He pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in New Haven in December 2009 to two counts of bank robbery.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra R. Hebert.
The FBI and the Groton, Ct., Police Department assisted the Westerly Police Department in the investigation of this matter.
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Contact: 401-528-5300Read the Press Release
U.S. MARSHALS CELEBRATE 225 YEARS OF SERVICE
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Today the U.S. Marshals Service celebrates its 225th anniversary. As the nation’s oldest, most versatile federal law enforcement agency, it continues to build on its legacy of steadfast service and its unique position in the country’s federal justice system.
The U.S. Marshals Service’s legendary origins began in 1789 when the nation’s first president appointed the first U.S. Marshals.
“When President George Washington appointed the first 13 U.S. Marshals Sept. 24, 1789, his pen marked the creation of an agency that has since played a role in virtually every facet of the nation’s federal judiciary during times of crisis and times of peace,” said U.S. Marshals Service Director Stacia Hylton.
“From upholding the law in our untamed western territories to enforcing orders related to civil rights, the U.S. Marshals Service has been committed to answering the call of our great nation. As we mark 225 years of service, our men and women stand ready to continue that commitment,” Hylton said.
Today, the U.S. Marshals Service is a force of 5,400 deputies and civil servants who carry out operational and administrative duties as varied as apprehending fugitives, housing and transporting prisoners, protecting witnesses and federal judges, and managing and selling seized assets.Most notably, the Marshals Service is the federal government’s primary agency for conducting fugitive investigations. Working with its law enforcement partners at the federal, state, and local levels, the Marshals apprehend more federal fugitives than all other federal law enforcement agencies combined. The U.S. Marshals arrested more than 110,000 fugitives during fiscal year 2013.
“As United States Marshal for the District of Rhode Island, I am proud and privileged to be part of the rich history of the U.S. Marshals Service and to lead a force of committed women and men who serve as Deputy Marshals, administrative personnel and Court Security Officers,” said United States Marshal for the District of Rhode Island Jamie A. Hainsworth. He added, “I am excited to be part of this celebration of the 225th anniversary of the U.S. Marshals Service.”
Additionally, in Rhode Island, among the priorities of the U.S. Marshals Service is the physical protection of the Judiciary and federal court buildings; execution of federal warrants and to assist state and local law enforcement in the apprehension of wanted persons, the protection of witnesses and the administration of the witness protection program; the management of all assets seized by the federal government in the District of Rhode Island; working with members of the Violent Fugitive Task Force, partnering with the RI State Police and Providence Police; and the Sex Offender Registration and Enforcement Task Force, partnering with state and local law enforcement agencies throughout Rhode Island.
United States Marshal Hainsworth added, “As we mark this significant milestone of 225 years, we must also pause to recognize the first Federal law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty, U.S. Marshal Robert Forsyth in 1794, and more than 200 U.S. Marshals, Deputy U.S. Marshals and Special Deputy U.S. Marshals that have died in the line of duty since. In Rhode Island, we remember the loss and pay tribute to Special Deputy Court Security Officer Frank McKnight, who was killed in May of this year while on duty.”
Investigation into $3.6 Million in Food Stamp Fraud Concluded; Eleven Individuals Convicted in Federal Court,Read the Press Release
Six Retailers Barred from Participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance ProgramPROVIDENCE, R.I. –Eleven individuals have been convicted in federal court and sentenced, and six Providence area convenience stores have been disqualified from participating in the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), concluding a more than two-year federal investigation that uncovered $3.6 million dollars in food stamp fraud by numerous convenience store owners and employees. Sentences imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Mary M. Lisi include court orders that the defendants pay full restitution of stolen government funds to the food stamp program.
In September 2013, United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Office of Inspector General, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service - Retailer Investigations Branch, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and the Rhode Island State Police announced that an investigation revealed that the criminally charged store owners and/or their employees allowed SNAP benefit recipients to use their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to exchange their SNAP benefits for cash, a violation of the program’s laws and regulations. In return, the defendants added a surcharge to the recipients’ withdrawal of SNAP benefits, usually an amount equal to that of the amount of cash benefit received by the recipient.
United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha commented “The sad reality is that there are many hard-working Rhode Island residents who, despite their efforts, have difficulty meeting their family’s basic needs. The SNAP program is designed to help meet one of those basic needs – hunger. Accordingly, every dime from the SNAP program ought to go to a person – in particular a child – who would otherwise go hungry. Yet SNAP fraud, like other federal program fraud, is widespread. There are those, like the defendants here, who see in this worthy and necessary program an opportunity to line their own pockets. When they do so, they reduce the available pool of benefits. Put plainly, they steal food from the mouths of children. Equally plain is what we need to do in response: continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute these cases.”
USDA Office of Inspector General, Special Agent-in-Charge William G. Squires Jr. stated, “The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program was created to provide food and nutrition to those who truly need this assistance. Those who are involved in fraud and abuse of SNAP and other USDA programs will be aggressively pursued by our office. Our joint investigation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Internal Revenue Service and the Rhode Island State Police has brought to justice several individuals who sought to profit from the SNAP program through illegal schemes. The USDA Office of Inspector General will continue to dedicate resources and work with our state and local law enforcement partners in order to protect the integrity of these programs and to prosecute those who commit fraud.”
On Friday, , owner of Stop & Go convenience store in Providence, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison to be followed by three years supervised release, and ordered to pay the government restitution in the amount of $400,000. Rasheed pleaded guilty in February 2014 to conspiring to defraud the food stamp program, food stamp fraud and money laundering; , the manager of Stop & Go, pleaded guilty in December 2013 to one count of conspiracy to commit food stamp fraud and seven counts of food stamp fraud. Mehta was sentenced in April 2014 to time served in federal prison, 3 years supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $400,000; , an employee of Stop & Go, pleaded guilty in December 2013 to one count each of conspiracy to commit food stamp fraud and making false statements. He was sentenced in March 2014 to two years probation and ordered to pay restitution to the government in the amount of $1,402.
, owner of the Corner Store and the Regency Mart in Providence, was sentenced on September 5, 2014, to 36 months in federal prison to be followed by three years supervised release and ordered to pay restitution to the food stamp program in the amount of $1,927,755. He pleaded guilty in February 2014 to one count of conspiracy to commit food stamp fraud, three counts of food stamp fraud, eight counts of wire fraud and six counts of money laundering; , manager of Corner Store, was sentenced in March 2014 to 5 years probation and ordered to pay restitution to the food stamp program in the amount of $1,634,755. He pleaded guilty in December 2013 to conspiracy to commit food stamp fraud; , an employee of Regency Mart, pleaded guilty in February 2014 to one count of conspiracy to commit food stamp fraud and four counts each of food stamp fraud and wire fraud. He was sentenced on September 5, 2014, to 3 years probation and ordered to pay restitution to the government in the amount of $293,000; and , an employee of Regency Mart, pleaded guilty in February 2014 to one count of food stamp fraud. He was sentenced in May 2014 to two years probation and ordered to pay restitution to the food stamp program in the amount of $2,662.88.
On May 22, 2014, owner of Express Food Mart in Warwick, was sentenced to 5 years probation, the first 12 months to be served in home detention, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $580,000. Waqif Qadir’s wife was sentenced to 3 years probation and ordered to pay $580,000 restitution. Waqif and Asra Qadir pleaded guilty in February 2014 to conspiring to defraud the food stamp program.
, owner of the Dugout convenience store in Providence, was sentenced in December 2013 to 18 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years supervised release – the first 6 months to be served in home confinement - and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $398,000 to the food stamp program. Lopez pleaded guilty on October 4, 2013, to conspiracy to commit food stamp fraud, money laundering and filing a false tax return.
On December 19, 2013, , owner of Cristina’s Market in Providence, was sentenced to12 months and 1 day in federal prison to be followed by 3 years supervised release – the first 8 months to be served in home confinement - and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $399,000 to the food stamp program. Ramirez pleaded guilty on October 4, 2013, to conspiracy to commit food stamp fraud and money laundering.
As a result of the findings of the investigation, convenience store owners charged in this matter are disqualified by the USDA from participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
“These convictions send a strong message to others who would try to manipulate the SNAP program for their own personal financial gain,” stated William Offord, Special Agent, IRS-Criminal Investigation. “There are serious consequences to these types of financial crimes, including potential prison time and being branded a convicted felon.”
Colonel Steven G. O’DonnellSuperintendent of the Rhode Island State Police added, “The food stamp program is in place to assist those who genuinely are in need of assistance. As is clearly evident in this case, those who make the decision to take advantage of the system for no reason other than greed will face consequences. I commend the United States Attorney, members of the Rhode Island State Police and federal agents for rooting out these individuals and continuing to collaborate to ensure the integrity of the food stamp program.”
Criminal cases in this matter were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sandra R. Hebert and Richard B. Myrus. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leslie J. Kane represented the government in U.S. District Court in appeals brought by retailers disqualified from participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.###
To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]New York Resident Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Identity Theft, Credit Card FraudRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Yvener Jean-Baptiste, 27, of Brooklyn, N.Y., pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Providence on Monday to using counterfeit credit cards with account numbers belonging to actual credit card owners to purchase $172,661.09 in Target and Wal-Mart store gift cards at Rhode Island stores in November 2013, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Ted A. Arruda, Resident Agent in Charge of the Providence Office of the U.S. Secret Service; and Lincoln Police Chief Brian W. Sullivan.
Appearing before U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith, Jean-Baptiste admitted to the court that on five occasions between November 1 and November 30, 2013, he and others purchased gift cards totaling $172,661.09 at Target stores in Lincoln, at the Warwick Mall and on Bald Hill Road, and at a Wal-Mart store in Warwick, using counterfeit credit cards with actual account numbers belonging to other individuals. The owners of those account numbers were unaware that their personal identifying information was used to produce the counterfeit credit cards.
According to information presented to the court, Jean-Baptiste provided the purchased gift cards to an individual in New York. Jean-Baptiste typically received $200 for every $800 fraudulent transaction he conducted. The investigation revealed that the gift cards were redeemed at stores in New York the same day or the day after being purchased in Rhode Island.
According to information presented to the court, Jean-Baptiste returned to the Target store in Lincoln on November 30, 2013, one day after he and another person purchased $75,894.01 worth of Target gift cards using six counterfeit credit cards. He returned to the store in a vehicle previously identified by a Target employee as being driven by the individuals who committed credit card fraud the previous day. The vehicle was stopped by Lincoln Police. Officers arrested Jean-Baptiste after they discovered ten counterfeit credit cards, a counterfeit driver’s license and multiple Target gift cards inside the vehicle.
Yvener Jean-Baptiste pleaded guilty to one count each of credit card fraud and aggravated identity theft. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 5, 2014. At sentencing, he faces statutory penalties of a mandatory minimum of two years and up to 12 years in federal prison, and a fine of up to $500,000 or twice the pecuniary gain or loss resulting from the crimes.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee H. Vilker.
The matter was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the Lincoln Police Department###
To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Two Plead Guilty in Theft of Cooking Oil from Restaurants in R.I. and Mass.Read the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Andrew Jeremiah, 78, and his brother, Bruce Jeremiah, 72, of Cranston, R.I., owners and operators of Jeremiah Motors Corp., and Removal Services and Green Energy, in Central Falls, R.I., have pleaded guilty in federal court in Providence to conspiring to sell and transport used cooking oil stolen from restaurants in Rhode Island and Massachusetts to a processing plant in New Hampshire for processing to animal feed and biofuel.
Andrew and Bruce Jeremiah pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to unlawfully transport stolen goods with a value in excess of $5,000. They each face a statutory penalty of up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when they are sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., on December 4, 2014. In addition, the defendants will forfeit $44,730 in cash and a 1984 Ford F700 truck seized from them during the investigation.
The guilty pleas are announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Vincent B. Lisi, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Office of the FBI; and Central Falls Police Chief James J. Mendonca.
Anthony Simone, Sr., 60, of Cranston, a co-defendant in this matter, pleaded guilty on August 21, 2013, to one count each of conspiracy to transport in interstate commerce stolen goods and transport in interstate commerce stolen goods. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., on October 1, 2014.
According to information presented to the court, between January 1, 2011, and November 9, 2012, Andrew and Bruce Jeremiah conspired to steal used vegetable cooking oil from restaurants in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and to sell the product to a New Hampshire company that specializes in processing used cooking oil for use in animal feed and biofuel. During that time, Anthony Simone, Sr., was provided lists of businesses in Rhode Island and Massachusetts where quantities of used cooking oil could be found. About three times a week, between the hours of midnight and 6:00 am, Simone, using a truck registered to Jeremiah Motors, visited those businesses and others, and, without permission from the businesses, pumped the used cooking oil into a storage tank on the truck. The used cooking oil was transported to the Central Falls industrial facility operated by the Jeremiah brothers.
At the direction of the Jeremiahs, a New Hampshire company regularly sent tanker trucks to the Central Falls facility where the defendants loaded between 2,000 and 7,000 gallons of used vegetable oil per trip. More than 200,000 gallons of used cooking oil was stolen and sold to the New Hampshire processing plant.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Ferland.
The matter was investigated by the Central Falls Police Department and the FBI.
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Brothers Plead Guilty to Trafficking Fifty or More Kilos of MarijuanaRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Benjamin J. Daniels, 37, of West Bountiful, Utah, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Providence, R.I., today to participating in a conspiracy to ship 239 pounds of marijuana to Rhode Island from Pennsylvania in December 2013, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Michael S. Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for New England.
Appearing before U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith, Benjamin Daniels pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and posses with the intent to distribute fifty kilograms or more of marijuana. His brother, Michael Daniels, 32, of Tiverton, R.I., admitting to his role in the conspiracy, pleaded guilty on August 28, 2014, to conspiracy to distribute and posses with the intent to distribute fifty kilograms or more of marijuana.
According to information presented to the court, in December 2013, HSI agents in Pittsburgh, in conjunction with Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Division in Riverside, CA, conducted an investigation of a single-engine aircraft located at an airport in New Castle, PA. A court authorized search of the aircraft resulted in the discovery of twelve sealed boxes marked “Sun Max, Hot Water Solutions” which contained a total of 239 pounds of marijuana. HSI agents determined that Benjamin Daniels arranged for the pilot to fly the packages to New England for delivery, either to Benjamin Daniels or a person designated by him.
According to information presented to the court, on December 16, 2013, federal agents followed the shipment from Pennsylvania to North Central Airport in Smithfield, RI. Once on the ground, at the direction of Benjamin Daniels, the pilot made arrangements to transport the boxes to a hotel in Lincoln, RI. Once at the hotel, the pilot was instructed by Benjamin Daniels to meet up with a person who looked just like him. Federal agents watched as Michael Daniels pulled into the hotel parking lot, met with the pilot and began loading the boxes into a rented vehicle that he was driving. HSI agents arrested Michael Daniels, and seized the twelve boxes of marijuana and $4,694 in cash found on Michael Daniels’ person.
Michael Daniels is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith on November 14, 2014. Benjamin Daniels is scheduled to be sentenced on December 19, 2014.
Conspiracy to distribute and posses with the intent to distribute fifty kilograms or more of marijuana is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 20 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000 and a term of supervised release of up to life, with a minimum mandatory term of 3 years.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.
The Rhode Island State Police High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Warwick Police Department assisted in the investigation of this matter.
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Barrington Bank Robber Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Pierre S. Rheau, 34, of Providence, was sentenced on Friday to 63 months in federal prison for robbing a Barrington branch office of Bank of America while armed with a BB gun, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha, Barrington Police Chief John M. LaCross, East Providence Police Chief Christopher J. Parella and Vincent B. Lisi, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Office of the FBI.
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith also ordered Rheau to serve 3 years supervised release upon completion of his prison term and to pay restitution to the bank in the amount of $4,871. Rheau pleaded guilty on May 14, 2014, to bank robbery and conspiracy to commit bank robbery, as charged in a two-count federal indictment.
A co-defendant in this matter, David Lasseque, 33, of Providence, was convicted at trial by a jury on June 24, 2014, of one count each of bank robbery and conspiracy to commit bank robbery. Lassegue is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith on September 26, 2014.
According to information presented to the court, late in the afternoon of July 12, 2013, Pierre Rheau entered the Bank of America branch office while brandishing a .177 caliber BB gun. Rheau demanded money from bank tellers. Rheau fled the bank with approximately $4,871 in cash and returned to a vehicle operated by David Lasseque.Responding to a report of a bank robbery, members of the Barrington Police Department attempted to affect a traffic stop of the vehicle being driven by Lasseque. However, Lasseque refused to comply and fled, driving into East Providence with police vehicles in pursuit. The pursuit ended when Lasseque crashed his vehicle into an East Providence Police cruiser, injuring an officer. Lasseque attempted to flee on foot, but he was quickly apprehended. Rheau, who had been in the back seat of the vehicle, was arrested as he attempted to exit the vehicle. From inside the vehicle, officers seized clothing, sunglasses and latex gloves that matched the description witnesses stated were worn by the bank robber.
Additionally, officers seized a BB gun and a pile of loose money.
Both men have been detained since their arrest.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela E. Chin.
Warren Police and Rhode Island State Police assisted Barrington and East Providence Police and the FBI in the investigation of this matter.###
To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Westerly Resident Admits to Fraudulently Collecting Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Social Security Disability Benefits, SNAP BenefitsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Donald S. Gingerella, 53, of Westerly, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Providence on Friday to theft of government funds and Social Security fraud, after an investigation revealed that since January 2008, Gingerella collected nearly $83,000 from various federally funded public assistance programs to which he was not entitled. He faces statutory penalties of up to 25 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 11, 2014.
Donald Gingerella’s guilty plea is announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Robert L. Panella, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Region of the Department of Labor - Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations; William G. Squires, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Region of the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General; 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.
At the time of his guilty plea, Gingerella admitted to the court that he applied for and collected a total of $82,346 in public assistance payments based on fraudulent statements made to the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (RIDLT), the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), all federally funded programs.
According to information presented to the court, in November 2012, following Hurricane Sandy, Gingerella applied for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits, claiming the storm resulted in his being unemployed. As proof of employment Gingerella provided an IRS document claiming income in 2011 from self-employment.Among the false claims he made on his application to RIDLT, Gingerella stated that he was not receiving SNAP benefits and that he was not receiving Social Security disability benefits. RIDLT investigators researched Gingerella’s claims and determined that they were false. While investigating Gingerella’s November 2012 claim for benefits, RIDLT investigators discovered that Gingerella was the recipient of Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits as the result of the March 2010 floods. After denying his immediate request for assistance, all of the information gathered by RIDLT was turned over to the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General (DOL- OIG) for further investigation.
According to information presented to the court, the investigation by DOL-OIG revealed that Gingerella received federally funded unemployment benefits following the March 2010 flood, based on a claim submitted to RIDLT. At the time, Gingerella claimed that his business, AAA Recreational, was “under six feet of water” and that most of his equipment “was damaged and most got sucked away in [the] river.” The most recent investigation revealed that no such business existed. At the time of his guilty plea, Gingerella admitted to the court that, based on fraudulent statements he made following the March 2010 flood, he received federally funded unemployment compensation totaling $15,417 to which he was not entitled.
The investigation by DOL-OIG also determined that from approximately 2008-2012, numerous unexplained cash deposits were made into numerous business bank accounts controlled by Gingerella, as well as paychecks he earned while working as a lifeguard in Westerly and while working at a marina. Upon discovering this information, agents investigated Gingerella’s eligibility for SNAP benefits and SSDI benefits.The investigation revealed that in November 2006, when applying for SNAP benefits and in subsequent re-certifications, Gingerella inflated his living expenses and failed to report income, including cash deposited into his bank accounts. The investigation revealed that Gingerella began to receive SNAP benefits in 2006. At the time of his guilty plea, Gingerella admitted to failing to disclose income and making false statements which led to him receiving at least $11,366 in SNAP benefits to which he was not entitled between 2008-2012.
Additionally, it was learned that Gingerella owned and operated several businesses over the years, including Don’s Beach Parking, Three Fish Fisheries, AAA Recreational, East Coast Hospice Furniture LLC, and Goldstar Rentals and Sales LLC. At different times, these businesses were listed as the owner of Gingerella’s Westerly property and of some of his vehicles, including three late model trucks and a 2009 Kawasaki motorcycle. Gingerella received income from work performed for these businesses, which he failed to report to the Social Security Administration. At the time of his guilty plea, Gingerella admitted that he knowingly failed to report his return to work and his earned income, and that he received $56,563 in SSDI benefits to which he was not entitled.
Appearing before U.S. District Court Judge Mary M. Lisi, Gingerella pleaded guilty to two counts of theft of government property and one count of Social Security fraud.
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]New Jersey Sex Offender Sentenced to 50 Years in Federal Prison for Traveling to Rhode Island to Engage in Sex Acts with A MinorRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Donald J. Jones, III, 50, of Pemberton, N.J., was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith to 50 years in federal prison, having been convicted at trial in May 2012, on charges of interstate travel to engage in illicit sexual acts with a minor, aggravated sexual assault, enticement of a minor, and distribution of child pornography.
In January 2013, Jones was sentenced to a mandatory term of life in federal prison, plus an additional 10 years. The First Circuit Court of Appeals has since determined that a mandatory life sentence does not apply in this case. Jones’ sentence is announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Colonel Steven G. O’DonnellSuperintendent of the Rhode Island State Police; Shelly A. Binkowski, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and Michael S. Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for New England.
Jones was arrested by federal agents and the Rhode Island State Police on April 8, 2011, after he traveled by bus from Philadelphia to Providence, expecting to meet with an eight-year-old girl and her father. Jones communicated for nearly three weeks via the Internet and by phone with a person he believed was the girl’s father, when in fact he was communicating with federal agents assigned to the Rhode Island State Police Computer Crimes Unit/Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
According to the government’s evidence presented at trial, on March 21, 2011, Jones posted a message on an adult Internet forum seeking a parent willing to allow him to have sex with their pre-pubescent child. The message was discovered by a postal inspector assigned to the RI ICAC who responded, posing as the father of an eight-year-old Rhode Island girl.
Jones and the agent exchanged numerous emails which evolved from the parent purporting to have an interest in allowing Jones to have sex with his daughter, to Jones at first describing and then emailing videos of child pornography in an effort to depict his intentions. They also had numerous telephone conversations, including conversations during which a female Providence Police officer posed as the young girl.
Jones was previously convicted on three occasions in the state of New Jersey for crimes against children, including child pornography and aggravated sexual assault of a child under the age of thirteen.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen G. Dambruch and Leslie J. Kane.
The Rhode Island State Police ICAC, U.S. Postal Inspectors and Homeland Security Investigations agents in Rhode Island were assisted in the investigation by Providence Police, Homeland Security Investigations in New Jersey and the U.S. Marshals Service.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Rhode Island Builder Pleads Guilty to Filing False Claims, Making False Statements to Collect More Than $500,000 in Federal Stimulus FundsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Donald F. Ihlefeld, 71, of Cranston, R.I., owner of Alhambra Building Company of Warwick, R.I., pleaded guilty in federal court in Providence on Wednesday to filing false claims and false documents in order to collect more than $500,000 in federal stimulus funds during a renovation project of a former textile mill building in West Warwick, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG).
An investigation by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General and the United States Attorney’s Office determined that Ihlefeld falsely represented that he paid employees locally prevailing wages for work performed during the renovation project of the former mill building into a walk-in health center. The construction project, known as the Cotton Shed Project, was funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, through grants provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration.
According to court documents and information presented to the court, in October 2010, Thundermist Health Center, a non-profit community health center, awarded a contract to Alhambra Building Company as construction manager for the Cotton Shed Project. As a condition of payment, as required by the Stimulus Program pursuant to the Davis-Bacon Act, Alhambra Building Company was required to pay laborers no less than locally prevailing wages plus benefits. In bidding on the project, Alhambra noted its prior experience working on Davis-Bacon projects.
According to information presented to the court, in February 2011, Ihlefeld submitted an invoice for $521,022.60 for payment for construction work performed by his company from December 2010 through January 2011, knowing that he and his company failed to pay employees local prevailing wages. Further, between January 1, 2011 and April 13, 2011, Ihlefeld and his company submitted false certified payroll reports to Thundermist which misrepresented the identity of employees working on the project, total hours worked by employees and that it was paying Davis-Bacon wages to employees working on the project. According to information presented to the court, the employees to whom Alhambra failed to pay the appropriate wages were non-citizen Spanish speaking employees hired by Alhambra. Those employees were paid substantially less than the prevailing wage of approximately $34 per hour.
U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha commented, “Federal stimulus funds are intended to benefit both employers and employees, and through them, the broader economy. Here, the defendant/employer wanted the benefit largely for himself, at the expense of his workers. To make matters worse, the defendant pocketed federal funds at the expense of those employees who perhaps were least able to make meaningful protest. Such conduct cannot stand.”
"What Donald Ihlefeld did is not only reprehensible, it’s illegal: he underpaid laborers, billed the federal government as if he had paid prevailing wages, and then pocketed the difference for his own personal use,” said Special Agent in Charge Coyne, HHS OIG. “We will continue to protect the integrity of federal grant dollars and hold those accountable for such fraudulent schemes.”Filing a false claim and filing false documents are punishable by statutory penalties of up to 5 years in federal prison; a fine of up to $250,000; and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.
Ihlefeld is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., on December 2, 2014.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dulce Donovan.
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Attorney General Eric Holder RecognizesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – WASHINGTON – Assistant United States Attorneys John P. McAdams and Lee H. Vilker of the United States Attorney’s Office in Rhode Island are among 243 members of the Department of Justice recognized by Attorney General Eric Holder and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 30th annual Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington D.C.
The District of Rhode Island was one of 44 districts represented at the ceremony which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In his prepared remarks to awardees, Attorney General Holder said, “Locally, nationally, and internationally, you represent the very best that this Department has to offer. Your work embodies our ongoing commitment – not merely to win cases, but to do justice; to protect our fellow citizens from crime, violence, and terrorism; to empower the most vulnerable among us; and to uphold the rule of law.”
EOUSA Director Monty Wilkinson echoed those sentiments, saying to the recipients, “You have persevered, and remained focused and motivated – achieving remarkable results in work that makes a difference in the lives of citizens across our great country. The vast scope of your collective accomplishments is nothing short of exceptional.”Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lee H. Vilker and John P. McAdams successfully investigated and prosecuted a complex 15-year fraud and identity theft scheme that preyed upon terminally ill hospice patients in the case United States v. Joseph Caramadre and Raymour Radhakrishnan. The defendants fraudulently obtained identity information of terminally ill people by posing as philanthropists through advertisements in a religious newspaper. They used the identity information to obtain millions of dollars, by purchasing investments containing death benefit features in the names of the terminally ill.
The majority of victims and witnesses were deceased, but Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vilker and McAdams obtained an unprecedented number of pre-indictment depositions of several terminally ill hospice patients before they died. Both defendants pleaded guilty one week into what was expected to be a four-month trial. The lead defendant subsequently moved to withdraw his guilty plea, leading to a four-day evidentiary hearing. The case also included complex proof issues for calculating the approximately $46 million in restitution.
“The recognition by the Department of Justice today of the outstanding work by Assistant United States Attorneys Lee Vilker and John McAdams in United States versus Joseph Caramadre, et al., was well-deserved,” commented United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha. “These two prosecutors, ably assisted by an equally talented team of support staff and law enforcement agents, worked for years to ensure that the voices of victims, many of whom are now deceased, could be heard and justice could be done. I am incredibly proud of their dedication and commitment to the people of Rhode Island.”
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao .
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Second Defendant Detained for Allegedly Transporting Boston Area 17-year-old to R.I. for Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Ricky Wallace, a/k/a Justice, 33, of Pawtucket, was ordered detained on sex trafficking charges today by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan, for allegedly trafficking a 17-year-old girl from the Boston area to Rhode Island for the purposes of commercial sexual activity, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Vincent B. Lisi, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston field office of the FBI; Pawtucket Police Chief Paul King; Colonel Steven G. O’DonnellSuperintendent of the Rhode Island State Police; and United States Marshal Jamie A. Hainsworth.
According to an affidavit in support of a criminal complaint and arrest warrant filed with the court, the victim was allegedly taken against her will from South Station in Boston in the early morning hours of August 18, 2014, and driven to Rhode Island for the purposes of being trafficked for commercial sexual activity. According to the victim, she was driven to the same Pawtucket residence where she was located on August 25, 2014, and rescued by FBI agents, Pawtucket Police and Central Falls Police.
According to the affidavit, Wallace allegedly recruited the 17-year-old woman and, on a separate date, another person, to travel to Rhode Island where they allegedly were to be trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual activity. Wallace was arrested on August 29, 2014, on a bench warrant issued from the Providence Superior Court. He is detained at the ACI.
On August 26, 2014, Kemont Bowie, a/k/a Daddy, 34, of Providence, was arrested and ordered detained in federal custody in this matter. According to court documents, it is alleged that on two occasions Bowie drove to Boston and picked up the alleged victims and brought them to Rhode Island for the purposes of sex trafficking.
Wallace and Bowie are charged in federal criminal complaints with one count each of sex trafficking of a child and transportation of a minor.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being prosecuted in federal court by Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela E. Chin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is working in conjunction with the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General in the prosecution of this matter
The FBI, Pawtucket Police and Rhode Island State Police are being assisted in the investigation of this matter by the United States Marshal Service.
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Cumberland Resident Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Robbing 3 Banks in 3 Weeks in Rhode Island and VermontRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Joseph G. Petrarca, 50, of Cumberland, R.I., was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Providence today to 12 years in federal prison for robbing three banks, two in Rhode Island and one in Vermont, within a span of twenty-two days, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Cranston Acting Police Chief - Rhode Island State Police Captain Kevin M. Barry; Cumberland Police Chief John R. Desmarais; and Vincent B. Lisi, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston field office of the FBI.
In March 2014, Petrarca admitted to the court that he robbed a Citizens Bank branch office in Cumberland, R.I., on December 26, 2012, of $1,764, and that twenty days later he robbed a Washington Trust Company branch office in Cranston, R.I, of $9,595. Petrarca admitted to the court that in both instances he handed bank tellers a threatening note claiming that he was armed with a gun.
According to information presented to the court, the note handed to a teller at the Washington Trust Company by Petrarca read in part, “I have a gun and I will shoot you.” It further warned, “Watch my hand it has a gun in it.” The teller told police that the robber displayed the handle of a gun which he pulled out from a satchel or briefcase he was holding. Petrarca also handed a note to a teller during the robbery of the Citizens Bank branch office claiming that he was armed. However, no gun was displayed.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith today for sentencing for robbing the banks in Cumberland and Cranston, Petrarca pleaded guilty to robbing the People’s United Bank in Hartford, Vermont, on January, 17, 2013, of $6,216. According to information presented to the court, Petrarca passed a note to a teller announcing the robbery. Petrarca also made a motion under his jacket as if he were reaching for a gun. No weapon was displayed.
Petrarca was arrested by Cranston Police on January 19, 2013.
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith also ordered Petrarca to serve 5 years supervised release upon completion of his prison term and to pay restitution to the banks in the amount of $17,575.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gerard B. Sullivan.
The bank robberies were investigated by the Cranston, R.I., Cumberland, R.I., and Hartford, VT., Police Departments and the FBI.###
To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Westerly Resident Charged with Alleged Assault on Narragansett Indian Tribal LandRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Troy Lake Simonds, 26, of Westerly, was released on unsecured bond following an initial appearance today in U.S. District Court in Providence on a federal criminal complaint charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon, with intent to do bodily harm. Simonds is charged in connection with an alleged stabbing incident that occurred on Tribal land on August 9, 2014, during the Tribe’s annual Powwow celebration.
According to an affidavit in support of an arrest warrant and criminal complaint filed with the court, it is alleged that Simonds assaulted a person who was attempting to intervene in large altercation on a roadway on Tribal land. The victim alleges that he was stabbed in the back and in the chest as he attempted to assist a woman who had allegedly been involved in a motor vehicle accident. According to the affidavit, several witnesses identified Simonds as the alleged attacker.
Simonds is charged in federal court pursuant to the Major Crimes Act, 18 U.S.C. 1153 (Offenses Committed within Indian Country) which provides in pertinent part:
Any Indian who commits against the person or property of another Indian any of the following offenses, namely . . . a felony assault . . . within the Indian Country shall be subject to the same law and penalties as all other persons committing any of the above offenses within the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States.
Simonds arrest and initial appearance before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan is announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Narragansett Indian Tribal Police Chief Antone Monroe.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gerard B. Sullivan.
The matter was investigated by the Narragansett Indian Tribal Police, with the assistance of the FBI.
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI Prepared to Respond to Complaints of Election Fraud and Voting Rights AbusesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha today reminded voters that the United States Attorney’s Office and the local office of the FBI, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington, are prepared to receive and review complaints of allegations of election fraud and voting rights abuses during Tuesday’s primary election.
The Department of Justice’s voting program seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
To report suspected election fraud or voting rights abuses at the polls in Rhode Island, the United States Attorney’s Office can be reached by the public at (401) 709-5068. In addition, the FBI will have special agents available to receive allegations of voting fraud and other election abuses. The FBI Rhode Island field office can be reached by the public at (401) 272-8310.###
To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]U.S. Attorney Files Suit to Reclaim Federal Unemployment Compensation, Seeks Triple Damages and Additional Penalties from North Providence Resident Who Allegedly Collected Unemployment Benefits While in SyriaRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha today announced the filing of a civil complaint in U.S. District Court in Providence against Ahmad Jbawi, 39, of North Providence, R.I., alleging that Jbawi made multiple false representations to the State of Rhode Island’s Department of Labor and Training in order to collect federally funded extended unemployment benefits to which he was not entitled. It is alleged that Jbawi falsely claimed and certified that he was able and available for work when this was not true under Rhode Island State law. In fact, he was mainly in Syria for more than half of the 700 days between January 18, 2009 and April 16, 2011, during which time he collected nearly $35,000 in federally funded benefits.
In the wake of the global financial crisis, in 2008 Congress authorized multiple federally-funded extensions of benefits for individuals collecting unemployment. In many cases, these extension payments, administered by the state, were critical to the ability of unemployed individuals to meet basic economic needs. Under program guidelines, however, to receive unemployment benefits, an applicant is required to certify that he/she are able and available for work and attached to the labor market. An applicant is also required to report any self or outside employment to the state.
The government’s case is brought under the False Claims Act, which allows the United States to recover federal funds that are paid out as a result of fraud, as well as triple damages and penalties of between $5,500 and $11,000 for each false claim submitted. According to the complaint, it is alleged that Jbawi made at least 56 false claims and fraudulently collected $34,290 in federally funded unemployment benefits. The U.S. Attorney is seeking all legally available remedies in this matter.
“While the amount in question may appear to some to be modest, the principle at issue in this case is not,” said United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha. “These funds were designated to provide unemployed individuals the opportunity to support themselves and their families through difficult times while they looked for work, not to reward fraud like the conduct alleged here. This Office will vigorously pursue abuses of this program with all the legal tools at our disposal.”
A Civil Complaint is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt or liability, which the government is required to establish by a preponderance of the evidence.
This case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. The matter was investigated by the United States Department of Labor Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations and the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training Fraud Unit.
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Second Defendant Pleads Guilty in Identity Theft, $1.8 Million Dollar Fraudulent Tax Return SchemeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Richard Lara, 22, of Providence, R.I., pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Providence yesterday to participating in a scheme in which personal identifying information of more than 1,200 individuals was stolen, many of which were used to file fraudulent tax returns with the IRS totaling more than $1.8 million dollars. Julian Balbi, 22, of Providence, a co-defendant in this matter, pleaded guilty on June 5, 2014, to participating in the scheme with Lara.
Lara and Balbi pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated identity theft and one count each of conspiracy and theft of government property. The guilty pleas are announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Colonel Steven G. O’DonnellSuperintendent of the Rhode Island State Police; William P. Offord, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation; and Ted A. Arruda, Resident Agent in Charge of the Providence Office of the U.S. Secret Service.
According to court records and information presented to the court, Lara and Balbi were arrested by Rhode Island State Police on January 2, 2012, on an unrelated matter during a routine traffic stop. During a court authorized search of the vehicle which was owned by Julian Balbi, State Police discovered 87 U.S. Treasury checks made out to third parties totaling $596,646.46. The investigation revealed that the checks were generated by the submission of fraudulent tax returns. Also seized were several ledgers and notebooks containing personal identifying information, including Social Security numbers and dates of birth, of hundreds of individuals; ledgers containing employer information such as Employee Identification Numbers and addresses; and a USB flash drive containing numerous spreadsheets detailing taxpayer information and fraudulent tax returns that had been filed with the IRS.
According to information presented to the court, Rhode Island State Police executed a court authorized search of Balbi’s Providence residence where they seized numerous computers and USB flash drives. A forensic examination of the computers and flash drives revealed numerous spreadsheets containing ledgers identical to those on the flash drives seized from the vehicle. A court authorized search of Lara’s residence resulted in the seizure of another ledger which allegedly contained personal identity information which matched information contained on the flash drive seized from Balbi’s vehicle.
According to information presented to the court, IRS and U.S. Secret Service agents interviewed 17 individuals listed as payees on the treasury checks seized from Balbi’s vehicle. All 17 stated they did not file the tax return in question and that they did not know Balbi or Lara. The IRS conducted an analysis of all of the information associated with the 1,258 individuals listed on the various ledgers and computers seized from Balbi and Lara. The investigation revealed that between April 2011 and January 2012, 823 fraudulent tax returns seeking refunds totaling $1,854,438.46 were filed with the IRS.
Julian Balbi is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mary M. Lisi on September 18, 2014. Richard Lara is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mary M. Lisi on December 4, 2014.
Conspiracy to commit a crime against the U.S. Government is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 5 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. Theft of government property (treasury checks) is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Aggravated identity theft is punishable by statutory mandatory sentence of 2 years imprisonment, to be served consecutive to the sentence imposed for theft of government property, and a fine of $250,000.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Second of Three Defendants Sentenced in Hobbs Act Robbery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Gennaro Miele, 62, of Niantic, CT., was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Providence, R.I., to 41 months in federal prison for his role in a home invasion and robbery in March 2010, of a 78-year-old associate of the Gambino crime family in Stamford, CT., announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Daniel J. Kumor, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., also ordered Miele to serve one year supervised release upon completion of his prison term. Miele pleaded guilty on June 4, 2014, to one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery.
At the time of his guilty plea, Miele admitted to the court that he participated in a conspiracy with two other individuals, Napoleon Andrade, 33, of Central Falls, R.I., and Stephen L. Conti, 43, of Swansea, Mass. Plans to execute a home invasion and robbery which they formulated during meetings and telephone conversations that occurred in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut.
According to court documents and information presented to the court, the home invasion and robbery were planned in a growing dispute over a loansharking debt that had grown to be in excess of $300,000. The target of the home invasion was a known associate of the Gambino crime family.
According to court documents and information presented to the court, Miele and two others gained entrance to the victim’s home on March 2, 2010, bound and blindfolded the victim and stole more than $200,000 worth of jewelry, more than $16,000 in cash and a double-barreled shotgun. Some of the items stolen were sold to a pawn shop in Rhode Island later the same day.
According to court documents and information presented to the court, Napoleon Andrade was the target of an unrelated, long-term federal, state and local law enforcement investigation into his suspected drug trafficking activities. During a March 8, 2010, conversation surreptitiously recorded by law enforcement, Andrade discussed his participation in home invasions in Connecticut and New York. An investigation by ATF agents determined that one of the home invasions discussed was the incident in Stamford, CT.
In August 2011, in matters unrelated to the home invasion, Andrade admitted to the facts that were the basis for charges contained in three federal indictments and three informations that were brought as the result of several ATF led investigations, and several joint federal, state and local investigations. Some of the investigations included “sting operations” and the use of electronic surveillance. Andrade received a10-year federal prison sentence for drug trafficking, money laundering, theft of government property and federal firearm violations. His sentence was enhanced by 63 months for his role in the March 2010 home invasion. He pleaded guilty in March 2014 to conspiracy to commit a Hobbs Act robbery.
Stephen L. Conti pleaded guilty on September 26, 2013, to conspiracy to commit a Hobbs Act robbery. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. on September 12, 2014.
The cases highlighted in this news release are being prosecuted in the District of Rhode Island by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gerard B. Sullivan.
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Massachusetts Resident Pleads Guilty in “Black Money” SchemeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Saah Johnson, 33, of Fall River, Mass., pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Providence, R.I., today to his participation in a “black money” scheme which defrauded a Massachusetts man of $100,000, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Ted A. Arruda, Resident Agent in Charge of the Providence Office of the U.S. Secret Service.
Black money schemes defraud individuals by persuading them that large quantities of banknote-sized paper is U.S. currency which has been dyed black, typically to avoid detection by customs agents. The victim is persuaded, with the prospect of sharing in the proceeds, to supply real currency in order to facilitate the removal of the black covering that overlays the supposedly genuine black currency. In reality, except for a few genuine currency bills used to advance the scheme, the “black money" is usually black construction paper.
Appearing before U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Johnson admitted to the court that in October 2011, after several months of discussions, he and another person persuaded the victim to meet with them at a Providence hotel and to provide them with $100,000 in cash to process large quantities of “black money,” with a promised return of $300,000 in cash. Several hours after the “chemical process” to remove the black covering from several stacks of “black money” began, and Johnson and the other person had left the hotel room, the victim discovered that the stacks of “black money” were, in reality, stacks made up of mostly black construction paper. The $100,000 in cash provided by the victim had been stolen.
Johnson, who is detained in federal custody since his arrest on February 11, 2014, is scheduled to be sentenced on November 25, 2014.
Causing the interstate transportation of $5,000 or more in execution of a scheme to defraud is punishable by a statutory penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and term of up to 3 years supervised release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard W. Rose.
The Seekonk Police Department, Rhode Island Fire Marshal’s Office and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management provided assistance to the U.S. Secret Service in the investigation of this matter.
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Providence Man Detained on Sex Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Kemont Bowie, 34, of Providence, was ordered detained in federal custody today by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan on sex trafficking charges, for allegedly trafficking a 17-year-old girl from the Boston area to Rhode Island for the purposes of commercial sexual activity, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Vincent B. Lisi, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Office of the FBI; Pawtucket Police Chief Paul King and Central Falls Police Chief James J. Mendonca.
According to an affidavit in support of a criminal complaint and arrest warrant filed with the court, the victim was allegedly taken against her will from South Station in Boston in the early morning hours of August 18, 2014, and driven to Rhode Island for the purposes of being trafficked for commercial sexual activity. According to the victim, she was driven to the same residence where she was located yesterday and rescued by FBI agents, Pawtucket and Central Falls Police.
According to the affidavit, on Monday, the victim contacted an individual at a residence she resided at in Arlington, Massachusetts, requesting assistance. The Arlington Police Department and the FBI were contacted, which subsequently led to the FBI, along with Pawtucket Police and Central Falls Police rescuing the victim from a Pawtucket residence and the arrest of the defendant.
Bowie is charged in a federal criminal complaint with one count each of sex trafficking of a child and transportation of a minor. A preliminary hearing on this matter has been scheduled for September 2, 2014.A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela E. Chin.The FBI, Pawtucket Police and Central Falls Police are being assisted in the investigation of this matter by the Rhode Island State Police. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is working in conjunction with the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General in the prosecution of this matter.
U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha and the law enforcement agencies involved in the rescue of the alleged victim wish to acknowledge Day One in Providence for their quick response and services provided to the young woman.###
To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Henry Fellela, Jr. Sentenced to Federal Prison for Credit Card Fraud, Social Security Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Henry A. Fellela, Jr., 56, of Johnston, was sentenced today to 48 months in federal prison for making nearly $83,000 in purchases with the use of stolen credit cards belonging to 17 individuals and fraudulently collecting more than $58,000 in Supplemental Security Income benefits by falsely claiming that he had no permanent home address while living with his wife and children in their Johnston residence.
Fellela’s sentence is announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Smithfield Police Chief Richard P. St. Sauveur, Jr.; Shelly Binkowski, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; 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.
According to court documents and information presented to the court, an investigation initiated by Smithfield Police and U.S. Postal Inspectors in September 2010 revealed that Fellela stole a credit card from the mailbox of an 85-year-old Smithfield resident and used that person’s identity and stolen credit card to make several purchases, including electronic goods, clothing and gasoline, totaling $3,077.13. As the investigation broadened, it was determined that between 2008 and 2012, the defendant activated credit cards belonging to sixteen other individuals and made numerous purchases, including high-end consumer items and gift cards. In total, Mr. Fellela made unauthorized purchases using stolen credit cards totaling $82,991.60.
In addition, according to information presented to the court, an investigation by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General/Office of Investigations determined that three months after Fellela was released from federal prison in March 2004 to begin serving a 21-month term of supervised release on an unrelated matter, and continuing until about June 1, 2012, Fellela fraudulently collected Supplemental Security Income benefits totaling $58,207.34, after falsely reporting that he had no permanent address at the time he applied for and received the benefits. The investigation revealed that Fellela collected the benefits while living with his wife and children in their Johnston residence.
United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha commented “The conduct by the defendant here was so brazen and so low that it makes it difficult to know where to begin. Does it get any worse than stealing the identity and credit card of an 85 year old person to feed your own greed? Does it get any worse than claiming homelessness, a real problem for so many Rhode Islanders, and collecting thousands of undeserved dollars while living in comfort and enjoying high-end consumer goods? If ever a defendant deserved a long prison sentence, it is this one.”
“The Smithfield Police are thankful for the assistance provided by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in investigating this crime committed against one of our elderly residents,” said Smithfield Police Chief Richard P. St. Sauveur, Jr. “The successful investigation and ultimate prosecution of Mr. Fellela by the United States Attorney should serve as evidence that the entire criminal justice system works, and will continue to work tirelessly to hold accountable those individuals who engage in fraudulent activity and demonstrate no regard for the financial impact that their crimes have on victims.
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., also ordered Fellela to serve 3 years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. Fellela pleaded guilty on April 8, 2014, as charged in a five-count indictment, to one count each of credit card fraud, aggravated identity theft and Social Security fraud, and two counts of theft of government funds.
Shelly Binkowski, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Boston Division said, “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to working with our partners to bring to justice those who would victimize the elderly and steal from some of the very programs designed to help those in need.”
“Making false statements to Social Security to fraudulently collect Supplemental Security Income—a government payment intended to assist those truly in need—is an intolerable offense on its own, yet Mr. Fellela was also found to have committed tens of thousands of dollars of credit card fraud,” said Social Security OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Scott Antolik. “Our office will continue to partner with the United States Attorney’s Office in Rhode Island to pursue all forms of fraud against Social Security's programs, especially instances of SSI fraud.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard W. Rose.
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To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Providence Resident Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiring to Possess and Distribute HeroinRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Ramon Lugo Rentas, 50, of Providence, was sentenced today to 46 months in federal prison for possessing heroin with the intent to distribute, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha, United States Marshal Jamie A. Hainsworth and Colonel Steven G. O’DonnellSuperintendent of the Rhode Island State Police.
Rentas, who was sought by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Rhode Island State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force on outstanding warrants out of Massachusetts, was charged with trafficking heroin when U.S. Marshals and Task Force members discovered him hiding inside a Providence residence where he stored and sold heroin.
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. also ordered Rentas to serve three years supervised release upon completion of his prison term. Rentas pleaded guilty in May 2014, to possession with the intent to distribute heroin.
According to information presented to the court, prior to the date of his arrest, Rentas had been observed by law enforcement at a residence in the Smith Hill section of Providence. On April 18, 2013, as members of the U.S. Marshals Service and the State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force entered the residence, other members of the law enforcement team who had maintained a perimeter outside the building saw Rentas discard an object into a pail on a second floor porch, and then reenter the building. Rentas was located hiding on a second floor landing, where law enforcement also seized a scale and other items used in the packaging and distribution of heroin.
A court authorized search warrant for a 3rd floor apartment Rentas was staying in was obtained. A search by law enforcement resulted in the seizure of three bags of heroin, $6,565 in cash and additional items used in the packaging and distribution of heroin. Rentas admitted to law enforcement and to the court that the items seized belonged to him and that he engaged in the sale of heroin.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.###
To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]