District of Rhode Island
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Cranston Man Admits to Trafficking Tens-of-Thousands of Methamphetamine-Laced PillsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Cranston man today pleaded guilty to charges related to his trafficking of tens-of-thousands of counterfeit pills laced with methamphetamine, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Anthony Stevens, 37, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to two counts of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 30, 2025. The sentences imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to information presented to the court, in November 2023, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) opened an investigation into Stevens for trafficking in counterfeit Adderall pills. At the same time, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) developed information that Stevens was in possession of a large quantity of counterfeit pills.
Subsequently, during an investigation that spanned nine months, DEA seized a total of 30,226 pills containing methamphetamine from Steven’s vehicle and from a Providence residence he utilized as a stash house, along with $3,360 in cash.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie White.
The matter was investigated by the DEA and ATF.
###
New York Man Indicted in Multi-Million Dollar Fraud and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A federal grand jury in Rhode Island returned a seven-count indictment alleging that a New York resident participated in a fraud and money laundering scheme that defrauded a Rhode Island law firm and other businesses of more than eight million dollars, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
The indictment charges Tushal Rathod, 45, of Baldwinsville, NY, with wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud (two counts), aggravated identity theft, money laundering conspiracy, money laundering, concealment of money laundering, and engaging in transactions with proceeds of criminal activity.
The indictment alleges that Rathod worked with individuals that he met online to receive fraudulent proceeds and launder those funds through businesses and financial accounts, some of which he created, keeping an approximate 10% cut for himself. The fraud scheme involved business email compromise, account takeover, and counterfeit checks. Among the victims of the fraud and money laundering conspiracy detailed in the indictment are a Rhode Island law firm who was defrauded of more than $163,200; a California credit union that was defrauded of approximately $8,000,000; and an Information Technology company of $154,900.
As reflected in the indictment it is alleged that:
- Rathod opened business bank accounts at multiple financial institutions to receive fraudulent proceeds and recruited others to do the same.
- Rathod monitored the activity in those accounts and communicated account information to other members of the conspiracy.
- Rathod created and provided false documents to financial institutions to gain access to funds deposited into the receiving accounts, which he withdrew and transferred in a manner designed to conceal the nature, source, location, ownership, or control over the funds.
- Rathod converted some of the fraudulent proceeds into Bitcoin.
A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sandra R. Hebert.
The matter was investigated by the FBI.
###
indictment.pdfGuatemalan National Admits to Illegal Reentry into the United StatesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Guatemalan national deported from the United States in November 2024 has pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States six months after his deportation, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Rigoberto Cano Perez, 28, was removed from the United States by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on November 20, 2024, having been convicted in Rhode Island state court in December 2023 on charges of simple assault and/or battery and disorderly conduct.
On May 12, 2025, Immigration Officers learned through an automated biometric fingerprint match of fingerprints entered into the National Crime Information Center that Perez was arrested in Rhode Island the day before for violating a domestic no contact order and on a domestic disorderly conduct charge.
Perez is scheduled to be sentenced on August 28, 2025. The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Taylor A. Dean and Peter I. Roklan.
The matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
###
Coventry Man Admits to Exploitation and Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Coventry man has admitted that, while on pre-trial release on a child pornography charge, he exploited a minor while producing and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Scott P. Hickey, 46, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to charges of possession and access with intent to view child pornography, exploitation of a minor, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
According to information presented to the court, in June 2019, Hickey was charged by way of indictment with possession and access with intent to view child pornography after law enforcement discovered 164 images of CSAM on his cellphone.
In 2023, while awaiting trial in that matter, Hickey exploited a minor female multiple times while live streaming and/or recording sexually explicit activity. Hickey was arrested on July 27, 2023. A forensic audit of his cellphone revealed at least 572 images of CSAM.
Hickey is scheduled to be sentenced on October 23, 2025. The sentences imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.
The matters were investigated by FBI agents assigned to field offices in Providence, RI, and Washington, DC.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc
To report suspected online child sexual exploitation and/or abuse, call the Know2Protect Tipline at 1-833-591-KNOW (5669) or visit the NCMEC CyberTipline® at https://report.cybertip.org/
###
Attorney Who Made False Statements to Corrections Officers at a Federal Detention Center Enters Deferred Prosecution Agreement and Surrenders His Law LicenseRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Connecticut attorney who made false statements to Donald W. Wyatt Detention Center officers while gaining admittance to the facility to visit with clients has entered into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement and agreed to surrender his license to practice law, announced Rhode Island Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
An Information filed in federal court in Rhode Island charges Attorney Jonathan J, Einhorn, 75, of New Haven, with willfully and knowingly making a materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statement and representation in a matter within the jurisdiction of the executive branch of the Government of the United States. In the Deferred Prosecution Agreement filed in this matter, Einhorn admits that there is sufficient evidence to convict him of violating federal law as described in the Information. He also agrees to surrender his license to practice law and not to seek to renew his license for a period of ten years.
According to an Agreed Statement of Facts filed in this matter, on May 21, 2023, Einhorn visited with several clients detained at the Wyatt Detention Center. As he entered the facility, he signed and dated a document certifying that he was aware that it is unlawful to bring weapons or contraband of any type into the facility and/or to pass the same to any detainee. A Wyatt Correctional Officer stationed in the lobby asked, “Are you gonna be passing anything to the detainees today?” Einhorn responded, “No, not today.”
According to the Statement of Facts, the Wyatt’s Professional Standards Unit (“PSU”) observed Einhorn pass paperwork to at least two of the detainees he met. PSU seized the paperwork from one of the detainees and found that eight pages were discolored and highly stained. The paperwork was sent to an FBI Laboratory for testing and was shown to be contaminated with synthetic cannabinoids (schedule I controlled substances).
According to the Deferred Prosecution Agreement, if Einhorn fulfills all the requirements of the Deferred Prosecution Agreement, the United States Attorney’s Office will file a dismissal of the Information after eighteen months.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.
The matter was investigated by the Wyatt Detention Center’s Professional Standards Unit and the FBI.
###
einhorn_information.pdf agreed_statement_of_facts.pdf deferred_prosecution_agreement.pdfProvidence Man Sentenced to Nearly Six Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl-Laced PillsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Providence man has been sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison for selling fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Michael Sellers, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to 70 months of incarceration to be followed by five years of supervised release. Sellers pleaded guilty in March to two counts of distribution of fentanyl.
At the time of his guilty plea, Sellers admitted that on at least two occasions he sold more than 1,000 counterfeit fentanyl-laced pills to an individual. Sellers admitted that on November 16, 2023, he provided the individual with 1,027 fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills in exchange for $2,500 in cash. On November 24, 2023, he provided the same person with 1,024 fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills in exchange for $2,500. Unbeknownst to Sellers, both transactions were monitored by the FBI and the pills were quickly seized.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Peter I. Roklan and Stacey A. Erickson.
The matter was investigated by the FBI.
###
Johnston Man Indicted for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Johnston man convicted and sentenced in 2006 for felony assaults involving the molestation of two minors has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly downloading child sexual abuse material (CSAM), announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Jonathan P. Graziano, 41, is charged by indictment with possession of child pornography.
Court documents reflect that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force reviewed a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding a user distributing CSAM via a messaging application. Further investigation determined that an IP address at a Johnston address that Graziano shared with others was being used to distribute the material. A court-authorized search of the residence and of electronic devices resulted in the discovery of hundreds of images and videos of CSAM on Jonathan Graziano’s personal electronic device.
Graziano is currently detained in federal custody on a criminal complaint filed in this matter on June 18, 2025. He is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on July 25, 2025. An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney G. Michael Seaman.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc
###
Guatemalan National Indicted for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Guatemalan national previously deported from the United States in 2018 has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Rhode Island on a charge of illegal reentry, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Jose Alejandro Morales Cordon, 37, came to the attention of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through an automated biometric fingerprint match of fingerprints entered into the National Crime Enforcement Center in June 2025 following his arrest on state assault and cyberstalking charges. He is scheduled to be arraigned in U.S. District Court on July 28, 2025.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorney Julie M. White.
The matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
###
Four Foreign Nationals Plead Guilty, Two Others Awaiting Trial in a Multi-State ATM and Retail Skimming ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – Four foreign nationals illegally present in the United States have admitted to a federal judge in Rhode Island that they participated in a scheme that compromised more than 15,000 credit, debit, and Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards and that they made hundreds of thousands of dollars in unauthorized bank withdrawals and retail purchases, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
The defendants admitted that they used credit card “skimming” devices to steal debit and credit card users’ personal financial account information, which they then appropriated for their own use. Skimming devices were placed on retail outlet point-of-sale terminals and on ATMs at various financial institutions
An investigation revealed that from May 2023 through February 2024, the defendants compromised more than 15,000 bank cards and gained users’ personal financial account information by placing card skimming devices on point-of-sale terminals at various locations of major retailers and on ATMs of various financial institutions in Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.
In Rhode Island, more than 200 debit cards were compromised at two Rhode Island financial institutions, resulting in over $280,000 of unauthorized ATM withdrawals from 67 customer accounts.
Robby Vicson Codreanu, 21, a citizen of the United Kingdom; Isabela Ignat Codreanu, 24, a citizen of Romania; and Armando Ion Codreanu, 24, and Nicolas Longin Codreanu, 23, citizens of Ireland, each pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit access device fraud; producing, using and trafficking in counterfeit access devices; accessing fifteen or more counterfeit and unauthorized access devices; and access device making equipment. Nicolas and Armando Codreanu also pleaded guilty to a charge of access devices issued to another person.
Nicolas Codreanu will be sentenced on October 14, 2025. Isabella, Armando, and Robby Codreanu will be sentenced on October 21, 2025. The sentences imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Two other defendants, Ionut Zamfir, 38, and Mila Ciuciu, 21, both citizens of Romania, are awaiting trial.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald R. Gendron
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Bristol Police Department, with the assistance of the Warwick Police Department, Coventry Police Department, Westerly Police Department, Johnston Police Department, Seekonk Police Department, United States Secret Service, and Homeland Security Investigations agents in Lafayette, LA, New York, NY, and Los Angeles, CA.
###
Foster Man Admits to Downloading and Storing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Foster man previously convicted and incarcerated for sharing sexually explicit photographs online with a person he believed to be a 13-year-old girl with whom he also attempted to meet near her middle school to engage in sex today pleaded guilty to a charge of receipt of child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
John Q. Adams, 36, admitted that on January 13, 2021, he downloaded and stored an explicit video file depicting child sexual abuse material involving two adult males and a prepubescent female. Further investigation determined that Adams had downloaded and stored approximately 112 images and 49 videos of child sexual abuse material.
Adams is scheduled to be sentenced on October 21, 2025. The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Denise M. Barton.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc
To report suspected online child sexual exploitation and/or abuse, call the Know2Protect Tipline at 1-833-591-KNOW (5669) or visit the NCMEC CyberTipline® at https://report.cybertip.org/
###
Career Offender Sentenced to Fourteen Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – The leader of a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy who began trafficking kilogram quantities of powder cocaine and various quantities of crack cocaine and fentanyl within three months of completing a term of incarceration in state prison for drug trafficking was sentenced today to fourteen years in federal prison, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
William Mendez, 51, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to a term of incarceration of 168 months to be followed by five years of supervised release. In October 2024, Mendez pled guilty to charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. His conduct included distributing cocaine base, powder cocaine and approximately 769.5 grams of fentanyl to a government agent.
In September 2021, Mendez and more than a dozen other individuals were charged in federal court with having had a role in a drug trafficking conspiracy that he led. Like Mendez, many of the defendants had previously been convicted of violent crime offenses such as firearm, robbery, assault, assault with intent to commit murder, and domestic violence charges.
Court records reflect that prior to his arrest in this matter in September 2021, William Mendez had served a total of twenty-two plus years in prison related to three separate serious felony drug convictions and two separate violent felony assault convictions; when arrested he was serving a term of state probation, having been released from Rhode Island state prison less than three months prior after completing a term of incarceration of nearly seven years.
The FBI Safe Street Task Force, DEA, and Providence Police Narcotics Bureau joint investigation targeted all levels of drug dealing in several communities.
Federal court records reflect the following:
- Ramon Barriera, 53, Providence, pled guilty on October 23, 2024, to a charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced on June 18, 2025, to 70 months of incarceration and four years of supervised release.
- Rafael Cruz, 75, of Providence, pled guilty on January 3, 2024, to a charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and was sentenced on May 29, 2024, to time served and three years of supervised release.
- Nelson Hazin, 57, of Providence, pled guilty on October 30, 2024, to a charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and was sentenced on April 14, 2025, to time served and three years of supervised release.
- Ricardo Martinez, Jr., 37, of Providence, pled guilty on October 16, 2024, to a charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and was sentenced on June 6, 2025, to 78 months of incarceration to be followed by five years of supervised release.
- Jonathan Masa-Gonzalez, 24, of Providence, pled guilty on June 5, 2024, to a charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and was sentenced on March 18, 2025, to 60 months of incarceration to be followed by four years of supervised release.
- Juan Betancourt Sosa, 29, of New Bedford, pled guilty on October 16, 2024, to a charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and was sentenced on April 14, 2025, to70 months of incarceration to be followed by four years of supervised release.
- Victor Yandel Aponte-Cirano, 25, of Taunton, pled guilty on September 6, 2023, to a charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced on January 22, 2024, to time served and three years of supervised release.
- Keven Restrepo, 33, of Providence pled guilty on December 12, 2022, to a charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and was sentenced on April 27, 2023, to 77 months of incarceration to be followed by four years of supervised release.
- Juan Gonzalez, 47, of Providence, pled guilty on January 25, 2024, to a charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced on July 16, 2024, to 72 months of incarceration to be followed by four years of supervised release.
- Charles Sims, 60, of Providence, pled guilty on November 20, 2023, to a charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced on September 25, 2024, to time served and three years of supervised release.
- Anthony Lacoste, 33, Woonsocket, pled guilty on October 29, 2024, to a charge conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 22, 2025.
- Karla Rivera-Rosa, 34, of Taunton, pled guilty on October 29, 2024, to a charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and is awaiting sentencing on a date yet to be set by the court.
- Felix Robles, 63, of Providence, is awaiting trial on a charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
Law enforcement agents seized approximately $78,000 in drug proceeds from Mendez at the time of his arrest.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey A. Erickson and Taylor A. Dean, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine D. Lowell and Sandra R. Hebert.
Acting United Sates Attorney Blooms thanks the FBI, DEA, and Providence Police Department for leading this investigation; the United States Postal Inspection Service for their invaluable assistance throughout the investigation; and the United States Marshals Service, Rhode Island State Police, Cranston, Central Falls, Fall River, North Smithfield, Pawtucket, Portsmouth, Warwick, West Warwick, and Woonsocket Police Departments for their assistance with the arrests of the defendants and the execution of search warrants.
###
Guatemalan National Charged with Assaulting Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Guatemalan national who entered the United States without inspection in 2006, and who is on bail awaiting trial in Rhode Island state court on felony domestic assault charges and for violation of a protective order has been ordered detained in federal custody on a federal criminal complaint charging him with assault, resisting, and impeding a federal law enforcement officer in performance of official duties, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
According to court documents, on July 15, 2025, ICE Enforcement and Removal officers, a DEA agent, and a Deputy U.S. Marshal approached Cristian Aroldo Pineda Diaz, 37, pursuant to an immigration arrest warrant. Attempting to avoid arrest and flee, Diaz tackled the DEA agent, causing serious injury to the agent. Diaz continue to struggle as the ICE agents and Deputy U.S. Marshal worked to subdue him. An immigration officer and a DEA agents suffered injuries during the scuffle requiring medical attention.
Court records reflect that on February 5, 2023, Diaz was arrested in Central Falls on domestic breaking and entering, domestic disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest charges. A no-contact order was issued prohibiting Diaz from contacting the complainant. On February 16, 2023, an arrest warrant was issued after Diaz allegedly violated the no-contact order by texting and calling the complainant. It is further alleged that on that date, Diaz followed the complainant’s car and struck the vehicle numerous times while with his vehicle. An arrest warrant was issued for Diaz charging him with six counts of felony domestic assault and violation of a protective order.
Diaz was arrested on March 4, 2023, and detained at the ACI. He was released on bail on April 3, 2023.
The federal assault case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorney G. Michael Seaman.
The matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Rhode Island Man Arrested for Threatening President Trump, Attorney General Bondi, and White House Deputy Chief of Staff MillerRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Rhode Island man has been arrested and is scheduled to make an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Providence today for threatening to kill President Donald Trump, United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi, and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, announced Acting Rhode Island United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Court documents allege that on June 27, 2025, Carl D. Montague, 37, issued a profanity-laced posting on Truth Social threatening to shoot and kill President Trump, Attorney General Bondi, and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Miller.
Montague is charged by way of a criminal complaint with threats against the President; interstate threats; threats to assault; and kidnap, or murder of a United States official, judge, or law enforcement officer. He was arrested without incident this morning and is scheduled to make an initial appearance before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Amy E. Moses at 1:00 PM.
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dulce Donovan.
The matter was investigated by the FBI, United States Secret Service, and the Providence Police Department.
###
criminal_complaint_affidavit.pdfEcuadorian National Indicted for Illegal Re-entryRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – An Ecuadorian national deported from the United States in 2008 has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Rhode Island on a charge of illegal re-entry, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Manuel Yochuzga-Yopangue, a/k/a Manuel Yupangui, 34, came to the attention of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through an automated biometric fingerprint match of fingerprints entered into the National Crime Information Center in May 2025 following his arrest on state child molestation charges.
Immigration files reflect that Yochuzga-Yopangue was removed from the United States in August 2008. He is currently detained at the ACI on the Rhode Island state charges. An arraignment date in federal court on the indictment is not yet scheduled.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.
The matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty
###
Providence VA Service Representative Admits to Federal Extortion, Bribery, Witness Tampering ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A former benefits service representative with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Providence pleaded guilty today to a six-count indictment that charges him with three counts of bribery and one count each of extortion, gratuity received by a public official, and witness tampering, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Michael Darrah, 47, of Taunton, MA., solicited and accepted bribes from veterans and the family member of a veteran to approve requested dependent care benefits and/or disability benefits. In requesting payments, Darrah claimed that some of the money he sought from his victims would be used to purchase gift cards for other purported VA employees who Darrah claimed either could or did assist him in expediting and approving benefits claims.
As reflected in the indictment:
- Darrah requested payments and accepted approximately $3,385 from a veteran to “grease the wheels” to push paperwork through and expedite a claim for disability benefits.
- Darrah corruptly sought and accepted $16,566 from a second veteran to expedite and approve a claim for disability benefits.
- Darrah sought and accepted $2,700 from a relative of a third veteran to expedite and approve the veteran’s benefits claim and he sought and accepted a “gratuity” of approximately $5,000 from the same veteran for having successfully used his position at the VA to get other VA employees to expedite and approve the claims. The indictment reflects that Darrah requested this “gratuity” despite being advised that the veteran was facing homelessness as his house was being foreclosed.
- After becoming aware of the government’s investigation into his conduct, Darrah attempted to corruptly persuade a witness not to cooperate with the investigation and to lie about the nature of payments made to him.
Darrah is scheduled to be sentenced on October 14, 2025. The defendant’s sentence will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter I. Roklan and Ly T. Chin.
The matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General, with the assistance of the FBI, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Veterans Administration Police.
###
Pawtucket Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Fraud, ID Theft, Altering Government Checks, and Violating Terms of Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Pawtucket man with a lengthy record of arrests and convictions for financial fraud who admitted to defrauding the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the U.S. Treasury out of more than $100,000 combined was sentenced today to federal prison, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Reynaldo Martinez, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 73 months and one day of incarceration to be followed by three years of supervised release. Martinez pleaded guilty on April 2, 2025, to two counts of conspiracy and one count each of misuse of a Social Security number, and aggravated identity theft. He also admitted to violating the terms of federal supervised released he was serving at the time of his most recent arrest.
In this most recent case, court documents reflect that Martinez appeared in person at multiple Rhode Island Department of Human Services offices and filed fraudulent applications for SNAP benefits. Martinez fraudulently obtained at least 40 SNAP EBT cards through the use of stolen identities, stolen or fraudulent Social Security numbers, and/or fraudulent driver’s licenses. Martinez fraudulently secured at least $33,192.36 in SNAP benefits.
In a second fraud scheme, Martinez cashed altered United States Treasury checks made payable to himself. Martinez and co-conspirators obtained checks made payable to others, then altered the checks to reflect counterfeit or fraudulent driver’s licenses they presented when cashing or depositing the checks. The total amount of fraudulent U.S. Treasury checks cashed or deposited was approximately $79,532.32.
Court records illustrate that Martinez was previously arrested and convicted on multiple occasions in multiple states on fraud related and other criminal charges dating back to 2012. In November 2017, Martinez pleaded guilty in federal court to four counts of aggravated identity theft, two counts of access fraud, and one count each of bank fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud, attempted access fraud, and interstate transportation of stolen goods. He was sentenced to 48 months of incarceration to be followed by three years of federal supervised release. Martinez’s most recent fraud schemes were launched while he was serving the term of supervised release.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter I. Roklan.
The matters were investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, Rhode Island Office of Internal Audit - Fraud Detection & Prevention Unit, Rhode Island Department of Human Services, Rhode Island State Police, Pawtucket Police Department, Warwick Police Department, West Warwick Police Department, Woonsocket Police Department, Foxborough, MA Police Department, and Walmart Global Investigations.
###
South Kingstown Man Indicted for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A South Kingstown man is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday, charged by way of a federal indictment for allegedly trafficking cocaine, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
The grand jury returned an indictment on July 2, 2025, charging Hector Villa, 40, with distribution of 500 grams or more of cocaine. A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Charging documents alleged that Villa delivered three kilograms of cocaine to another individual on June 3, 2025, while under law enforcement surveillance. He was detained and arrested a short time later. The drugs were seized by law enforcement.
Charging documents reflect that following Villa’s arrest, a court authorized search of a suspected drug stash house in North Providence was conducted. The search resulted in the seizure of a kilogram of cocaine, a firearm, and various items used in the packaging and distribution of narcotics.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie White.
The matter was investigated by members of the Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force.
###
Convicted Felon Indicted, Arraigned on Federal Firearms and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A convicted felon was arraigned in federal court in Providence today on firearm and drug charges contained in a 15-count federal superseding indictment returned by a grand jury on June 18, 2025, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
The indictment charges Luis Martinez, 46, of Providence, with three counts of sale or transfer of a firearm to a prohibited person, two counts of distribution of cocaine, three counts of distribution of cocaine base, four counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Charging documents allege the following:
- on various dates between September 17, 2024, and March 5, 2025, Martinez sold a total of approximately 73.6 grams of crack cocaine and approximately 54.9 grams of cocaine.
- On March 26, 2025, he possessed 28 grams or more of cocaine base with the intent to distribute it and also possessed cocaine with the intent to distribute it;
- Between September 17, 2024, and March 26, 2025, Martinez was a felon in possession of four firearms, three of which he sold or transferred to another person; and
- On March 26, 2025 while he possessed cocaine with the intent to distribute it, he also possessed a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.
Court records reflect that Martinez was previously convicted in Rhode Island state courts on felony firearm and drug trafficking charges and was serving a term of state probation at the time of his initial arrest in this matter on May 7, 2025. Martinez is currently detained in federal custody.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald R. Gendron
The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Providence Police Department Narcotics Unit.
###
New York Man Sentenced in Rhode Island for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE A Bronx, NY, man who participated in a conspiracy that intended to defraud banks in at least ten states of approximately $143,000 was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Paul Keenan, 54, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 24 months of incarceration to be followed by three years of supervised release. Keenan, charged and arrested in this matter in August 2024, pleaded guilty in February to a charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
According to court documents, Keenan, working alongside other members of a conspiracy, to facilitate their scheme, recruited and organized individuals and obtained their photographs and personal identifying information (PII). Keenan and his co-conspirators used the information to create fraudulent IDs that contained their own photographs and the PII of some of the recruits.
Keenan and others then obtained the PII of at least 28 victim individuals, including their names, dates of birth, addresses, Social Security numbers, and bank account information. They also obtained information of at least 20 business entities, including business names and banking information. The information collected was used to create fraudulent IDs and checks. Members of the conspiracy then traveled with recruits to banks in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and at least eight other states to cash bogus checks.
Through the scheme, Keenan and others attempted to defraud banks of a total of approximately $143,000, successfully defrauding twenty-two banks of a total of approximately $93,200.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christine Lowell with the assistance of Assistant United States Attorney Sandra Hebert.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the East Providence Police Department, with the assistance of the Portsmouth Police Department.
###
Warwick Man Admits to Trafficking Fentanyl-Laced Pills Disguised as PercocetRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE –A Warwick man today pleaded guilty in federal court to charges that he trafficked fentanyl-laced pills disguised as Percocet, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Preston Quintanilha, 23, pleaded guilty to charges of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and attempt to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Quintanilha has been detained in federal custody since his arrest on May 28, 2024, on a criminal complaint filed in this matter. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 30, 2025. The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court documents, in August 2023, during a joint federal and local law enforcement investigation into the defendant’s drug trafficking activities, the DEA made two controlled purchases of fentanyl-laced pills from Quintanilha.
On September 28, 2023, law enforcement executed multiple court-authorized search warrants and seized 999 fentanyl-laced pills (107.5 grams), a bag of suspected crack cocaine, and $5,830 in cash from his residence; 1,003 fentanyl-laced pills (109.9 grams) from a Pawtucket apartment he used to store narcotic drugs; and $4,232 in cash from his person, proceeds Quintanilha admitted were from his drug trafficking activities.
Additionally, on April 16, 2024, United States Postal Service employees intercepted a package addressed to Quintanilha to be delivered to a relative’s residence. A certified K-9 dog positively alerted for the presence of a narcotic odor. A court-authorized search of the package revealed 9,998 fentanyl-laced pills (1,085.8 grams). Quintanilha admitted that he had the package shipped to a relative’s house under the guise of it being a gift for his girlfriend.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie White.
The matter was investigated by the DEA, Warwick Police Department, Pawtucket Police Department, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
###
Guatemalan National Previously Deported Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE - A Guatemalan national who reentered the country illegally after having been convicted for drug trafficking in 2014 and subsequently deported was sentenced today on a charge of illegal reentry and will again face deportation, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
According to court records, Pedro Andony Alvarado Aguilar, 46, was convicted in federal court in Connecticut in November 2014 on charges of conspiracy to import 5,000 grams or more of cocaine and conspiracy to import 1,000 grams or more of heroin. He was deported on July 1, 2015.
On April 10, 2025, Immigration Officers learned through an automated biometric fingerprint match of fingerprints entered into the National Crime Information Center that Alvarado Aguilar was arrested in Rhode Island for driving on a suspended license and on an obstruction charge. The defendant was charged in U.S. District Court in Providence on May 9, 2025, with illegal reentry; he pleaded guilty on May 29, 2025.
At sentencing today, U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy sentenced Alvarado Aguilar to time served (detained in federal custody since May 2, 2025). An immigration detainer has been filed in this matter.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter I. Roklan.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations Immigration and Custom Enforcement.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
###
Indictments Charge Seven Individuals in Drug Trafficking and Firearms InvestigationsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE - Seven individuals have been charged by way indictments unsealed in U.S. District Court in Providence related to a year-long Project Safe Neighborhoods investigation into firearm and drug trafficking in Rhode Island, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Court documents reflect that between September 11, 2024, and April 30, 2025, Jose Rodriguez Morales, aka Bam Bam, 28, of Providence, allegedly arranged for the sale and delivery of at least 700 grams of fentanyl pills; 104 grams of fentanyl powder; 96 grams of cocaine; and seven firearms, to include an AR-15, two semi-automatic handguns, three handguns, and a Glock switch. Some of the deliveries were allegedly made by associates of Jose Rodriquez Morales, including two of his brothers. The deliveries were surveilled by members of law enforcement and the items trafficked were quickly seized.
The investigation included the execution of multiple search warrants in Providence and Central Falls by the FBI Safe Street Task Force and a multitude of law enforcement partners on June 12, 2025.
A 13-count indictment returned on June 11, 2025, and unsealed today charges
- Jose Rodriguez Morales, aka Bam Bam, 28, of Providence, with conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl, unlawful possession of a machinegun, unlawful possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and unlawful dealing in firearms. The defendant was arrested on June 12, 2025, and ordered detained in federal custody.
- Iven Rodriguez Morales, 30, of Central Falls, with conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl, unlawful possession of a machinegun, and unlawful possession of a firearm. The defendant was arrested on June 16, 2025, and ordered detained in federal custody.
- Bryan Pacheco Morales, 23, of Central Falls, with conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, distribution of40 grams or more of fentanyl, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The defendant was arrested on June 12, 2025, and released on June 23, 2025, on unsecured bond.
- Edgar Aviles Cruz, 33, of Central Falls, with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The defendant was arrested on June 12, 2025, and was released on an unsecured bond.
- Jashua Encarnacion, 25, of Central Falls , with conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The defendant was arrested on June 12, 2025, and released on an unsecured bond.
- Carlos Figuereo, 24, of Providence, with conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The defendant was arrested today and was ordered detained in federal custody.
Additionally, the investigation led to the return of an indictment charging Christian Carrion, 32, of Pawtucket, with distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl. According to information presented to the court, it is alleged that, on at least two occasions, Carrion sold fentanyl-laced pills to another person. It is alleged that the total weight of fentanyl pills sold by Carrion totaled 60 grams. Carrion was arraigned before a U.S. Magistrate Judge on June 12, 2025, and was ordered detained.
A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julianne Klein and Peter I. Roklan.
The ongoing investigation is led by the FBI’s Rhode Island Safe Streets Task Force, with valuable assistance provided by Rhode Island State Police, United States Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Pawtucket and Central Falls Police Departments.
###
Cranston Man Admits to Large Scale Production of Meth and Fentanyl-Laced PillsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE - A Cranston man admitted to a federal judge on Tuesday that he produced, possessed, and/or delivered thousands of methamphetamine and fentanyl-laced fake Adderall pills, and that he was in possession of significant quantities of methamphetamine pills and powder and a quantity of fentanyl powder at the time of his arrest in August 2022, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Sambo Sok, 41, pleaded guilty to charges of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 11, 2025. The sentences imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to information presented to the court, in the summer of 2022, during an investigation into Sok’s drug trafficking activities, DEA agents learned that methamphetamine-laced pills were being manufactured at the defendant’s residence. On August 15, 2025, agents witnessed activity at Sok’s home consistent with narcotics trafficking. A person who had been at the residence manufacturing and packaging pills transferred a large quantity of pills from the residence to the trunk of a motor vehicle. A short time later law enforcement stopped the vehicle and recovered approximately 10,500 methamphetamine-laced fake Adderall pills. Law enforcement also responded to the Sok’s home where another co-conspirator was observed placing a bag, later determined to contain thousands of methamphetamine pills, into the trunk of his vehicle. Sok, who was present at the residence, was apprehended as he attempted to flee the agents.
Court-authorized searches of the defendant’s residence, a shed on his property, and a vehicle parked in front of the defendant’s home that followed resulted in the seizure of a total of 12,110.7 grams of methamphetamine, including approximately 21,688 pills and 501.2 grams of a mixture of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Also seized were, five pill presses, various items used in the production of drug-laced pills, and nearly 2,000 tablets containing a combination of MDMA, methamphetamine, and caffeine.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey A. Erickson.
The matter was investigated by the Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force.
###
2025 World Elder Abuse Awareness MonthRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Month, the Department of Justice announced that it has reinvigorated efforts to protect American seniors from transnational schemes that cost seniors billions of dollars, often stealing their life savings. In the past few weeks alone, Department prosecutors have arrested and filed cases against foreign fraudsters and domestic actors who have knowingly facilitated foreign-based crimes.
“Cases involving elder fraud are among the most heartbreaking cases our law enforcement partners investigate and that we prosecute. This office and federal, state, and local law enforcement are committed to working together to hold accountable those who prey on some of our most vulnerable citizens and strip them of their hard-earned savings,” commented Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. “We urge our seniors and their families to remain vigilant and to utilize the many resources available to them, such as those described below, to detect, report and avoid falling victims to these frauds.”
The Department is highlighting a number of actions, including in the District of Rhode Island, taken to protect American seniors. These include cases against those who engage in, and knowingly facilitate, romance fraud, lottery fraud, tech support fraud, and grandparent scams. Romance fraud is a confidence scheme where a perpetrator feigns romantic interest with a victim only to later extract money or property under false pretenses. Lottery fraud schemes trick victims into believing they have won a non-existent lottery or sweepstakes prize in order to extract fake fees, taxes, or other fabricated charges from the victim. Tech support fraud scams involve perpetrators tricking victims into believing that their computer or phone has a problem, often through fake pop-up messages, and to later seek funds from the victims in order to “fix” the “problem.” Grandparent scams, another type of confidence scheme, involve scammers impersonating a grandchild or close family member who experiences a fictitious emergency and needs money from the victim as soon as possible.
On June 12, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island announced the conviction of a British national from Northern Ireland who participated in a multi-state construction and money laundering fraud scheme targeting seniors. Members of the conspiracy falsely represented their experiences, skills, and business experiences while misrepresenting to property owners’ construction needs or repairs required on their properties. The conspiracy defrauded victims in Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New York, and netted more than a million dollars. See here for the full USAO press release.
On May 21, 2025, this office announced the indictment of eight individuals for their roles in orchestrating and executing elaborate transnational fraud and money laundering schemes targeting elderly citizens in the United States and Canada. According to court documents, pop-up messages on seniors’ computers making various false claims lured victims to call live agents, who informed the victims that their financial assets were at risk or could be garnished, among other false claims. Law enforcement identified approximately 300 individuals in at least 37 states who suffered known losses exceeding $5 million. See here for the full USAO press release.
On November 4, 2024, it was announced that the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island charged a Florida resident and a New York resident with allegedly perpetrating grandparent scams against seniors in multiple states, including Rhode Island and Massachusetts. It is alleged that collectively the defendants defrauded seniors in more than a dozen communities in Rhode Island and Massachusetts of at least $230,000. See here for the full USO press release.
Recovering Victim Loss
Victims face many challenges in financially recovering from fraud schemes—and that is even more true for elderly victims. Many retired seniors are no longer earning income and cannot count on market appreciation to grow their retirement savings. Perpetrators may have already spent or forwarded victim funds beyond the reach of United States law enforcement. Victims may not have the resources to pursue legal action or hire legal representation. These, and other reasons, make it critically important that the Department do whatever it takes to achieve substantial victim restitution in cases we investigate and prosecute.
National Elder Fraud Hotline 2025 WEAAD Campaign
The National Elder Fraud Hotline is a free, national resource for older adults and their loved ones experiencing financial fraud. Supported by the Office for Victims of Crime, the National Elder Fraud Hotline is staffed by professionals who have experience working with older adults. Staff are continuously updated on the latest scams, are trained to make referrals and warm hand-offs for resources and services in the older adult’s local area and can assist older adults in placing a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), a report which has the potential to freeze funds (although freezing funds cannot be guaranteed).
The department urges individuals to be on the lookout for fraudulent lottery, prize notification, sweepstakes, and psychic scams. If you receive a phone call, letter or email promising a large prize in exchange for a fee, do not respond. Fraudsters often will use official-sounding names or the names of real lotteries or sweepstakes or pretend to be a government agent purportedly helping to secure a prize.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.
More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.
The Department notes that for all cases discussed above, facts included in a Complaint, Information, or Indictment are only allegations, and all defendants are innocent until proven guilty by evidence beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
Florida Resident Sentenced in Rhode Island for Possessing a Machinegun and an Unregistered FirearmRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Florida resident who often stayed at a residence in Coventry has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, having been convicted of possession of a firearm and possession of an unregistered firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Joshua Pavao, 45, previously admitted to a federal judge that he possessed an unregistered semi-automatic weapon modified to function as a fully automatic machine gun which had a barrel length of 10 and 5/8 inches, substantially less than the 16 inches required by law.
Court documents reflect that in December 2023, Pavao engaged East Providence Police, who were investigating a report of shots fired, in a high-speed car chase that resulted in multiple motor vehicle crashes. Pavao fled on foot from his vehicle but was quickly apprehended. Upon his arrest officers discovered three loaded firearms and a multitude of ammunition and loaded pistol magazines in and around his vehicle and nearby.
Shortly after Pavao’s arrest, Coventry Police Department and East Providence Police Department Detectives and ATF agents executed a court-authorized search of a duffle bag belonging to Pavao that he stored inside a garage at the Coventry residence where he frequently visited. From inside the duffle bag, law enforcement seized eight long guns, four of which were outfitted with an auto sear machine gun conversion device rendering them machine guns.
Pavao, who pled guilty in February 2025, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy on June 5, 2025, to 30 months of incarceration to be followed by three years of federal supervised release.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.
The matter was investigated by the East Providence Police Department, with valuable assistance provided by the Coventry Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
###
Romanian National Illegally in the United States Sentenced for Bank Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Romanian national present in the United States illegally has been sentenced to more than two years in federal prison and will subsequently face deportation proceedings for his role in an elaborate, methodical scheme across at least five states to defraud banks and banking customers, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
For more than two years beginning as early as May 2022, Dumitru Bogdan Pancu, a/k/a Stefano Garioli, a/k/a Leon Vutkus, 40, and others, surreptitiously installed skimming devices on ATMs in multiple states, allowing them to intercept hundreds of ATM customers’ debit card information. Pancu and others used that information to create hundreds of counterfeit debit cards which were used to make unauthorized cash withdrawals, attempted withdrawals, and retail purchases.
Pancu admitted that between May 2022 and July 2024, he and others installed skimming devices on ATMs and stole banking information from unsuspecting banking customers in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey.
Pancu pleaded guilty on December 11, 2024, to a charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to a term of incarceration of 27 months to be followed by two years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay restitution totaling $16,562.06.
The defendant faces deportation proceedings upon completion of his term of incarceration.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Taylor Dean and Ly Chin.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with valuable assistance from the Warwick, RI, Police Department, Cranston, RI, Police Department, East Greenwich, RI, Police Department, North Kingstown, RI, Police Department, East Providence, RI, Police Department, Boston, MA, Police Department, New York City Police Department, and the Stratford, CT, Police Department.
###
Massachusetts Attorney Sentenced in a Conspiracy to Smuggle Contraband Inside a Federal Detention CenterRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Massachusetts attorney who participated in a conspiracy to smuggle contraband to a detainee housed at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Center in Rhode Island has been sentenced to three years’ probation, the first six months to be served in home confinement with GPS monitoring, and 100 hours of community service, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Theresa Marie DiJoseph, 51, pleaded guilty on March 12, 2025, to one count each of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance analogue, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, and providing a prohibited object to an inmate. She was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose.
In pleading guilty, DiJoseph admitted that in late 2023, she conspired with other individuals to smuggle ten papers soaked with K2, a synthetic marijuana, into the Wyatt Detention Center. DiJoseph also admitted that she later made false statements to the FBI during their investigation into the source of the contraband.
According to information presented to the court, DiJoseph used her status as an attorney to meet multiple times with detainee Shawn D. Hart, 47, with whom she had a personal relationship, in a visiting room used for attorney visits to conduct legal work.
On December 1, 2023, during an attempt to visit with Hart, Wyatt correctional officers seized from DiJoseph 10 sheets of paper that appeared discolored, thicker than normal, and to have been wet and dried. The papers were later sent to an FBI testing lab that confirmed the presence of Schedule I controlled substances.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julianne Klein and Peter I. Roklan.
The matter was investigated by the FBI and the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Center Professional Standards Unit.
###
Honduran National Indicted for Illegal Re-entryRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Honduran national deported from the United States in January 2020 has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Rhode Island on a charge of illegal re-entry, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Pedro Marquez Benetiz, 56, recently arrested on a Rhode Island state charge of simple assault, is currently detained at the Adult Correctional Institutions. Immigration officers learned of the defendant’s presence in the United States through an automated biometric fingerprint match.
A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dulce Donovan.
The matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
###
Guatemalan National Indicted for Illegal Re-entryRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Guatemalan national deported from the United States in 2004 has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Rhode Island on a charge of illegal re-entry, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Marco Tulio Gonzales Cahueque aka Santos Israel Ortiz Cahueque, 48, came to the attention of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through an automated biometric fingerprint match of fingerprints entered into the National Crime Information Center as a result of his arrest on a driving under the influence charge in Rhode Island in December 2024. ICE encountered him in his car on June 3, 2025, and he was arrested.
Government records indicate that Marco Tulio Gonzales Cahueque was deported from the United States in May 2004.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julianne Klein and Dulce Donovan.
The matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with the Assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
###
Guatemalan National Illegally in the United States Indicted for Impeding and Assaulting Federal AgentsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A previously deported Guatemalan national illegally present in the United States has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Rhode Island on two counts of assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, or interfering with federal officers engaged in official duties, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
It is alleged that on April 30, 2024, Miguel Tamup-Tamup, a/k/a Miguel US Tamup, 28, struggled with an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation officer and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents as they attempted to apprehend him as authorized by an arrest warrant. An HSI agent suffered a serious injury during the encounter.
Charging documents reflect that on April 19, 2025, Tamup-Tamup was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence after his car allegedly collided with another vehicle. He was subsequently arraigned and released. Tamup-Tamup's fingerprints matched ICE fingerprint records associated with a person flagged as being in the United States illegally.
It is alleged that on April 30, 2025, an ICE deportation officer and Homeland Security Investigations agents stopped a car that Tamup-Tamup was operating. After he refused to exit, Tamup-Tamup was guided out of the vehicle. While the agents attempted to place Tamup-Tamup in handcuffs, he allegedly resisted, threw his upper body and shoulders against the agents, flailed his arms, and broke an agent’s hold. During the encounter, one of the agents fell to the ground and suffered a serious leg injury. Tamup-Tamup fled as the injured agent was attended to.
On May 16, 2025, ICE and HSI agents located Tamup-Tamup at a Providence residence and took him into custody. He has been detained since making an initial appearance on that date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Milind Shah.
###
Dominican National Indicted for Illegal Re-entryRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Dominican national twice deported from the United States has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Rhode Island on a charge of illegal re-entry, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Celso Herrera-De Los Santos, 49, of Cranston, recently arrested on Rhode Island state charges of possession with intent to deliver cocaine and possession with intent to deliver 1oz to 1 kilo of cocaine is currently detained at the Adult Correctional Institutions.
According to government records, Herrera-De Los Santos was previously deported in 2011 and in 2017.
A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter I. Roklan, with the assistance of Assistant United States Attorney Dulce Donovan.
The matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
###
British National Pleads Guilty to Fraud, Money Laundering, and Immigration ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A British national from Northern Ireland illegally in the United States today admitted to a federal judge that he participated in a multi-state construction and money laundering fraud scheme that netted more than a million dollars, and that he provided false information to gain entry into the United States, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
In pleading guilty to wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering, and false statement in a document used to gain entry into the United States, Elijah Gavin, 29, admitted to the following:
- Gavin used a variety of different names when he approached and defrauded property owners in Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York by, among other things, misrepresenting to property owners’ construction needs or repairs required on their properties.
- Gavin and his co-conspirators formed multiple construction businesses and falsely represented the business’ status, experience, and quality of work; falsely represented their identities and skills to homeowners; and made false representations to property owners regarding the condition of their properties, work they would perform, and the machinery, materials, and equipment needed to perform work.
- Between October 2022 and January 2025, Gavin and his co-conspirators defrauded property owners of over one million dollars, including a Rhode Island widow who was defrauded of $850,000, as well as other elderly victims in Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, and a church in New York.
- Gavin sent checks to money launderers in New York and California representing funds that were fraudulently obtained from his victims.
- Gavin is a fugitive from justice in the United Kingdom who entered the United States illegally. Gavin used a false Electronic System for Travel Authorization application to gain entry into the United States without a visa. Gavin’s ESTA application contained materially false information with respect to Gavin’s criminal history in the United Kingdom.
According to the FBI’s Terrorist Screening Center, Conmen Travelers are groups of Irish or U.K. nationals who entered the United States on pleasure or tourist visas and overstayed their visits or, more commonly, entered the United States illegally. Once in the United States, they go to different cities and states, soliciting construction work. The members often quote a low price, and then, after further inspection, demand much more money and/or convince the homeowner that their homes or business are in need of major repairs. Conmen Travelers often hire day laborers; do not have work authorization documents or pull permits; and do low quality, unnecessary, or incomplete work, sometimes damaging homeowners’ residences.
Gavin has been detained in federal custody since his arrest in New Jersey on January 29, 2025. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 11, 2025. The sentences imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sandra R. Hebert and Taylor A. Dean.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Rhode Island State Police, and U.S Diplomatic Security Service.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
###
Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to Thirty-Five Years in Prison for Enticing a Minor, Launching a Murder-for-Hire Plot to Silence the VictimRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A registered sex offender convicted in federal court for enticing a 12-year-old girl and then launching a murder-for-hire plot to have the victim silenced has been sentenced to 35 years in prison, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Chander J. Cardente, 30, previously admitted to a federal judge that he enticed the young girl to engage in multiple sexual encounters and later launched a murder-for-hire plot in a scheme to eliminate her as a witness against him.
Court documents reflect that in the summer of 2021, Cardente, while posing as a 17-year-old, began communicating with the minor victim via a messaging app, and told the victim that he was interested in having sexual contact with her. In December 2021, he met the girl a short distance from her middle school, drove her to various locations in Rhode Island, and engaged in sexual contact with her multiple times. Cardente was subsequently arrested and detained in state custody.
While being held at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI), Cardente communicated by telephone with another person, expressing his intent that the victim be murdered. In a conversation with a law enforcement officer acting in an undercover capacity, Cardente told the officer that the victim needed “to end up dead” because she was “a witness.” He offered the undercover officer $200 in cash and equipment worth $1,500.
Cardente pleaded guilty on March 20, 2025, to enticement of a minor, commission of a felony while being required to register as a sex offender, and interstate murder for hire. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Senior Judge William E. Smith to 420 months of incarceration and 30 years of federal supervised release, with the term of incarceration commencing on December 11, 2021, to include the time Cardente has been held prior to sentencing.
Cardente faced both federal and state prosecution in this matter. On May 1, 2025, at a hearing before Superior Court Justice David Cruise, Cardente plead nolo contendere to six counts of first-degree child molestation. Judge Cruise sentenced the defendant to 60 years with 35 to serve and 60 years of probation.
The case in federal court was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Milind M. Shah.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations; the Warwick, Cranston, and Burrillville Police Departments; Rhode Island State Police; and the Rhode Island Department of Corrections Special Investigations Unit.
Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom acknowledges and thanks the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General for their assistance in advancing federal charges brought in this matter.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc
###
Real Estate Investor, His Company, and an Employee Sentenced for Defrauding Financially Distressed Homeowners and Financial InstitutionsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Johnston-based real estate investment firm, the company’s owner, and an employee of the real estate investment firm were sentenced in U.S. District Court today for conspiring to defraud and for defrauding homeowners, many of whom spoke little or no English, and financial institutions, criminal conduct that caused some homeowners to move out of their property, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
In April 2023, after a three week trial, a jury convicted Gregory F. Aloisio, 63, of Johnston, his real estate investment company, Aloisio Group, LLC, and Aloisio Group employee John DiFruscio, Jr., 72, of North Providence, for their roles in a scheme to fraudulently obtain properties from financially distressed homeowners; to fraudulently obtain fees, commissions, and other income associated with the rental, use and short sale of homeowners’ properties; to fraudulently purchase properties in short sales and illegally “flip” them for significant personal gain; and defraud several financial institutions.
Aloisio Group, LLC and DiFruscio, Jr., were each convicted of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud; Gregory Aloisio and John DiFruscio were each convicted on three counts of bank fraud and one count of wire fraud; and Gregory Aloisio was also convicted on a charge of money laundering.
U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy today sentenced Gregory Aloisio to a term of incarceration of 12 months and one day to be followed by three years of supervised release and John DiFruscio, Jr. to three years supervised release, the first three months in home confinement. District Court Judge McElroy imposed a term of one year of probation against the Aloisio Group. Restitution orders in this matter will be entered by the court within 30 days.
The government presented evidence during the trial that, as part of the conspiracy and to further their scheme, the defendants lied to homeowners, financial institutions, and others, including evidence of the following:
- Through misrepresentations and concealment, the defendants represented that they were working at “arm’s length” from the homeowners, meaning that there were no relationships or connections between themselves and the homeowners that could create incentive for suppressions of house purchase prices. In fact, the defendants were controlling both sides of the purchase transactions.
- The defendants filed affidavits and documents that falsely represented 1) that no commercial relationship existed between the parties to induce lenders to approve short sales; 2) that there was no agreement to “flip” or rent the targeted properties after the short sale; and 3) the identity of the seller, the identity of the buyer, and/or cash to the parties at closing.
- In fact, defendants lined-up buyers prior to short sale so as to guarantee a flip and profit after the short sale. Prior to short sale, the defendants entered into agreements with lined-up buyers to sell properties at prices more than the short sale prices.
- The defendants deceived homeowners into believing that they offered a legitimate solution to the homeowners’ financial distress. In reality, the defendants were using homeowners to perpetuate their fraud. Some financially distressed homeowners were convinced to move out of their residences and lost their homes. Others remained in their properties and paid rent to the co-conspirators.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sandra R. Hebert and Milind M. Shah. The matter was investigated by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - Office of Inspector General and the FBI.
###
Rhode Island Man Sentenced for Setting Fires Around the Exterior of a Church and Assaulting Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
Kevin Colantonio, 36, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to malicious damage by means of fire, obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs, and two counts of assault on a federal officer. He was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr., to more than six years in federal prison. He intentionally set multiple fires around the exterior of a predominantly black church in North Providence, RI, in February 2024, and assaulted two federal correctional officers while detained at a federal detention center following his arrest.
“This defendant acted with disdain against people of faith and complete disregard for law enforcement officers,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to vigorously prosecute anti-Christian bias in the United States and ensure Americans are free to worship without fear.”
Colantonio previously admitted to a federal judge that on Feb. 11, 2024, he used gasoline and a lighter he purchased minutes earlier at a gas station within walking distance of Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries, to ignite five fires around the exterior of the church. The fires were quickly extinguished by North Providence officers, but not before the church sustained some damage.
During a Feb. 15, 2024, court-authorized search of Colantonio’s residence, an accelerant detection canine indicated a positive reaction on several items of seized clothing. These items matched the clothing Colantonio was wearing on the night of the arson, based upon surveillance footage. Colantonio admitted to setting the fires and assaulting the corrections officers.
Acting U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom for the District of Rhode Island and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter I. Roklan for the District of Rhode Island and Taylor Payne of the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
The fires set at the Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with members of the North Providence, RI, Police Department and the Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s Office. The assault of the federal officers was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rhode Island Man Sentenced for Setting Multiple Fires Around the Exterior of a Church; Assaulting Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Rhode Island man who intentionally set multiple fires around the exterior of a predominantly black church in North Providence, RI, in February 2024, and while detained at a federal detention center following his arrest assaulted two federal correctional officers, has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison.
Kevin Colantonio, 36, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to malicious damage by means of fire, obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs, and two counts of assault on a federal officer. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 78 months of incarceration to be followed by three years of supervised release.
Colantonio previously admitted to a federal judge that on February 11, 2024, he used gasoline and a lighter he purchased minutes earlier at a gas station within walking distance of Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries, a predominantly black church with both an in-person and online following, to ignite five fires around the exterior of the church. The fires were quickly extinguished by North Providence officers who arrived at the church moments after the fires were lit, but not before the church sustained some damage.
Due to the damage, church congregants were prevented from enjoying their free exercise of religious beliefs as church services were cancelled until the church could be reopened.
Several hours prior to the fires being discovered, the pastor of Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries reported to police that he witnessed an individual on the church’s Ring camera doorbell attempting to break into the church. The pastor spoke to the male subject through the Ring camera, telling him, among other things, that the building was a church. The man continued trying to break in the door, and then broke the Ring camera off the side of the building. The pastor later identified Colantonio as the person he saw on the Ring camera.
The day after lighting the fires, Colantonio privately messaged a family member that no one in the community cared about the arson; Colantonio called the church “Athiest God mockers,” adding that, “They’re busy dancing around collecting money.”
During a February 15, 2024, court-authorized search of Colantonio’s residence, an accelerant detection canine indicated a positive reaction on several items of seized clothing. These items matched the clothing Colantonio was wearing on the night of the arson, based upon surveillance footage. Also seized were notebooks with writings such as “Eliminate Rich Snob global Elite Pastors, burn churches down to ground, when congregants move to next church, do the same… .” In a separate entry, Colantonio wrote, “hunt them down gun everyone down that isn’t white, if one is white spread the gospel. Always give our bloodline a chance.”
In addition to admitting to setting the fires, Colantonio admitted to assaulting two federal correctional officers while he was detained at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility following his arrest. Colantonio admitted that he struck two federal officers with human bodily waste and fluid that were contained inside a mug he tossed at the officers.
Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division made today’s announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter I. Roklan for the District of Rhode Island and Taylor Payne of the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
The fires set at the Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with members of the North Providence, RI, Police Department and the Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s Office. The assault of the federal officers was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.
###
Twice Convicted Drug Trafficker Pleads Guilty to Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Rhode Island man who was previously convicted twice and incarcerated for drug trafficking admitted to a federal judge today that, after completing his second term of incarceration and while on federal supervised release, he arranged multiple times to have packages containing cocaine shipped to Rhode Island from Columbia, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Levys Tovar, 43, a former United Parcel Service (UPS) employee, used his position at UPS to attempt to locate and intercept one of the packages prior to it being sent out for a delivery to a non-existent address in Central Falls. Prior to attempting to intercept the package, Tovar tracked the package from his residence approximately 41 times. Unbeknownst to Tovar, the package had been intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol after it was found to contain slightly over 200 grams of cocaine secreted inside a piece of machinery.
Further investigation determined that Tovar had other packages sent to various addresses in Rhode Island from Columbia, including one that was intercepted in Columbia that was found to contain approximately 850 grams of cocaine, and another that contained just over 300 grams of cocaine stashed inside an old television set.
According to information presented to the court, Tovar arranged for others to ship to him more than two kilograms of cocaine.
Tovar pleaded guilty today, as charged by indictment in February 2023, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 2, 2025. The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court records, Tovar was convicted in federal court in 2004 of possession with intent to distribute one kilogram of heroin, and again in 2011on a charge of attempt to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.
The current case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey A. Erickson, with the assistance of Christine D. Lowell.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations’ Northeast Corridor Border Enforcement Team; Custom and Border Protection; and the Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and Warwick Police Departments.
###
Romanian National Sentenced for Defrauding Banks and Leaving Hundreds of Banking Customers as Victims in His WakeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Romanian national illegally present in the United States who is described in court documents as being an “undeterred serial scammer” who left hundreds of victims in his wake after stealing and using their personal banking information has been sentenced to nearly three years in federal prison and will face deportation proceedings, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Mario Demarco, a/k/a Marius Lupu a/k/a David Adamec, 30, pleaded guilty in January to a charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to 33 months in federal prison to be followed by two years of supervised release. Additionally, Demarco was ordered to pay restitution totaling $16,567.06.
An immigration detainer has been lodged by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Court documents reflect that for more than two years, beginning in October 2022, Demarco traveled up and down the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic installing skimming devices on ATMs. These devices intercepted hundreds of customers’ debit card and banking information, which Demarco used to create fraudulent debit cards. The bogus cards were then used to make unauthorized cash withdrawals, attempted withdrawals, and purchases.
Throughout the course of the conspiracy, Demarco installed skimming devices on at least ten ATMs and compromised at least 952 cards. Demarco owes restitution to fifteen different banks.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Taylor A. Dean and Ly T. Chin.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Warwick, RI, Police Department, Cranston, RI, Police Department, East Greenwich, RI, Police Department, North Kingstown, RI, Police Department, East Providence, RI, Police Department, Boston, MA, Police Department, New York City Police Department, and the Stratford, CT, Police Department.
###
Dominican National Sentenced to Federal Prison, to be Deported for Trafficking Fentanyl, Stealing Hundreds of Individuals’ Personal Information, and Defrauding the GovernmentRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Dominican national illegally present in the United States who trafficked fentanyl, was found to be in possession of stolen personal identifying information of nearly a thousand individuals, and filed hundreds of fraudulent tax returns to obtain tens of thousands of dollars in COVID related tax credit payments has been sentenced to four years in federal prison, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Juan Carlos Nunez Rodriguez, 51, pleaded guilty in October 2024 to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, theft of government property, and three counts of aggravated identity theft. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to 48 months in federal prison to be followed by one year of supervised release and to pay restitution to the IRS totaling $66,112.
An immigration detainer has been lodged by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
According to information presented to the court, in September 2023, following a two-month investigation into his drug trafficking activities, members of the Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force sought and executed a court-authorized search warrant at Nunez Rodriguez’s Providence apartment, where they seized 613 grams of fentanyl. According to a DEA analysis set forth in court documents, the 613 grams of fentanyl seized represents approximately 306,500 lethal doses.
In addition to seizing fentanyl from Nunez Rodriguez’s residence, agents also seized United States Treasury checks addressed to different individuals, more than three dozen fraudulent federal tax returns in envelopes addressed to the IRS, and stolen personal identifying information belonging to 976 individuals.
A follow-up investigation by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation found that Nunez Rodriguez fraudulently filed at least 15 tax returns for which he received and deposited refund checks, and that he was in possession of 43 refund checks ranging in amounts from $1,400 to $1,800.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.
The matter was investigated by the Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force and IRS Criminal Investigation.
###
Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison in 2nd Federal Conviction on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A registered sex offender now twice convicted on federal child pornography charges has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
In December 2016, David A. Skally, 65, was convicted in federal court of possessing and accessing with the intent to view child pornography. He was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison to be followed by five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence presented at Skally’s December 2024 trial in this most recent matter:
- Skally admitted, in interviews that were part of his court-ordered supervised release, to viewing sexually explicit images of children “over ten times” after his release from prison while on supervised release.
- In these interviews, Skally admitted some of the images he viewed depicted children 11 years of age or under engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
- Skally engaged in repeated efforts to avoid monitoring software and other safeguards required during his term of probation but subsequent investigation and a forensic examination of Skally’s computer ultimately discovered several images of child pornography, including images of adults engaged in sexual activity with prepubescent victims.
In December 2024, the jury ultimately concluded that Skally both possessed and accessed child pornography with the intent to view it, and specifically found that at least some of the material in question involved prepubescent children under the age of twelve.
At sentencing today, U.S. District Court Senior Judge William E. Smith sentenced Skally to 120 months in federal prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. By virtue of his most recent conviction, Skally was also adjudged to be a violator of his previously imposed supervised release and sentenced to a concurrent term of 10 months. Additionally, the court imposed an assessment totaling $10,000 as mandated by the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ronald R. Gendron and Denise M. Barton, with the assistance of Assistant United States Attorneys Christine D. Lowell and John P. McAdams.
This case, investigated by the U.S. Probation Department and Homeland Security Investigations, was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc
###
Guatemalan National Previously Convicted and Deported for Drug Trafficking Pleads Guilty to a Charge of Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Guatemalan national deported in 2015 after having been convicted for drug trafficking in Connecticut today pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island to a charge of illegal re-entry, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
According to court records, Pedro Andony Alvarado Aguilar, 46, was convicted in federal court in Connecticut in November 2014 on charges of conspiracy to import 5,000 grams or more of cocaine and conspiracy to import 1,000 grams or more of heroin. He was deported on July 1, 2015.
On April 10, 2025, Immigration Officers learned through an automated biometric fingerprint match of fingerprints entered into the National Crime Information Center that the defendant was arrested in Rhode Island for driving on a suspended license and on an obstruction charge. Alvarado admitted to a federal judge today that he illegally reentered the United States.
Alvarado is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25, 2025. The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter I. Roklan.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations Immigration and Custom Enforcement.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
###
Guatemalan National Indicted for Illegally Reentering the United States Six Months After Being DeportedRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Guatemalan national deported from the United States in November 2024, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Rhode Island for allegedly illegally reentering the United States without the consent of the Attorney General of the United States, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
According to court records, Rigoberto Cano Perez, 28, was convicted in Rhode Island state court in December 2023 on charges of simple assault and/or battery and disorderly conduct. He was removed from the United States by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on November 20, 2024.
On May 12, 2025, Immigration Officers learned through an automated biometric fingerprint match of fingerprints entered into the National Crime Information Center that Perez was arrested in Rhode Island on May 11, 2025, for allegedly violating a domestic no contact order and on a domestic disorderly conduct charge. He is currently held at the Rhode Island Adult Correctional Institute based upon the state charges.
Perez is scheduled to be arraigned on June 2, 2025. A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Taylor A. Dean and Peter I. Roklan.
The matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
###
Convicted Felon Admits to Illegally Possessing of a FirearmRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Warwick man previously convicted and sentenced on firearm, drug trafficking, domestic violence, and assault charges today pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Court documents reflect that on February 6, 2022, a Warwick Police Officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Miguel E. Pavao, 52. Based on Pavao’s nervous conduct and an admission to the officer that he was in possession of marijuana, some of which the officer observed on the floor of the vehicle, Pavao was ordered to exit the vehicle. During a pat-down by an officer, a fully loaded .40 caliber, semi-automatic handgun was discovered in the waistband of Pavao’s pants.
According to information presented to the court, Pavao was prohibited from possessing a firearm, having previously been convicted in Rhode Island state court multiple times on domestic violence charges, drug trafficking charges, and for assault with a dangerous weapon, and in federal court on drug trafficking and firearm charges.
Pavao is scheduled to be sentenced on September 3, 2025. The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
The matter was investigated by the Warwick Police Department, with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
###
‘Machine Gun-Trafficking’ Drug Dealer Sentenced to More Than Fifteen Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – Jose Marrero, 36, of Woonsocket, describe in court documents as a “violent, machine gun-trafficking, kilogram-level drug dealer” was sentenced today to more than fifteen years in federal prison, having pleaded guilty to charges of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, announced acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Court documents illustrate that Jose Marrero, 36, previously convicted twice in Rhode Island state court on drug trafficking charges, freely displayed photographs and videos on social media of himself in possession of drugs and firearms, notably semi-automatic pistols, AR-15 style rifles, and semi-automatic pistols that have been modified with machinegun conversion devices. Marrero displayed himself and others in possession of the weapons in his apartment, while watching TV, playing video games, drinking alcohol, and driving around the streets of Rhode Island. He also made social media posts demonstrating himself and others actively firing the modified fully automatic weapons.
Additionally, court documents reveal videos of the defendant in possession of multiple kilos of cocaine and of numerous messages between Marrero and others that “not only convey his leadership but just how active, eager, and dangerous of a drug trafficker he is.” Text messages illustrate conversations between Marrero and a drug supplier, and how he, Marrero, organized people to move two kilograms of drugs per week. In some of his messages, Marrero discusses having drug runners, complaining about their behavior and demanding higher productivity from them, directing them to locations to provide certain quantities of drugs to customers, and discussing debts owed to him.
Marrero made it well known, to his drug trafficking counterparts and otherwise, that he possessed numerous firearms. He prominently displayed himself and others with an array of firearms on his social media account. Excerpts from Marrero’s text messages demonstrate that he enlisted his girlfriend and other acquaintances to purchase firearms for him, as he was unable to do so himself due to his past felony convictions; that he accepted firearms as payment for drug sales; and that he solicited an associate to obtain guns for him, notably “any glocks” that he could get his hands on.
Marrero was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. to 181 months of incarceration to be followed by 5 years of federal supervised release.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christine D. Lowell, Stacey A. Erickson, and Sandra R. Hebert.
The matter was investigated by ATF, with the assistance of Massachusetts State Police, Woonsocket Police Department, Central Falls Police Department, and West Warwick Police Department.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
###
sentencing_memo.pdfCoventry Man Indicted for Trafficking FentanylRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A federal grand jury has returned a two-count indictment charging Christian Rodriguez, 38, of Coventry, with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
According to information presented to the court, it is alleged that Rodriguez was involved in a drug trafficking organization that worked out of a stash house in Providence and supplied buyers in Southeastern Massachusetts.
At the time of his arrest on April 22, 2025, law enforcement executed court-authorized searches of Rodriguez’s Coventry residence and the Providence residence. Agents seized more than $100,000 in cash, more than 40 grams of fentanyl, cocaine, and various items used in the packaging of illegal drugs.
Rodriguez is currently detained in federal custody.
A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey A. Erickson
The matter was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
###
Eight Indicted in Transnational Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A federal indictment returned in U.S. District Court in Providence, RI, charges eight individuals for their roles in orchestrating and executing an elaborate transnational fraud and money laundering scheme targeting elderly citizens in the United States and Canada, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
A defendant was taken into custody this morning in New York. He is expected to appear later today in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
Charging documents allege the following:
- To date, law enforcement has identified approximately 300 individuals in at least 37 states, including several in Rhode Island, who have been defrauded.
- At this time, victims are estimated to have suffered known losses exceeding $5 million. However, investigators have identified a bank account through which approximately $16 million in additional suspected fraud funds appear to have been laundered.
- To carry out the scheme, members of the conspiracy sent pop-up messages to seniors’ computers, often styled to appear as if they were originating from a well-known technology company. The messages contained various false claims, including that the victims’ financial accounts had been compromised, that their computers had been hacked, or that the victims had been identified as the target of a criminal investigation.
- The pop-up message contained information that directed victims to call a “live agent,” who informed the victims that their financial assets were at risk or could be garnished, but that they, the agent, could assist in protecting their assets. During a series of calls, victims were connected with other persons who falsely claimed to be “representatives” of the victim’s financial institutions and/or government agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission and Federal Reserve Bank. Those “representatives” were, in fact, members of the conspiracy.
- During these calls, some victims were instructed that, in order to protect their assets, they should initiate a transfer of their funds from their accounts via wire transfers and cryptocurrency transfers to accounts controlled by agencies the scammers purportedly represented. Other victims were told to withdraw their funds in cash and purchase gold bars and turn them over to a purported government courier who would come to their home for transfer to a secure government location. Still others were told to simply turn the cash over to a courier for safe keeping by the government.
The indictment charges
- Nanjun Song 27, of Brooklyn, NY, a Chinese national who has allegedly overstayed a B2 visa, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The defendant is detained in federal custody in Rhode Island.
- Jirui Liu, 23, of Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, a citizen of China and Canada, whose U.S. visa has expired, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The defendant is detained in federal custody in Rhode Island.
- Xiang Li, 37, of Flushing, NY, a Chinese national and lawful permanent U.S. resident, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The defendant was detained in New York and is being transferred to Rhode Island.
- Xuehai Sun, 37, of Flushing NY, a Chinese national and lawful permanent U.S. resident, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The defendant was arrested today in New York and is expected to appear tomorrow in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
- Fangzheng Wang, 24, of Westborough, MA, a Chinese national, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The defendant is detained in federal custody in Rhode Island.
- Cynthia Jia Sun, 25, of Houston, TX, a naturalized United States citizen born in China, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The defendant is in federal custody in Houston and is awaiting transfer to Rhode Island.
- Zhenyang Xin, 25, of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, a Chinese national, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. An arrest warrant has been issued for the defendant.
- Wing Kit Ho, 22, of Markham, Ontario, Canada, a Canadian citizen born in Hong Kong, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. An arrest warrant has been issued for the defendant.
A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise M. Barton.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Providence and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, as part of the Rhode Island Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), a multi-agency task force focused on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.
This HSTF investigation is led by HSI Providence, with assistance from the Narragansett Police Department, East Providence Police Department, New York Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, and agents from HSI New England, HSI New York, HSI Houston, and HSI Los Angeles.
Acting United States Attorney Bloom thanks the United States Attorney’s Offices in the Eastern District of New York and Southern District of Texas for their assistance following the apprehension of defendants arrested in their districts.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
###
indictment.pdfGuatemalan National in the United States Illegally Detained for Assaulting a Federal AgentRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A previously deported Guatemalan national illegally present in the United States has been ordered detained on a charge of assault, resisting, and impeding a law enforcement officer in the performance of official duties, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
It is alleged that on April 30, 2025, Miguel Tamup-Tamup, a/k/a Miguel US Tamup, 28, struggled with an ICE deportation officer and Homeland Security Investigations agents as they attempted to apprehend him as authorized by a Warrant for Arrest of Alien. A Homeland Security Investigations agent suffered serious injury during the encounter.
Charging documents reflect that on April 19, 2025, Tamup was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence after his car allegedly collided with another vehicle. He was subsequently arraigned and released. Tamup’s fingerprints matched ICE fingerprint records associated with a person flagged as being in the United States illegally.
It is alleged that on April 30, 2025, an ICE deportation officers and Homeland Security Investigations agents stopped a car that Tamup was operating. After he refused to exit, the law enforcement agents guided him out of the vehicle. While the agents attempted to place Tamup in handcuffs, he resisted, threw his upper body and shoulders against the agents, flailed his arms, and broke an agent’s hold. During the encounter, one of the agents fell to the ground and suffered a serious leg injury. Tamup fled as the injured agent was attended to by the other agents.
On Thursday, ICE and HSI agents located Tamup at a Providence residence and took him into custody. He made an initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and has been ordered detained.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Milind M. Shah.
###
Federal Detainee Admits Role in Conspiracy to Smuggle Contraband into the Wyatt Detention CenterRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE - A detainee at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Center admitted to a federal judge on Thursday that he participated in a conspiracy to smuggle contraband into the detention center, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Shawn D. Hart, 46, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and obtaining or attempting to obtain prohibited objects as an inmate. He admitted that, in late 2023, he and others, inside and outside of the Wyatt Detention Center, conspired to obtain and smuggle papers soaked with K2, a synthetic marijuana, into the facility.
According to information presented to the court, on December 1, 2023, sheets of paper that an FBI testing lab later confirmed had been treated with Schedule I controlled substances were provided to an associate of Hart for her to smuggle into the facility and to deliver to Hart. That person, Theresa Marie DiJoseph, 51, with whom Hart had a personal relationship, used her status as an attorney to regularly arrange for “contact” visits with Hart, so they could meet without a plexiglass screen between them. Wyatt correctional officers seized the tainted papers from DiJoseph as she attempted to enter the facility.
Hart is scheduled to be sentenced on November 18, 2025.
DiJoseph, who pleaded guilty on March 12, 2025, to one count each of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance analogue, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, and providing a prohibited object to an inmate, is scheduled to be sentenced on June 12, 2025.
The sentences imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julianne Klein and Peter I. Roklan.
The matter was investigated by FBI and the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Center Professional Standards Unit.
###
Dominican National Indicted for Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Dominican national convicted for drug trafficking and deported has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Rhode Island for illegally reentering the United States, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Kelvin Roberto Feliz, 54, who has been detained at the Adult Correctional Institution in an unrelated matter since June 2024, was ordered deported from the United States in September 2014, following a conviction for trafficking heroin. He was removed from the United States on July 7, 2015.
A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr. The matter was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
###
Recidivist Sex Offender Sentenced to Thirty Years in Prison on Attempted Enticement, Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A recidivist sex offender has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for attempting to entice a minor and attempting to transfer obscene material to two minor boys, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Nicholas Sannicandro, 35, of Warwick, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy, to 360 months of incarceration to be followed by a term of 15 years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty on May 8. 2024, to two counts of attempted inducement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity, two counts of attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, one count of possession and access with intent to view child pornography, and one count of commission of an offense by a registered sex offender.
“The lengthy sentenced imposed today ensures that this defendant will not be able to continue his abhorrent conduct of victimizing children,” commented Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. “This office and our law enforcement partners are committed to working together so that individuals who victimize children are held to account and that resources are available to those they harm.”
“Simply put, Nicholas Sannicandro is a predator,” said Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “This repeat sex offender admitted to devising a twisted scheme to lure children into his clutches so he could sexually abuse and exploit them. Today’s sentence ensures he’ll stay locked up where he can’t victimize anyone else for a good long time. The FBI is committed to finding predators like him and bringing them to justice while also ensuring those they’ve victimized are safe and well-supported.”
Sannicandro previously admitted to a federal judge that beginning in January 2021, he began separate communications with the two minor boys in Florida whom he met through an Instagram account. The communications turned sexually explicit, and Sannicandro requested that the boys send him sexually explicit videos of themselves.
Sannicandro attempted to arrange a meeting with someone whom he believed to be one of the boys, proposing that they engage in illicit sexual activity. The communications were, in fact, with an undercover law enforcement officer who had taken over the boy’s account. In those communications, Sannicandro invited the boy to visit him in Rhode Island, discussed sexual acts that Sannicandro wanted to engage in with the boy, and sent videos of himself engaged in sexual activity.
Sannicandro was arrested in Warwick on June 22, 2021, where he was expecting to meet with the boy. A cell phone seized from Sannicandro was found to contain images and videos of child sexual abuse material.
Court records document that Sannicandro was convicted on three previous occasions in matters involving child sexual abuse material and attempted dissemination of obscene material to minors. He was a registered sex offender at the time of his arrest in June 2021.
This most recent case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Denise M. Barton and John P. McAdams.
The matter was investigated by the FBI and North Port, FL, Police Department, with significant assistance from members of the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Warwick Police Department for their assistance in the arrest of Sannicandro.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc
###