District of Massachusetts

BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for his role in a widespread heroin and fentanyl trafficking conspiracy operating in Lawrence.

Josuel Moises Patrone-Gonzalez, 23, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to 54 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Patrone-Gonzalez will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. In March 2018, Patrone-Gonzalez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl.

On May 30, 2017, a large scale law enforcement operation dismantled two Lawrence-based drug trafficking organizations, one allegedly run by the defendant’s brother, Juan Anibal Patrone, and another led by Ramon Gonzalez Nival, who was a source of supply for Patrone. Patrone-Gonzalez was arrested and charged along with Patrone, Gonzalez Nival, and approximately 30 co-conspirators.  

Patrone-Gonzalez played a significant role in his brother’s organization by operating stash houses. When law enforcement executed a search warrant at Patrone-Gonzalez’s apartment/stash house, they seized approximately 350 grams of fentanyl and 220 grams of cocaine.

Gonzalez Nival pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 5, 2018. Patrone pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Essex County District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Lawrence Police Chief Roy P. Vasque made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Winkler of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the cases.

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

BOSTON – A Chelsea man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to his role in a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking and money laundering ring operating between Massachusetts and California.

Steven Beadles, 60, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of possession of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. scheduled sentencing for Sept. 24, 2018.

Beadles was one of eleven men from Massachusetts and California who were indicted in 2016 after a two-year investigation into methamphetamine trafficking. The indictment alleges that beginning in at least 2013, the defendants participated in a conspiracy to transport sizeable quantities of methamphetamine from San Diego, Calif., to Massachusetts, where it was distributed in the greater Boston area. Proceeds from the sale of that methamphetamine were then transported and/or transferred back to California and laundered in various ways.

In his plea agreement, Beadles admitted that agents seized approximately 434 grams of methamphetamine that had been shipped from California to the house where Beadles was living in January 2016, that he knew that the package contained methamphetamine, and that he intended to distribute some of the drugs.

Each charge provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; William Ferrara, Director of Field Operations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans made the announcement. The Massachusetts Department of Correction; Norfolk County Sherriff’s Office; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; and the Reading, Watertown, Quincy, Chelsea, Braintree, Peabody, Waltham, and Woburn Police Departments; and Connecticut State Police assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Arnold of Lelling’s Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Brazilian national was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with ATM skimming in the Boston area and North Shore.

Helisson Benazi de Souza, 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to three years in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $105,880 in restitution. Benazi de Souza will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. In March 2018, Benazi de Souza pleaded guilty to one count of using counterfeit access devices (debit cards); one count of possessing 15 or more counterfeit access devices (debit cards); three counts of possessing device-making equipment (ATM skimming devices); one count of illegal transactions with an access device (other persons’ debit cards); and two counts of aggravated identity theft.

Benazi de Souza was part of an ATM skimming operation in which he stole the debit card information and personal identification numbers (PINs) of legitimate bank account holders when they used their debit cards at ATMs. Skimming devices made to look like legitimate card access slots were used to record the account information on the magnetic stripes of the debit cards, while secret pinhole cameras recorded the cardholders entering their PINs on the keypads. The stolen account information was then saved on blank plastic cards, including gift cards and hotel key cards, making “clones” of the legitimate debit cards. Benazi de Souza used such cloned cards, and the corresponding PINs, to withdraw thousands of dollars from ATMs in the Metro Boston area in May 2017.

Benazi de Souza was arrested in May 2017, after law enforcement was alerted by a bank’s fraud investigator. The investigator discovered that someone made a number of withdrawals that day at three ATMs in Lynn from bank accounts that the investigator knew had been compromised.

Surveillance video from banks in Malden and Saugus showed an unknown man installing and removing skimming devices and pinhole cameras at the banks’ ATMs. It was later determined that the man in the video was Benazi de Souza. When police searched Benazi de Souza’s car, they discovered thousands of dollars in cash, all in $20 bills. They also found over 200 gift cards and hotel key cards containing small stickers. Benazi de Souza admitted that the numbers written on the stickers were cardholders’ PINs.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Stephen A. Marks, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office; and Lynn Police Chief Michael A. Mageary made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Wichers of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Westminster woman was arrested today in connection with stealing Social Security benefits.   

Theresa Kenda Benedict, 55, was indicted on one count of theft of public funds and four counts of making false statements. She is scheduled to appear in federal court in Worcester before U.S. District Court Chief Magistrate Judge David H. Hennessy at 2:00 PM. 

According to the indictment that was unsealed today, Benedict served as the representative payee for an individual who was receiving Social Security benefits. In 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016, Benedict informed the Social Security Administration that she used all of the money she received as a representative payee for the beneficiary, when, in fact, Benedict used some of the money for her own expenses. Between December 2007 and March 2016, Benedict stole approximately $46,310 in Social Security benefits.

The charge of theft of public funds provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charges of making false statements each provide for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to failure to register as a sex offender. 

Lance Pona, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of failure to register as a sex offender. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Sept. 19, 2018. Pona has been in custody since he was arrested and charged in April 2018.

Pona is required to register as a sex offender in Massachusetts based on a Colorado state court conviction for unlawful sexual contact in 2009. Following his imprisonment for that conviction, Pona left Colorado for Massachusetts. Despite living in the Boston area for approximately five years, Pona failed to report his presence to the authorities.    

Pona faces a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, a minimum of five years and up to lifetime supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and John Gibbons, United States Marshal for the District of Massachusetts, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti, Lelling’s Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and a member of the Major Crimes Unit, is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – Two Malden men were charged today in federal court in Boston for their roles in a wide-ranging conspiracy to defraud their employer, a large facilities services company with offices in the Greater Boston area.

Lou Amaral, 52, was charged by information with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of money laundering, and one count of tax evasion. Vence Pires, 58, was charged by information with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

According to court documents, Amaral and Pires worked for the same facilities services company in the Greater Boston area. Amaral was the supervisor of the Special Services department, and as such, he had the ability to hire employees and to contract with third-parties to provide temporary labor. Pires was an account manager who worked for Amaral in Special Services. Amaral first began by taking bribes from a temporary labor company in order to steer contracts to that company. In 2014, Amaral opened up his own temporary labor company and, with the help of Pires, awarded himself the temporary labor contracts. Through this scheme, Amaral made approximately $10 million in revenue over a three-year period, resulting in harm to his employer of more than $4 million. 

Amaral has agreed to forfeit approximately $2 million that has been seized from him.

Pires faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Amaral faces a maximum sentence on the conspiracy and money laundering counts of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 on each count. Amaral faces a maximum sentence on the tax evasion count of up to five years in prison, supervised release for one year, and a fine of $100,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; and Delany De Leon-Colon, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service made the announcement today.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Rosen of Lelling’s Economic Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON - A Rhode Island man was charged in federal court in Boston yesterday with three additional counts of bank robbery.

Stephen A. Davidow, 55, of Pawtucket, R.I., was charged in a superseding indictment with four counts of bank robbery. Davidow was previously charged with one count of bank robbery.

According to court documents, between Dec. 6 and Dec. 11, 2017, an individual, later identified as Davidow, robbed four banks in the Greater Boston area. Based on the physical location of the banks, bank surveillance footage, the bank tellers’ descriptions of the robber, and other similarities, law enforcement determined that the same individual was involved in each robbery. On Dec. 15, 2017, having distributed images of the alleged perpetrator on the local news, law enforcement received a tip that the suspect was Davidow. Photos of Davidow were shown to one of the tellers who positively identified Davidow as the man who robbed the bank.

During the time of the robberies, Davidow was on supervised release following a 2007 conviction for bank robbery in Rhode Island. He was arrested on Dec. 18, 2017, on a Rhode Island federal warrant prior to being transported to Massachusetts in January 2018.

Each count provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office; John Gibbons, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; Boston Police Commissioner William Evans; and Boston University Police Chief Kelly A. Nee made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A former California stockbroker was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with his role in a scheme to manipulate the stock of a publicly traded microcap company.

Adam Hand, 53, of Newport Beach, Calif., was senteneced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In July 2016, Hand pleaded guilty to an information charging him with conspiracy to commit securities fraud. In May 2018, his brother, Jehu Hand, 62, was convicted following a 13-day trial of conspiracy, securities fraud and wire fraud. Jehu Hand is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 10, 2018. In August 2016, their brother, Learned Hand, 60, of Chapel Hill, N.C., pleaded guilty to an information charging him with conspiracy to commit securities fraud and is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 3, 2018.

The charges arose out of the Hand brothers’ involvement in a pump-and-dump scheme to manipulate the market for the stock of Crown Marketing, a microcap or “penny stock” company that claimed to own patented drug delivery technology. 

According to evidence at the trial of Jehu Hand, in 2010, Jehu Hand incorporated Crown and issued stock to various front companies he secretly controlled. After registering this stock with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 2012, Jehu enlisted his brothers Adam and Learned to participate in the pump-and-dump scheme. Learned became the CEO of Crown and put out misleading press releases about the company, while Adam engaged in coordinated trading and sold Crown’s stock as the company was being falsely promoted. In total, the conspirators sold over 23 million shares of Crown stock, thereby causing investor losses of more than $1.5 million.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today.  The United States Attorney’s Office received valuable assistance from the Securities & Exchange Commission and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority during the investigation of this matter. SEC Attorney Andrew Palid, who was appointed as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Herbert of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted case.

BOSTON – A Watertown, Mass., man and Georgia woman have agreed to plead guilty in connection with their roles in a long-running interstate prostitution ring. 

Jineok Kim, 38, of Watertown, Mass., and Susan Bashir, a/k/a “Susan Redmon,” a/k/a “Susan Redmond,” 41, of Stone Mountain, Ga., agreed to plead guilty today to one count of conspiracy to persuade, induce, entice, or coerce individuals to travel in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution and one count of conspiracy to engage in money laundering. On March 15, Kim and Bashir were charged and arrested along with Yoon I. Kim, 36, of Haymarket, Va.; Taehee Kim, a/k/a “Hyunsook Kim,” 46, of Haymarket, Va.; and Kyung Song, 52, of Lexington, Mass.

According to the charging documents filed today, Kim participated in an interstate prostitution network from spring 2016 to December 2017, and Bashir worked for the prostitution network from at least 2013 until March 2018. The prostitution network had multiple brothels in high-end apartments in Cambridge, Mass.; Atlanta, Ga.; and eastern Virginia. They advertised appointments with Asian women primarily on three websites: www.bostonasiandolls.com, www.exoticasiansatlanta.com, and www.redhotflowers69.com. The women advertised on the websites were moved from city to city within the network, working as prostitutes for the organization.

Bashir’s role in the scheme involved screening potential clients that called to book an appointment and then arranging logistics for the client to meet with one the advertised women. Bashir also updated the prostitution websites and calculated the payments for each prostitute based on the number of clients she had met with. In addition, Bashir collected the cash earnings from the women working at the Georgia brothels and made bulk deposits at ATMs, funneling the money into accounts allegedly controlled by Taehee Kim and Yoon Kim.

Jineok Kim transported women working as prostitutes and supplies, including bulk orders of condoms, to and from brothel locations in Cambridge. Jineok Kim retrieved cash proceeds from each of the Cambridge brothel locations and allegedly laundered the proceeds according to Taehee Kim’s instructions, which including depositing the money into accounts belonging to Taehee Kim or sending postal money orders to Taehee Kim.

The charge of conspiracy to persuade, induce, entice, or coerce women to travel in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain/loss, whichever is greater. The charge of conspiracy to engage in money laundering  provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the laundered funds. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Andrew E. Lelling; Peter C. Fitzhugh Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Delany De Leon-Colon, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Cambridge Police Commissioner Branville G. Bard Jr. made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. D’Addio and Amy Harman Burkart of Lelling’s Civil Rights Enforcement Team are prosecuting the case. 

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

BOSTON – Two Dominican nationals and one Cape Cod man were charged yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with drug trafficking activities that resulted in seizures of over a half-kilogram of fentanyl.

Hilario Yogey Mota-Bernabel, 26, a Dominican national residing in New Bedford; Miki Michael Mota-Bernabel, 29, a Dominican national residing in Providence, R.I.; and Steven Marshall, 31, were charged in an indictment with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl. The Mota-Bernabels were charged by complaint and arrested on May 22, 2018, and have been in custody since. Marshall was arrested by federal authorities yesterday, after previously being arrested and charged in state court.

According to court documents, in January and February 2018, investigators conducted surveillance of Marshall as he traveled to New Bedford to purchase fentanyl from his source of supply, Hilario Yogey Mota-Bernabel. After a fentanyl pick up on March 1, 2018, investigators stopped Marshall, searched his vehicle, and seized approximately 125 grams of fentanyl. 

Court documents further allege that agents conducted four controlled purchases, of approximately 100 grams of fentanyl each from Hilario Yogey Mota-Bernabel in March and April 2018. For one of the controlled purchases, Miki Michael Mota-Bernabel served as the courier, delivering over 100 grams of fentanyl to an undercover agent. Hilario Yogey Mota-Bernabel personally delivered the fentanyl on another occasion. 

A search of Hilario Yogey Mota-Bernabel’s residence and stash house resulted in the seizure of over 350 grams of suspected fentanyl, $12,395 and other drug-related paraphernalia. Court documents also indicate the Mota-Bernabels entered the United States illegally. 

The charge of conspiracy provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, a minimum of three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of controlled substances provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, a minimum of three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. The Mota-Bernabels will be subject to deportation upon completion of their sentences. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Barnstable Police Chief Paul MacDonald made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren A. Graber of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case. 

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

BOSTON - A Salvadoran national was charged today in federal court in Boston with illegally reentering the United States after being deported.  

Geraldo Reyes Menjivar-Menjivar, 33, was indicted on one count of illegal reentry of a deported alien.

According to court documents, on May 24, 2018, law enforcement in Chelsea encountered Menjivar-Menjivar and determined him to be unlawfully present in the United States. Menjivar-Menjivar was previously deported on Nov. 7, 2014. 

Menjivar-Menjivar faces a sentence of no greater than two years in prison, one year of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Rebecca J. Adducci, Interim Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, made the announcement today.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON - A Dominican national was charged today in federal court in Boston with illegally reentering the United States after being deported.  

Carlos Manuel Lara-Matos, 30, was indicted on one count of illegal reentry of a deported alien.

According to court documents, on May 4, 2018, law enforcement officers in Middleton encountered Lara-Matos and determined him to be unlawfully present in the United States. Lara-Matos was previously deported on Aug. 1, 2017.  

Lara-Matos faces a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Rebecca J. Adducci, Interim Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON - A Dominican national was charged today in federal court in Boston with illegally reentering the United States after being deported.  

Pablo Geraldo Baez-Soto, 33, was indicted on one count of illegal reentry of a deported alien.

According to court documents, law enforcement encountered Baez-Soto in August 2016 and determined him to be illegally present in the United States. Baez-Soto was previously deported on Aug. 11, 2010.

Baez-Soto faces a sentence of no greater than two years in prison, one year of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Rebecca J. Adducci, Interim Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A Lowell man was found guilty today by a federal jury in Boston of conspiring with others in the Lawrence and Lowell areas to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl. 

Bernaldo Rosario Santiago, a/k/a Bori, 27, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin and at least 40 grams of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Sept. 19, 2018.

On May 30, 2017, a large scale law enforcement operation dismantled two Lawrence-based drug trafficking organizations, one allegedly run by Juan Anibal Patrone, and another allegedly led by Ramon Gonzalez Nival, who was allegedly a source of supply for Patrone. Santiago was arrested and charged along with Patrone, Gonzalez Nival, and 30 co-conspirators.

According to the evidence at trial, Santiago was a redistributor for the organization and dealt in large quantities of fentanyl, which he acquired from Gonzalez Nival and others. On March 1, 2017, Santiago was stopped in Dracut carrying 89 grams of fentanyl in his pocket. In addition, Santiago was intercepted on court authorized wiretaps discussing drug transactions, including the need to “give it more of the…the fentanyl stuff so that those [expletive] fall asleep.” During the investigation, law enforcement extracted text messages with alleged drug customers from Santiago’s phone, including one text sent to Santiago that read, “Are you coming I’m sick from not doing it.”

Gonzalez Nival pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 5, 2018. Patrone has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to stand trial in October 2018.

Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $50 million, and forfeiture of any proceeds of the offense or property that facilitated the offense. 

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Essex County District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Lawrence Police Chief Roy P. Vasque; and Lowell Police Acting Superintendent Jonathan C. Webb made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan G. Winkler of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit and David G. Lazarus, Chief of Lelling’s Asset Forfeiture Unit prosecuted the cases.

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

BOSTON - A Nigerian national was charged in federal court in Boston in connection with unlawfully possessing the identifications of two victims.

Richard Emem Jackson, aka Auwire, 23, of Lagos, Nigeria, was charged in an indictment filed on May 17, and unsealed yesterday, with two counts of unlawful possession of a means of identification. Jackson has not yet been arrested and remains at-large.

According to the indictment, on two occasions in 2017, Jackson is alleged to have possessed the identifications of two victims with the intent to commit wire fraud conspiracy as part of a larger fraud scheme. 

Jackson faces a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Harman Burkart, Chief of Lelling’s Cybercrimes Unit, is prosecuting the case.

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

Today, a Maryland gang member was sentenced to 360 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for his participation in the racketeering enterprise known as La Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, including his participation in two conspiracies to commit murder.

Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur of the District of Maryland, Acting Special Agent in Charge Cardell T. Morant of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Chief Henry P. Stawinski III of the Prince George’s County, Maryland, Police Department; Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela D. Alsobrooks; Chief Douglas Holland of the Hyattsville Police Department; Chief Edward Hargis of the Frederick Police Department; Frederick County State’s Attorney J. Charles Smith; Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department; and Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy made the announcement.

Selvin Raymundo Salazar aka “Inquieto,” 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte of the District of Maryland.  Salazar had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise, specifically, MS-13. 

According to the statement of facts filed with his plea agreement, MS-13 is a national and international gang composed primarily of immigrants or descendants from El Salvador.  Branches or “cliques” of MS-13, one of the largest street gangs in the United States, operate throughout Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Frederick, Maryland.  MS-13 members are required to commit acts of violence within the gang and against rival gangs.  One of the principal rules of MS-13 is that its members must attack and kill rivals, known as “chavalas,” whenever possible.

According to the statement of facts filed with his plea agreement, from at least 2012 through at least 2014, Salazar was a member and associate of the Normandie Locos Salvatrucha (“NLS,” or “Normandie”) clique of MS-13.  Salazar admitted that on Feb. 28, 2013, and again on July 30, 2014, for the purpose of maintaining and increasing his position in MS-13, he, together with other members and associates of MS-13, conspired to murder victims that he and his co-conspirators had identified as chavalas.

Specifically, the defendant admitted that on Feb. 28, 2013, in the Lewisdale community of Prince George’s County, Maryland, he and members and associates of the Sailors Locos Salvatrucha Westside (“SLSW,” or “Sailors”) clique of MS-13 traveled in a vehicle, searching for chavalas.  Salazar was armed with a .380 caliber handgun that belonged to the Normandie clique.  After observing an individual that he and his co-conspirators believed to be a chavala (“Victim-1”), Salazar and a co-conspirator exited the car and approached Victim-1, who was standing with a companion.  Salazar’s co-conspirator took the handgun from Salazar and shot Victim-1, as Victim-1’s companion ran away.  Salazar and his co-conspirator ran back to the vehicle and he and the occupants of the vehicle fled.  Salazar then returned the .380 caliber firearm to the Normandie clique. 

Salazar further admitted that on July 30, 2014, in Hyattsville, Maryland, he and at least two other members or associates of the Normandie clique of MS-13 approached three victims, named in the third superseding indictment as “Victim-5,” “Victim-6,” and “Victim-7.”  Two of Salazar’s co-defendants pulled out firearms and shot Victim-5 and Victim-6.  Victim-5 was struck seven times, with wounds to his upper torso, right arm, and face.  Victim-6 sustained a gunshot wound to his right side.  Prior to the shooting, Salazar and his co-conspirators had been informed by an associate of MS-13 that the victims were chavalas.  

Five of the shell casings recovered from the scene of the July 30, 2014 shooting were examined and determined to have been fired from the same firearm that fired casings recovered at other crime scenes, including the Feb. 28, 2013 murder, a murder that took place in Hyattsville, Maryland on Nov. 11, 2012, and a shooting that took place in Laurel, Maryland on March 28, 2014. 

HSI Baltimore, the Prince George’s County Police Department, the Frederick Police Department, the Hyattsville City Police Department, the Montgomery County Police Department, and the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office investigated the case.  Trial Attorney Francesca Liquori of the Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys William D. Moomau and Lindsay Eyler Kaplan of the District of Maryland are prosecuting the case. 

BOSTON – A Worcester man will appear in federal court in Worcester today in connection with possessing child pornography.

James M. Stoddard, 38, was charged with one count of possession of child pornography. He will appear in federal court in Worcester today at 2:30 P.M. before U.S. District Court Chief Magistrate Judge David H. Hennessy. 

According to court documents, in April 2018, authorities conducted a search of Stoddard’s residence in Worcester and located numerous videos and images of child pornography. Among these were videos depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexual acts with adult men. Stoddard was arrested and charged in state court the day of the search and has been in state custody since his arrest.

Court documents also indicate that Stoddard failed to register his current address with the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board despite being required to do so given a prior conviction for a child pornography offense.

The charge provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement today. The Worcester County District Attorney’s Office provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

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

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.

BOSTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced today a $57,000 settlement with two landlords and a property manager of three Dorchester apartments to resolve allegations they submitted false claims to the federal government after receiving impermissible excess rent payments from two low income tenants while participating in a federal housing subsidy program.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development provides federal funding through the Federal Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly referred to as “Section 8,” to assist low income individuals in securing safe housing. The funding is provided through vouchers that are administered by local public housing agencies. The housing subsidy, which may cover all or a portion of a tenant’s monthly rent, is paid directly to the landlord. As a condition for receiving the housing subsidy, the landlord contractually agrees not to charge the tenant rent in excess of the amount set by the public housing agency. 

Despite this restriction, the landlords, Latchmin Nannan and David Nannan, and the property manager, Rhea Nannan, allegedly collected excess rent from two Section 8 tenants each month at various times between September 2006 and December 2015. Kafer Nevins, one of the two Section 8 tenants, first raised this allegation in a lawsuit filed against the defendants under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act.                                                   

“The Section 8 program provides precious funding for low income individuals to afford safe housing,” said United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling.  “We will hold landlords to their obligations under the program to ensure that Section 8 tenants will not be taken advantage of.”

“This office places a high priority on investigating allegations of waste, fraud and abuse related to HUD’s Public Housing Program,” said Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. “Today’s settlement should serve as a warning to those willing to commit fraud involving HUD funded programs that we will pursue such cases to the fullest extent of the law,” she concluded.  

The False Claims Act allows private citizens with knowledge of fraud to bring civil actions on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery. The settlement agreement requires the defendants to pay $57,000 to the United States. Mr. Nevins will receive approximately $11,400 of the recovery in this case.

U.S. Attorney Lelling and HUD OIG SAC Scaringi made the announcement today. This case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven Sharobem and Elianna Nuzum of Lelling’s Office with the assistance of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General.

BOSTON – An Arizona man was arrested last night in connection with posting threats to bomb Harvard and shoot attendees at the Black Commencement event held on May 2017. 

Nicholas Zuckerman, 24, was indicted on two counts of transmitting in interstate and foreign commerce a threat to injure the person of another. Zuckerman was arrested last night and will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.

On or about May 13, 2017, Zuckerman allegedly commented on a post published to Harvard University’s Instagram account, saying: “If the blacks only ceremony happens, then I encourage violence and death at it.  I’m thinking two automatics with extendo clips.  Just so no nigger gets away.”  It is further alleged that on that same date, Zuckerman posted a comment to another Harvard Instagram post, saying: “#bombharvard and end their pro-black agenda.” Several minutes later, Zuckerman allegedly commented “#bombharvard” on other users’ posts approximately 11 times over a span of four minutes. 

A concerned citizen who saw the posts reported them to the Harvard University Police who ultimately referred the case to federal authorities.

The charge of transmitting in interstate and foreign commerce a threat to injure the person of another of provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling, Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, and Harvard University Chief of Police Francis D. Riley made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anne Paruti of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit and Scott Garland of Lelling’s National Security Unit are prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON - A South Boston man was arrested today on loansharking and gambling charges.

Tam V. Nguyen, 50, was charged in an indictment with one count of conspiracy to collect extensions of credit by extortionate means and one count of operating an illegal gambling business.

According to the indictment, from April to August 2017, Nguyen conspired to collect an extension of credit from a victim. Nguyen also engaged in an illegal gambling business from September 2016 through August 2017.

As part of the same investigation, in August 2017, Vinh Quang Huynh, Quang PT Le, and Kim Nguyen, all of Dorchester, were charged with kidnapping, conspiracy to collect extension of credit by extortionate means, and operating an illegal gambling business. Ban “Bo” Tran was also charged with operating an illegal gambling business. On May 9, 2018, Le was sentenced to six years in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of $6,300. In December 2017, Huynh pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. The remaining defendants have pleaded not guilty and are pending trial.

The charge of conspiracy to collect extensions of credit by extortionate means provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and fine of $250,000. The charge of operating an illegal gambling business provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Boston Police Commissioner William B. Evans; and Quincy Police Chief Paul Keenan made the announcement today. The Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston and the Massachusetts Department of Correction assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy E. Moran of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A New York-based oxycodone trafficker was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston.

Ilir Bregu, 46, of Staten Island, N.Y., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. to six years in prison and three years of supervised release. In March 2018, Bregu was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute oxycodone. 

In 2014 and 2015, agents observed foot and vehicle traffic consistent with street-level drug sales coming and going from the home of Mario Scata, 71, and his son, Manuele Scata, 45, of Revere, and from Manuele Scata’s business, D & M Auto Doctor, on Bennington Street in East Boston. While investigating the Scatas’ oxycodone trafficking, Scatas’ pill supplier, Bregu, was identified through surveillance and phone analysis. After obtaining a search warrant to track the precise location of Bregu’s phone, it was determined that every two-to-three weeks, Bregu drove his vehicle from Staten Island to Revere or East Boston, met with one or both of the Scatas, and then returned to Staten Island.

On July 16, 2015, a series of search warrants were executed after tracking Bregu’s phone from Staten Island to East Boston and then watching as Bregu met with Mario and Manuele Scata at D & M Auto Doctor. During the searches, a sophisticated hidden compartment was discovered in Bregu’s vehicle, which contained $37,800. In addition, approximately 1,900 oxycodone pills, a loaded firearm, and a machete were recovered from Manuele Scata’s vehicle and additional oxycodone pills, a hand-written drug ledger, and nearly $12,000 were recovered from the Scatas’ home.

In December 2017, Mario Scata pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and possession with intent to distribute oxycodone. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 21, 2018. In February 2018, Manuele Scata pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, possession with intent to distribute oxycodone, and use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense. His sentencing is scheduled for July 26, 2018.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Revere Police Chief James Guido; Quincy Police Chief Paul Keenan; and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl, of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit, and Miranda Hooker, of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – An Indiana man was arrested today in connection with posting a threat to shoot white attendees at the Boston Free Speech Rally held at the Boston Common in August 2017. 

Eric M. Radulovic, 32, was indicted on one count of transmitting in interstate and foreign commerce a threat to injure the person of another. Radulovic was arrested this morning and will appear in federal court in Indiana this afternoon. He will appear in Boston on June 20, 2018.

According to the indictment, on or about Aug. 13, 2017, the day after violent events in Charlottesville, Va., that occurred immediately following the “Unite the Right” rally, a “Politically Incorrect” discussion board on 4chan.org promoted a Boston Free Speech Rally scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, on the Boston Common. The initial post invited “[l]ibertarians, conservatives, traditionalists, classical liberals, Trump supporters or anyone else who enjoys their right to free speech,” to attend, “network and befriend others who share your views, come for good food, and come to stand up against ANTIFA terrorism.” ANTIFA is short for “anti-fascists,” a movement of people who generally oppose the white supremacist and “Alt-Right” movements, sometimes by protesting events or engaging in property damage or violence.

In addition, the initial post warned people not to bring “any illegal weapons” or to “behave in a manner that makes you look bad.” It also warned people not to “[c]ome planning to instigate violence,” and that “[a]ny fights must be strictly defensive.” After the Boston Rally was announced on 4chan.org, participants in the discussion board discussed whether the Boston rally would face similar political movements and violence seen at the Charlottesville rally. The first posted response warned, “Be prepared everyone.  this can get bad.”  Later posts included predictions of violence, attempts to persuade against violence, and discussions of possible violence.

Radulovic, an Indiana resident who lives outside Indianapolis, was allegedly aware of and upset about the death following the Charlottesville Rally. As a result, on Aug. 13, 2017, Radulovic, allegedly posed as a member of the “Alt-Right” or white supremacist movement, anonymously posting a message on the 4chan.org discussion board regarding the Boston Rally in which he said he would shoot whites at the rally as a means to obtain sympathy for the “Alt-right” movement:  “I’m going to bring a Remington 700 and start shooting Alt-right guys. We need sympathy after that landwhale got all the liberals teary eyed, so someone is going to have to make it look like the left is becoming more violent and radicalized. It’s a false flag for sure, but I’ll be aiming for the more tanned/dark haired muddied jeans in the crowd so real whites won’t have to worry.” The indictment alleges further that Radulovic posted this for the purpose of issuing a threat and knowing that it would be interpreted as a threat.

The charge of transmitting in interstate and foreign commerce a threat to injure the person of another provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. The FBI Boston conducted the investigation with assistance from the Indianapolis Joint Terrorism Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Garland of Lelling’s National Security Unit and Anne Paruti of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.

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

Boston – A Dominican national was indicted yesterday in federal court in Boston on Social Security fraud and identity theft charges.

Rafael Aguasviva Peralta, 31, was indicted on one count of misuse of a Social Security number and one count of aggravated identity theft. 

The indictment alleges that, on Nov.19, 2013, Aguasviva Peralta falsely represented that a Social Security number was his own, when it was not.

The charge of misuse of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year sentence that must run consecutively to any other sentence, one year of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra S. Bower of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A Worcester woman was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for her role in a heroin and cocaine conspiracy.

Kristin Little, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy J. Hillman to 30 months in prison and four years of supervised release. In May 2018, Little pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute heroin and cocaine and to possess heroin and cocaine with the intent to distribute. Little and four co-defendants, Vito Nuzzolilo, of Worcester; Thomas Walker, of Pemaquid, Maine; Melissa Rock, of Pemaquid, Maine; and Ricardo Ortega-Vasquez, a Dominican national residing in New York City, were indicted in July 2017.

In May 2017, as a result of an investigation into drug trafficking in the Worcester area, Little and Nuzzolilo were arrested and charged for their roles in a drug conspiracy. (The three co-defendants were arrested in June and July 2017.) Little sold heroin and cocaine from her apartment in Worcester and collected debts that arose from previous drug sales. In 2017, a federal wiretap captured Nuzzolilo directing Little to provide heroin and cocaine of various quantities to numerous customers.

Rock, Walker, and Ortega-Vasquez have each pleaded guilty. Nuzzolilo pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A Sutton man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester in connection with a large scale marijuana grow operation.

Eric Vallee, 38, pleaded guilty to two counts of manufacturing marijuana and possessing marijuana with intent to distribute. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for Sept. 7, 2018.

A search of Vallee’s home in Auburn, Mass., where he maintained a large, commercial-style marijuana grow operation, resulted in the seizure of more than 100 marijuana plants as well as approximately seven pounds of marijuana packaged for distribution, a cash-counting machine, and approximately $13,000. Vallee then moved to a house in Sutton, Mass. where he continued to oversee a large, commercial-style marijuana grow operation. A search of the Sutton home resulted in the seizure of 55 marijuana plants as well as approximately seven pounds of marijuana packaged for distribution and a cash-counting machine. 

Vallee faces a sentence of up to 40 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Office, made the announcement today. The Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston and the Auburn and Sutton Police Departments provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON - A Mexican national with nine prior deportations was released from federal custody today after a bail review hearing in federal court in Boston.

Bulmaro Enriquez, 32, was indicted on April 26, 2018, on one count of illegal reentry of a deported alien. He was released from federal custody today after agreeing to post the equity in his girlfriend’s home for the secured bond at a bail review hearing.

According to court documents, Enriquez has been deported from the United States nine times. Most recently, Enriquez was convicted in January 2016 in federal court in Boston of illegal reentry of a deported alien, sentenced to time-served, and deported to Mexico.

Leading up to his most recent deportation, Enriquez was convicted of possession of a controlled substance after a federal search warrant executed at his home in Framingham revealed one and a half pounds of marijuana, electric scales, and other drug distribution paraphernalia.

According to court records, in addition to his 2015 and 2016 convictions for drug possession and illegal reentry, Enriquez was convicted in 2003 of escape; 2004 of OUI; 2006 of OUI; 2006 of possession of a controlled substance; and in 2007 of OUI.

Enriquez currently faces a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and will be subject to deportation proceedings. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Todd M. Lyons, Deputy Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting this case.

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

BOSTON – The former leader of a Lawrence-based opioid trafficking organization pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine conspiracy.

Santo Ramon Gonzalez Nival, 40, a Dominican national formerly residing in Lawrence, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl and one count of illegal reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Sept. 5, 2018. Nival has been detained since his arrest in May 2017.

After a year-long investigation aimed at attacking the fentanyl and heroin crisis in Lawrence and surrounding areas, federal, state and local law enforcement conducted a drug sweep to dismantle two Lawrence-based drug trafficking organizations, one allegedly run by Juan Anibal Patrone, and the other led by Gonzalez Nival, who was a source of supply for Patrone. 

During the course of the investigation, over 500 grams of fentanyl were seized in connection with the Gonzalez Nival organization. During a wiretap, law enforcement intercepted Gonzalez Nival talking to one of his suppliers, Santo Ramon Nivar, about a “blue one” - believed to be fentanyl - that “was killing people.” Gonzalez Nival discussed wanting more of that fentanyl because his customers liked the strength, and it could be cut multiple times, which meant more profit for him.

At the time of his arrest, Gonzalez Nival was illegally in the United States, having reentered after being deported most recently on May 19, 2009. During the investigation, Gonzalez Nival fled after being stopped by police when they took his false identification card to run it. In a subsequent intercepted call, Gonzalez Nival admitted to having been deported from the United States four times previously, and explained that he ran to avoid detectives who might fingerprint him.

In total, Gonzalez and nine members of his organization were arrested in May 2017, seven of whom have pleaded guilty: two sources of supply, Robert Frett Sierra and Santo Ramon Nivar; two couriers, Geronimo Confessor Gonzalez Nivar and Ruddy Rafael Soto Lara; and three individuals who purchased significant quantities of drugs for redistribution, Carlos Hernandez, Rory Connolly, and Diosmary Burgos. The remaining two members of Gonzalez Nival’s organization are scheduled to begin trial on June 11, 2018, Julio Baez Gonzalez, his alleged drug preparer, and Bernaldo Rosario Santiago, one of his alleged redistributors.

Patrone has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to stand trial in October 2018. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and no greater than life in prison, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of unlawful reentry provides for a sentence of no greater than two years in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; and Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. The Massachusetts State Police and the Andover, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, and Wilmington Police Departments assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Winkler of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the cases.

BOSTON - A Ghanaian national was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for making false statements in order to obtain citizenship and for attempting to procure citizenship.

Samer El-Sayed, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to two years of supervised release with the first six months to be served on home confinement with electronic monitoring and a 7:00pm curfew. El-Sayed will be subject to deportation proceedings. In January 2018, El-Sayed was convicted by a federal jury of one count of willfully and knowingly making false statements; one count of making false statements under oath relative to naturalization, citizenship or alien registry; and one count of unlawful attempted procurement of citizenship or naturalization.

In June 2008, El-Sayed entered the United States on a non-immigrant visa. In February 2009, El-Sayed entered into a sham marriage with an 18-year-old United States citizen to whom he paid several thousand dollars. Thereafter, El-Sayed began filing various petitions and applications with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in order to obtain immigration benefits, and in March 2010, El-Sayed was granted conditional permanent resident status. In 2012, El-Sayed submitted false statements on a petition filed with USCIS and subsequently provided false statements under oath to USCIS during an interview that occurred in January 2014. Then, in May 2014, El-Sayed submitted an application for United States citizenship to USCIS and provided false information and statements in that application. 

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Denis C. Riordan, District Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, District 1, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Jacobus Sullivan of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case

BOSTON - A Dominican national was charged today in federal court in Boston with illegally reentering the United States after being deported.

Luis Marcial Peguero-Espinal, 38, was indicted on one count of illegal reentry of a deported alien.

According to court documents, Peguero-Espinal was previously deported on June 16, 2011, and Sept. 19, 2017. When law enforcement officers discovered Peguero-Espinal on May 23, 2018, they determined him to be unlawfully present in the United States.

Peguero-Espinal faces a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and will be subject to deportation proceedings. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Todd M. Lyons, Deputy Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Soivilien of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting this case.

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

BOSTON – An East Side Money Gang (ESMG) member was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston on racketeering and drug trafficking charges.

Henry Del Rio, a/k/a “Junior,” a/k/a “JR,” 21, of Chelsea, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to five years in prison and four years of supervised release. In February 2018, Del Rio pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, commonly known as RICO, one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, and one count of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

Del Rio is a self-admitted member of the ESMG, a Chelsea-based street gang, which uses violence to further its criminal activities and enforce its internal rules. Specifically, ESMG uses violence to protect its members/associates, target rival gang members/associates and intimidate potential witnesses. The ESMG is also involved in drug trafficking, including cocaine, cocaine base (a/k/a crack) and heroin in Chelsea and surrounding communities.

Del Rio conspired with other gang members and associates to distribute heroin and other drugs in Chelsea. Additionally, Del Rio sold a confidential informant a .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun with an obliterated serial number and a 30-round, high-capacity magazine from Del Rio’s residence on Gerrish Street in Chelsea.   

Del Rio is one of 53 defendants indicted in June 2016 on federal firearms and drug charges following an investigation into a network of street gangs that had created alliances to traffic weapons and drugs throughout Massachusetts and to generate violence against rival gang members. According to court documents, the defendants, who are leaders, members, and associates of the 18th Street Gang, East Side Money Gang and the Boylston Street Gang, were responsible for fueling a gun and drug pipeline across a number of cities and towns in eastern Massachusetts. During the course of the investigation, over 70 firearms were seized.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; John Gibbons, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; Maura Healey, Attorney General of Massachusetts; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Boston Police Commissioner William Evans; Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes; and Brockton Police Chief John Crowley made the announcement today. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also acknowledges the assistance of the Suffolk and Middlesex County Sheriff Departments and the Malden, Revere and Everett Police Departments.

BOSTON – A Brockton man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for distributing fentanyl. 

Dany Brandao, 30, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to 10 years in prison and eight years of supervised release. In March 2018, Brandao was convicted by a federal jury of four counts of fentanyl distribution and one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl.

On Oct. 7, 2016, Oct. 11, 2016, Oct. 25, 2016, and Nov. 1, 2016, Brandao met with an undercover police detective and sold him plastic baggies containing fentanyl. On Nov. 8, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Brandao’s home, where they located fentanyl, plastic baggies, cash, and a digital scale. The controlled purchases and search resulted in the seizure of more than 180 grams of fentanyl from Brandao. At the time of these offenses, Brandao was on federal supervised release stemming from a June 2013 conviction for heroin trafficking conspiracy.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts States Police; Brockton Police Chief John Crowley; East Bridgewater Police Chief Scott Allen; and Marshfield Police Chief Phil Tavares made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leah Foley, Ann Taylor, and Craig Estes of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Boston man was charged today in federal court in Boston with illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition.

Jason Cobb, 31, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Cobb was arrested in April 2018 and charged by complaint; he has been in custody since his arrest.

According to court documents, on Jan. 25, 2018, police officers in Mattapan approached Cobb, and he immediately fled, resulting in a foot chase. Cobb was soon found lying on the ground between two residential houses. After a subsequent search of the area, law enforcement located a KEL TEC, model number P-3AT, .380 caliber handgun loaded with one round of .380 caliber ammunition. Cobb has a prior felony conviction for possession of a firearm.

The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New England Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans  made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Soivilien of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A Springfield man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Springfield to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

Hector Navarro, 29, pleaded guilty two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Sept. 6, 2018.

In September 2016, Navarro possessed a Mossberg, model 500, 12 gauge shotgun, and in October 2016, he possessed a Stoeger, model Cougar 8000, 9mm pistol; an Irwindale Arms Inc., model Automag III, .30 caliber pistol; a Coast to Coast, model CC660, 12 gauge shotgun; 12 rounds of 9mm ammunition; one round of .380 ammunition; and three rounds of .30 caliber ammunition.

Due to a prior conviction of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year, Navarro is prohibited from possessing firearms.

The charge provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, at least one year of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Springfield Police Commissioner John Barbieri made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Guatemalan national was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Worcester for illegally reentering the United States after deportation.

Enri Nemias Vega, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to one year in prison and two years of supervised release. Vega will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. In February 2018, Vega pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.

Vega was previously deported in 2012. On May 20, 2017, Vega was encountered by law enforcement in Sutton and determined to be illegally present in the United States.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Todd M. Lyons, Deputy Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg A. Friedholm of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.

BOSTON - A Dominican national pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to illegally reentering the United States.

Orlando Genoa-Maldonado, 56, pleaded guilty to one count of illegally reentering the United States after being deported. U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for Aug. 30, 2018.

In February 2000, Genoa-Maldonado was convicted in federal court in Pennsylvania of distributing heroin. Upon completion of his sentence, Genoa-Maldonado was placed into removal proceedings, and on March 10, 2004, he was deported to the Dominican Republic. In May 2016, federal officials encountered Genoa-Maldonado at MCI Cedar Junction. Earlier that year, Genoa-Maldonado had been sentenced to nine-to-10 years for heroin trafficking. During an interview with law enforcement, Genoa-Maldonado admitted his status and prior deportation in 2004.

Genoa-Maldonado faces a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 and will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Todd M. Lyons, Deputy Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – Two Chicago brothers were sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for defrauding and attempting to defraud banks out of $4 million in an airplane loan scheme.

Ryan Miller, 32, and Dusten James Miller, 31, were sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 15 years in prison and five years of supervised release, and 12 years in prison and five years of supervised release, respectively. In February 2018, the brothers were convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and one count of conspiracy to commit identity theft. Ryan Miller was also convicted of one count of bank fraud, one count of money laundering, and one count of aggravated identity theft.

From March 2013 through March 2016, Ryan and Dusten Miller, along with other co-conspirators, were engaged in a scheme to defraud banks by obtaining and attempting to obtain fraudulent airplane loans. Using stolen identities, the brothers posed as the buyers and the sellers of airplanes; they filled out fraudulent loan applications and provided the banks with false and fraudulent documents in support of those applications, such as tax returns, bank statements, driver’s licenses and Social Security cards. Once the loans were approved, the brothers arranged for the loan documents to be sent to an email address they created, or a physical address - usually a virtual office location they set-up. The Millers then signed and notarized the loan documents and sent them back to the banks. They also provided the banks with instructions to wire the fraudulent loan proceeds to multiple bank accounts in the name of sham corporations the brothers set up. Once the funds were wired to those accounts, the brothers used the funds to purchase luxury cars and homes, to fund private chauffeurs, and to buy Rolex watches and other luxury items. In total, the brothers defrauded at least five banks and used the personal identifying information of at least nine individuals from all across the country.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Thomas J. Ullom, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Regional Office, U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karin M. Bell and Greg A. Friedholm of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Boston man and his Arizona-based supplier pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to federal drug offenses.

Peter Molloy, 39, and Adrian Carlos Maldonado, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Molloy also pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf scheduled Maldonado’s sentencing for Aug. 29, 2018, and Molloy’s sentencing for Aug. 30, 2018. 

Molloy began distributing methamphetamine in approximately January 2014, originally purchasing methamphetamine from a variety of sources and distributing the drugs to customers in the Boston area. At some point in roughly January 2015, Molloy began purchasing the drugs from Maldonado, who was based in Arizona. Maldonado arranged for the methamphetamine to be transported from Arizona to Massachusetts. 

On Aug. 14, 2017, a search of Molloy’s condominium in South Boston resulted in the seizure of more than 160 grams of methamphetamine, $75,762 in cash and a $1,000 money order. As part of his plea agreement, Molloy agreed to forfeit the seized cash and money order, his interest in the condominium, and a 2014 Hyunda Veloster that he used to facilitate drug dealing. Molloy also agreed to waive claims to other items that were seized, or turned over, to law enforcement during the investigation, including an additional $98,000, a $10,000 cashier’s check and another $1,000 money order. 

Both the charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine provide for a minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, a minimum of five years of supervised release, and a fine of $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office; William Ferrara, Director of Field Operations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Delany De Leon-Colon, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Field Division; Commissioner Thomas Turco of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; Reading Police Chief Mark D. Segalla; and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans made the announcement. Norfolk County Sherriff’s Office; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; and the Watertown, Quincy, Chelsea, Braintree, Peabody, Waltham, and Woburn Police Departments assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James E. Arnold of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Bellingham man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston on child pornography charges.

John E. Kalinowski, 30, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf to five years in prison and five years of supervised release. Upon release from custody, Kalinowski will be required to register with the Sex Offender Registry Board in any state or jurisdiction where he works or resides. In May 2016, Kalinowski pleaded guilty to one count of receipt and attempted receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Kalinowski has been in custody since his arrest in September 2014.

In August 2014, an individual reported to their local police department that she had observed images of pornography on her minor daughter’s iPad. The child was interviewed and told the police that the images were sent to her by Kalinowski. 

In September 2014, a search of Kalinowski’s home resulted in the seizure of computers, hard drives, and other media storage devices. A preliminary review of the devices revealed images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Law enforcement officers also recovered numerous articles of children’s undergarments from Kalinowski’s home.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Delany De Leon-Colon, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Whitman Police Chief Scott D. Benton; and Bellingham Police Chief Gerard L. Daigle Jr. made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.  

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

BOSTON – On the 500th day of the Trump Administration, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Andrew E. Lelling announced that the Department of Justice is taking a dramatic step to increase resources to combat violent crime, enforce our immigration laws, and help roll back the devastating opioid crisis. The District of Massachusetts will receive five new federal prosecutors who will focus on violent crime, civil enforcement and immigration matters.

In the largest increase in decades, the Department of Justice is allocating 311 new Assistant United States Attorneys to assist in priority areas. Those allocations are as follows: 190 violent crime prosecutors, 86 civil enforcement prosecutors, and 35 additional immigration prosecutors. Many of the civil enforcement AUSA’s will support the newly created Prescription Interdiction & Litigation Task Force which targets the opioid crisis at every level of the distribution system.

“Under President Trump's strong leadership, the Department of Justice is going on offense against violent crime, illegal immigration, and the opioid crisis—and today we are sending in reinforcements,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “We have a saying in my office that a new federal prosecutor is ‘the coin of the realm.’ When we can eliminate wasteful spending, one of my first questions to my staff is if we can deploy more prosecutors to where they are needed. I have personally worked to re-purpose existing funds to support this critical mission, and as a former federal prosecutor myself, my expectations could not be higher. These exceptional and talented prosecutors are key leaders in our crime fighting partnership. This addition of new Assistant U.S. Attorney positions represents the largest increase in decades.”

The District of Massachusetts will hire two new AUSAs to focus on violent crime, two on civil enforcement and one who will prosecute immigration crimes. 

“Reducing violent crime, tackling the opioid crisis and enforcing immigration laws are top priorities for my office,” said U.S. Attorney Lelling. “In recent years, prosecutors working in these areas have seen significant increases in Massachusetts. This overwhelms our capacity to prosecute those who disregard the laws of our country and strains legal and law enforcement resources. Hiring five new Assistant U.S. Attorneys will pay dividends for years to come and make a discernable impact in communities across the Commonwealth.”  

BOSTON – A Maine man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester to his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy.

Thomas Walker, 43, of Pemaquid, Maine, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin and cocaine, specifically cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for Aug. 28, 2018. In 2017, Walker and four others, Vito Nuzzolilo, of Worcester; Kristin Little, of Worcester; Melissa Rock, of Pemaquid, Maine; and Ricardo Ortega-Vasquez, a Dominican national residing in New York City, were indicted for their roles in the conspiracy.  

According to court documents, a court-authorized wiretap intercepted Rock and Walker speaking with Nuzzolilo about purchasing cocaine for re-distribution in Maine. On April 10, 2017, Rock contacted Nuzzolilo to ask if he would “front” a quantity of cocaine for Walker; she then traveled to Nuzzolilo’s apartment in Worcester. On April 15, 2017, Walker arranged to obtain cocaine from Nuzzolilo’s apartment, and Nuzzolilo directed Little to provide two ounces of cocaine to Walker. On April 23, 2017, Walker again visited Nuzzolilo’s apartment to obtain cocaine. On April 27, 2017, Walker spoke with Nuzzolilo about obtaining additional cocaine, promising that his “workers” had cash to cover it. Rock and Walker then traveled to Nuzzolilo’s Worcester apartment, and, after leaving the apartment, were stopped by law enforcement and found in possession of more than 50 grams of cocaine.

Walker faces a sentence of up to 40 years in prison, a minimum of four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

Rock, Little, and Ortega-Vasquez have also pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for stealing the identity of a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico.

Wilkin Pena Soto, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to two years and one day in prison and three years of supervised release. Pena Soto will also be subject to deportation proceedings. In March 2018, Pena Soto pleaded guilty to one count of passport fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

In August 2017, Pena Soto applied for a passport at an Attleboro Post Office purporting to be a U.S. citizen. On the application, he represented that the name, Social Security number, and date of birth of a Puerto Rican man were his. He supported the application with a birth certificate and Massachusetts driver’s license in the U.S. citizen’s name. Pena Soto also committed aggravated identity theft in connection with the passport application.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; William B. Gannon, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office; and Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Wichers of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – Two Dominican nationals were sentenced in federal court in Boston for their roles in a widespread heroin and fentanyl trafficking conspiracy operating in Lawrence.

Domingo Gonzalez Martinez, 48, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to 54 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Ruddy Rafael Soto Lara, 40, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 21 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Both defendants will be subject to deportation proceedings. In February 2018, Gonzalez Martinez and Soto Lara each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin and cocaine. Soto Lara also pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry of a deported alien.

On May 30, 2017, a large scale law enforcement operation dismantled two Lawrence-based drug trafficking organizations, one allegedly run by Juan Anibal Patrone, and another led by Ramon Gonzalez Nival, who was allegedly a source of supply for Patrone. In May 2017, Gonzalez Martinez was arrested and charged along with Patrone, Gonzalez Nival, and 30 co-conspirators. Soto Lara was already in state custody at the time of the takedown.

Gonzalez Martinez supplied fentanyl to Patrone. Gonzalez Martinez operated out of the Corniel Market, or bodega, in Lawrence, and was one of several suppliers utilized by Patrone.

Soto Lara was a courier of fentanyl and cocaine for Gonzalez Nival. He was arrested on April 13, 2017, with approximately 20 grams of fentanyl, which he was delivering for Nival.

Patrone has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to stand trial in October 2018. Gonzalez Nival has a change of plea hearing scheduled for June 6, 2018.  

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Essex County District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Lawrence Police Chief Roy P. Vasque made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Winkler of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the cases.

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

BOSTON – A Maine man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield to resisting a federal officer.

Thomas G. Walker, 43, of Pemaquid, Maine, pleaded guilty to one count of resisting a federal officer. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Dec. 12, 2018. Walker has been in custody since his arrest on June 30, 2017, for his role in a federal drug conspiracy.

On July 24, 2017, Walker was brought to federal court in Worcester for a hearing to determine whether he should be held in custody while facing a pending drug charge. Walker was brought into the courtroom by two Deputy U.S. Marshals (“Marshals”) and a corrections officer. Walker’s handcuffs were removed, and he was seated next to his attorneys. While waiting for the judge, Walker turned around and began speaking with a relative in the courtroom gallery. The Marshals directed Walker to face forward and stop speaking with anyone in the gallery. Walker stood up and challenged the Marshals, saying: “Who the ** are you?” and “What the ** are you going to do to me?” The Marshals and the corrections officer approached Walker to restrain him. Walker swung at one of the Marshals and missed. He swung a second time with his open hand and hit the Marshal in the face. Walker’s resistance resulted in all four individuals going down to the floor in a scuffle. Eventually the Marshals, the officer, and a courtroom security officer were able to gain control of Walker, handcuff him, and remove him from the courtroom.

The charge provides for a sentence of no greater than eight years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; U.S. Marshal John Gibbons for the District of Massachusetts; and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Wichers of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – An identified Boston gang member pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to distributing drugs in and around the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments in Jamaica Plain.

Joe Simmons, a/k/a “Profit,” 30, pleaded guilty to distribution of controlled substances within 1,000 feet of a public housing facility. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Sept. 12, 2018.

Following a two-year investigation, Simmons and eight others were charged in January 2018 in connection with illegal drug distribution and firearm possession within and near the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments in Jamaica Plain, formerly known as the Bromley Heath Housing Development. Simmons. Simmons, an alleged member of the Heath Street Gang sold cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine, to a cooperating witness inside the development on May 11, 2017. Simmons told the cooperating witness that he could supply him with “eight balls all day” and would “take care” of him. According to court documents, Simmons’s criminal record includes convictions for assault and battery, possession of a firearm, resisting arrest, and drug possession, among other charges.

The investigation and arrests sought to reduce violence and improve the quality of life in and around the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments for residents by removing individuals who trafficked drugs and who were actively involved in violence and gang disputes. Simmons is the fourth defendant to plead guilty in this case.

The charge of distribution of controlled substances within 1,000 feet of a public housing development provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of one year and no greater than 40 years in prison, a minimum of six years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of $2 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans made the announcement.  Assistance was also provided by the Boston Housing Authority’s Department of Police and Public Safety.

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

BOSTON – Two Brockton men were sentenced in federal court in Boston for drug trafficking charges.

Curtis Silva, a/k/a “Piff,” 31, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Mannie Myers, 39, was sentenced yesterday by Judge Saris to 35 months in prison and five years of supervised release. In September 2017, Silva and Myers each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine.  

During an investigation into a network of street gangs trafficking illegal firearms and drugs, investigators identified Luis Rivera as a Brockton-based source of supply for cocaine and cocaine base for members and associates of the Boylston Street Gang, as well as other drug dealers in Brockton, including Silva and Myers, who were repeat drug customers of, and distributors for, Rivera.

On May 17, 2018, Rivera was sentenced to 10 years in prison, five years of supervised release and ordered to pay a fine of $5,000.

The defendants are two of 53 defendants indicted in June 2016 on federal firearms and drug charges following an investigation into a network of street gangs that created alliances to traffic weapons and drugs throughout Massachusetts and to generate violence against rival gang members. According to court documents, the defendants, who are leaders, members, and associates of the 18th Street Gang, East Side Money Gang and the Boylston Street Gang, were responsible for fueling a gun and drug pipeline across a number of cities and towns in eastern Massachusetts. During the course of the investigation, over 70 firearms were seized.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; John Gibbons, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; Maura Healey, Attorney General of Massachusetts; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Boston Police Commissioner William Evans; Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes; and Brockton Police Chief John Crowley made the announcement today. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also acknowledges the assistance of the Suffolk and Middlesex County Sheriff Departments and the Malden, Revere and Everett Police Departments.

BOSTON – A Springfield man was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield for distributing crack cocaine.

Andrew Cruz, 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to three years in prison and three years of supervised release. On June 15, 2016, Cruz pleaded guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base. He has been in custody since his arrest.

Cruz sold a cooperating witness cocaine base, also known as crack, on two occasions in July 2015.

Cruz is currently in custody on firearms and drug offenses charged in the District of Vermont. He faces two five-year mandatory minimum sentences, to be imposed consecutively, for distributing more than 28 grams of cocaine base, cocaine, and oxycodone – while possessing a 9mm Beretta handgun – and distributing heroin and cocaine base on two more occasions. The sentence imposed today will be served concurrent to whatever sentence is imposed in the pending cases in the District of Vermont.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Springfield Police Commissioner John Barbieri; and Holyoke Police Chief James M. Neiswanger made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Newhouse of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Newton man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Boston with illegally possessing firearms and ammunition.

Juan Francisco David, 45, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. David was arrested in April 2018 and charged by criminal complaint. He was released from custody on conditions.

According to court documents, law enforcement officers were investigating the theft of five firearms from a sports club in Weymouth. Upon reviewing security camera footage, the officers were able to identify the individual, Joseph Fee, who had taken all five guns on two separate visits to the club. Fee was located and law enforcement learned that the guns had been given to two other individuals. Law enforcement recovered four of the five stolen firearms from one of the individuals.

The fifth gun, a Smith & Wesson, .38 caliber revolver, had been given to a man known as “Frankie.” When law enforcement contacted “Frankie,” he said he had sold the gun for $200 and would have to contact the person to whom he sold it. Arrangements were made for “Frankie” to return the weapon, but he never showed up. The following day, “Frankie” left the firearm in a McDonald’s bag in a parking lot.

Further investigation revealed that Fee had purchased approximately 10 firearms on behalf of “Frankie,” who was later identified as Juan Francisco David. Fee was arrested and charged in state court with larceny of firearms.

A search of David’s home resulted in the seizure of a 9mm Smith & Wesson pistol, two firearm magazines, one loaded with eight rounds of 9mm ammunition, a Smith & Wesson .380 caliber pistol, loaded with five rounds of ammunition, and other rounds of ammunition of various makes and calibers. In total, 26 pieces of ammunition were seized.

David has multiple felony convictions, including assault with a dangerous weapon and malicious destruction of property, carrying a dangerous weapon, breaking and entering in the nighttime with intent to commit a felony, drug distribution and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon; as a result, he is prohibited from owning firearms and ammunition.

The charge of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New England Field Division; and Newton Police Chief David MacDonald made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A New York man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for failure to register as a sex offender.

Anthony Seward, 55, of Rochester, N.Y., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to time served (approximately 16 months) and five years of supervised release. On May 21, 2018, Seward pleaded guilty to one count of failure to register as a sex offender.

On May 6, 1996, Seward was convicted in Suffolk Superior Court of assault with intent to commit rape. As a result of his conviction, Seward must register as a sex offender for his lifetime in any state in which he lives or works. Seward last registered as a sex offender in Massachusetts in 2015.

In December 2016, investigators learned that Seward had moved from Massachusetts to New York earlier in the year and was living in Rochester. Further investigation revealed that Seward had not registered as a sex offender in New York as required under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and U.S. Marshal John Gibbons for the District of Massachusetts, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Begg Lawrence of Lelling’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.

BOSTON - A Guatemalan national pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to illegally reentering the United States after being deported.  

Ariel Humberto Diaz, 27, a Guatemalan national formerly residing in Framingham, pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Sept. 5, 2018.

On Feb. 4, 2018, law enforcement officers encountered Humberto Diaz and determined him to be illegally present in the United States. Humberto Diaz was previously deported on April 13, 2016.

Humberto Diaz faces a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Thomas P. Brophy, Acting Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Soivilien of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON - A Guatemalan national was charged today in federal court in Boston with illegally reentering the United States after being deported.  

Antonio Solis, 34, was indicted on one count of illegal reentry of a deported alien.

According to court documents, law enforcement officers in Saugus encountered Solis on March 24, 2018, and determined him to be illegally present in the United States. Solis was previously deported on July 3, 2013.

Solis faces a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Thomas P. Brophy, Acting Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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