District of Massachusetts

BOSTON – A Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in West Springfield, Mass. pleaded guilty on June 13, 2025 in federal court in Springfield, to possessing a forged immigration document and unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation. Prior to these charges, the defendant reentered the United States unlawfully four times; was previously convicted in Arizona of human smuggling; was charged in Illinois with domestic battery/bodily harm; and was twice charged with assault on a police officer in Massachusetts.

Jose Martinez-Lopez, a/k/a “Amalio Mendez-Molina,” 33, pleaded guilty to one count each of possession of a forged immigration document and unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Aug. 20, 2025. Martinez-Lopez was arrested in March 2025.

On Aug. 28, 2009, Martinez-Lopez was removed from the United States to Guatemala after he entered the United States illegally at an unknow prior date. Sometime after his removal, Martinez-Lopez unlawfully reentered the United States and was subsequently deported on May 10, 2011.

After his deportation, Martinez-Lopez re-entered the United States illegally for a third time. On Aug. 8, 2011, he was found guilty in Phoenix, Ariz. of human smuggling conspiracy and sentenced to a one-year probationary period. On Aug. 23, 2011, Martinez-Lopez was again removed from the United States.

Sometime after his removal, Martinez-Lopez re-entered the United States illegally for a fourth time. On Nov. 25, 2022 and June 17, 2023, Martinez-Lopez was twice arrested in Cook County, Ill. for domestic battery/bodily harm. Both times, immigration authorities lodged detainers, but Martinez-Lopez was released from state court custody before any removal action could be taken.

On March 10, 2025, Martinez-Lopez was arrested in West Springfield for assault and battery on a police officer, which led to his apprehension by immigration authorities. At the time of the arrest, Martinez-Lopez possessed a forged permanent resident card in the name of “Amalio Mendez-Molina.” On March 11, 2025, Martinez-Lopez admitted to immigration authorities that he was unlawfully present in the United States and had re-entered the United States illegally in 2021.

The charge of possession of a forged immigration document provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of the Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
 

BOSTON – A Saugus man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for embezzling bank funds while working as a teller at a Boston branch of a national bank.

Derek Aut, 29, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to 25 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. Aut was also ordered to pay $183,677.73 in restitution. In March 2025, Aut pleaded guilty to embezzlement by a bank employee and aggravated identity theft.  

While working as a bank teller in Boston, Aut stole from the bank accounts of two customers by forging the victims’ names on withdrawal slips, among other things. When one of the victims noticed money missing from her account, Aut attempted to cover his theft by taking money from the other victim’s account and depositing it into the first victim’s account. In total, Aut caused the bank losses of more than $180,000.  

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Kearney of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Brazilian national unlawfully residing in Worcester, Mass. pleaded guilty in federal court in Worcester to unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.

Thiago Aquino-De Paula, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for Aug. 28, 2025. In April 2025, Aquino-De Paula was indicted by a federal grand jury.

Aquino-De Paula was deported from the United States on three previous occasions including on or about Nov. 4, 2021. Sometime after his removal, Aquino-De Paula illegally reentered the United States without permission. Aquino-De Paula was found in Massachusetts after being arrested in Uxbridge for allegedly operating under the influence.

The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin J. Brown of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Newton man pleaded guilty on June 10, 2025 in federal court in Boston to illegally possessing two firearms and ammunition.

James Welch, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Sept. 11, 2025. Welch was charged in February 2025.

On Feb. 28, 2025, during a search of the defendants Newton residence a pistol and a rifle, as well as ammunition were recovered. Welch is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to multiple prior felony convictions.

The charge of possessing ammunition after being convicted of a felony provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of a $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah Foley and Scott Riordan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. The Newton Police Department provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric L. Hawkins of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
 

BOSTON – A former Miami-based hedge fund manager was arrested today in connection with his alleged role in a multi-million-dollar insider trading scheme and obstruction of justice.

Kris Bortnovsky, a/k/a “Kris Bort,” 44, of Bal Harbour Village, Fla., has been charged in a six-count indictment unsealed today. The indictment charges Bortnovsky with two counts of securities fraud; two counts of conspiracy to commit securities fraud; one count of making false statements; and one count of witness intimidation. The defendant was arrested today in the Southern District of Florida and will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.

According to the indictment, Bortnovsky served as a hedge fund manager and, from at least 2017 through 2019, allegedly conspired with others to trade in the stocks of several publicly traded companies based on material non-public information regarding the earnings results and merger-and-acquisition activity of those companies. It is further alleged that, when interviewed by agents, Bortnovsky made several materially false statements. It is further alleged that, after being charged with securities fraud, and in violation of his pre-trial conditions of release, Bortnovsky intimidated and attempted to intimidate a then-cooperating witness.

Charges against three other defendants who have previously pleaded guilty to their involvement in the insider trading scheme were also unsealed today. A fifth defendant who participated in the scheme previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to one year in prison.  The government’s investigation remains ongoing.

The charge of conspiracy to commit securities fraud in violation of Title 18 provides for a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of conspiracy to commit securities fraud in violation of Title 15 provides for a sentence of up to 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. The charge of securities fraud in violation of Title 18 provides for a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of securities fraud in violation of Title 15 provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $5 million.  The charge of making false statements provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of obstruction of justice through witness intimidation provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, with an additional maximum potential 10-year consecutive prison term because the offense was allegedly committed while Bortnovsky was on pre-trial release, as well as 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 statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Division made the announcement today. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Miami Field Office, provided valuable assistance in this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Ian J. Stearns and Kaitlin R. O’Donnell of Foley’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit are 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 Dominican man residing in Lawrence was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.

Elian Ortiz Baez, 25, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to time served (approximately four months in prison) and three years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation. On June 4, 2025, Ortiz Baez pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.

Ortiz Baez was deported from the United States on March 15, 2022. Sometime after his removal, Ortiz Baez unlawfully reentered the United States without permission. He was encountered by immigration authorities on or about Feb. 13, 2025.  

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston; and Chief Maurice Aguiler of the Lawrence Police Department made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – Gotbit Consulting LLC (Gotbit), a financial services firm known in the cryptocurrency industry as a “market maker,” was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for criminal charges relating to Gotbit’s fraudulent manipulation of cryptocurrency trading volume on behalf of client cryptocurrency companies.  

Aleksei Andriunin, 26, of Russia and Portugal, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to eight months in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release. In March 2025, Andriunin pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit market manipulation and wire fraud. Andriunin was arrested in Portugal on Oct. 8, 2024 and extradited to the United States on Feb. 25, 2025.

As part of its criminal resolution, Gotbit was ordered to forfeit a total of approximately $23 million in seized cryptocurrency. The court also sentenced Gotbit to a term of probation for five years, during which time Gotbit shall cease to exist or operate.

Gotbit and Andriunin were indicted by a federal grand jury on the same charges in October 2024. The indictment also charges two of Gotbit’s directors, Fedor Kedrov and Qawi Jalili.

Gotbit was a well-known “market maker” in the cryptocurrency industry. Between 2018 and 2024, Gotbit provided market manipulation services to create artificial trading volume for multiple cryptocurrency companies, including companies located in the United States and companies whose cryptocurrencies traded on platforms available to investors located in the United States. Andriunin was Gotbit’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer. In a 2019 interview, Andriunin described how he developed a code to “wash trade” cryptocurrencies to artificially inflate trading volume for the purpose of getting cryptocurrencies listed on CoinMarketCap (a website that published information about “trending” cryptocurrencies) and trading on larger cryptocurrency exchanges. Andriunin and Gotbit’s employees marketed these wash trading tactics to prospective clients and explained how Gotbit used multiple accounts to avoid detection of the wash trades on the public blockchain. Gotbit made wash trades worth millions of dollars on behalf of clients and received tens of millions of dollars in payments from clients.

Gotbit admitted that it engaged in manipulative trades to artificially increase the trading price and volume of tokens for clients that included Robo Inu and Saitama. Leaders of those cryptocurrency companies were charged in separate cases unsealed in October 2024.

Gotbit is the third market maker to resolve criminal charges relating to wash trading in the cryptocurrency industry. In October 2024, the founder of MyTrade pleaded guilty in connection with providing an unlawful wash trading service identified through an undercover law enforcement operation. In April 2025, CLS Global FZC LLC was sentenced in connection with offering illegal “volume support” services uncovered by the same operation.

The Securities & Exchange Commission brought a related civil enforcement action against Gotbit alleging violations of the securities laws.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Boston Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Markham and David M. Holcomb of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol Head, Chief of the Asset Recovery Unit is handling the forfeiture matter.
 

BOSTON – A Salvadoran national residing in Chelsea, Mass. has been indicted by a federal grand jury for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.

Rigoberto Hernandez Mancia, 34, was charged with one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Hernandez Mancia was arrested by immigration authorities on May 12, 2025.

According to the charging document, Hernandez Mancia was deported from the United States on July 31, 2024. It is alleged that sometime after his July 2024 removal, Hernandez Mancia illegally reentered the United States without permission.

The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allegra Flamm of the 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 – An Oklahoma man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for throwing a pipe bomb at The Satanic Temple (TST) in Salem, Mass. on April 8, 2024. 

Sean Patrick Palmer, 49, of Perkins, Okla., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to five years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In March 2025, Palmer pleaded guilty to one count of using an explosive device to damage and attempt to damage a building used in interstate or foreign commerce. He was charged by criminal complaint and arrested on April 17, 2024, in Perkins, Okla. 

TST is a non-theistic religious organization headquartered in Salem, Mass. According to the charging documents, at approximately 4:14 a.m. on April 8, 2024, surveillance cameras captured a man, subsequently identified as Palmer, walking towards TST wearing a black face covering, a tan-colored tactical vest and gloves. As Palmer approached TST, he ignited a pipe bomb – a type of improvised explosive device or “IED” – threw it at TST’s main entrance, and then ran away. The IED did not fully detonate and therefore caused only minor damage to TST’s exterior. 

The pipe bomb was constructed from a roughly two-foot section of plastic pipe covered with metal nails attached to the pipe with duct tape. The inside of the pipe was filled with smokeless gunpowder. During the investigation, Palmer’s DNA was found on the outside of the IED.

A six-page handwritten note was found in a flower bed adjacent to TST, near the area where Palmer threw the IED. Among other things, the letter stated: 

DEAR SATANIST
ELOHIM SEND ME 7 MONTHS AGO TO GIVE YOU
PEACEFUL MESSAGE TO HOPE YOU REPENT. YOU SAY
NO, ELOHIM NOW SEND ME TO SMITE SATAN AND I
HAPPY TO OBEY. AND ELOHIM WANT ME TO CONTACT
YOU TO TELL YOU REPENT. TURN FROM SIN. ELOHIM
NO LIKE THIS PLACE AND PLAN TO DESTROY IT. MAYBE
SALEM TOO? ELOHIM SEND ME TO FIGHT CRYBABY
SATAN, BUT WANT ME TO MAKE HARD EFFORT SO NO
ONE DIES. I OBEY.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Lucas J. Miller, Chief of the Salem Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Massachusetts State Police; Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Oklahoma City Field Office; Payne County Sherriff’s Office; Oklahoma Highway Patrol; the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma; and Stillwater (Okla.) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason A. Casey of the National Security Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A New Hampshire man was arrested today in connection with an ongoing firearm trafficking investigation.

Isaiah Johnson, 24, of Merrimack, N.H., was charged with firearm trafficking by unlawful delivery. Johnson was arrested today and will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at 2:00 PM today.

According to the charging documents, a co-conspirator from Brockton, who was ineligible for a license to carry firearms, paid Johnson to purchase a particular firearm from a gun store in New Hampshire. It is alleged that on Feb. 3, 2024, Johnson went to the gun store, texted photographs of a tan-colored Glock 19X and an extended magazine to the co-conspirator, before purchasing the firearm. The following week, Johnson allegedly texted another photograph of the firearm to the co-conspirator, before ultimately delivering it to the co-conspirator on or about Feb. 11, 2024.

In December 2024, the co-conspirator was arrested at his Brockton residence on state charges in connection with an investigation into a high-end car theft enterprise. During a search of the residence, the tan-colored Glock 19X that Johnson had allegedly purchased was located, as well as two large-capacity magazines. It is further alleged that videos posted online showed the co-conspirator firing what appeared to be the same firearm while it was equipped with a “selector switch,” rendering it a fully-automatic weapon. The video was allegedly filmed nearby a public school in Brockton, where approximately 43 9-millimeter shell casings and 10 .40 caliber shell casings were later located.

The charge of firearm trafficking by unlawful delivery provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to 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 statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Scott Riordan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office; Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and the Brockton (Mass.), Merrimack (N.H.) and Manchester (N.H.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Cutshall of the Organized Crime & Gang 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 Lynn woman was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for sex trafficking.

Latasha Anderson, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 20 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In March 2025, Latasha Anderson pleaded guilty to one count of coercion and enticement. Latasha Anderson was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2023, along with her co-defendants Jermall Anderson and Jennifer Fortier.

From 2012 through 2016, Latasha Anderson, along with her co-conspirators and at the direction of Jermall Anderson, used threats and the giving and withholding of heroin and cocaine to force two different victims to prostitute on their behalf. Jermall Anderson’s wide-ranging sex trafficking operation targeted vulnerable victims, specifically those struggling with drug addiction, homelessness and lack of economic resources and coerced them into providing commercial sex for the defendants’ benefit. Latasha Anderson coerced and enticed these victims to engage in prostitution throughout New England, New York and New Jersey.  

In March 2025, Jermall Anderson was sentenced to 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In March 2025, Fortier was sentenced to 58 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.

Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274 or contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the HSI Office in New Haven, Conn., the Lynn and Tewksbury Police Departments (Mass.) and the Hampden (Conn.) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
 

BOSTON – A Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in Marlborough, Mass. has been charged with assaulting multiple federal officers during an immigration arrest.

Guido Andres Cuellar Batres, 24, was charged with one count of forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, or interfering with federal officers engaged in the performance of official duties. The defendant is currently in ICE custody and will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.

According to the charging documents, Cuellar had overstayed his non-immigrant visa by more than four years and, as a result, there was an outstanding immigration warrant for his arrest. It is alleged that at approximately 9:45 a.m. on May 4, 2025, four federal officers – three Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and a Drug Enforcement Administration agent – set up surveillance in a parking lot in Marlborough. There, a vehicle was observed entering the parking lot, with Cuellar sitting in the front passenger seat. It is alleged that the officers – wearing outer garments identifying themselves as law enforcement – approached the vehicle and ordered Cuellar, in both English and Spanish, to step out of the car. Cuellar allegedly refused. The officers then allegedly instructed Cuellar and the driver to unlock the vehicle, but they did not do so. It is alleged that after being instructed by the officers to keep his hands visible, Cuellar reached down in the front passenger seat such that the officers lost sight of his hands – raising concern that he might be reaching for a weapon. Given this concern and the refusals to comply with orders, the officers broke the rear passenger side window, through which they gained entry and unlocked the front passenger door.

It is alleged that, upon being removed from the vehicle, Cuellar forcibly resisted officer efforts to bring his arms behind his back for handcuffing. It is further alleged that, Cuellar bit one of the officers in the wrist, attempted to bite another officer in the leg and struck an officer in the head multiple times, among other acts. According to the charging documents, the officers ultimately handcuffed Cuellar and applied leg restraints. During this process, it is alleged that Cuellar continued to forcibly resist including, among other things, by kicking at the officers.

Additionally, it is alleged that while officers attempted to secure Cuellar in rear seat of their vehicle, Cuellar jumped numerous times to prevent being put in the vehicle. As a result, one of the officers entered the opposite side of the vehicle to pull Cuellar into the rear seat. As the officer took hold of Cuellar, the defendant allegedly head-butted the officer and spat directly into the officer’s face and eyes.

The charge of forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, or interfering with federal officers engaged in the performance of official duties provides for a sentence of up to eight 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 statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston; and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert E. Richardson of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A Salvadoran national unlawfully residing in Chelsea was indicted yesterday in federal court in Boston for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.

Juan Carlos Gil-Ochoa, 36, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Gil-Ochoa was arrested by immigration authorities on May 12, 2025.

According to the indictment, Gil-Ochoa was deported from the United States to El Salvador in April 2013. It is alleged that sometime after his April 2013 removal, Gil-Ochoa illegally reentered the United States without permission and was encountered by immigration authorities in October 2023.  

The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien with a prior felony criminal conviction provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Zacks of the 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-based director of operations and sales for the Northeast region of a mobile medical diagnostics company pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to conspiring to offer and pay kickbacks to doctors in exchange for ordering medically unnecessary brain scans.

James Rausch, 57, of Port Jefferson Station, N.Y., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the anti-kickback statute. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for July 10, 2025. Rausch was charged in May 2025.

From approximately March 2015 through approximately September 2020, Rausch conspired with others, including two managers for a mobile medical diagnostics company that performed transcranial doppler (TCD) scans, to enter into kickback agreements with various doctors. TCD scans are brain scans that measure blood flow in parts of the brain. Rausch and his alleged co-conspirators agreed to offer and pay doctors kickbacks, some in cash and others by check, based on the number of TCD ultrasounds the doctors ordered. Rausch and his alleged co-conspirators created purported rental and administrative service agreements, which on paper made it appear as if doctors were compensated for the TCD company’s use of space and administrative resources of the ordering doctor’s practice based on fair market value and not based on the volume or value of referrals. These agreements were shams that hid the true nature of the arrangement of paying per test.  

The scheme as a whole resulted in fraudulent bills of approximately $70.6 million to Medicare. Medicare paid approximately $27.2 million to the TCD company for the fraudulent claims.

The charge of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute provides for a sentence of up to five 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 statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division, Boston Field Office; Kelly M. Lawson, Acting Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Boston Regional Office; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Howard Locker and Mackenzie A. Queenin of the Health Care Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in Lynn was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.

Domingo Valentin Solis-De Leon, 29, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to six months in prison and one year of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. On April 8, 2025, Solis-De Leon pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.

On Jan. 8, 2014, United States Border Patrol arrested Solis-De Leon near Hidalgo, Texas after entering the United States illegally. Solis De-Leon was ordered removed and was sent back to his home country of Guatemala. On Jan. 6, 2024, immigration authorities learned that Solis-De Leon was present in the United States following his arrest in Lynn, Mass. According to court documents, Solis-De Leon was arrested on state charges for assault and battery on a family or household member and the matter is currently pending in Lynn District Court. He was subsequently released from state custody and Solis-De Leon was arrested by immigration authorities on Jan. 28, 2025 in Lynn.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – An Ecuadorian national illegally residing in Yarmouth has been indicted by a federal grand jury for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.

Jose Tomas Lema Pugo, a/k/a Jose Luis Ledezma, 59, was charged with one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Lema Pugo was arrested by immigration authorities on May 9, 2025.

According to the indictment, Lema Pugo was deported from the United States to Ecuador in November 2013. It is alleged that sometime after his November 2013 removal, Lema Pugo illegally reentered the United States without permission.  

The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien with a prior felony criminal conviction provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Zacks of the 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 Brockton man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to charges that he bribed a road test examiner to issue driver’s licenses to individuals who did not pass or, in some cases, even take road tests at the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) in Brockton.

Carlos Cardoso, 71, pleaded guilty to one count of honest services mail fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Sept. 11, 2025. In May 2024, Cardoso was indicted by a federal grand jury.

Cardoso, the owner of a driving school, paid cash bribes totaling more than $20,000 to a road test examiner at the Brockton RMV service center to misrepresent that certain driver’s license applicants had passed their road test when, in fact, they had not. Some of the applicants did not even show up to take the test. As a result of the fraud, the RMV mailed driver’s licenses to unqualified applicants.

The charge of honest services mail fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 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 statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.  

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Brian C. Gallagher, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine Wichers and Adam Deitch of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit are prosecuting the case.
 

BOSTON – A Bridgewater man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to his role in the armed robbery of a cash courier working for licensed cannabis companies, outside of a bank in Swansea, Mass. last year. The defendant and, allegedly, others zip-tied and pepper sprayed the victim before burning the stolen getaway vehicle.

Steven Madison, 39, pleaded guilty to one count of robbery; one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; one count of brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence; one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled by the Court.

In May 2024, Madison was arrested and charged along with Christopher White and Quentin McDonald in connection with the robbery. A fourth individual, Elgun Mikaiylov, a former manager for one of the cannabis dispensaries, was later charged in a superseding indictment for his alleged involvement in providing information about the cash pickups at the dispensary and the couriers, for his involvement in planning the robbery and for receiving some of the proceeds.

In the early morning hours of Feb. 19, 2024, Madison and another man stole a rental van from a U-Haul Moving & Storage location in Abington, Mass. Later in the day, an armed courier who worked for a company that provides secure cash transportation services for licensed cannabis companies arrived at a bank in Swansea carrying approximately $436,200 in cash for deposit. Madison and, allegedly, White drove the U-Haul van behind the courier. It is alleged that White exited the van wearing a camouflaged vest and pointed a firearm at the courier before zip-tying the courier’s hands behind his back. Madison then exited the U-Haul van and quickly loaded the cash into the vehicle. After trying to disarm the courier, the two men allegedly forced the courier into the back seat of his own car, pepper sprayed him and closed the door.

Surveillance footage showed that the courier managed to remove one hand from the zip-tie restraints while inside his vehicle, draw his firearm and fire four rounds in the direction of the U-Haul van as it fled the scene, before calling 911.  

After leaving the bank, it is alleged that Madison and White drove the van to a nearby location in Swansea where McDonald was waiting in an SUV. There, the men allegedly transferred the stolen cash into the getaway SUV, burned the U-Haul van and fled.

During a search of Madison’s residence in Bridgewater, a pistol and over 400 grams of cocaine were found. Madison has prior state convictions for masked armed robbery, assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon and unlawfully possessing a firearm.  

The charge of Hobbs Act robbery and conspiracy provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison, to be served consecutively to any sentence on the underlying offense. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a $1 million fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Scott Riordan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble of the Massachusetts State Police; and Swansea Police Chief Mark Foley made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office and the Bridgewater, Brockton, Raynham and Whitman Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Reynolds III of the Major Crimes Unit and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Driscoll 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 – A Salvadoran national unlawfully residing in Chelsea was charged with allegedly making multiple illegal firearms sales.

Melbi Ovidio Ortez, 40, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license. Ortez was arrested this morning. Following an initial appearance this afternoon, he was ordered detained pending probable cause and detention hearings scheduled for July 18, 2025.

According to charging documents, Ortez was identified as an 18th Street Gang associate who supplied firearms and controlled substances to gang members. On four different occasions between April 3, 2025 and May 2, 2025, Ortez allegedly sold firearms and ammunition behind his Chelsea residence. It is alleged that Ortez sold a Glock 9mm caliber pistol; a Sturm and Ruger .22 caliber revolver; a Glock .40 caliber pistol; a Colt .380 caliber pistol; magazines; and over one hundred rounds of ammunition. It is further alleged that the serial numbers on both the Glock 9mm pistol and the Colt .380 pistol had been defaced, and that the Glock 9mm pistol had been purchased only 20 days earlier from a licensed firearms dealer in New Hampshire. Ortez also allegedly sold suspected cocaine on two times during that same period.

The charge of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, Boston Division; and Scott Riordan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Boston, Chelsea, Everett, Falmouth, Lynn, Medford, Nantucket and Revere Police Departments; Massachusetts State Police; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Fraud Detection and National Security Unit; Massachusetts Department of Correction; and the Suffolk County and Middlesex County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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 pleaded guilty yesterday to distributing thousands of counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine, including to a member of the Asian Boyz gang.

Scott Fournier, a/k/a “S.G.,” 34, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine; two counts of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine; two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine; and three counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine. U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley scheduled sentencing for Oct. 8, 2025.

According to court documents, a long-term investigation identified that Asian Boyz gang members and associates had access to a plentiful supply of dangerous, homemade pills pressed with varying doses of methamphetamine and caffeine and designed to resemble pharmaceutical-grade Adderall.

Between March 2, 2023 and May 12, 2023, Fournier supplied an Asian Boyz gang member with more than 2,000 methamphetamine pills to be used in street deals. Fournier’s fingerprints were identified on one of the bags containing the pills.

The investigation subsequently traced Fournier’s supply operation to a storage unit in Tyngsborough. Security video recordings from the facility showed Fournier routinely accessing the storage unit, including at the times in which he delivered methamphetamine pills to the Asian Boyz gang member. During a search of the storage unit in October 2023, 13,464 counterfeit “Adderall” pills containing methamphetamine were found – with a combined weight of over four kilograms – as well as other types of pills. Upon being approached by law enforcement, following the search of his storage unit, Fournier was found in possession of a bag that contained an additional 1,684 counterfeit “Adderall” pills made with methamphetamine.      

Additionally, over the course of five separate occasions between April 2024 and October 2024, Fournier sold approximately 8,000 counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine – with a combined weight of over two kilograms – in recorded deals to a cooperating witness.

The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine and conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine each provide for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine each provide for a sentence of at least five year and up to life in prison, at least four years and 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 statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
 
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Superintendent Gregory C. Hudon of the Lowell Police Department made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Billerica, Haverhill, North Andover and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/PSN.

This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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 Lawrence man pleaded guilty today to his involvement in money laundering and cocaine conspiracies.

Victor Berroa Mercedes, 32, pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine; and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. U.S. District Judge Myong J. Joun scheduled sentencing for Sept. 23, 2025.

In January 2024, in Lowell, Berroa Mercedes delivered approximately $70,000 in drug trafficking proceeds for money laundering concealed in a shopping bag to undercover law enforcement. During the exchange, Berroa Mercedes called a co-conspirator to confirm the amount of drug trafficking proceeds he was delivering for money laundering was indeed $70,000.

A few months later, in May 2024, Berroa Mercedes met with a cooperating source in Woburn to obtain 32 kilograms of cocaine. When law enforcement attempted to arrest Berroa Mercedes during the exchange, he fled and dropped a plastic bag containing $32,800 in cash. He was immediately apprehended.  

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Waltham, Bedford, Middleborough, Framingham, Lowell, Braintree, Haverhill and Wilmington Police Departments and the Illinois State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Ferguson, J. Mackenzie Duane and John Mulcahy of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Colombian man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his involvement in a sophisticated international money laundering organization that laundered more than $6 million in drug trafficking proceeds from Colombian cartels through the United States, Caribbean and European banking systems.

Jaime Humberto Mejia-Bencardino, 62, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 115 months in prison. On Dec. 11, 2024, Mejia-Bencardino pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy and 16 counts of laundering of monetary instruments. He was extradited at the request of the United States to face the charges in this case and is subject to deportation upon completion of the sentence imposed.

Mejia-Bencardino was among 20 individuals from Colombia, Jamaica and Florida who were indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2022 in connection with the money laundering conspiracy.

Over the course of the investigation, $1 million was seized from corporate bank accounts and other investigative activity. Nearly 3,000 kilograms of cocaine – with a street value of over $90 million – was traced back to the money laundering organization. This includes approximately 1,193 kilograms of cocaine seized at sea, 60 miles south of Jamaica, in July 2019, as well as 1,555 kilograms of cocaine seized in nine scrap metal shipping containers at the Port of Buenaventura, Colombia, in March 2019.

In or about October 2016, law enforcement began an investigation into a sophisticated money laundering organization located primarily in Barranquilla, Colombia. During an extensive five-year investigation, the organization laundered over $6 million in drug proceeds through intermediary banks in the United States, including banks in Massachusetts, as well as additional proceeds through banks in the Caribbean and Europe by use of the Colombian Black Market Peso Exchange (BMPE). By using the BMPE, the defendants and their co-conspirators sought to conceal drug trafficking activity and proceeds from law enforcement as well as evade currency exchange requirements in the United States and Colombia through the illegal currency exchange process. As part of the conspiracy, members of the organization held roles and responsibilities relative to the needs and opportunities of the scheme, such as drug suppliers, peso brokers, money couriers and business owners/dollar purchasers.

Through the BMPE, Colombian drug trafficking organizations with drug proceeds generated in the United States use third parties – generally referred to as “peso brokers” that are also based in Colombia – who agree to exchange Colombian pesos they control for the drug supplier’s dollar proceeds. Peso brokers then use money couriers in the United States and elsewhere to physically secure the drug proceeds, often in suitcases or bags on the street, and transfer the proceeds into the United States banking system. To avoid detection, peso brokers deposit the drug proceeds into bank accounts in company or individual names intended to appear as legitimate business activity, or through multiple small deposits into different bank accounts which are then consolidated into larger accounts. As a result, Colombian peso brokers control a pool of drug-derived proceeds in United States bank accounts. These dollar proceeds are then purchased by individuals or companies in Colombia seeking to exchange pesos for United States dollars at a favorable exchange rate and in a manner that avoids currency exchange and income reporting requirements. The dollar drug proceeds are transferred at the direction of the purchaser, and often end up in bank accounts of individuals or companies who appear to have no direct involvement in drug trafficking crimes.

Beginning in 2016 and continuing until 2022, an undercover agent infiltrated the organization by portraying himself as an international money launderer able to pick up bulk cash throughout the world, launder the proceeds through his United States-based accounts and send the money to Colombia through the BMPE.

Throughout the course of the investigation, members of the money laundering organization would contact the undercover and arrange meetings for the undercover and the undercover’s purported associates to collect bulk cash throughout the world. Money brokers, such as Mejia-Bencardino, would negotiate the money laundering contract by hiring a money launderer to pick up the bulk cash drug proceeds throughout the world, and would then direct where the money was to be sent to various accounts in order to conceal the nature of the funds and facilitate the payout of the laundered proceeds in Colombia for the benefit of the drug suppliers. Over the course of the conspiracy, Mejia-Bencardino was personally responsible for the laundering of over $1.95 million in drug proceeds.

Mejia-Bencardino is the 11th defendant to be sentenced in this case. All but one remaining defendant has been convicted.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; Aura Liliana Trujillo Rojas, Delegate for Criminal Finance for the Colombian Attorney General’s Office; Ricardo Sánchez Silvestre, Brigadier General of the Colombian National Police Anti-Narcotics Directorate; Jervis Moore, Chief of the Narcotics Division for the Jamaica Constabulary Force; and Colonel Geoffrey Noble of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Office of the Judicial Attaché in Bogotá, Colombia provided significant assistance in securing the arrests and extraditions of Cover, Rowe and other co-defendants from Colombia and Jamaica. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared C. Dolan and Alathea E. Porter of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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 Salvadoran man unlawfully residing in Lynn has been indicted in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after deportation.

Jose Leonardo Gutierrez-Mendez, 32, is indicted on one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.

According to the indictment, Gutierrez-Mendez was previously deported to El Salvador in August 2014. It is alleged that, sometime after his removal, Gutierrez-Mendez unlawfully reentered the United States. He was encountered by immigration authorities on or about May 8, 2025.

The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lynn Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the 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 has pleaded guilty to multiple federal crimes after he was recorded illegally selling numerous guns, thousands of methamphetamine pills and machineguns.

Billy Chan, a/k/a “Juju,” 20, pleaded guilty on June 6, 2025 to one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license; one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine; one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; and one count of transfer and possession of a machinegun. U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley scheduled sentencing for Sept. 17, 2025.

On five different dates in Lowell between March 2023 and June 2023, Chan sold three handguns, four machinegun conversion devices and approximately 2,000 pills marketed as “Adderall,” to undercover law enforcement. Laboratory testing confirmed that the “Adderall” pills were homemade methamphetamine pills pressed with caffeine and designed to look like the genuine pharmaceutical product. Chan trafficked the counterfeit pills with an alleged co-conspirator who was a member of the Asian Boyz gang. The investigation revealed that, in 2023, Asian Boyz gang members and associates had access to a plentiful supply of counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine, which they distributed widely across the Merrimack Valley region.

During a recorded meeting with a cooperating source, Chan said he worked at a machine shop, could make the machinegun conversion “switch” devices himself and gave instructions and demonstrations on how to install the “switches” on a pistol. A few days later, Chan sent the source a video of a person shooting a fully automatic handgun into the air, with the message: “I let my boys test the switch.”

 
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Superintendent Gregory C. Hudon of the Lowell Police Department made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Billerica, Haverhill, North Andover and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/PSN.

This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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

BOSTON – A Lawrence man has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for leading a large-scale drug trafficking organization that distributed fentanyl, fentanyl analogue and cocaine.

Joseph Correa, 35, was sentenced by on Friday, June 6, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley to 18 years in prison and five years of supervised release. In November 2024, Correa pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, five kilograms or more of cocaine, and other controlled substances; possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Correa was a target of a long-term investigation into a network of fentanyl and cocaine distributors based in and around Lawrence. The investigation showed that Correa obtained fentanyl from local suppliers, and that he and co-defendants and brothers Jose Martinez and Luis Martinez regularly traveled to Puerto Rico to purchase wholesale quantities of cocaine, which they mailed to addresses in New England for redistribution in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Correa employed co-defendants, as well as an uncharged co-conspirator, to store and process drugs at their residences and to distribute drugs on his behalf. Correa was regularly intercepted over court-authorized wiretaps discussing distribution of fentanyl and cocaine and obtaining, possessing and using firearms. He and co-defendant Mayi Rosario conspired to launder drug proceeds via various financial transactions and purchases. During the course of the investigation, fluorofentanyl, fentanyl, cocaine and drug proceeds were seized from Correa and his associates and from packages mailed by or for Correa. On Dec. 15, 2021, Correa was arrested in Caguas, Puerto Rico. At the time of his arrest, Correa was holding a loaded firearm that had a Glock slide and a privately manufactured grip, and that had been converted into a fully automatic weapon.

In May 2024, Jose Martinez was sentenced to 90 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release. In February 2025, Luis Martinez was sentenced to five years in prison and four years of supervised release. In August 2024, Rosario was sentenced to 30 months in prison, to be followed by one year of home detention and 26 months of supervised release.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lawrence Police Department; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Massachusetts State Police; Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Essex County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Ferguson and J. Mackenzie Duane of the Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.

This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

BOSTON – A Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in Burlington has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after deportation.

Odvin Natael Chavarria-Lopez, 30, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.

According to the indictment, Chavarria-Lopez was deported from the United States in July 2015. It is alleged that, sometime after his removal, the defendant unlawfully reentered the United States and was encountered on May 6, 2025.

The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the 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 unlawfully residing in Brockton has been indicted for illegally reentering the United States after deportation.

Edwin Antonio Sanchez-Lara, 34, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.

According to the indictment, Sanchez-Lara was removed from the United States in August 2019. It is alleged that, sometime after his removal, the defendant unlawfully reentered the United States and was encountered on May 11, 2025.

The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the 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 has been indicted by a federal grand jury for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.

Antonio Gonzales, 53, is charged with one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Gonzales was arrested on May 7, 2025 and will appear in federal court in Boston on June 23, 2025.

According to the charging documents, Gonzales has previously been convicted of a felony. Gonzales was previously deported from the United States on Sept. 15, 2004, and it is alleged that sometime after his September 2004 removal, Gonzales illegally reentered the United States without permission.

The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien with a prior felony criminal conviction provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric L. Hawkins of the Major Crime 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 Brazilian national unlawfully residing in Framingham was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after deportation.    

Rafael De Jesus-Ribeiro, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to time served (approximately 56 days) and one year of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation proceedings. On May 30, 2025, De Jesus-Ribeiro pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.

De Jesus-Ribeiro was deported from the United States on July 17, 2019, after illegally crossing the border in Texas and being stopped by Border Patrol, to whom he initially provided false documentation. Sometime after his July 2019 removal, De Jesus-Ribeiro illegally reentered the United States without permission.

United States Attorney Leah Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric L. Hawkins of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Brazilian national residing in Somerville has been indicted by a federal grand jury for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.

Paulo Vinicius Cardozo Pereira, 43, is charged with one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Cardozo Pereira was arrested by immigration authorities on May 10, 2025 and will appear in federal court in Boston on June 24, 2025.

According to the indictment, Cardozo Pereira was deported from the United States on July 25, 2014. It is alleged that sometime after his July 2014 removal, Cardozo Pereira illegally reentered the United States without permission.

The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra W. Amrhein of the 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 Mexican man was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for illegally reentering the United States after deportation.

Ausencio Flores Salazar, 34, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Flores Salazar is currently in immigration custody and will be arraigned in federal court in Boston on June 11, 2025.  

According to the charging document Flores Salazar was deported to Mexico in 2019. It is alleged that, sometime after his removal, Flores Salazar unlawfully reentered the United States. He was allegedly encountered on or about May 12, 2025.

The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen M. Noto of the 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.

BOSTON – A Jamaican woman was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for illegally reentering the United States after deportation.

Tanya James, 53, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. James is currently in immigration custody and will be arraigned in federal court in Boston on June 11, 2025.

According to the charging document, on or about May 12, 2025, James was found to have unlawfully reentered the United States after previously being deported in 2004.

The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen M. Noto of the 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.

BOSTON – A Guatemalan national residing in Waltham has been indicted by a federal grand jury for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.

Mynor Lopez-Lopez, a/k/a Mynor Alexander Lopez, 37, was charged with one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Lopez was arrested by immigration authorities on May 7, 2025. He will appear in federal court in Boston on June 26, 2025.

According to the indictment, Lopez was deported from the United States on March 24, 2009. It is alleged that, sometime after his 2009 removal, Lopez illegally reentered the United States without permission.  

The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Zacks of the 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 – Eight individuals have been charged as part of an ongoing investigation into the theft of U.S. Treasury tax refund checks in Massachusetts.

According to the charging documents eight defendants in communities throughout Eastern Massachusetts have allegedly been involved in the theft of tax refund checks, totaling more than $8.8 million in 2023 and 2024. As alleged, each of the U.S. Treasury checks the defendants stole represented a tax refund or tax credit due to a bona fide taxpayer, but had been altered to be payable to shell companies the defendants controlled. Each defendant allegedly deposited one or more fraudulent checks at banks or credit unions in and around Metro Boston. The following defendants are charged in separate indictments:

1. Gino Rosario Tyler Alexander Allegra, 31, of Brockton, charged with theft of $861,646 in government funds;
2. Eric Banks, 70, of Quincy, charged with theft of $1,173,482 in government funds;
3. Jesse El-Ghoul, 31, of Leominster, charged with theft of $1,355,863 in government funds;
4. Nnamdi Opara, 30, of Woburn, charged with theft of $700,767 in government funds;
5. Gurprit Singh, 34, of Framingham, charged with theft of $2,547,508 in government funds;
6. Amarpreet Singh, 33, of Framingham, charged with theft of $536,214 in government funds;
7. Lonnie Smith-Matthews, 33, of Hyde Park, charged with theft of $150,000 in government funds and bank fraud of $232,588; and
8. Domingo Villari, 49, of Framingham, charged with theft of $1,288,575 in government funds.

Banks, El-Ghoul, G. Singh, Opara, Smith-Matthews and Villari are in federal custody and will appear in Federal Court in Boston later today. Allegra and A. Singh remain at large.

“As alleged, these defendants stole millions in tax refunds owed to hardworking Americans and used Massachusetts businesses and community banks to defraud the U.S. Treasury,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “Would-be thieves should understand that taking government money is not a victimless crime. If you cash or deposit a refund check that you know is not yours, you will be prosecuted. This office and its law enforcement partners are committed to rooting out fraud and abuse in the federal tax system.”  

“Today’s arrest demonstrates IRS-CI’s commitment to identifying, investigating, and prosecuting all instances of Treasury check theft,” said Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office. “The theft and altering of Treasury checks is a growing issue that impacts all Americans. IRS-CI will continue to work diligently to bring all those who prey on American taxpayers to justice.”

“The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) aggressively investigates individuals who attempt to exploit U.S Treasury refund checks meant for hard working taxpayers for their own private gain," said TIGTA Special Agent in Charge Michael Carpenter. “TIGTA's mission is to protect the integrity of our nation's tax administration system.  We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who violate federal laws are prosecuted to the fullest extent possible."

The charge of theft of government funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

U.S. Attorney Foley; IRS Acting SAC Demeo; Treasury Inspector General SAC Carpenter; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Needham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kriss Basil and Brian Sullivan of Foley’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the cases.

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

BOSTON – A Lowell man was sentenced on June 4, 2025 in federal court in Boston for conspiring with gang members to traffic methamphetamine pills made to look like the legitimate pharmaceutical product, Adderall.

Brian Gingras, a/k/a “Cheech,” 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to nine years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release. In January 2025, Gingras pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine.

Gingras was a drug supplier in an extensive distribution network involving Asian Boyz gang member, Bill Phim, a/k/a “Bonez.” Between May 2022 and September 2022, Gingras delivered over 5,000 counterfeit Adderall pills – which were referred to as “Ads,” “Addies,” or simply, “A’s” – to Phim on numerous occasions. Phim then sold the pills to an undercover federal agent for more than $18,000. Chemical testing confirmed that the pills contained a dangerous compound of methamphetamine and caffeine.

During a search of Gingras’ residence, hundreds of additional counterfeit “Adderall” pills as well as counterfeit “Xanax” pills and a pill press were discovered. The search also revealed that Gingras maintained a storage unit where he kept a loaded firearm and over 30 kilograms of counterfeit “Adderall” pills made with caffeine only, bags of suspected marijuana as well as boxes of THC extract and edible products.  

Phim was sentenced by Judge Gorton in May 2025 to 10 years in prison.
 
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Superintendent Gregory C. Hudon of the Lowell Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; and the Billerica, Haverhill, North Andover and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/PSN.

This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

BOSTON – A Randolph man pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to possessing and transporting child sexual abuse material.

Kesler Xavier Saget, 43, pleaded guilty to transporting child pornography and possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Sept. 4, 2025. In August 2024, Saget was arrested and charged.

On Aug. 7, 2024, Saget traveled to Boston Logan International Airport from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. During a screening by border agents, child pornography was detected on Saget’s phone. Saget admitted to having child pornography on his phone and to receiving links with child pornography through various chat groups. A review of the phone also showed payments made by Saget in exchange for access to child pornography.    

The charge of transporting child pornography provides for a sentence of up no less than five years and up to 20 years in prison, five years to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possessing child pornography provides for a sentence up to 20 years, five years to life of supervised release and a fine up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

Acting United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Sullivan of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. 

 

BOSTON – A Mexican national unlawfully residing in Hudson, Mass. has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to illegally reentering the United States after deportation.

Fredi Rios-Nolasco, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun scheduled sentencing on Sept. 17, 2025. In April of 2025, Rios-Nolasco was indicted by a federal grand jury.

On March 6, 2025, federal immigration authorities lodged a detainer against Rios-Nolasco after he was arrested by the Hudson Police Department and charged in Marlborough District Court for trafficking 200 grams or more of cocaine. Fingerprints taken during his arrest matched biometrics from his prior removals.  

The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
 

BOSTON – A Mexican man, and member of a Tijuana-based Sinaloa Cartel cell, pleaded guilty yesterday to his role in a cocaine and money laundering conspiracy.

Eber Alain Estrada Palafox, also known as “Doctor”, 39, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Sept. 4, 2025.

Palafox conspired with a ring of Massachusetts-based individuals to traffic cocaine and heroin from Mexico, through California, to Massachusetts and into New England over a two-year period. Palafox and his co-conspirators also conspired to import at least one kilogram of heroin (which turned out to be pure fentanyl) from sources in Mexico. Palafox also admitted to conspiring to use a co-conspirator’s auto dealership, State Line Auto Sales, LLC, in Enfield, Connecticut, to commit money laundering by wiring drug proceeds to his mother in Mexico.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine provides for a sentence of no less than 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10,000,000. The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $500,000. The defendant is subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of an imposed sentence. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Merck of the Springfield Office is prosecuting the case.
 

BOSTON – A Honduran national has been indicted by a federal grand jury for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.

Jose Denis Guardado-Paz, 40, is charged with one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Guardado-Paz was arrested on May 5, 2025.

According to the indictment, Guardado-Paz was most recently deported from the United States on Oct. 18, 2019. It is alleged that sometime after his October 2019 removal, Guardado-Paz illegally reentered the United States without permission.

The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra W. Amrhein of the 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 Honduran national residing in Waltham, Mass. has been indicted by a federal grand jury for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.

Samuel Cruz Alvarado, 63, was charged with one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Cruz Alvarado was arrested by immigration authorities on May 5, 2025. He will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at a later date.

According to the indictment, Cruz Alvarado was deported from the United States on Nov. 26, 2012. It is alleged that sometime after his November 2012 removal, Cruz Alvarado illegally reentered the United States without permission.

The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allegra Flamm of the 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 Guatemalan national residing in Framingham has been indicted by a federal grand jury for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.

Ariel Humberto Diaz, 33, was charged with one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Diaz was arrested on May 5, 2025.

According to the indictment, Diaz was most recently deported from the United States to Guatemala on March 16, 2022. It is alleged that sometime after his March 2022 removal, Diaz illegally reentered the United States without permission. Diaz had previously been removed to Guatemala in May 2014, April 2016, October 2016 and November 2018. Diaz has twice been convicted of illegal re-entry.

The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra W. Amrhein of the 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 Guatemalan national residing in Brighton, Mass., has been indicted by a federal grand jury for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.

Santos Misael Castro-Gonzales, 31, was charged with one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Castro-Gonzales was arrested on May 9, 2025 and will make an appearance in federal court in Boston at a later date.

According to the indictment, Castro-Gonzales was previously deported from the United States on Feb. 1, 2016. It is alleged that sometime after his February 2016 removal, Castro-Gonzales illegally reentered the United States without permission.

The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric L. Hawkins of the Major Crime 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 – The former finance director of a Florida-based company has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for embezzling more than $5.8 million from his employer.

Paul Schnitzer, 52, of Clermont, Fla., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo. T. Sorokin to 54 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Schnitzer was also ordered to pay $5,831,829 in restitution and to forfeit various assets that he obtained through his crime, including the full balances of two financial accounts, subscription ownership shares in certain artwork, and up to $50,000 in cash on deposit with Bulgari, the luxury jeweler.

Between January 2022 and May 2024, Schnitzer made over 100 transfers, most disguised as “equity distributions,” from his employer’s operating account into his personal account. He also secretly used a line of credit to replenish the company’s operating account after he had stolen from it and to transfer additional funds to his account. To hide these transfers, Schnitzer provided falsified financial reports with inflated cash balances for the company, to the Massachusetts-based investment firm that owned the company. He also spoofed email addresses and posed as representatives of the company’s bank and customers to send falsified confirmations to the company’s audit firms.

While on pre-trial release, Schnitzer was arrested after cutting his location monitoring device in June 2024 and using a company credit card to make over $10,000 in purchases in August 2024.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Holcomb of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol E. Head, Chief of the Asset Recovery Unit handled the forfeiture aspects of the case.

BOSTON – An Ecuadorian national has been indicted by a federal grand jury for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.

Luis Ernesto Caguana-Caguana, 33, was charged with one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Caguana-Caguana was arrested on May 4, 2025.

According to the indictment, Caguana-Caguana was most recently deported from the United States on March 6, 2014. It is alleged that sometime after his March 2014 removal, Caguana-Caguana illegally reentered the United States without permission.

The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra W. Amrhein of the 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 Dominican man, unlawfully residing in Boston, has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.

Danny Miguel Tejada Hernandez, 29, pleaded guilty on June 3, 2025 to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge Brian E. Murphy scheduled sentencing for Sept. 11, 2025. Tejada Hernandez was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2025.

On an unknown date, at an unknown place, Tejada Hernandez entered the United States unlawfully. On March 9, 2020, in Chelsea District Court, Tejada Hernandez was convicted of one count of possession to distribute a Class A controlled substance, two counts of possession to distribute a Class B controlled substance and one count of distributing/dispensing a Class B controlled substance. Tejada Hernandez was deported in August 2021.

Sometime after his August 2021 removal, Tejada Hernandez unlawfully reentered the United States. On Feb. 1, 2024, in Suffolk County Superior Court, Tejada Hernandez was convicted of possession to distribute Class A controlled substance and one count to distribute/dispense of a Class A controlled substance. He is currently serving a three-year sentence on those charges, with an expected release date in 2027.

The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Soto of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Dominican man, unlawfully residing in Lawrence, Mass., was indicted by a federal grand jury for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.

Eddy Antonio Perdomo, 31, is charged with one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.

According to the charging documents, Perdomo was deported from the United States to the Dominican Republic on Oct. 3, 2023. It is alleged that sometime after his October 2023 removal, Perdomo illegally reentered the United States without permission.

The charge of illegal reentry provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston; and Chief of the Lawrence Police Department made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted 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 Dominican national residing in Lawrence, Mass., has been indicted by a federal grand jury for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.

Santos Eduardo Diaz Melo, 41, was charged with one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Diaz Melo was arrested by immigration authorities on May 9, 2025. He will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at a later date.

According to the indictment, Diaz Melo was deported from the United States on May 5, 2020. It is alleged that sometime after his May 2020 removal, Diaz Melo illegally reentered the United States without permission.

The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allegra Flamm of the 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 Guatemalan national has been indicted by a federal grand jury for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation. 

Edilsaro Romeo Mauricio Temaj, 26, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.

According to the charging documents, on or about Dec. 14, 2024, Mauricio was found in the United States after having been deported from the United States to Guatemala on or about July 31, 2024.

The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant will also be subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Maynard of the 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 Guatemalan national has been indicted by a federal grand jury for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation. 

Jasson Humberto Marroquin Moro, 29, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.

According to the charging documents, on or about May 6, 2025, Mauricio was found in the United States after having been deported from the United States to Guatemala on or about June 3, 2014.

The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Maynard of the 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 Webster man has been sentenced for his involvement in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed cocaine.

Angel Delgado, 47, was sentenced on May 29, 2025, by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to seven years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release. In January 2025, Delgado pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Delgado was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in April 2024.

In the spring of 2023, an investigation began into the shipment of multiple kilogram-weight packages of suspected narcotics from Puerto Rico to Worcester County in Massachusetts. On at least eight occasions, Delgado was observed collecting suspicious packages believed to contain cocaine or other narcotics from addresses not associated with him and then delivering each package to another individual involved in the DTO.

During the investigation, two kilograms of cocaine were seized from a package that was addressed to Delgado. On April 30, 2024, Delgado’s car was stopped after he was observed driving an individual who collected a package believed to contain cocaine. Once stopped, the package was opened and found to contain two kilograms of cocaine wrapped inside the box.  

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Southbridge Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin J. Brown of the Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.