District of Massachusetts

BOSTON – The former owner of a now-defunct luxury home building business in West Springfield was sentenced yesterday for conspiring to defraud the United States and creating false documents to help one of his clients obtain a mortgage.

Kent Pecoy, 66, of San Marco, Fla., previously of Wilbraham, Mass. was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to time served (one day) and two years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $24,000 fine and $35,982 in restitution. In May 2024, Pecoy pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to defraud the United States and one count of making a false statement to a federally insured financial institution. 

Kent Pecoy was previously indicted in December 2019 along with his son, Jason Pecoy, and Kevin M. Kennedy, the former owner of a golf management company, for conspiring to defraud the United States by concealing cash payments for the construction of Kennedy’s two homes in East Longmeadow and West Dennis. The defendants were later charged in a superseding indictment in January 2020. 

Kent Pecoy owned and operated Kent Pecoy & Sons, Construction Inc. (KPSC) – a West Springfield-based commercial and luxury home construction company – as well as Sturbridge Development, LLC (Sturbridge) and Legacy General Contractors, LLC (Legacy). KPSCI constructed two homes for Kennedy in East Longmeadow and West Dennis – for which Kennedy paid Kent Pecoy in cash. 

From 2009 through 2016, Pecoy conspired with others to conceal income from the IRS by dealing in cash. Specifically, Pecoy received $1,116,900 in cash payments from Kennedy for the purchase and construction of custom-built homes in East Longmeadow and on Cape Cod. Kent Pecoy failed to deposit most of the cash into business bank accounts, and instead distributed the cash directly to vendors and subcontractors. For the payments Kent Pecoy did deposit, he deposited the cash in amounts less than $10,000 to avoid the filing of currency transaction reports.

 Kent Pecoy also created and maintained separate ledgers documenting Kennedy’s cash payments, created and maintained false contracts and cover sheets and created false entries in KPSC’s accounting system to conceal the cash payments. 

Additionally, in January 2010, Kent Pecoy and Kennedy made false statements to Charles Schwab Bank on a loan to Kennedy and his wife for the construction of a residence in East Longmeadow in an attempt to conceal $160,000 cash down payment. These false statements included understating the sale price of the residence lot, the price of the construction and the deposit and earnest money paid by Kennedy.

On April 24, 2024, Kennedy was sentenced to 13 months in prison after being convicted by a federal jury for conspiracy to defraud the United States and making a false statement to a federally insured financial institution. Jason Pecoy was convicted in June 2024 of two counts of conspiracy to defraud the United States and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 12, 2024.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven H. Breslow and Neil L. Desroches of the Springfield Branch Office are prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorney Eric B. Powers of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
 

BOSTON – A Randolph woman was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for her involvement in a payroll tax avoidance scheme. 

Lilian Giang, 56, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 18 months in prison followed by two years of supervised released and ordered to pay $845,382 in restitution. In April 2024, Giang was convicted following a three-day jury trial of four counts of failing to collect and pay over taxes and one count of mail fraud. Giang was indicted in March 2023.

Between 2015 and 2019, Giang owned and operated Able Temp Agency (Able), a temporary employment agency in Quincy that served client companies in Massachusetts. The client companies paid Able for the temporary employees’ work on an hourly basis. Giang deposited those payments into bank accounts in the name of Able that she controlled, and then paid the temporary employees “under the table” through a combination of checks and cash. In doing so, Giang hid more than $3.2 million in payroll and avoided paying more than $800,000 in required payroll taxes. Giang also falsified Able’s payroll numbers to obtain worker’s compensation insurance at lower premium rates. 

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Markham and Kristen A. Kearney of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
 

BOSTON – A Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to conspiring to illegally traffic and straw purchase firearms.

Cory Daigle, 29, of Revere, pleaded guilty to one count of trafficking in firearms; one count of illegal possession of a machine gun; one count of receipt or possession of unregistered firearm; one count of conspiracy to make false statements in records required to be kept by an FFL; and one count of aiding and abetting making false statements in records required to be kept by an FFL. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Nov. 20, 2024. Daigle was charged by criminal complaint in January 2023 along with Gustavo Rodriguez and Shakim Grant. He was subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2023. 

Daigle was a licensed firearms dealer doing business as Steelworks Defense Solutions. From in or about August 2022 through November 2022, Daigle and Rodriguez conspired to create false entries in records required to be maintained by Daigle, an FFL, in order to conceal the illegal sale of multiple firearms via Grant to Rodriguez, who could not lawfully purchase or possess firearms. Specifically, Daigle and Grant made and signed false representations on required forms to disguise Rodriguez’s identity as the true firearm purchaser. Rodriguez is prohibited from possessing a firearm. Additionally, Daigle attempted to coverup the illegal straw purchase by providing false information to law enforcement. One of the guns sold by Daigle was used two weeks later in a shooting outside of Rodriguez’s residence. According to court documents, the same gun, was subsequently recovered from a juvenile in New Bedford by police. In January 2023, multiple guns were seized during a search of Daigle’s residence. They were found in numerous safes, as well as on furniture, in bedrooms, in drawers and in open areas throughout the residence.

Grant pleaded guilty in May 2023 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 18, 2024. Rodriguez pleaded guilty on Nov. 13, 2023 and is awaiting sentencing.

The charge of conspiracy to make false statements in records required to be kept by an FFL provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aiding and abetting making false statements in records required to be kept by an FFL provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of trafficking in firearms 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 illegal possession of a machine gun provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of receipt or possession of an unregistered firearm provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Revere Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
 

BOSTON – A Nigerian man was arrested on Aug. 13, 2024 upon arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City on charges that he, and others, conspired to fraudulently obtain at least $10 million in COVID-19 unemployment benefits.

Yomi Jones Olayeye, a/k/a “Sabbie,” 40, of Lagos, Nigeria, is charged with one count of wire fraud conspiracy, one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. He made an initial appearance in the Eastern District of New York on Aug. 14, 2024 and will appear in federal court in Boston tomorrow.  

According to the charging document, between March and July 2020, Olayeye and others defrauded three pandemic assistance programs administrated by the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance and other states’ unemployment insurance agencies: traditional unemployment insurance (UI), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC). 

Specifically, Olayeye and his co-conspirators allegedly used personally identifiable information (PII) they purchased over criminal internet forums to apply for UI, PUA and FPUC – falsely representing themselves to be eligible state residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Olayeye and his co-conspirators allegedly used the same fraudulently obtained PII to open U.S. bank and prepaid debit card accounts to receive the assistance payments. It is also alleged that Olayeye and his co-conspirators recruited U.S.-based account holders to receive and transfer the fraud proceeds via cash transfer applications. Olayeye and his co-conspirators then allegedly used the fraudulent proceeds to purchase Bitcoin via online marketplaces. It is further alleged that Olayeye and his co-conspirators concealed the conspiracy’s connection to Nigeria by leasing Internet Protocol addresses assigned to computers located in the United States for use in the fraudulent transactions. 

In total, Olayeye and his co-conspirators allegedly applied for at least $10 million in fraudulent UI, PUA and FPUC from Massachusetts, Hawaii, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Montana, Maine, Ohio and Washington and received more than $1.5 million in assistance to which they were not entitled.  

The charges of wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, forfeiture and restitution. The charge of aggravated identity theft calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison to be added to any sentence imposed on the wire fraud charge. 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. 

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Special Agent in Charge Andrew Murphy of the U.S. Secret Service Boston Field Office; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth B. Kosto, Deputy Chief of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus and https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/combatingfraud. 
    
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form.

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 California woman was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for her role in a money laundering conspiracy involving proceeds of methamphetamine and marijuana distribution. The defendant laundered over $200,000 of her husband’s drug proceeds.

In total, over 160 pounds of pure methamphetamine, as well as an AK-47, a Glock with no serial number, two loaded Smith & Wesson handguns, and over 4,200 rounds of ammunition were seized during the investigation. A marijuana grow operation with hundreds of marijuana plants was also dismantled. 

Christina Lua, 51, of Santa Rosa, Cali., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 12 months and one day in prison followed by one year of supervised release. In April 2024, Lua pleaded guilty to one count of a second superseding indictment charging her with money laundering conspiracy. 

Lua was originally charged in a superseding indictment, along with four others, in September 2021 with money laundering conspiracy. The indictment charged a total of 11 defendants in connection with a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy. In addition to the money laundering conspiracy charged against Lua and four others, the other 10 defendants were also charged with controlled substance and firearm offenses. 

In approximately October 2020, investigators received information about drug trafficking activities of a large-scale methamphetamine supplier in the Boston area. In late 2020 Lua’s  husband Reshat Alkayisi was identified as a large-scale methamphetamine trafficker, who distributed multi-pound quantities to distributors throughout the New England area. Lua assisted Alkayisi in laundering his drug proceeds, including by purchasing vehicles with cash drug proceeds, and by depositing cash drug proceeds in amounts less than $10,000 so as to conceal the nature of the funds and to avoid reporting requirements.        

Lua is the third defendant to be sentenced. The remaining eight defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. 

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Shawn Jenkins, Interim Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Correction made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Norfolk County Sherriff’s Office; and Concord, Hudson, Peabody, Reading, Watertown and Waltham Police Departments. Assistance was also provided by the Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alathea Porter and Katherine Ferguson of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

This case 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.

BOSTON – A Lynn man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for participating in a North Shore-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) that allegedly distributed tens of thousands of counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Christopher Tejeda, 23, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Dennis F. Saylor IV to one year and a day in prison followed by three years of supervised release, with the first year to be served in home confinement. In February 2024, Tejeda pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

According to court documents, the DTO distributed counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl and counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, among other things, to various individuals in the Lynn area. 

On behalf of the DTO, and at the direction of his relative, Javier Bello, Tejada picked up, transported and delivered controlled substances to various individuals as well as collected and delivered proceeds from drug sales. This included collecting counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl from Lawrence Nagle Sr.,. Bello, meanwhile, supervised Tejeda as well as several other individuals in the DTO.

Bello pleaded guilty in May 2024 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 9, 2024. In August 2024, Nagle Sr., was sentenced to 151 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Beverly, Everett, Peabody, Revere, Salem, Saugus and Swampscott Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan D. Panich of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is 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 indictment are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
 

BOSTON – A Lanesborough man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Springfield for receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM). 

Robert Kend, 63, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 68 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. In May 2024, Kend pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography. Kend was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint on Sept. 12, 2023. 

During a search of Kend’s residence on Sept. 12, 2023, law enforcement located an iPhone and MacBook, both containing numerous videos showing minors performing lewd acts, with Kend, sometimes appearing in a picture-in-picture box also performing lewd acts.  Law enforcement found similar videos in Kend’s iCloud account as well. 

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine G. Curley of the Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the 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.

BOSTON – A Leominster man was arrested today for embezzling from a labor union.   
    
Joe Scott, Jr., 53, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Worcester on one count of embezzlement from a labor union. Following an initial appearance this afternoon in federal court in Worcester, Scott was released on conditions.    

According to the indictment, Scott was the Treasurer of the International Union of Electrical Workers, Communication Workers of America, Local 81154 (“IUE-CWA Local 81154”), a labor union chapter based in Gardner, Mass., that represents union members from various employers in Massachusetts. It is alleged that Scott used his position as Treasurer to embezzle approximately $49,000 from IUE-CWA Local 81154, by making debit card expenditures, withdrawing funds and issuing checks, from union bank accounts, all for Scott’s personal benefit. It is alleged that Scott used the money to pay for, among other things, storage costs, home internet and cell phone services, electrical and gas services, home improvement tools, dumpster rental and personal expense while on vacation.

Scott faces a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.  

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jonathan Russo, District Director, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan O’Shea of the Worcester Branch Office 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 Cambridge man was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury in connection with an ongoing investigation into counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. It is alleged that the defendant is responsible for the manufacturing over 200 kilograms of counterfeit pills.

Schuyler Oppenheimer, a/k/a “SK,” a/k/a “Michael Sylvain,” 33, has been charged with possession of 500 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and two counts of wire fraud. An arraignment date has not yet been set. The defendant was arrested and charged by criminal complaint on July 18, 2024. 

According to court documents, Oppenheimer is alleged to be technically skilled in the chemical processes used in the synthesis of fentanyl, the compounding of controlled substances for distribution and the manufacturing of counterfeit pills. As alleged, recipes, pill press molds used in the manufacturing process, documents and invoices demonstrating that Oppenheimer purchased numerous pill presses and parts for pill presses from online vendors were seized. It also alleged that multiple packages shipped from China to Oppenheimer, and various associates of Oppenheimer, that contained pill press parts were also seized.

It is alleged that since 2019, Oppenheimer obtained over 200 kilograms of these filler powders. According to the recipes recovered during the investigation, when manufactured into counterfeit pills, 200 kilograms of filler powder equates to millions of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Oppenheimer is alleged to have communicated directly with an illegal chemical supplier based in China. Oppenheimer allegedly inquired about the availability of controlled substances and fentanyl precursor chemicals and sought to purchase kilogram quantities of these substances. Fentanyl precursor chemicals are substances that can be used to synthesize raw fentanyl in a laboratory setting. It is alleged that Oppenheimer sought to synthesize his own fentanyl through the importation of these fentanyl precursor chemicals into the United States. 

Lastly, Oppenheimer is alleged to have obtained over $40,000 through two fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loan applications that were submitted in April 2021 over the internet. Oppenheimer is also alleged to have submitted false statements concerning his income through self-employment for the 2019 tax years and provided false tax return documents substantiating that income. 

During the execution of a search warrant on Parker Street in Cambridge on July 18, 2024, over five kilograms of suspected counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine and a loaded firearm were recovered. Based on prior felony convictions, Oppenheimer is prohibited from possessing firearms.

    
The charge of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine provides 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 charge of wire fraud provides for a maximum penalty of up to 20 years, 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.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Matthew McCarthy, Acting Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Interim Colonel Mawn, Jr of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Cambridge Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard 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 previously convicted felon pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to his involvement in a fentanyl distribution conspiracy. 

Ruben Depina, 24, of Rockland, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams and more of fentanyl; one count of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl; and three counts of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute 40 grams and more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick scheduled sentencing for Nov. 12, 2024. Depina was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in September 2023 and has remained in custody since.

In May 2023, a law enforcement officer – who previously worked in an undercover capacity – received a call from Depina who introduced himself as “Jake.” Depina told the officer that he recently got out of jail and was contacting his best customers because he was selling drugs again. Depina subsequently participated in four controlled sales in May and June 2023 during which he sold differing quantities of fentanyl to a confidential informant in exchange for cash. Specifically, on or about May 8, 2023, Depina sold approximately 21 grams of fentanyl to the confidential informant; on or about May 16, 2023, Depina sold at least 40 grams of fentanyl to the informant; on or about May 25, 2023, Depina sold at least 40 grams of fentanyl to the informant; and on or about June 5, 2023, Depina sold at least 40 grams of fentanyl to the informant.  

On June 11, 2023, local law enforcement observed a vehicle that Depina had used to participate in some of the controlled sales with the informant speeding in East Bridgewater. The vehicle sped off after being stopped by law enforcement. While being pursued, Depina’s vehicle collided with a van at an intersection. When law enforcement approached the vehicle, Depina was observed reaching towards the passenger side floor before complying with instructions to show his hands. Depina was immediately removed through the passenger side window and arrested. During a search of Depina’s vehicle, a loaded firearm, multiple cellphones, a digital scale and a satchel containing at least 20 grams of cocaine base were recovered. 

On June 12, 2023, during a search of a residence and loft connected to Depina, over 400 grams of fentanyl, multiple cellphones, four firearms, multiple rounds of ammunition, drug paraphernalia (including digital scales and cutting agent) and paperwork in Depina’s name were recovered.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years 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 charge of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. The charge of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of controlled substances, including fentanyl, provides for a sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment, at least three years 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.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office; the Massachusetts State Police; the Suffolk, Plymouth and Bristol County Sheriff's Departments; and the Boston, Brockton, Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, Rockland and Westport Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin R. O’Donnell of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. 

BOSTON – A Lowell woman was sentenced to prison today for conspiring to distribute controlled substances and conspiring to launder the proceeds in Massachusetts and Virginia.

Sathtra Em, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 21 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. In April 2024, Em pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute MDMA and buprenorphine and two counts of money laundering conspiracy.  

Earlier today, one of Em’s co-defendants, Michael Mao, 38, of Silver Springs, Md., admitted to his involvement in the drug smuggling conspiracy – pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute MDMA and buprenorphine and one count of money laundering conspiracy. Judge Saylor scheduled Mao’s sentencing for Nov. 18, 2024. 

Between at least December 2019 and May 2021, Em helped Mao smuggle MDMA and buprenorphine, in the form of Suboxone and generic Suboxone sublingual films, into the Buckingham Correctional Center in Dillwyn in Virginia where Mao was incarcerated. Em allegedly paid a prison guard at the facility, co-defendant Kenneth Owen, $1,600 to receive the drugs in the mail and to deliver them to Mao in the prison. Em allegedly mailed at least two packages to Owen in December 2019 and January 2020 for him to smuggle into the prison for Mao. Em also mailed magazines into the prison with Suboxone sublingual films hidden in between pages glued together. 

Mao sold the smuggled drugs to other inmates at Buckingham Correctional Center, and Em collected the drug debts on behalf of Mao using Google Voice phone numbers to contact the inmates’ friends and families, and electronic payment applications such as Cash App and Paypal to receive the funds transfers.    

In a separate conspiracy, Em purchased a home in the Centralville neighborhood of Lowell in 2015. She lived there together with codefendant Sarath Yut until 2017. Yut was a regional drug trafficker and a leader of the Lowell-based gang, One Family Clique. Em and Yut agreed to deposit cash proceeds of Yut’s illegal drug trafficking activity into Em’s bank accounts to pay the mortgage for the Centralville home. Yut gave Em $1,500 cash every month to deposit into her bank account for the mortgage. Between October 2016 and January 2021, Em used at least $76,775 of drug proceeds to pay the mortgage for the Centralville home. The government is seeking forfeiture of this property, which the Court reserved its decision at sentencing today.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute MDMA and Buprenorphine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $500,000, or twice the amount of the property involved, whichever is greater. Both charges also include forfeiture of assets traceable to or involved in the distribution and laundering offenses. 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.

Sarath Yut pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering offenses and was sentenced in October 2023 to 15 years in prison. Kenneth Owen has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Special assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations, the Virginia Department of Corrections and the Lowell Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Amrhein of the Asset Forfeiture Unit, are prosecuting the case.

This case 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 innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
 

BOSTON – A New York City man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for brutally sex trafficking a minor. Defendant trafficked the minor victim nearly every single day and forced her to work at a strip club. 

Sherriff Cooper, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 18 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Cooper was also ordered to pay $97, 200 in restitution to the minor victim. In February 2024, Cooper was convicted by a federal jury of sex trafficking of a minor by force, fraud and coercion; transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity; and forced labor. 

“Sherriff Cooper viciously and cruelly exploited a vulnerable minor who was half his age – taking advantage of his position of trust to abuse her into submission. When he lost his job, Mr. Cooper decided he would rather sex traffic a vulnerable child for financial gain than seek legitimate employment – all the while physically abusing and threatening her. Her bravery and courage in holding this defendant accountable is truly remarkable. Mr. Cooper’s refusal to accept any responsibility for his crimes or show remorse for the lifelong harm he inflicted underscores why he is truly deserving of this significant sentence,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy.

“Our thoughts today are with the victim in this case who suffered horrific abuse and courageously came forward and told investigators and the jury what Sherriff Cooper did to her. As a result, Sherriff Cooper was sent to prison for 18 years. No child should ever be subjected to sex trafficking, especially by someone in a position of trust,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Today’s sentence removes a dangerous threat from our community, and sends a clear message that human trafficking will not be tolerated.”

In 2017, Cooper was working as a security guard at a residential program for pregnant teens when he met the victim – a then 15-year-old pregnant minor who had run away from Massachusetts Department of Children and Families’ custody. Cooper began a sexual relationship with the victim and, after losing his job in early 2018, began sex trafficking her around Boston, posting advertisements for her on commercial sex websites and taking all the proceeds. He used violence, threats of violence and coercion to make the victim engage in commercial sex for his financial benefit, trafficking the minor victim every single day except for when she was menstruating and on her birthday.

Cooper transported the victim across state lines to sex traffic her in New York. While in New York, Cooper obtained a fake ID for the minor victim and forced her to strip at a club – keeping all the proceeds for himself. Cooper continued to use threats of violence, violence and coercion to keep the victim working at the club for his financial benefit. Cooper’s violence against the victim increased when she could not strip as often because he impregnated her.  

If you or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, please contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov. 

Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and SAC Cohen made the announcement. Special assistance was provided by the FBI New York Field Division and the Arlington and Malden Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Torey B. Cummings, Stephen W. Hassink and Lauren A. Graber of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case. 

BOSTON – The former owner of two restaurants was charged yesterday in connection with filing false tax returns.  

Remigijus Mikelenas, 55, of Gilford, N.H., formerly of Canton, Mass. has been charged with three counts of filing false tax returns. Mikelenas was arrested yesterday and released on conditions following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston.

According to the charging documents, Mikelenas was the owner of a café and juice bar in Canton. It is alleged that between approximately 2012 through 2020, Mikelenas deliberately failed to report more than $3.5 million in gross receipts at his businesses to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). As a result, Mikelenas allegedly avoided paying more than $860,000 in federal income taxes. 

During the investigation, Mikelenas allegedly told an undercover agent posing as a prospective buyer for the businesses, that he regularly underreported his gross receipts to the IRS and showed the agent a copy of the “real” books that reflected the businesses’ true earnings. During the meeting, it is further alleged that Mikelenas asked the agent whether he worked for the IRS, and added, “If I get caught, I’ll be screwed.” 

The charge of filing false tax returns provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.  
    
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin A. Saltzman of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud 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 East Boston man was sentenced yesterday for possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Cristopher Vladimir Pineda Martinez, 25, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns to five years in prison and five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution. In May 2024, Pineda pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography. 

Law enforcement identified Pineda as member of several private large-scale group chats involved in the distribution of CSAM on an online chat platform. On Dec. 12, 2022, Pineda distributed eight videos depicting CSAM in three online chat groups on that platform. An additional 54 videos of CSAM, involving children as young as six years old, were found within the chat platform’s application on Pineda’s personal cell phone.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy 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 United States Postal Inspection Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the 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.

BOSTON – Two men were sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for participating in a North Shore-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) that allegedly distributed tens of thousands of counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Christopher Nagle, 30, of Revere and Isaac Clayton, 77, of Lynn were sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV. Christopher Nagle was sentenced to 139 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Clayton was sentenced to two months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, with the first six months to be served in home confinement. In February 2024, Clayton pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. In April 2024, Christopher Nagle pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.

According to court documents, the DTO distributed counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl and counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, among other things, to various individuals in the Lynn area. 

Christopher Nagle, and allegedly his brother Lawrence Michael Nagle, were identified as leaders of a DTO distributing various controlled substances throughout the North Shore region of Massachusetts. It is alleged that the Nagle DTO distributed significant quantities of various controlled substances, including, Adderall (both pharmaceutical-grade pills and counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine), methamphetamine, Xanax, Oxycodone (both pharmaceutical-grade and counterfeit pills containing fentanyl), cocaine and marijuana, among others.

A search of Christopher Nagle’s apartment recovered more than 74,000 counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, weighing more than 24 kilograms.

As part of the conspiracy, Clayton stored various controlled substances including marijuana, cocaine, cocaine base (crack cocaine) and counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl at his apartment on behalf of the DTO. A search of his apartment in October 2022 resulted in the seizure of various quantities of marijuana, cocaine base and fentanyl, as well as three loaded firearms, additional rounds of ammunition, $2,640 in drug proceeds and materials used to package and distribute controlled substances.  

Lawrence Michael Nagle has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for trial on Jan. 6, 2024.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Beverly, Everett, Peabody, Revere, Salem, Saugus and Swampscott Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan D. Panich of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted 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 indictment are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

BOSTON – A Chelsea man was arrested today in connection with the armed robberies of banks in Weymouth, Jamaica Plain and Hyde Park.  

Keywan Kelly, 29, was charged with three counts of armed bank robbery. Kelly was arrested this morning and will appear in federal court in Boston at 2 p.m. today.

According to the charging documents, at approximately 11:52 a.m. on July 1, 2024, a male – later allegedly identified as Kelly – entered a Bank of America branch in Weymouth wearing gloves and a medical mask. Kelly allegedly approached a teller window and pushed a handwritten note towards the teller demanding $20,000 and threatened that he would  “kill you all,” while pointing a firearm at the teller. It is alleged that the teller then handed Kelly $15,000, after which Kelly demanded more and the teller gave him additional cash of approximately $4,000 to $5,000 before leaving the bank. During the robbery, Kelly allegedly made verbal threats such as, “Run that s**t before I blow this place up” and “I’ll kill all of you.”

Similarly, at approximately 1:41 p.m. on July 16, 2024, a male – later allegedly identified as Kelly – entered the Rockland Trust Bank in Jamaica Plain wearing a black balaclava style mask, black clothing and white latex gloves. Kelly allegedly approached the teller window and handed the teller a note that read, “I need 20K no DyPacks I have 4 bombs I’ll Kill everyone make quick,” while brandishing a firearm. Kelly allegedly fled the bank on foot after receiving approximately $2,480 in cash from the teller. 

It is further alleged that, at approximately 10:09 a.m. on July 26, 2024, a male – later allegedly identified as Kelly – entered another Rockland Trust Bank branch in Hyde Park, again wearing a black balaclava style mask and gloves. There, Kelly allegedly handed the teller a handwritten note that included words to the effect of, “you’re being robbed give me cash,” before pointing a firearm at the teller. It is alleged that Kelly verbally threatened to “shoot” and demanded $20,000. Upon receiving approximately $3,000 in cash, Kelly took back the demand note and fled the bank. 

A subsequent investigation allegedly identified Kelly on the Weymouth bank’s video surveillance and identified Kelly’s fingerprints on the vehicle used as a getaway car following the Weymouth robbery. The investigation also allegedly revealed connections between Kelly and vehicles that were identified as being in the vicinity of the Jamaica Plain and Hyde Park banks at the time of the robberies. Cell phone location data allegedly revealed that Kelly’s cell phone was present in the vicinity of each of the banks near the time of the robberies.  

The charge of armed bank robbery provides for a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, up to five 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.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Boston and Weymouth Police Departments. 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 Thomaston, Conn. man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Springfield in connection with a scheme to obtain bank loans and money for projects in Saudi Arabia.

Hanibal Tayeh, 63, pleaded guilty to a superseding indictment with two counts of bank fraud, four counts of wire fraud, three counts of money laundering and one count of making a false bankruptcy declaration. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Dec. 19, 2024. Tayeh was originally charged and arrested in July 2018. 
 
In 2013 and 2014, Tayeh used fake documents and misrepresentations to obtain a $9.1 million loan package and later a $400,000 extension of credit from a bank. A number of the fake documents and misrepresentations pertained to a business venture Tayeh claimed to be pursuing in Saudi Arabia. Further, he financially defrauded an individual by making misrepresentations related to construction projects he claimed to be pursuing in Saudi Arabia. Tayeh then laundered the proceeds of his fraud schemes through payments made to third parties for his personal obligations. Additionally, Tayeh made a false statement during a bankruptcy proceeding when he denied knowledge of a fake letter of credit that he created.

The charge of bank fraud provides for a sentence of no greater than 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a $1 million fine. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The charge of money laundering provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The charge of false bankruptcy declaration provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 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.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Morgan of the Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case. 
 

BOSTON – A former owner of the now-defunct Westfield Transport, Inc., pleaded guilty today to federal charges related to a June 2019 collision involving one of the company’s vehicles that caused the deaths of seven motorcyclists in New Hampshire. 

Dunyadar Gasanov, a/k/a Damien Gasanov, 39, pleaded guilty to three counts of making false statements to federal investigators. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Nov. 21, 2024. Dunyadar Gasanov was indicted in February 2021 along with co-defendant Dartanayan Gasanov. 

“Keeping communities safe takes all forms. In this case, it is about making sure that operators of commercial vehicles adhere to all required safety procedures and regulations. We will not forget the lives lost in June 2019 that relate to this conviction. This defendant flouted those laws that are critical to public safety, and he jeopardized everyone on the road, with tragic consequences here,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy.

“Today’s guilty plea is a somber reminder of the lives lost on June 21, 2019, and the devastating impact this tragic accident had on loved ones and the community,” said Christopher A. Scharf, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeastern Region. “Together with our prosecutorial partners, we will engage the full force of our collective resources to pursue companies and individuals who intentionally ignore federal regulations and, in so do doing, compromise the safety of the traveling public on our Nation’s roadways.”

According to court filings, the defendant owned now-defunct Westfield Transport, Inc. – a for-hire interstate motor carrier that transported vehicles primarily in the northeastern United States. From May 3, 2019 to June 23, 2019, Dunyadar Gasanov and, allegedly, Dartanayan Gasanov falsified driving logs in order to evade federal regulations designed to ensure the safety of roadways and drivers. Dunyadar Gasanov instructed at least one Westfield Transport employee to falsify records, thereby exceeding the number of permissible driving hours, and then made false statements to federal inspectors regarding the manipulation of recording devices that track drivers’ on and off duty hours in order to evade regulations.  

Dunyadar Gasanov also admitted that he falsely stated to inspectors that he met a driver for Westfield Transport, who was involved in a crash in New Hampshire that resulted in the death of seven motorcyclists, on the day he hired him. In fact, Dunyadar Gasanov had known the driver for years prior and knew that the driver had been charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol years before.   

Dartanayan Gasanov has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.

Each charge of making a false statement to a federal investigator provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and DOT OIG SAC Scharf made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of the Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A Chicago-area man was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield, Mass. for his role in a nationwide wire fraud conspiracy that victimized businesses and individuals across the United States.  

Joseph Williams, 32, of University Park, Ill., was sentenced by District Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to three years of probation. In March 2024, Williams pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Williams was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2020 along with five co-defendants, including rap promoter Antonio Strong, rap artist Herbert Wright and Demario Sorrells.

Williams is a rap artist known as “Joe Rodeo,” “Rockstar Rodie,” or “Rodeo,” based in the Chicago area. Beginning in at least March 2017 through November 2018, Williams, Sorrells, Wright and Strong, and allegedly two other co-defendants, conspired to defraud numerous businesses and individuals throughout the United States by using unauthorized and stolen payment card account information of real individuals – including the actual cardholders’ names, addresses, security codes and account expiration dates. The defrauded businesses and individuals successfully processed the fraudulent transactions and provided the goods and services to Wright and his alleged co-conspirators. The actual cardholders discovered these transactions on their accounts and disputed the charges with their card companies who then charged back the transactions to the businesses and individuals, which consequently suffered losses in the amounts of the unauthorized transactions.

Williams received illicit account information allegedly from Strong on numerous occasions and used it to make purchases knowing the account information was stolen. He also took numerous private jets, commercial flights and stayed in hotels that were paid for with the illicit account information. Although Williams did not personally conduct all of the transactions that benefitted him, he knew (or reasonably should have known) that others were purchasing his flights and hotels in a fraudulent manner. In total, Williams was responsible for $102,000 in victim losses. 

In May 2024, Strong pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and four counts of wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 19, 2024; in July 2023, Wright pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of making a false statement to a federal official. He was sentenced to three years’ probation and was ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture of $139,968 in Jan. 2024; and on Feb. 2, 2024, Sorrells pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 29, 2024.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Andrew Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of the Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorneys Andrew Tyler and Kyle Crawford of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division’s Fraud Section 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 – The co-owner of a Mattapan plumbing and heating supply company was sentenced for filing false tax returns in connection with a scheme to use millions of dollars of unreported business receipts to buy gold and silver bars.

Claudio Poles, 78, of Dorchester, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to four months in prison and one year of supervised release. Poles was also ordered to pay a fine of $200,000 and $2,961,261 in restitution. In May 2024, Poles pleaded guilty to four counts of filing false tax returns. 

Poles failed to accurately disclose the company’s gross business receipts to its tax preparer, who prepared the company’s tax returns using the false information Poles provided. Poles then used some of the unreported gross receipts to purchase more than $10 million of gold and silver bars for himself from bullion dealers. To conceal the nature of the purchases he made from the company’s bank accounts, Poles described the purchases in the memo section of the checks, as being for boilers, materials and other plumbing and heating supplies.   

Between 2019 and 2022, Poles falsely reported losses on his individual tax returns and omitted personal income that he received from the business by purchasing the gold and silver bars.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie A. Queenin of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
 

BOSTON – Member of a nationwide drug trafficking ring was sentenced today in federal court in Boston. Throughout the investigation over 160 pounds of pure methamphetamine, as well as an AK-47, a Glock with no serial number, two loaded Smith & Wesson handguns, and over 4,200 rounds of ammunition were seized. An illegal marijuana grow operation with hundreds of marijuana plants was also dismantled. 

Robyn Costa, 39, of Brockton, Mass., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 102 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In November 2022, Costa pleaded guilty to three counts of a superseding indictment charging her with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. The superseding indictment also charged 10 other defendants with controlled substance offenses, firearm offenses and money laundering offenses.  

In approximately October 2020, investigators received information about drug trafficking activities of a large-scale methamphetamine supplier in the Boston area. In late 2020, investigators identified Reshat Alkayisi as a large-scale methamphetamine trafficker, who distributed multi-pound quantities to multiple co-conspirators throughout the New England area. Costa was identified as one of Alkayisi’s methamphetamine distributors. In April 2021, Alkayisi distributed approximately five pounds (or 2.1 kilograms) of pure methamphetamine to Costa.  Investigators arrested Costa following that meeting and seized the methamphetamine, as well as a loaded Smith & Wesson semi-automatic firearm, from Costa’s vehicle.  

Costa is the second defendant to be sentenced. All other defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. 

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; 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 Massachusetts Department of Correction; Norfolk County Sherriff’s Office; and Concord, Hudson, Peabody, Reading, Watertown and Waltham Police Departments. Assistance was also provided by the Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alathea Porter and Katherine Ferguson of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

This case 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.

BOSTON – Last week, Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy welcomed over 400 prosecutors from around the nation to the 41st Annual National Black Prosecutors Association (NBPA) Conference. 

“It was an honor for our office to co-host the NBPA this year, and welcome so many talented prosecutors from around the nation to Boston,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Levy. “Boston is steeped in history, culture and diversity with black lawyers playing a critical role in our criminal justice system at the federal and state level. The week-long conference focused on learning, networking and training opportunities, and it was also wonderful to see the NBPA and our counterparts from across the country embrace all that Boston has to offer. I want to thank the NBPA and the many partners who made this conference a reality.”

Chaired by Rilwan Adeduntan, Chief of the Office’s Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit, the conference serves as a platform for advancing dialogue on key topics such as justice reform, community engagement and the promotion of diversity within the legal profession. Throughout the week, attendees engaged in a series of workshops, panel discussions and networking sessions guided by this year’s conference theme “Educate, Advocate, Innovate: Inspiring the Future of Prosecution.” The U.S. Attorney’s Office is dedicated to supporting the NBPA’s mission and contributing to its ongoing efforts to achieve justice and equity for all. 

The NBPA is the only professional membership organization dedicated to the advancement of Blacks as prosecutors. Founded in 1983, NBPA’s membership is comprised of over 800 prosecutors in the continental United States, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Canada, including both chief and line prosecutors from local, state and federal offices, as well as law students, former prosecutors and law enforcement personnel. The NBPA is emerging as the international association of Black law enforcement professionals with a reputation for providing education and leadership in the legal profession through its intensive training sessions and multi-disciplined networking.

BOSTON – A former Boston Police Officer was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with committing over $20,000 in overtime fraud at the Boston Police Department’s evidence warehouse.

James Carnes, 61, of Canton, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to two years of supervised release, the first six months of which will be served in home detention. Carnes was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and $20,106 in restitution. In April 2021, Carnes pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and one count of embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds.

Between July 2016 and February 2019, Carnes submitted false and fraudulent overtime slips for overtime hours that he did not work for two overtime shifts at the evidence warehouse. The first, called “purge” overtime, was a 4-8 p.m. weekday shift intended to dispose of old, unneeded evidence. The second shift, called “kiosk” overtime, involved driving to each police district in Boston one Saturday a month to collect old prescription drugs to be burned.  

For the “purge” shift, Carnes claimed to have worked from 4 – 8 p.m., but he routinely left at 6 p.m., or before. For the kiosk shift, Carnes submitted overtime slips claiming to have worked eight-and-one-half hours, but he only worked three-to-four hours of those shifts.

From 2016 through 2019, BPD received annual benefits from the U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Department of Justice in excess of $10,000, which were funded pursuant to numerous federal grants.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohan, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Russell W. Cunningham Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Mid-Atlantic Region made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Grady of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
 

BOSTON – A Randolph man has been arrested and charged for allegedly possessing and transporting child sexual abuse material (CSAM). 

Kesler Xavier Saget, 43, was charged with transporting child pornography and possession of child pornography. Saget was arrested yesterday and, following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston, was detained pending a hearing scheduled for Aug. 12, 2024.

According to the charging documents, after landing at Boston Logan International Airport from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, CSAM was allegedly detected on Saget’s phone during a border search. Further review of the phone allegedly showed payments Saget made in exchange for access to CSAM.  

The charge of transporting child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison 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 in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime 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 Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge, 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.

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 California man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to surreptitiously filming an 11-year-old Massachusetts girl as she changed in her bedroom.

Jacob Guerrero, 26, of Woodland, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of sexually exploiting a child. Guerrero was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint on April 14, 2022. U.S. District Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Nov. 13, 2024.  

“Mr. Guerrero is a predator who targeted young children by tracking their moves. Worse, he violated a young girl’s privacy while she was in the safety of her own home, all for his own sexual gratification,” said Joshua S. Levy, Acting United States Attorney. “We are grateful to our law enforcement partners that Mr. Guerrero’s disturbing behavior was stopped and no other children were victimized.”

“Child sexual exploitation cases are among the most disturbing the FBI works. They’re also some of the most impactful,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Today, Jacob Guerrero admitted to depraved behavior. He repeatedly violated children’s privacy and exploited them for his own gratification. In this case, he preyed upon an 11-year-old girl in her own home. Make no mistake, FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation – Human Trafficking Task Force is working hard every day to find and bring to justice anyone actively harming children like this.” 

For two weeks, Guerrero staked out the home of the victim, taking notes of times when she and her siblings showered, changed, and went to bed. On March 17, 2021, Guerrero climbed to the top of a garage attached to the victim’s home and stood just outside the 11-year-old victim’s second floor bedroom window. There, Guerrero recorded a video of the victim, unclothed, as she changed for bed.  

Guerrero took similar notes of the comings and goings of the children residing in several other Massachusetts homes. 

This case arose following an investigation into allegations that Guerrero, while dressed in a wig and women’s clothing, attempted to surreptitiously record minor females in bathrooms and changing rooms at the Wrentham Outlets using pen cameras affixed to his shoes. State charges arising from that incident were dismissed when Guerrero was indicted federally.   

Members of the public who have questions, concerns, or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.

Pursuant to the plea agreement in this matter, Guerrero faces a sentence of 15 to 20 years’ in prison. The charge of sexually exploiting a child provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime 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.
    
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy, FBI SAC Cohen and Wrentham Police Chief William McGrath made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Grady, Deputy Chief of the Major Crimes Unit, is prosecuting the case.

The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to 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.

BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today for violating a consent judgment that prohibited him from participating in the offer or sale of securities. 

Craig Medoff, 64, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf to 20 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Medoff was also ordered to pay a $20,000 fine. In May 2024, Medoff pleaded guilty to one count of criminal contempt for violating a court order.

Medoff was a long-time investment banker who previously worked at multiple investment firms, including Nova Capital International, LLC and Sabrex Development, LLC. In 2012, Medoff was accused of securities fraud in a lawsuit brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC v. BioChemics, Inc., et al., 12 Civ. 12324 (D. Mass.). 

In 2016, Medoff resolved the civil case against him by agreeing to a consent judgement that prohibited Medoff from participating in the offer or sale of securities for a period of 10 years. Shortly thereafter, Medoff created Nova Capital International, LLC, as well as an alias, “Alexander Carlin,” that he used to continue operating in the securities industry notwithstanding the consent order. Between 2016 and 2023, Medoff used his company and alias to operate as an investment banker on behalf of multiple private companies that were raising money through the sale of securities. In total, Medoff’s company received millions in income, more than $1.6 million of which went to Medoff personally.

In September 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission filed a motion seeking an order of civil contempt and sanctions based on Medoff’s violation of the 2016 consent judgment. In February 2024, the Court found that there was probable cause to believe Medoff knowingly and willfully violated the 2016 consent judgment, charged Medoff with criminal contempt and appointed the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts to prosecute the case. In May 2024, Medoff pleaded guilty to the criminal contempt charge. The Securities and Exchange Commission’s civil case remains ongoing.  

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy made the announcement. The Securities and Exchange Commission provided valuable assistance in the criminal case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leslie A. Wright and Christopher J. Markham of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Plymouth woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for submitting fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications on behalf of herself and her father fraud and money laundering.

Katherine Reynolds, 65, was indicted on two counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. Reynolds will be arraigned in federal court on Aug. 8, 2024. In May 2024, Reynolds was charged by criminal complaint.

According to the charging documents, Reynolds submitted two fraudulent loan applications seeking loans for herself and her father pursuant to the PPP. The loan applications falsely claimed that Reynolds and her then 86-year-old father earned over $100,000 per year providing massage services in their home. The loan applications also included fraudulent tax forms that were not filed with the IRS. In addition, on June 25, 2021, Reynolds withdrew $20,000 in cash from the account into which the PPP loans were paid.  

The charge of wire fraud 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 chard of money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 10 years 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.  

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. The Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General provided valuable assistance in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Sullivan of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.  

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus and https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/combatingfraud. 
    
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form.

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 Uxbridge man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for conspiring to defraud the government of thousands of dollars between 2014 to 2018.

Thomas Bouchard, 61, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to 12 months and one day in prison followed by one year of supervised release. In April 2023, Bouchard pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and 10 counts of theft of government funds. Bouchard was arrested and charged in July 2020 along with co-defendant Chantelle Boyd.

“Those of us who are privileged to work in public service owe a duty to the taxpayers to act with integrity at all times. This defendant clearly failed in adhering to this solemn oath and abused his position of trust to line his own pockets, hire a friend into a phantom position and enjoy junkets all on the taxpayer’s dime. He will now pay the price for his inexcusable conduct,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy.

“GSA OIG special agents are committed to working with DOJ and investigative partners to ensure that taxpayer dollars are properly spent and protected," said Special Agent in Charge Joseph Dattoria of the GSA Office of Inspector General, Northeast Division.”

“Investigating individuals who hold positions of trust and misuse Department of Defense (DoD) funds is a top priority for the DoD Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS)," stated Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty, DCIS Northeast Field Office. “Today’s sentencing demonstrates our commitment to work with the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners to protect DoD assets and programs.”

Bouchard was the Contracting Officer in charge of the U.S. Army Natick Contracting Division, a full-service contracting organization for the Department of Defense. In 2014, Bouchard used his long-standing relationship with Evolution Enterprise, Inc., a government contractor, to have Boyd hired for a “no show” job as an assistant that specifically supported Bouchard. Boyd’s position cost the Department of Defense more than $490,000 during her time at Evolution from 2014 to 2018, during which Boyd performed little if any useful function. 
 
Bouchard and Boyd took numerous government-funded trips, ranging in duration from two to 15 days, under the guise that they were work related. This included 31 trips to Orlando, Fla., among other locations such as Clearwater Beach, Fla., and Stafford, Va., during which Boyd performed little if any work. For many of the trips, Bouchard and Boyd stayed in the same hotel room and spent time at the pool and Disney parks – all during business hours. In order to conceal the personal nature of the trips, Bouchard altered, created and approved false travel to reimburse the Boyd for out-of-pocket expenses. 

On April 3, 2023, Boyd pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, 10 counts of theft of government funds and false declarations. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 14, 2024. 

Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; GSA OIG SAC Dattoria; DCIS SAC  Hegarty; and Michael Conner, Special Agent in Charge of the Army Criminal Investigation Division Major Procurement Fraud Field Office made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil J. Gallagher, Jr. of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A former Boston Police officer was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with an investigation of overtime fraud at the Boston Police Department’s (BPD) evidence warehouse.

Diana Lopez, 62, of Milton, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to six months in prison followed by two years of supervised release. Lopez was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and $36,028 in restitution. In June 2021, Lopez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and one count of embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds. 

Between January 2015 and February 2019, Lopez submitted false and fraudulent overtime slips for overtime hours that she did not work for overtime shifts at the evidence warehouse. The “purge” overtime was a 4 – 8 p.m. weekday shift intended to dispose of old, unneeded evidence. For the “purge” shift, Lopez claimed to have worked from 4 – 8 p.m., but she routinely left at 6 p.m., or earlier. 

Between January 2015 and February 2019, Lopez personally collected approximately $36,028 for overtime hours she did not work.  

To date, over a dozen Boston Police officers have been charged in connection with committing overtime fraud at the Boston Police Department’s evidence warehouse. Lopez is the eighth officer to be sentenced.   

From 2016 through 2019, BPD received annual benefits from the U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Department of Justice in excess of $10,000, which were funded pursuant to numerous federal grants.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohan, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Russell W. Cunningham Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Mid-Atlantic Region made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Grady of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts will join community organizers, neighbors and law enforcement partners in National Night Out events across the Commonwealth. 

“Protecting Massachusetts would be impossible without the critical support from our law enforcement partners. In doing their job, it is imperative that they are seen and known across the communities they serve,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “National Night Out is a terrific opportunity to build additional trust between our law enforcement partners and the neighborhoods in which they work. We look forward to joining our colleagues across the state, meeting members the communities we all serve.”

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country. 

National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization.

Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe.

For more information, visit https://natw.org/.

BOSTON – A Lynn man was sentenced today in federal court for his role in a North Shore-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed tens of thousands of counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Nelson Mora, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 44 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In April 2024, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. 
        
Mora was among 23 individuals charged in October 2022 in connection with a wide-ranging conspiracy to traffic counterfeit prescription pills. The defendants were subsequently indicted along with two additional alleged co-conspirators in December 2022. Two additional defendants were indicted for money laundering in connection with the drug conspiracy in April 2024. The DTO distributed counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl and counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, among other things, to various individuals in the Lynn area. Mora is the sixth defendant to be sentenced in the case.

Co-defendant, Lawrence Michael Nagle, distributed controlled substances to a small network of individuals who would then redistribute the drugs to other traffickers, including Mora, who also had access to a pill press machine which he used to create counterfeit pills.  In 2022, Mora sold 2,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl to an undercover law enforcement officer. In October 2022 several hundred pharmaceutical grade oxycodone pills were recovered during a search of Mora’s residence. 
 
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Essex County District Attorney’s Office and the Beverly, Everett, Peabody, Revere, Salem, Saugus and Swampscott Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan D. Panich of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuted 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 indictment are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
 

BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced on July 31, 2024 in federal court in Boston for robbing four businesses, during which he brandished two large knives, while on federal supervised release for robbery charges out of New York.

Akeem Lahens, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 77 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Lahens also was ordered to pay $1,998 in restitution to the four businesses he robbed. In April 2024, Lahens plead guilty to four counts of affecting commerce by armed robbery.

A series of commercial armed robberies occurred in Boston in late April and early May 2023: the armed robbery of Metro PCS in Roxbury on April 21, 2023; the armed robbery of Boost Mobile in Jamaica Plain on April 26, 2023; the armed robbery of Cricket Wireless in Jamaica Plain on April 27, 2023; and the armed robbery of Dunkin Donuts in Dorchester on May 4, 2023. Law enforcement believed that the robberies were connected and the perpetrator was likely the same person, as the suspect’s appearance in surveillance footage and witnesses descriptions was the same. Additionally, in each of the robberies, the suspect brandished two large knives, made a verbal demand for money, forcibly took money from the store and forced or attempted to force the victims into a rear room or bathroom of the store. 

On May 5, 2023 Lahens was arrested on state charges related to the armed robberies. During a search of Lahens’ residence in Dorchester on May 6, 2023 two knives and sandals worn by the robber in the April 26, 2023 robbery were recovered.  

At the time of the armed robberies, Lahens was on federal supervised release for a 2021 conviction in the Southern District of New York of five counts of robbery, for which he was sentenced to 30 months in prison.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; and Michael A. Davis, Vice President Campus Safety and Chief of Police at Northeastern University made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case. 
 

BOSTON – A Lynn man was convicted today following a five-day jury trial in federal court in Boston in connection with drug and firearm charges.

Jose Perez, 27, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. Chief U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor scheduled sentencing for Nov. 1, 2024. In January 2023, Perez was arrested and charged along with co-defendant Henry Del Rio. 

“Mr. Perez put the community at risk with dangerous controlled substances and an illegal firearm. With drugs and guns threatening many civilians’ livelihoods, this case demonstrates our commitment to protecting our communities from any and all threats they may face,” said Acting United States Joshua S. Levy. “Keeping our neighborhoods safe is the very essence of the work of our office, and we will not rest in pursuit of that mission.”

“Illegally possessing a firearm while trafficking in illegal drugs fuels the violence in our communities,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division. “I commend the Lexington Police Department and the United States Attorney's Office for holding Mr. Perez accountable.”

In December 2022, local police officers attempted to stop a vehicle for traffic violations that Perez was driving. Instead of pulling over, Perez accelerated and engaged in a high-speed escape attempt, traveling more than 85 miles per hour on residential streets. Eventually, Perez’s car lost control and collided with another vehicle, stopping Perez. When Perez exited the vehicle, a Glock 34X 9mm semi-automatic handgun dropped to the ground. Perez subsequently tried to escape on foot. After Perez and Del Rio ran from authorities and were apprehended, Perez was found with $2,000 cash in his pockets; two bags that were determined to contain cocaine and 44 smaller, individually wrapped bags of fentanyl were found in Del Rio’s flight path. A search of the vehicle yielded a third bag of cocaine.

Given Perez’s status as a felon, he is barred from possessing a firearm.

Del Rio pleaded guilty in April 2024 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 3, 2024.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substance provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years, up to life, of supervised release and a fine of up to $1,000,000. The charge of 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 up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and ATF SAC Ferguson made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lexington, Chelsea and MBTA Police Departments and Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mike Crowley, Deputy Chief of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit, and Sarah Hoefle of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.
 

BOSTON – A former Boston Police Sergeant was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with an investigation of overtime fraud at the Boston Police Department’s (BPD) evidence warehouse.  

Gerard O’Brien, 66, of Braintree, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to two years of supervised release with six months to be served in home detention.  O’Brien was also ordered to pay $25,930 in restitution and a $5,000 fine. In June 2021, O’Brien pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and one count of embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds. 

From at least December 2016 through February 2019, O’Brien submitted false and fraudulent overtime slips for overtime shifts that he did not work at the evidence warehouse. The “purge” overtime was a 4 – 8 p.m. weekday shift intended to dispose of old, unneeded evidence. “Kiosk” overtime involved driving to each police district in Boston one Saturday a month to collect old prescription drugs to be burned. 

For the “purge” shift, O’Brien claimed to have worked from 4 – 8 p.m., but he and other members of the unit, routinely left at 6 p.m., or earlier. For the “kiosk” shift, O’Brien submitted overtime slips claiming to have worked eight-and-one-half hours, when in fact he and other members of the unit, only worked three-to-four hours of those shifts.  As a supervisor, O’Brien endorsed fraudulent overtime slips submitted by the officers at the warehouse for those shifts.

Between December 2016 and February 2019, O’Brien personally collected approximately $25,930 for overtime hours he did not work.  

To date, over a dozen Boston Police officers have been charged in connection with committing overtime fraud at the Boston Police Department’s evidence warehouse.  O’Brien is the seventh officer to be sentenced.   

From 2015 through 2019, BPD received annual benefits from the U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Department of Justice in excess of $10,000, which were funded pursuant to numerous federal grants.  

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohan, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Russell W. Cunningham Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Mid-Atlantic Region made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Grady of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – Two years ago today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts formally announced the creation of the Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Unit (HTCRU). This specialized team – comprised of federal prosecutors, victim witness specialists and support personnel – is dedicated to protecting human rights and holding perpetrators of human trafficking accountable.

Since its establishment, HTCRU has become a leader within the Department of Justice in terms of prosecuting individuals who engage in human trafficking. 

“Today marks the two-year anniversary of the HTCRU, a unit that, I am sorry to say, has been a huge success because it has revealed how serious and widespread a problem human trafficking is in our communities. Commercial sexual exploitation of children and vulnerable adults has no place in the District of Massachusetts. The dedicated team in this unit has worked tirelessly to eradicate these harms and atrocities while also tackling allegations of excessive police force, hate crimes, and labor trafficking," said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Our office is determined to hold traffickers liable for their deplorable crimes.”

Over the last two years, in close collaboration with federal, state and local law enforcement partners, our Office has prosecuted over 20 cases with numerous defendants. For example, in U.S. v. Stavros Papantoniadis, the defendant was convicted at trial for forced labor charges. He was found guilty of forcing or attempting to force six victims to work for him while physically and mentally abusing them. The defendant also targeted immigrants who he could exploit due to their vulnerability. Additionally, Jimall Brown, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release after being convicted of sex trafficking a minor and two adults, while collecting all of the proceeds for himself and others.

This Unit has targeted not just traffickers but also the purchasers of sex who fuel the demand for exploited victims of sex trafficking. Our office has charged sex buyers federally where possible, such as in our recent prosecutions of US v. David Cannon / US v. Misael Medina / US v. Dmitri McKenzie, all for attempting to purchase sex with minors. In cases where there is not federal jurisdiction, we have worked to make state referrals to ensure that these sex buyers are held accountable.  

The HTCRU coordinates trainings, including survivor-led trainings to identify trends in the community while learning how the office can improve work with victims. Labor trafficking training has been provided to both federal employees and state inspectors to recognize key indicators of exploitation. This team also works with local and state law enforcement agencies, as well as non-government organizations, to hold predators accountable and protect survivors’ rights.

If you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, please call your local police department or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov. 

BOSTON – A Springfield, Mass. man was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield for unlawful possession of a machinegun.

Angel Vargas, Jr., 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 27 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. In February 2024, Vargas pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a machinegun.  

 On Jan. 27, 2023, during a search of Vargas’s Springfield residence, a ghost gun with an attached Glock switch, laser sight and extended magazine containing 23 rounds of ammunition, along with three firearms: a semi-automatic rifle with another extended magazine containing 22 rounds; a 12-gauge shotgun with five rounds; and a semi-automatic pistol with a third extended magazine containing 15 rounds were seized. Vargas’s mobile phone was also seized which contained evidence that he had been trafficking other firearms, including Glock switches, after a state felony conviction and while on pretrial release for a state firearms case.  
    
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Feld Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance provided by the Springfield Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of the Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.  

BOSTON – A Rhode Island man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to his role in a fentanyl trafficking organization involved in the manufacturing and distribution of tens of thousands of fentanyl pills that spanned across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Texas, North Carolina and South Carolina. 

Jasdrual a/k/a “Josh” Perez, 36, pleaded guilty to a superseding indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Nov. 12, 2024. Perez was charged by criminal complaint on Feb. 14, 2022 and has remained in custody since. 

In September 2019, investigators began a multiyear investigation into a drug trafficking organization led by Perez that was based out of Providence, Rhode Island. This drug trafficking organization was known to manufacture large quantities of fentanyl pills designed to appear like pharmaceutical grade oxycodone/Percocet pills and distribute them and other controlled substances throughout the United States. It was learned that Perez used encrypted applications such as WhatsApp and FaceTime to further his drug trafficking activities and supervise his drug trafficking enterprise. In addition, Perez personally participated in the trafficking of kilogram quantities of fentanyl and the pressing of kilograms of fentanyl powder into pills designed to appear like pharmaceutical pills.  

In February 2022 during a search of the property that Perez and his associates used to manufacture fentanyl pills, two industrial grade pill presses, approximately 20 kilograms of powdered fentanyl and pressed fentanyl pills, and other items, including kilograms of pill binder used in the large-scale manufacturing of clandestinely pressed fentanyl pills were seized. During a separate search of Perez’s residence, over $62,000 in drug proceeds were also seized. 

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 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. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston made the announcement today. Special assistance in the investigation was provided by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island; Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston and Providence Field Offices; Drug Enforcement Administration, Providence Field Office; Rhode Island State Police Department; and Cranston, Warwick and West Warwick Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey E. Weinstein and Kunal Pasricha of the Criminal Division are prosecuting 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 Lynn man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in a North Shore-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed tens of thousands of counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Lawrence Nagle Sr. (Nagle Sr.), 56, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 151 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. In April 2024, Nagle pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Nagle Sr.’s two sons, Christopher Nagle and Lawrence Michael Nagle, were allegedly identified as leaders of a DTO distributing various controlled substances throughout the North Shore region of Massachusetts. The Nagle DTO distributed significant quantities of various controlled substances, including, Adderall (both pharmaceutical-grade pills and counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine), methamphetamine, Xanax, oxycodone (both pharmaceutical-grade and counterfeit pills containing fentanyl), cocaine and marijuana, among others.

Lawrence Michael Nagle allegedly distributed controlled substances to a small network of individuals who would then redistribute the drugs to other traffickers.

The investigation revealed that Nagle Sr. was a member of the DTO, allegedly distributing controlled substances on his sons’ behalf and storing substantial quantities of controlled substances at his residence. On Oct. 25, 2024, investigators searched Nagle Sr.’s residence and recovered 5.9 kilograms of fentanyl, including counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl; 1.3 kilograms of methamphetamine, including counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine; and one kilogram of cocaine. Investigators also recovered three firearms, including the long-barreled firearm depicted below. 

Christopher Nagle pleaded guilty to his role in the drug trafficking conspiracy in April 2024 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 13, 2024. Lawrence Michael Nagle has pleaded not guilty and is pending trial. 

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, and the Beverly, Everett, Lynn, Peabody, Revere, Salem, Saugus and Swampscott Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan D. Panich of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is 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 indictment are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

BOSTON – A Colombian man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for is involvement in a money laundering conspiracy. 

Jose Abril-Sequera, 59, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 50 months in prison today after pleading guilty to money laundering charges. In April 2024, Abril-Sequera pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with participating in a money laundering conspiracy and conducting substantive money laundering transactions.

Beginning in 2016 and continuing until 2022, an investigation was conducted into a money laundering organization based primarily in Barranquilla, Colombia. An undercover investigator 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 Black Market Peso Exchange, a common method of trade based money laundering used to repatriate the proceeds of drug trafficking to Colombia.

Abril-Sequera was a business owner in Colombia who used his business bank account to receive drug proceeds in Colombia. During the course of the conspiracy, Abril-Sequera received over $250,000 million in wire transfers to his account. After receipt, Abril-Sequera withdrew the funds from his account to pay out the money in Colombia to the owners. Abril-Sequera also created fake invoices to mask the true source of the funds and evade anti-money laundering protocols. Abril-Sequera knew that the money involved was the proceeds of drug trafficking and freely discussed working with individuals dealing in hundreds of kilograms worth of drugs and the logistics of laundering the proceeds.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua R. Levy and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Jared C. Dolan and Alathea E. Porter prosecuted 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 athttps://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

BOSTON – A New Hampshire company has agreed to plead guilty to charges that it violated the National Firearms Act (NFA) by distributing interoperable components for firearm silencers.

KBC Capital, LLC d/b/a “Lethal Eye” has agreed to plead guilty to 26 counts of transferring a firearm in violation of the NFA. In connection with the plea agreement, KBC has agreed to pay a $260,000 fine, the maximum financial penalty permitted by law.

“By making gunshots harder to hear, silencers impede law enforcement efforts to respond to shootings and diminish the effectiveness of gunshot detection technology. This results in slower response time by first responders, which can have a direct impact on saving the lives of people struck by gunfire,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “That is why Congress and federal agencies require manufacturers and distributors of silencers to conform to strict regulatory requirements. By knowingly flouting these regulatory requirements, KBC Capital allegedly flooded the market with these inherently dangerous devices. This case demonstrates our Office’s efforts to attack the problem of illegal guns from all angles.”

“Perpetrators engaged in the manufacturing, distributing or possession of illegal silencers pose a significant challenge for law enforcement,” stated James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division. “We are committed to work with our partners to identify and disrupt these illicit activities so that we can help ensure the safety of our communities.”

“KBC Capital was responsible for at least 26 illicit transfers of firearm suppressors to Massachusetts residents. These devices are controlled by law and private companies in the firearms trade have a duty to follow the proper legal channels to ensure a safe, lawful firearms industry,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol of Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “This investigation was only made possible through the close collaboration with our partners in law enforcement working together towards our public safety goals.”

“The use of the mail to further the illicit trade in firearms and firearms components poses a real threat to the public,” said Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division. “The Postal Inspection Service is proud to stand with our federal partners and hold this company responsible for its actions.”

“This investigation is an example of DEA’s dedication to working with our local, state and federal partners in identifying, targeting and investigating those who are involved in selling dangerous devices.” said Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to stop illegal activities so our communities can be safe places to be.”

As part of the plea agreement, KBC Capital admits the facts underlying the government’s allegations. The NFA imposes taxes on the making and transfer of NFA Firearms, as well as a special occupational tax on Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) engaged in the business of importing, manufacturing and dealing in NFA firearms. Only certain classes of FFLs may lawfully manufacture NFA weapons. The NFA requires registration of all NFA firearms with the Attorney General in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR). The purpose of the NFA is to regulate transactions in NFA firearms, which are deemed to be more dangerous than those not regulated by the NFA due to their proliferation in criminal activity at the time the NFA was enacted.

KBC operated a website using the trade name “Lethal Eye.” KBC sold a variety of firearms accessories. Despite marketing one of these products as a “muzzle break,” this product actually served as a principal part of a firearm silencer. This part was interoperable with other KBC products that, together, along with other generally available consumer products, could be combined to generate a firearm silencer. According to court documents, while doing business as “Lethal Eye,” KBC allegedly sent 26 illegal suppressor parts to Massachusetts residents. On Aug. 18, 2023, a search of Lethal Eye’s principal place of business resulted in the recovery of 327 items classified by ATF as illegal firearm silencers. At no time, was KBC an FFL and at no time did KBC pay the appropriate tax to manufacture a single silencer.

The charge of transferring a firearm in violation of the NFA, when charged against a business entity, provides for the maximum penalty of $10,000 per violation, probation of three years and a mandatory special assessment of $400 per count.

Acting United States Attorney Levy; ATF SAC Ferguson; HSI SAC Krol; USPIS INC Larco-Ward; and DEA Acting SAC Belleau made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Nashua and Hollis Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
 

BOSTON – Two Indian nationals were arrested on July 29, 2024, in connection with the distribution of controlled substances.

Simranjit Singh, 28, and Gusimrat Singh, 19, of Fresno, Calif. were each charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Both men made initial appearances yesterday in federal court in Boston and remain in federal custody at this time.

According to the charging documents, investigators became aware of a California-based drug-trafficking organization (“DTO”) interested in transporting methamphetamine and other drugs to Boston. Investigators acting in an undercover capacity, began communicating with a member of the DTO who agreed to sell 65 pounds (approximately 32 kilograms) of methamphetamine to the undercover agents. 

On July 29, 2024, att approximately 10:15 p.m., a white tractor trailer arrived at a planned Andover address to deliver methamphetamine to the undercover agents. The driver and passenger of that tractor trailer, later identified as Gusimrat Singh and Simranjit Singh, allegedly handed off 65 pounds of suspected methamphetamine to the undercover agents. The men were immediately taken into custody. 

According to court documents, while searching the cab of the tractor trailer, over 400-kilogram bricks of suspected cocaine was discovered, worth more than $10.5 million.

“The sheer amount of drugs seized in this one case is disturbing and dangerous. These defendants allegedly took a cross-country trip to distribute illicit narcotics into Massachusetts communities,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “I am grateful for our dedicated law enforcement partners who have worked so diligently to prevent harmful drugs from reaching our streets. Drug traffickers should beware: we will find you, and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of federal law.”

“Seizures of this magnitude have a significant public health and safety impact on our local communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “These investigations are difficult and dangerous, yet it remains imperative that HSI continue to work with our partners to disrupt the flow of dangerous drugs into New England.”

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $1,000,000. 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.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Andover Police Department, Milton Police Department and the  Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Hassink of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces 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.

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

BOSTON – A Quincy man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to distributing fentanyl to obtain four firearms.

Caesar Ross, 40, pleaded guilty to one count of firearms trafficking and one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Ross was arrested and charged in September of 2023 and has been in custody since his arrest. Today he pleaded guilty to an Information. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Dennis F. Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for Oct. 29, 2024. 
 
In 2022, an investigation began into Ross and others for engaging in firearms trafficking and other violations of federal firearm laws. In September 2023, Ross met with a cooperating witness in Quincy to whom he provided approximately 60 grams of fentanyl in exchange for four firearms, each of which had no visible serial number: a Beretta 92F, 9mm pistol; a Beretta Elite IA 9mm pistol; a Glock 22, .40 caliber pistol; and a FN Herstal 5.7, 5.7x28mm pistol. Ross was immediately taken into custody.
 
The charge of firearms trafficking provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime 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.
 
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Feld Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division and the Quincy Police Department. 

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 violent crime and gun violence, 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.
 
 

BOSTON – A Nigerian national pleaded guilty on July 26, 2024 in federal court in Boston to his role in an expansive online fraud scheme targeting individuals in the United States, including pandemic relief fraud, romance scams and other online scams. 

Amowie Kelvin Imatitikua, 37, who previously lived in the Boston area, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud, one count of bank fraud conspiracy and one count of money laundering conspiracy. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Nov. 6, 2024.  Imatitikua was indicted on Dec. 12, 2023. 
 
Imatitikua opened multiple bank accounts in the names of fake people using fraudulent foreign passports and used those accounts to receive the proceeds from various frauds perpetrated by his alleged co-conspirators, including pandemic relief fraud, romance scams and other online scams. In total, between approximately 2019 and 2021, Imatitikua received more than $400,000 in fraud proceeds. 

The charges of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank provide for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $1 million or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, and forfeiture. The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $500,000, or twice the value of the criminally derived property, whichever is greater, and forfeiture. 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.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Supervisory Special Agent Matthew O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Markham and Benjamin A. Saltzman of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.  

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. 

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

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

BOSTON – Burlington County Eye Physicians (BCEP), an ophthalmology practice with locations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and Dr. Gregory H. Scimeca, an ophthalmologist and the owner of BCEP, have agreed to pay $469,232 to resolve allegations that they submitted and caused the submission of false claims for payment for medically unnecessary transcranial doppler (TCD) tests to Medicare and the Federal Employee Health Benefit (FEHB) Program in violation of the False Claims Act. 

A TCD test is a noninvasive diagnostic test that can be used to estimate the blood flow through certain blood vessels in the brain. Medicare and the FEHB Program reimburse healthcare providers for both performing the test and for interpreting the test results. When a physician does not perform the test, but interprets the results of the test, they only can bill for their professional services of interpreting the test. A physician cannot bill for interpreting the test when they merely review another physician’s interpretation of the results.  

As part of the settlement agreement, BCEP and Dr. Scimeca each admitted to and accepted responsibility for facts underlying the covered conduct. The United States alleges that from May 13, 2019 through Feb. 22, 2021, BCEP submitted and caused the submission of false claims for TCD tests to Medicare and the FEHB Program. BCEP contracted with a medical diagnostics company (the “Company”) to perform TCD tests on BCEP patients. The Company staffed BCEP with a technician, who reviewed patient files and filled out forms to order TCD tests for BCEP patients from the Company. BCEP physicians, including Dr. Scimeca, signed the order forms the Company’s technician completed. At times, BCEP and Dr. Scimeca signed forms which indicated that patients had a diagnosis that they did not have, but that would have supported the medical necessity of the test. In addition, BCEP paid $30 to either the Company or a radiology company associated with the Company to interpret each TCD test, but BCEP physicians, including Dr. Scimeca, also billed Medicare and the FEHB Program for interpreting those tests. 

The Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) prohibits offering, paying, soliciting, or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare and other federally-funded programs. The statute is intended to ensure that medical providers’ judgments are not compromised by improper financial incentives and are instead based on the best interests of their patients.  

The United States contends that the claims for TCD tests that BCEP and Dr. Scimeca submitted, or caused the submission of, were false because: (1) the TCD tests were medically unnecessary because the patients did not have symptoms justifying the need for the tests, or the tests were not necessary for the patients’ treatment; (2) BCEP and Dr. Scimeca billed for professional services that they did not perform; and (3) the arrangement between BCEP and the TCD company violated the AKS because BCEP and Dr. Scimeca accepted remuneration from the Company by billing for and retaining payments from Medicare and the FEHB Program for services that the Company provided.

“Health care practitioners must not bill for services they do not perform or bill for unnecessary procedures. Full stop. When they do, they violate the law. These defendants also accepted unlawful kickbacks, which all too often corrupt medical judgment and result in unnecessary medical tests,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “As this case demonstrates, our office is committed to investigating and holding accountable both the recipients of kickbacks and the companies paying them.”

“When health care providers submit claims for services to the Medicare program, those services are expected to be medically necessary, actually performed, and free from the influence of illegal kickbacks,” said Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “The integrity of our federal health care system is undermined when those expectations are not met, and we will continue to thoroughly pursue such allegations.”

The resolution announced today includes claims that were brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under the Act, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. As part of today’s resolution, the whistleblower will receive approximately $84,460.

Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and HHS-OIG SAC Coviello made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica J. Weber and Christopher Morgan of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled this matter. 

BOSTON – A Brockton man was convicted by a federal jury yesterday in Boston in connection with a wide-ranging drug trafficking conspiracy that that involved dozens of parcels containing kilograms of cocaine sent from Puerto Rico to various addresses throughout Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Investigators intercepted 10 parcels and seized more than 20 kilograms of cocaine from the mail stream. 

Robert Monteiro, 40, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for Oct. 24, 2024. In July 2021, Monteiro was indicted alongside 10 co-defendants. 

“Mr. Monteiro’s behaviors were dangerous and deceitful. These packages arriving from Puerto Rico were disguised as air fryers and cash boxes to pass though security checks, but they were filled with lethal drugs. The defendant and his co-conspirators failed to account for the capabilities of our federal, state and local investigators,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy “Thanks to our law enforcement partners, we determined what was actually inside all those the packages.  This case demonstrates our commitment to keeping illegal drugs off our streets in any and all forms.”  

“Robert Monteiro was part of a drug trafficking organization that coordinated a cocaine pipeline from Puerto Rico to Massachusetts through the U.S. Mail. His conviction highlights how committed the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is to dismantling drug trafficking organizations that threaten the safety of our employees and the American people. We would like to thank our extraordinary law enforcement partners at the Massachusetts State Police Department and the Boston Police Department for their invaluable involvement in this case. Together we will continue to be vigilant in disrupting criminal organizations who illegally utilize the U.S. Postal Service,” said Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division.

"I applaud the tireless effort and the dedication of the investigators in this case. The MSP is grateful for our partnership with the United States Postal Inspectors Service, the DEA and the Boston Police Department." said Colonel John Mawn, Massachusetts State Police. "The results of this collaboration are reflected in the significant and positive impact that dismantling this Drug Trafficking Organization has had in making our communities safer.”

Beginning in February 2020, law enforcement investigated a drug trafficking organization operated by Patrick Joseph. Based on a wiretap investigation, Joseph coordinated the transportation of 10-20 kilograms of cocaine at a time from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico, and eventually to Massachusetts and Rhode Island via the U.S. Mail. During the investigation, cocaine was found concealed in two-kilogram quantities inside air fryers and cash boxes before being sent through the mail. Various firearms, 21 kilograms of cocaine and over $100,000 cash was also seized.  Monteiro served as a member of Joseph’s drug trafficking organization, collecting packages and redistributing kilograms of cocaine that came in through the mail.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of $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.

Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; USPIS Inspector Larco-Ward; MSP Interim Colonel Mawn; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division and Homeland Security Investigations, in New England. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip C. Cheng and Howard Locker of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

This case 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.

BOSTON – A Worcester man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Worcester for possessing and receipt of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Charlton Pasley, 48, was charged with receipt and possession of child pornography. Pasley was arrested and charged by complaint on July 1, 2024. Pasley will be arraigned in federal court in Worcester at a later date. 

According to the charging documents, a search was executed at Pasley’s home in June 2024. Pasley was in possession of numerous electronic devices that allegedly contained child sexual abuse material. Pasley allegedly admitted to law enforcement that he used numerous social medial platforms to view and download CSAM. 

The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Both charges carry at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England and Interim Worcester Police Chief Paul B. Saucier made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen M. Noto of the criminal division is prosecuting the 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.

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 Salem man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in a North Shore-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) that manufactured and distributed tens of thousands of counterfeit prescription pills containing narcotics.

Kion Shepherd, 33, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 70 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On April 9, 2024, Solis pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Shepherd was among 23 individuals charged in October 2022 in connection with a wide-ranging conspiracy to traffic counterfeit prescription pills. The defendants were subsequently indicted along with two additional alleged co-conspirators in December 2022. According to court documents, the DTO distributed counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl and counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, among other things, to various individuals in the Lynn area. Shepherd is the fourth defendant to be sentenced in the case.

During the investigation, Shepherd’s mothers’ home was identified as his residence as well as his stash location for controlled substances. During a search of Shepherd’s mothers residence, a backpack containing several hundred grams of fentanyl and cocaine as well as a handgun with an obliterated serial number were recovered.  

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; the Beverly, Everett, Peabody, Revere, Salem, Saugus and Swampscott Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan D. Panich of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted 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 indictment are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

BOSTON – A Harwich man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to possessing child sexual abuse material.

Jonathan Fleischmann, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. Fleischmann was arrested and charged on May 16, 2023 and remains in federal custody. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Oct. 16, 2024.

Fleischmann’s co-workers reported to law enforcement that, between March 17 and March 18, 2023, Fleischmann’s cellphone was observed downloading suspected child pornography media files while his phone was left open and charging on a counter at their workplace. During a subsequent search of Fleischmann’s cellphone approximately 255 image files and 55 video files that contained suspected child pornography were identified.   

On May 23, 2024, Fleischmann pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 12 years in state prison for separate state charges in Barnstable Superior Court for invading a Yarmouth home and forcibly taking a 16-year-old female at gunpoint into her house as she arrived home from school in 2020. That investigation revealed that Fleishmann had accessed a dark web hidden service on his cellphone dedicated to the trafficking of child pornography. 

Fleishmann is a Level 3 sex offender due to prior convictions in Barnstable District Court of Indecent Assault and Battery on a Child Under 14 in 2006 and Open and Gross Lewdness in 2017.

Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.

The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five 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.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the 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.

BOSTON – A Pennsylvania man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Springfield for a child sexual exploitation offense.

David Tweed, 46, of Kulpmont, Penn., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 30 years in prison and a lifetime of a supervised release. In August of 2022, Tweed was arrested on one count of sexual exploitation of a child and was detained following an initial appearance in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

“David Tweed’s conduct was horrific and deserving of the severe sentence that the Court imposed. Mr. Tweed sought out, groomed and then repeatedly sexually abused and exploited this very young and vulnerable girl. His criminal and depraved behavior has finally been stopped and his victim is finally free of his abuse. I applaud the victim’s bravery and the support and dedication of her family to see this case through,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “The United States Attorney’s Office with our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate, prosecute and hold predators like Mr. Tweed accountable.”

“David Tweed preyed on a child, first exploiting her online and later abusing her in person. This is a horrific example of how online threats become real danger,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “HSI is working around the clock to keep kids safe online by bringing predators like Tweed to justice.”

On various dates between September 2021 and December 2021, Tweed sexually exploited a 12 to 13 year old girl that he met online. During this time, Tweed repeatedly persuaded the victim to send sexual pictures and video of herself and to perform lewd acts on video calls. 

On more than one occasion, Tweed drove from Pennsylvania to places in New England where he met with and sexually assaulted the victim.

Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and HSI SAC Krol made the announcement. Significant assistance was provided by the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office and Monson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine G. Curley of Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the 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.

BOSTON – A Florida man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with his role in conspiring to use stolen identities to fraudulently obtain disaster loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) and to launder the funds.  

Hector Garcia, 52, of Ocala, Fla., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to time served and three years of supervised release. Garcia was also ordered to pay $25,104.33 in restitution to the Small Business Administration. In April 2024, Garcia pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and three counts of wire fraud. 

Garcia conspired with Ramon Cruz, Darwyn Joseph, Edwin Acevedo, and others, to use stolen identity information of United States citizens to apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Garcia used stolen identity information of a United States citizen to open a fraudulent bank account, which was then linked to other fraudulent bank accounts set up to receive the SBA funds. Garcia and his co-conspirators used debit cards associated with those accounts to launder the funds by purchasing iPhones for re-sale. Garcia and other co-conspirators wired a portion of the funds to the Dominican Republic.

Over $452,000 in SBA funds were fraudulently obtained in connection with the scheme. Approximately $250,000 of this money was used to purchase iPhones in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Cruz and Joseph pleaded guilty and were each sentenced in August 2023 and October 2023, respectively, to two years and one day in prison and three years of supervised release. Acevedo pleaded guilty and was sentenced in August 2023 to 33 months in prison and three years of supervised release.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by Homeland Security Investigations in Orlando, Fla.; Small Business Administration, Office of the Inspector General; Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General; Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General; Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General; Department of State; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Massachusetts State Police; New Hampshire State Police; and the Acton, Nashua (N.H.), Manchester (N.H.) and Ocala (Fla.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elianna J. Nuzum and Adam W. Deitch of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case. 

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.