District of Massachusetts

BOSTON – A Plymouth, Mass. man pleaded guilty today to his involvement in a COVID-19 relief fund fraud scheme.

Ferris Brooks, 41, pleaded guilty to theft of government property. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for May 21, 2024. Brooks was charged in October 2023. 

From April to December 2020, Brooks submitted multiple applications for government benefits, both in his own name and in the names of friends and family, that contained false information. Specifically, Brooks submitted an application for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan with the U.S. Small Business Administration in the name of a fake business. Brooks also submitted applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and filed tax returns for Economic Impact Payments in the names of friends and family that contained false employment information. Brooks directed payments on the various fraudulent claims to bank accounts that he had opened in his own name and then shared a portion of the proceeds with his friends and family. The various fraudulent claims paid out more than $150,000 in pandemic relief funds.

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

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Markham 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, 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.

BOSTON – A New Bedford man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to his role in a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) operating in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. 

Jose Santiago, 46, pleaded guilty on Feb. 12, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for May 7, 2024. Santiago was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2022.

Between approximately April 2022 and approximately June 2022, Santiago purchased fentanyl from the DTO that he then redistributed to others. Intercepted calls captured Santiago discussing purchasing fentanyl from the DTO. 

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl 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 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; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira; and Fairhaven Police Chief Michael J. Myers made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Homeland Security Investigations; Bristol County Sherriff’s Office; and Fall River, Taunton, Attleboro, Scituate, Yarmouth, Providence (R.I.) and West Warwick (R.I.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy 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.

BOSTON – Over 40 members and associates of the Heath Street Gang in Boston were charged today in federal court in Boston with racketeering conspiracy; drug trafficking; firearms; wire fraud; and financial frauds, including COVID fraud, following a two-year investigation into gang violence in Boston. 

According to the charging documents, the Heath Street Gang operates primarily out of the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments (previously known as the Bromley Heath Housing Development), a public housing development located in Jamaica Plain. It is one of the largest housing developments in the greater Boston area. 

Formed in the 1980s, it is alleged that the Heath Street Gang is comprised of over 150 members and has historically been involved in acts of violence to preserve and protect the Gang’s power, territory and reputation. According to the charging documents, in furtherance of the racketeering conspiracy, members/associates are implicated in a number of murders, attempted murders and shootings – many of which targeted rival gang members/associates of other Boston-based street gangs, particularly the Mission Hill Gang and the H-Block Gang. This allegedly includes an October 2016 shooting targeting rivals in the Mission Hill Gang’s territory, in which a nine-year-old female victim was shot and severely injured, as well as a June 2021 murder allegedly committed by a juvenile Heath Street member/associate in Mission Hill Gang territory. 
 
It is alleged that the Heath Street Gang commonly recruits juveniles living in the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments to join the Gang and participate in crimes on the Gang’s behalf, including shootings. It is further alleged that members of the Heath Street Gang require younger prospective members/associates to commit acts of violence as an act of initiation and often reward the juveniles with appearances in Heath Street Gang songs or music videos, which are used to publicly assert and affirm Gang membership/association, brag about acts of violence they have committed and denigrate and threaten rival gangs. On numerous occasions, members/associates of the Heath Street Gang have allegedly brazenly assaulted local law enforcement officers while engaged in official duties.

According to the charging documents, Heath Street Gang members/associates have used the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments as a point for drug trafficking activities and, over a period of multiple years, have worked together to establish drug distribution networks throughout Massachusetts, Maine and California. Heath Street members/associates often use social media platforms to facilitate the distribution of controlled substances including fentanyl, fentanyl pills, cocaine, cocaine base and marijuana – specifically using social media posts to advertise, negotiate and arrange drug sales. 

It is further alleged that the Heath Street Gang engages in a number of financial and theft crimes. This includes an organized retail theft group that, since at least approximately 2019, has allegedly openly and brazenly stolen merchandise from various stores in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Additionally, it is alleged that members/associates of the Heath Street Gang have engaged in widespread CARES Act loan and unemployment fraud. 

The charge of RICO conspiracy 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 charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years or 15 years (for offenses committed after June 25, 2022) in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of firearm in furtherance of violent or drug trafficking crime provides for a mandatory consecutive sentence of five years in prison up to life, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act conspiracy) 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 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, or twice the gross gain or loss from the scheme, whichever is greater. 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; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Harry T. Chavis Jr, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations made the announcement today. The investigation was supported by the Boston Housing Authority Police Department; Massachusetts State Police; U.S. Marshals Service; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the New England State Police Information Network; U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Secret Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; and the Quincy, Randolph and Lincoln Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Crowley, Sarah Hoefle and Lucy Sun of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit are prosecuting the cases.

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

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

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APPENDIX A

1. Jaquori Lyons, a/k/a “Gizzle,” a/k/a “Y Gizzle,” 25, of Jamaica Plain, is charged with RICO conspiracy; 
2. Joan Avalo-Quezada, a/k/a “Trouble,” 26, of Hyde Park, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances;
3. Trevon Bell, a/k/a “Moula,” 27, of Roslindale, is charged with RICO conspiracy;
4. Keonte Campbell, a/k/a “Keko,” 28, of Hyde Park, is charged with RICO conspiracy;
5. Amos Carrasquillo, a/k/a “Cruddy,” 35, of Mattapan, is charged with RICO conspiracy;
6. Deshawn Cirino, a/k/a “D,” a/k/a “Lil D,” 26, of Boston, is charged with RICO conspiracy;
7. Dominique Finch, a/k/a “Heff,” 34, of Boston, is charged with RICO conspiracy;
8. Zion Ford, a/k/a “Bricks,” 24, of Hyde Park, is charged with RICO conspiracy;
9. Tyrre Herring, a/k/a “Blick,” a/k/a “Smoov,” 26, of Billerica, is charged with RICO conspiracy;
10. De’vonne Mcdonald-Jones, a/k/a “Daedae,” a/k/a “D Jones,” 27, of Roslindale, is charged with RICO conspiracy;
11. Rickquille Mckinney, a/k/a “Ricky Mazarati,” a/k/a “Mozzy,” 30, of Arlington, is charged with RICO conspiracy;
12. Amani Perkins, a/k/a “Chop,” a/k/a “Choppa,” 25, of Mattapan, is charged with RICO conspiracy;
13. Michael Riley, a/k/a “Snyda,” a/k/a “Sneed,” 46, of Malden, is charged with RICO conspiracy;
14. Keyon Roberson, a/k/a “Beano,” 23, of Dorchester, is charged with RICO conspiracy;
15. Randy Diaz-Pizarro, 32, of Central Falls, R.I., is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition;
16. Bryon Palmer, 36, of Charlestown, is charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl;
17. Rolando Coxon, 31, of Hyde Park, is charged with two counts of distribution of fentanyl;
18. Cerone Davis, 30, of Arlington, is charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances within 1,000 feet of a public housing facility;
19. Donte Daily, 33, of Jamaica Plain, is charged with being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition;
20. Theodore Gamble-Williams, 39, of Jamaica Plain, is charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances;
21. Jameel Gibbons, 39, of Roslindale, is charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances;
22. Charles Bomman, 33, of Roxbury, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances;
23. Deondre Blanding, 27, of Roslindale, is charged with possession of firearm in furtherance of violent or drug trafficking crime;
24. Gelson Rodrigues, 33, of Randolph, is charged with possession of firearm in furtherance of violent or drug trafficking crime;
25. Riccara McKinney, 28, of Roxbury, is charged with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act conspiracy) and wire fraud;
26. Rachel McKinney, 32, of Arlington, is charged with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act conspiracy) and wire fraud;
27. Teshawnda Knight, 41, of Hyde Park, is charged with wire fraud;
28. Antawn Davis, 39, of Boston, is charged with wire fraud;
29. Taisha Garcia, 27, of Lynn, is charged with wire fraud;
30. Dawan Searcy, 32, of Somerville, is charged with wire fraud;
31. Nathan Bootman, 26, of Randolph, is charged with wire fraud;
32. Jameela Gross, 27, of Jamaica Plain, is charged with wire fraud;
33. Robert Platt, 44, of Brockton, is charged with wire fraud;
34. Donovan Scarlett, 25, of West Roxbury, is charged with wire fraud;
35. David Avalo, 28, of Hyde Park, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances;
36. Victor Pimentel, 27, of Brockton, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances;
37. Amanda LaPointe, 39, of Ripley, Maine, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances;
38. Krystin Mathewson, 38, of Enfield, Conn., is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances;
39. Jacob Lyford, 32, of Milo, Maine, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances;
40. Michael St. Pierre, 54, of Dedham, Maine, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; and
41. Kayla Tasker, 31, of Dexter, Maine, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

BOSTON – A Brooklyn man was convicted today by a federal jury in Boston for his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) in which he transported dozens of kilograms of cocaine from New York to Boston.

Dinelson Hernandez-Rodriguez, 30, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for May 21, 2024. Hernandez-Rodriguez was indicted by a federal grand jury along with nine others in October 2021.

In October 2019, an investigation began into a DTO trafficking cocaine and fentanyl in Boston and Taunton. Intercepted communications established that the DTO was supplied in part by individuals in New York. In August 2020, Hernandez-Rodriguez drove from New York to Hyde Park with kilograms of cocaine hidden in a trap compartment inside his car. One day prior, a co-conspirator also transported kilograms of cocaine from New York to Hyde Park. In total, Hernandez-Rodriguez and his co-conspirator transported more than 50 kilograms of cocaine intended for distribution in Boston.

After cocaine was distributed in the Boston area, Hernandez-Rodriguez attempted to transport $240,240 in drug proceeds – again, hidden in the trap inside his car – back to New York but was intercepted by law enforcement.  

Hernandez-Rodriguez is the ninth defendant to be convicted in this case, either by guilty plea or following a jury trial. 

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, 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 that govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Connecticut State Police and the Boston, Taunton and Stratford (Conn.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel R. Feldman and K. Nathaniel Yeager of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case. 

This case 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.

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

BOSTON – A Boston-area man pleaded guilty today to his role in Cameron Street, a violent Boston gang.

Daronde Bethea, a/k/a “Freeze,” 32, of Boston and Brockton, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise, more commonly known as RICO conspiracy; conspiracy to interfere with commerce by force or violence; and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for May 16, 2024. Bethea was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2022. 

Bethea was identified as a member of Cameron Street, a violent gang based largely in the Dorchester section of Boston. According to court documents, Cameron Street members use violence, including murder and attempted murder, to preserve, protect and expand its territory. They allegedly use social media to promote Cameron Street, celebrate murders and other violent crimes, and denigrate rival gangs. They allegedly possess, carry and use firearms; distribute controlled substances; commit armed robberies; and engage in human trafficking in part to generate income.

As part of his role in the Cameron Street enterprise, Bethea committed an attempted murder with a firearm of a rival gang member in Dorchester in June 2018. As the victim got into his car, Bethea shot the victim multiple times causing the victim to have a collapsed lung. In addition, Bethea was involved in two violent home invasion robberies – in November 2017 in Dorchester and July 2018 in Canton. During a chase from the Canton home, Bethea was captured on a police cruiser camera possessing a loaded handgun that was later recovered.

The charge of RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to interfere with commerce by force or violence each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition 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; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; Suffolk, Plymouth, Norfolk and Bristol County District Attorney’s Offices; and the Canton, Quincy, Randolph, Somerville, Brockton, Malden, Stoughton, Rehoboth and Pawtucket (R.I.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl and Charles Dell’Anno 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.

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

BOSTON – A Lawrence man pleaded today in federal court in Boston to his role in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy.

Fraily Rodriguez Morillo, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue; three counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; and one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue. U.S. District Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor, IV scheduled sentencing for May 7, 2024.

Morillo was indicted by a federal grand jury along with Melvin Antonio Perez Medina and Manuel Fredis Guerrero Guzman in November 2022. 

Between March 2022 and August 2022, Morillo, Perez Medina and, allegedly, Guzman conspired to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue, in Lawrence, Woburn, Wilmington and Andover. Specifically, Morillo distributed 50 grams of fentanyl to a cooperating witness in Lawrence on two occasions in April 2022. Later, in July 2022, Morillo worked with Perez Medina to distribute nearly 130 grams of fentanyl on one occasion, and over 560 grams of a mixture of fentanyl and p-fluorofentanyl (a fentanyl analogue) on another occasion, to a cooperating witness and Woburn.

In August 2022, Perez Medina was arrested and found in possession of nearly two kilograms of a mixture containing fentanyl and a fentanyl analogue. The nearly two kilograms were found secreted inside of a cereal box.

On Jan. 18, 2024, Perez Medina was sentenced to 64 months in prison and three years of supervised release after previously pleasing guilty to his role in the conspiracy. 

The charges of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue and of possession with intent to distribute and/or distribution of 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue each provide for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of distribution and/or 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. 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; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. The Massachusetts Department of Correction; the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office; and the Watertown, Reading, Peabody, Hudson, Concord and Waltham Police Departments provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea Porter of the Criminal Division is 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 – Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts recovered more that $90 million in Fiscal Year 2023, including $42,233,999 in criminal actions and $25,730,882 in civil actions. The Office recovered another $22,451,124 in criminal and civil forfeiture proceedings in Fiscal Year 2023.

Through work that involved other U.S. Attorney’s Offices, components of the Department of Justice and whistleblowers, the District of Massachusetts collected an additional $918,412,292. Of this amount, the Office collected $29,621 in criminal actions and $918,382,671 in civil actions.          

“Our Office is committed to restoring funds to victims of crime and depriving criminals of their ill-gotten gains. Our civil and criminal prosecutors work in close coordination from the outset of an investigation to identify, trace and seize assets to accomplish those important goals. In addition, we have a long history of success in recovering taxpayer dollars in False Claims Act cases. These cases protect the public and root out fraud against the United States in health care, government contracting, grants and other government expenditures. We will continue to make these important collection efforts a very high priority,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Levy.

In Fiscal Year 2023, the Asset Recovery Unit was responsible for the collection of over $41 million in restitution for crime victims. The Unit also recovered nearly $1 million in criminal fines and special assessments, as well as forfeiture of over $22 million in criminal proceeds or other property involved in crimes. 

In addition to monetary recoveries, the Asset Recovery Unit: led the effort to return a stolen manuscript from 1527 signed by Hernando Cortez to the Mexican National Archives; returned stolen marksmanship medals to the Springfield Armory; and filed five civil complaints to forfeit cryptocurrency traceable to fraud schemes involving Massachusetts victims. The Asset Recovery Unit locates, seizes and forfeits proceeds of crime, including health care fraud, securities fraud, mail and wire fraud and drug trafficking, as well as money and property involved in money laundering. The Unit pursues forfeiture of ill-gotten gains both domestically and abroad and works closely with units across the Office and its law enforcement partners to ensure that crime doesn’t pay, and that assets are returned to victims. 

The Office’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit recovers government money lost to fraud or other offenses. In Fiscal Year 2023, the Unit entered into settlements with defendants totaling approximately $30 million. Among these recoveries, in January 2023, Johnson & Johnson, DePuy Synthes, Inc. and DePuy Synthes Sales, Inc. agreed to pay $9.75 million to resolve Anti-Kickback Statute violations; in June 2023, Injured Workers Pharmacy agreed to pay $10 million to resolve allegations of improper drug dispensing and submitting false claims; and in May 2023 Massachusetts Eye and Ear paid over $5.7 million to resolve false claims allegations. Also in 2023, the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit filed suit against Bournewood Health Systems and First Psychiatric Planners for allegedly paying kickbacks to induce patients to choose Bournewood and FPP over other treatment facilities. 

The Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Civil Division also recovered $425,000 for victims of sexual harassment in housing.  

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Justice Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

BOSTON – A Michigan man has pleaded guilty to organizing separate multi-year schemes that defrauded internet users via scam virus alerts and distributed controlled substances online. 

Doyal Kalita, 36, of Redford, Mich., pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud conspiracy, one count of conspiracy to import Schedule II and Schedule IV controlled substances and one count of money laundering conspiracy. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for May 16, 2024. Kalita was arrested in August 2022.

“Mr. Kalita exploited people’s fears about cyber security by convincing them that their computers had viruses and selling them unnecessary services. Simultaneously, he lined his pockets by distributing deadly opioids into Massachusetts,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This type of criminal behavior and victimization will not be tolerated. We will continue to be vigilant and hold those accountable that hide behind a keyboard to victimize others and pump dangerous drugs into our communities.”

“Doyal Kalita not only cheated unsuspecting victims around the world and here at home out of their hard-earned money by scaring them into paying for unnecessary and useless computer repair services, but he peddled deadly opioids into our communities too,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Fortunately, the FBI and our partners are experts at untangling such frauds, to ensure criminals like him are brought to justice to answer for their crimes.”

“The disruption of international criminal syndicates is a top priority for IRS Criminal Investigation” said Harry T. Chavis Jr, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations. “As a result of today’s guilty plea, we have successfully disrupted a complex network of international actors praying on the American people through their call center schemes and illegal narcotics distribution networks.”

In 2015, Kalita and co-conspirators organized a scheme to defraud internet users through the use of deceptive pop-up screens that falsely told victims that their computers were infected with viruses (or were otherwise damaged) and directed the victims to call for technical support. In fact, the victims were connected to Kalita’s call centers in India and in Michigan and were scared or deceived into buying products and services that they did not need. 

Contemporaneously, Kalita and his co-conspirators launched an online drug distribution scheme that sold controlled substances, including opioids, that were shipped from suppliers in India and Europe to individuals in Massachusetts and elsewhere in the United States. Kalita and his co-conspirators facilitated online sales from multiple foreign drug suppliers and received controlled substances from abroad before repackaging and distributing them throughout the United States. To conceal the nature of the transactions, Kalita and his co-conspirators used PayPal and merchant accounts that purported to belong to non-existent consulting companies, health supplement stores, auto parts suppliers and travel agencies. In some instances, Kalita and his co-conspirators created fake travel itineraries and receipts to deceive credit card processors in the United States in order to keep the drug business from being detected. 

Two of Kalita’s co-conspirators remain fugitives. 

In January 2023, Manish Kumar – a partner in a Mumbai-based prescription drug companies and one of Kalita’s suppliers – was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf to 87 months in prison, three months of supervised release and was ordered to pay a fine of $100,000.

The charge of wire fraud conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gain or loss, whichever is greater. 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 value of the laundered funds, whichever is greater. The charge of conspiracy to import controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million or twice the gain or loss, whichever is greater. 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. Levy, FBI SAC Cohen and IRS-CI SAC Chavis made the announcement today. The United States Food & Drug Administration; Homeland Security Investigations; United States Customs & Border Protection; United States Marshals Service in Boston; and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York provided valuable assistance in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Lexington, Mass. doctor was convicted today following a 14-day jury trial in connection with an international money laundering scheme involving importing illegal, misbranded drugs.

Rahim Shafa, 66, was convicted of international money laundering, illegally importing merchandise contrary to law and receiving and delivering misbranded drugs. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for May 15, 2024. The defendant was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2020 and subsequently charged in a superseding indictment in June 2021. 

“For roughly a decade, this defendant manipulated and exploited our healthcare system. He circumvented the FDA approval process for drugs from overseas – systems established to protect and support public health and safety,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This conduct jeopardized patient safety and undermined the very foundation of our regulatory system. Such conduct will never be tolerated.”

“U.S. consumers rely on the FDA to ensure that the medications they take are safe and effective. Unlawful, misbranded medical drugs put consumers’ health at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Fernando McMillian, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations’ New York Field Office. “We will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who place profits above consumers’ health.”

“This defendant orchestrated a scheme that jeopardized the health of vulnerable patients seeking help with their addiction,” said Special Agent in Charge Roberto Coviello of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “As this conviction demonstrates, HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners will continue working together to protect both public safety and our health care system.”

Shafa was a psychiatrist who owned and operated Novel Psychopharmacology. From approximately January 2008 through January 2018, Shafa engaged in an international money laundering scheme to purchase naltrexone pellet implants as well as disulfiram pellet implants and injections from Hong Kong. Naltrexone and disulfiram are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in certain forms for the treatment of alcohol dependence and alcohol and opioid dependence, respectively. However, the implantable pellet form of the drug that Shafa purchased are not approved by the FDA. Shafa falsified shipping documents to conceal that the packages containing the drugs were shipped from Hong Kong to Shafa in Massachusetts. For example, packages containing naltrexone pellet implants were falsely declared as ‘plastic beads in plastic tubes’ in shipping documents. Shafa sold these drugs to patients of Novel and implanted them into patients bodies, without fully understanding the risks of the drugs. Patients testified at trial regarding infections and complications they experienced from the pellet implantation procedure. 

The charge of money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of importing merchandise contrary to law provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of receiving and delivering a misbranded drug with provides for a sentence of up to one year in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $1,000. 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, FDA SAC McMillan and HHS-OIG SAC Coviello made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police, the Milford Police Department and the Lexington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Mulcahy, Howard Locker and Kaitlin J. Brown of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced today that, as part of an international law enforcement effort, federal authorities in Boston seized internet domains that were used to sell computer malware used by cybercriminals to secretly access and steal data from victims’ computers. Federal authorities in Atlanta and Boston also unsealed indictments charging individuals in Malta and Nigeria, respectively, for their alleged involvement in selling the malware and supporting cybercriminals seeking to use the malware for malicious purposes. 

Federal authorities in Boston seized www.warzone.ws and three related domains, which together offered for sale the Warzone RAT malware – a sophisticated remote access trojan (RAT) capable of enabling cybercriminals to surreptitiously connect to victims’ computers for malicious purposes. According to the court documents authorizing the seizures, the Warzone RAT provided cybercriminals the ability to browse victim file systems, take screenshots, record keystrokes, steal victim usernames and passwords, and watch victims through their web cameras, all without the victims’ knowledge or permission.

Additionally, two indictments have been unsealed against individuals involved in selling and supporting the Warzone RAT and other malware. 

Daniel Meli, 27, of Zabbar, Malta, was arrested on Feb. 7, and appeared for an initial appearance before Magistrate Judge in Valletta, Malta. Meli was indicted by a federal grand jury in the Northern District of Georgia on Dec. 12, 2023, with causing unauthorized damage to protected computers; illegally selling and advertising an electronic interception device; and participating in a conspiracy to commit several computer intrusion offenses. According to the charging documents, since at least 2012, Meli offered malware products and services for sale to cybercriminals on online computer-hacking forums. Specifically, Meli allegedly assisted cybercriminals seeking to use RATs for malicious purposes and offered teaching tools for sale, including an eBook. Meli also allegedly sold both the Warzone RAT and, before that, malware known as the Pegasus RAT, which he sold through an online criminal organization called Skynet-Corporation. He also provided online customer support to purchasers of both RATs. The Northern District of Georgia is seeking Meli’s extradition to the United States.

Separately, Prince Onyeoziri Odinakachi, 31, of Nigeria, was arrested by the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Feb. 7. Odinakachi was indicted by a federal grand jury in the District of Massachusetts on Jan. 30 with conspiracy to commit multiple computer intrusion offenses, including to obtain authorized access to protected computers to obtain information and causing unauthorized damage to protected computers. According to the charging documents, between June 2019 and no earlier than March 2023, Odinakachi provided online customer support to individuals who purchased and used the Warzone RAT malware. 

According to court documents, in addition to discovering instances of the Warzone RAT being used to attack victim computers in Massachusetts, Warzone RAT malware was covertly purchased and analyzed confirming its multiple malicious functions. 

“This week's actions targeting the Warzone RAT infrastructure and personnel are another example of our tenacious and unwavering commitment to dismantling the malware tools used by cybercriminals,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts. “We will turn over every stone to prevent cybercriminals from attacking the integrity of our computer networks, and we will root out those who support such cybercriminals so they will be held accountable. Those who sell malware and support cybercriminals using it should know that they cannot hide behind their keyboards or international borders.” 

“Daniel Meli will no longer escape accountability for his actions selling malware,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia. “This alleged cybercriminal facilitated the takeover and infection of computers worldwide. Our office was proud to partner with our federal and international counterparts to find Meli and bring him to justice. We will continue to diligently investigate and prosecute cybercrime in the Northern District of Georgia, and in all parts of the globe where our district is impacted.” 
 
“Today, the FBI and our international law enforcement partners dismantled a sophisticated malware service that cybercriminals bought and utilized to infect the computer systems of unsuspecting victims here in Massachusetts, and around the world,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “This operation highlights the FBI’s ongoing commitment to unmask and bring to justice anyone who uses today’s technology nefariously. We urge anyone who is a victim of a Warzone RAT intrusion to report it to us at wzvictims.ic3.gov.”

The charges of conspiracy, obtaining authorized access to protected computers to obtain information, illegally selling an interception device, and illegally advertising an interception device each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of causing unauthorized damage to protected computers provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. 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; FBI SAC Cohen; and U.S. Attorney Buchanan made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James R. Drabick and Carol E. Head for the District of Massachusetts obtained the seizure warrants and Drabick is handling the criminal prosecution of Odinakachi. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bethany L. Rupert and Michael Herskowitz for the Northern District of Georgia are handling the criminal prosecution of Meli. 

The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance during the investigation. Authorities also wish to acknowledge the cooperation and assistance of the Malta Police Force; Office of the Attorney General of Malta; Malta Ministry for Justice; Australian Federal Police; Croatian Ministry of the Interior Criminal Police Directorate; Dutch National Police; Europol European Cybercrime Center; Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation; State Police Force of Saxony, Germany; Japan Ministry of Justice; Port Harcourt Zonal Command of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); Romanian National Police; and Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Law enforcement partners in Canada, Croatia, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands and Romania provided valuable assistance securing the servers hosting the Warzone RAT infrastructure.

Anyone who is a victim of a Warzone RAT computer intrusion is urged to report it to the FBI at https://wzvictims.ic3.gov. 

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 – An associate of the violent Boston gang Cameron Street pleaded guilty yesterday to drug trafficking charges in federal court in Boston.

Michael Lopes, a/k/a “Meech,” 35, of Pawtucket, R.I., pleaded guilty to a one-count Superseding Information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base and methamphetamine. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for May 6, 2024.

During a two-year long investigation into Cameron Street, it was determined that Lopes allegedly conspired with his cousin Anthony Centeio – the alleged leader of Cameron Street – and others to distribute cocaine, cocaine base and methamphetamine. Lopes and, allegedly, Centeio made several sales of cocaine and cocaine base to a cooperating witness in Boston, Braintree and Pawtucket, R.I. A search of Lopes’ Rhode Island residence in April 2022 resulted in the recovery of approximately 174 grams of cocaine base, 215 grams of cocaine and 180 grams of methamphetamine, packaging materials and $2,342 in cash.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, and methamphetamine provides for up to 20 years in prison, supervised release of at least three years 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; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; Suffolk, Plymouth, Norfolk and Bristol County District Attorney’s Offices; and the Canton, Quincy, Randolph, Somerville, Brockton, Malden, Stoughton, Rehoboth and Pawtucket (R.I.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl and Charles Dell’Anno 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.

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

BOSTON – Two New York men previously arrested and charged in December 2023 in connection with staging armed robberies in furtherance of a visa fraud conspiracy have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston, Mass.  

Rambhai Patel, 36, and Balwinder Singh, 39, were indicted on one count each of conspiracy to commit visa fraud. Patel was arrested in Seattle on Dec. 13, 2023 and remains detained pending trial. Singh was arrested in Queens, N.Y. on Dec. 13, 2023, and was released on conditions following an initial appearance on Dec. 28, 2023. 

According to the charging documents, starting in March 2023, Patel and his co-conspirators, including at times Singh, set up and carried out staged armed robberies of at least nine convenience/liquor stores and fast-food restaurants across the United States, including at least five in Massachusetts. It is alleged that the purpose of the staged robberies was to allow the clerks present to claim that they were victims of a violent crime on an application for U nonimmigration status (U Visa). A U Visa is available to victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and who have been helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.  

During the alleged staged robberies, the “robber” would threaten store clerks and/or owners with an apparent firearm before taking cash from the register and fleeing, while the interaction was captured on store surveillance video. The clerks and/or owners would then wait five or more minutes until the “robber” had escaped before calling police to report the “crime.”  The “victims” are alleged to have each paid Patel to participate in the scheme. One purported victim allegedly paid $20,000 to participate as a victim in one of the staged armed robberies. In turn, Patel allegedly paid the store owners for the use of their stores for the staged robbery.

It is alleged that at least two purported victim co-conspirators submitted U Visa applications based on being victims of the staged armed robberies. 

The charge of conspiracy to commit visa fraud 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 United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of New York and the Western District of Washington; FBI’s New York and Seattle Field Offices; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; Massachusetts State Police; Worcester County District Attorney’s Office; and the Hingham, Marshfield, Randolph, Weymouth, Worcester, Upper Darby, (Pa.), West Pittston (Pa.), Louisville, (Ky.) and Bean Station (Tenn.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elianna J. Nuzum and Jessica L. Soto of the Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A New Hampshire man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to his role in a conspiracy to harass and intimidate a journalist employed by New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR) and the journalist’s parents.  

Michael Waselchuck, 36, of Seabrook, N.H., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit stalking through interstate travel and the use of a facility of interstate commerce before U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani who scheduled sentencing for May 10, 2024. Waselchuck was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in June 2023 along with co-conspirators Tucker Cockerline and Keenan Saniatan. The defendants were subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury along with Eric Labarge in September 2023. Cockerline previously pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy in December 2023.

According to the charging documents, an NHPR journalist (Victim 1) published an article in March 2022 detailing allegations of sexual and other misconduct by a former New Hampshire businessperson, identified in the charging document as Subject 1. Another NHPR journalist (Victim 2) also contributed to the article, which appeared on NHPR’s website during and after March 2022. In response to this reporting, Labarge — who is alleged to be a close personal associate of Subject 1 — Saniatan, Cockerline and Waselchuck allegedly agreed to harass and intimidate Victims 1 and 2 and their immediate family members. Among other things, the indictment alleges that:

• On or about April 22, 2022, Labarge solicited Cockerline to vandalize Victim 1’s former residence in Hanover, N.H., using a brick and red spray paint. Thereafter, on the evening of April 24, 2022, Cockerline spraypainted the word “C*NT” in large red letters on the front door and allegedly threw a brick through an exterior window of the home;
• On or about April 22, 2022, Saniatan allegedly agreed to vandalize Victim 2’s home in Concord, N.H., and Victim 1’s parents’ home in Hampstead, N.H., using large rocks and red spray paint. Thereafter, on the evening of April 24, 2022, Saniatan allegedly spraypainted the word “C*NT” in large red letters on the front door and threw a large rock at the exterior of Victim 2’s home; and he allegedly threw a softball-sized rock through a front exterior window and spraypainted the word “C*NT” in large red letters on one of the garage doors of Victim 1’s parents’ home;
• On or about May 18, 2022, Labarge allegedly solicited Cockerline to vandalize Victim 1’s parents’ home in Hampstead, N.H., and Victim 1’s home in Melrose, Mass., using bricks and red spray paint. Cockerline, in turn, allegedly recruited Waselchuck to vandalize Victim 1’s residence; and
• On the evening of May 20, 2022, Cockerline spraypainted the word “C*NT” in large red letters on one of the garage doors of Victim 1’s parents’ home, and left a brick on the ground near the front door. Several hours later, Waselchuck allegedly threw a brick through an exterior window of Victim 1’s home and painted the phrase “JUST THE BEGINNING” in large red letters on the front of the house.

Each charge in the indictment carries a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution. 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 Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Concord, Hampstead and Hanover, New Hampshire Police Departments, the Melrose, Massachusetts Police Department and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason A. Casey and Torey B. Cummings of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A Natick man was convicted yesterday following a six-day jury trial in connection with fentanyl trafficking. During a search of the defendant’s apartment the body of a missing 24-year-old woman who had died of a drug overdose was discovered.

Rafael Ashworth, 29, was convicted of one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for April 30, 2024. Ashworth was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2019 and subsequently charged in a superseding indictment in February 2021. He has remained in custody since his arrest in November 2019.

“The overwhelming overdose numbers associated with the opioid epidemic can blur the human devastation that is involved in every life cut short. This prosecution provided a vivid reminder of how deadly fentanyl is and the trail of broken hearts that are intertwined with overdose deaths,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This defendant will now be held accountable for his role in pumping deadly narcotics onto our streets.”

“Massachusetts is in the midst of a devastating opioid crisis, as deaths from fentanyl soar. The DEA will continue to use every resource available to find drug traffickers, like Mr. Ashworth, who are contributing to the crisis,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “DEA’s top priority is combatting the opioid epidemic by working with our local, county, state and federal partners to bring to justice anyone who distributes this poison. Illegal drug distribution ravages the foundations of our communities so every time we take fentanyl off the streets, lives are saved.”

Police found a deceased woman in Ashworth’s apartment after receiving a report of an overdose death. Approximately 100 grams of a substance containing fentanyl, methamphetamine and heroin, counterfeit Xanax pills containing etizolam, an illegal benzodiazepine, a large metal press used for pressing counterfeit narcotic pills, kilograms of pill-making material and other paraphernalia associated with drug packaging and distribution were also located in the apartment. 
    
The charge of possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and DEA SAC Boyle made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Natick Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leah Foley and Stephen Hassink of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Malden man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to robbing a local market using an airsoft gun in December 2021.

John Schurko, 58, pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for May 15, 2024. Schurko was charged by criminal complaint in December 2021 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2022.

On Dec. 12, 2021 at approximately 8 p.m., Schurko entered the Harvard Market in Malden, displayed what appeared to be a black handgun, went behind the counter and demanded money from the clerk. On Dec. 16, 2021, Schurko’s getaway vehicle was located in a hotel parking lot in Medford where he was subsequently arrested. A search of the vehicle recovered, among other things, a black Airsoft gun that resembled a real firearm. 

The charge of interference with commerce by robbery provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; Malden Police Chief Glenn Cronin; Medford Police Chief Jack Buckley; Billerica Police Chief Roy Frost; and Woburn Police Chief Robert F. Rufo Jr. made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert E. Richardson of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Holyoke man has been sentenced in federal court in Springfield in connection with drug and firearm offenses. 

Jonathan Mercedes, 31, was sentenced on Feb. 5, 2024 by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 10 years in prison and four years of supervised release. In July 2023, Mercedes pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams of more of fentanyl; one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine; and one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking felonies. 

On April 7, 2022, Mercedes possessed with intent to distribute 60 grams of fentanyl laced heroin and 59 grams of cocaine. Mercedes also possessed a Ruger .22 caliber semi-automatic handgun loaded with nine rounds of .22 caliber ammunition and a Smith and Wesson 9mm semi-automatic handgun loaded with 11 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England; and Holyoke Police Chief Manuel Febo made the announcement today. Assistant United States Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of the Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A former Massachusetts attorney was sentenced today for engaging in a scheme to bribe the Chief of Police in Medford, Mass. to obtain approval for a client to sell recreational marijuana. 

Sean O’Donovan, 56, of Somerville, Mass., was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to two years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. O’Donovan was also ordered to pay a fine of $150,000 and a $300 special assessment. In October 2023, O’Donovan was convicted by a federal jury on two counts of honest services wire fraud and one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. 

“Driven by greed, Mr. O’Donovan tried his hand at an old school bribery scheme in which he tried to bribe a police chief for the sake of lining his own pockets. Fortunately, his attempt was promptly thwarted by the integrity of the Police Chief he targeted, as he immediately reported him to federal authorities,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Our office remains committed to rooting out corruption in public offices. Today’s sentence should serve as a warning to anyone who thinks they can corrupt government officials for personal gain: your conduct will be uncovered, and will land you in federal prison – regardless of who you are.”

“Attorney Sean O’Donovan thought he was beyond the reach of the law when he orchestrated a back-door deal, funded by bribes, to line his own pockets. In doing so, he betrayed his client, and all hard-working businesses trying to play by the rules,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Such blatant corruption is toxic to the public trust, and today’s sentence makes it clear that crime truly does not pay. The FBI is committed to stamping out corruption, and we are very grateful to the Medford Police Chief and his brother who worked with us to thwart his shameful scheme.”

O’Donovan sought to corrupt the City of Medford’s political process for selecting retail marijuana companies by attempting to influence the Medford Police Chief in connection with O’Donovan’s client’s recreational marijuana business. At the time, the Chief had recently been appointed to serve on a committee to rank such applications on behalf of the Mayor, who would ultimately select three applicants to open retail marijuana stores in Medford. 

O’Donovan approached the Chief’s relative and offered to pay as much as $50,000 in tax-free cash to the Chief’s relative in exchange for the Chief’s official support for his client’s anticipated application to sell recreational marijuana in Medford. Specifically, O’Donovan sought to have the Chief favorably rank his client’s application and, separately, to advise and pressure the Mayor to select the client. O’Donovan was slated to receive a stream of income of at least $100,000 annually from his client’s marijuana business if its Medford application was successful. After the relative informed the Chief of O’Donovan’s corrupt offer, the Chief immediately alerted federal authorities. Both the Chief and his relative cooperated with the investigation. O’Donovan never informed his client of the bribery scheme.

Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; SAC Cohen; Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay with the Public Corruption Unit for the District of Massachusetts and Trial Attorney Jonathan E. Jacobson of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and prosecuted the case.

A Massachusetts man was sentenced today to two years in prison for engaging in a scheme to bribe the chief of police of Medford, Massachusetts, to obtain approval for a client to sell recreational marijuana.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Sean O’Donovan, 56, of Somerville, paid a bribe to influence the Medford police chief to take official acts to benefit O’Donovan’s client, a recreational marijuana business. At the time, the chief had recently been appointed to serve on a committee that ranked applicants seeking to operate marijuana dispensaries in Medford on behalf of Medford’s mayor. Medford’s mayor had the ultimate authority to select three applicants to open retail marijuana stores in Medford.

In furtherance of the scheme, O’Donovan approached a close family relative of the police chief and offered to pay as much as $50,000 in tax-free cash to the relative in exchange for the chief’s official support for his client’s anticipated application to sell recreational marijuana in Medford. Specifically, O’Donovan sought to have the chief favorably rank his client’s application and, separately, to advise and pressure the mayor to select the client to open a retail marijuana store in Medford. O’Donovan was slated to receive a stream of income of at least $100,000 annually from his client’s marijuana business if its Medford application were successful. O’Donovan never informed his client of the bribery scheme.

After the relative informed the chief of O’Donovan’s corrupt offer, the chief immediately alerted federal authorities. Both the chief and his relative cooperated with the investigation.

On Oct. 27, 2023, a federal jury convicted O’Donovan of two counts of honest services wire fraud and one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts, Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Boston Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Boston Field Office investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Jonathan E. Jacobson of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay for the District of Massachusetts prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Cape Cod man, previously convicted of federal heroin distribution charges, was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for possessing a loaded “ghost” gun. The defendant was on federal supervised release at the time of his arrest.

Krymeii Fray, 28, of Hyannis, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In October 2023, Fray pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of ammunition. 
 
On March 24, 2023, at 2:15 a.m., Fray’s vehicle was stopped on Blue Hill Avenue in Boston by local law enforcement. During a search of the vehicle, a Polymer 80 9mm firearm that was not commercially manufactured – commonly referred to as a “ghost” or kit firearm – loaded with seven rounds of ammunition was recovered from under Fray’s seat. Also seized was a live loose round of ammunition found near the gun as well as a spent shell casing found in the trunk:

Fray was immediately taken into custody. At the time of his arrest, Fray was on supervised release from an earlier federal conviction for conspiracy to distribute heroin.
 
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Pohl and Lauren A. Graber of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.  

BOSTON – A Haverhill man with multiple prior felony convictions, including manslaughter, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to possessing a loaded firearm and drugs intended for distribution.

Ramon Silvelo-Miles, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. District Court Judge Dennis F. Saylor IV, scheduled sentencing for May 9, 2024. Silvelo-Miles was charged by criminal complaint in January 2022.

In the early morning hours of Sept. 20, 2021, Silvelo-Miles was stopped by law enforcement for driving erratically on Route 24 in West Bridgewater. Field sobriety tests administered on-site indicated that Silvelo-Miles was too impaired to drive. A subsequent search of the defendant’s car uncovered over 200 grams of cocaine and 9 grams of fentanyl packaged in small, clear plastic bags in a small backpack inside the glove compartment. Hidden by the defendant next to the backpack in the glove compartment was a Raven Arms MP-25 .25 caliber pistol within a black sock. The gun was loaded with one bullet in the chamber and five bullets in the magazine. Silvelo-Miles is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to multiple prior felony convictions including a 2014 conviction for manslaughter. 

The charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl 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. The charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime provides for a minimum mandatory sentence of five years in prison, up to life, which must be served consecutively with any other term of imprisonment imposed in the case, five 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 and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce 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 crew member on commercial fishing vessels operating out of New Bedford pleaded guilty today to evading nearly $300,000 in federal income taxes.   
 
Rodolfo Membreno, 49, of Fall River, pleaded guilty to one count of evading and defeating taxes before U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns. Judge Stearns scheduled sentencing for May 15, 2024. Membreno was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2023.

From 2013 through 2021, Membreno earned more than $1.3 million working as a commercial fisherman. During the calendar years 2013 through 2019 Membreno failed to file federal income tax returns. He then filed a false tax return for 2020, before again failing to file a return for calendar year 2021. Membreno failed to pay any income taxes on his fishing income and took other measures to prevent the IRS from tracing his income or determining his tax liabilities, including routinely cashing his paychecks and using the cash to fund his personal lifestyle. Membreno’s scheme resulted in tax losses of approximately $293,118 to the IRS, not including penalties and interest.

The charge of tax evasion carries a statutory maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, and restitution to the IRS. 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; Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division; and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A. Wild of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts and Trial Attorney Ezra Spiro and Acting Chief John Kane of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.

BOSTON – A Philadelphia woman has been sentenced to eight days in prison for conspiring to distribute kilos of fentanyl and heroin. The government recommended a sentence of 37 months in prison.

Elba Pena, 34, was sentenced on Feb. 1, 2024 by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to time served (eight days) and three years of supervised release with one year to be served in home confinement. Pena pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin. 

In November 2021, Pena traveled from Philadelphia to Methuen, Mass. to deliver two kilograms of heroin to a person she thought was a customer. Specifically, on Nov. 16, 2021, Pena met with an undercover officer posing as the purported customer at a commercial plaza in Methuen and delivered the heroin. Pena was immediately taken into custody. A subsequent search of Pena’s Philadelphia residence resulted in the recovery of nine kilograms of fentanyl. 

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Feldman of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Middleborough, Mass. man was sentenced to six days in prison for stealing and selling three firearms from FedEx packages he was responsible for delivering. The government recommended a sentence of 10 months in prison.

Frank P. O’Toole, 40, was sentenced on Feb. 2, 2024 by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to time served (six days) and three years of supervised release, during which period he must complete 250 hours of community service. On June 16, 2023, O’Toole pleaded guilty to two counts of possession or sale of a stolen firearm. 

O’Toole previously worked as a FedEx delivery truck driver at a facility in Middleborough. Between October 2021 and June 2022, O’Toole stole three packages sent from out-of-state which he was responsible for delivering, each containing a firearm – specifically, two rifles and a shotgun – intended for a Federal Firearms Licensee. O’Toole subsequently sold the three firearms to an undercover agent during two separate controlled purchases on Aug. 9, 2022 and Aug. 12, 2022.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and Middleborough Police Chief Joseph Perkins made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Chicago-area man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Springfield, Mass. to his role in a nationwide wire fraud conspiracy that victimized businesses and individuals across the United States.  

Demario Sorrells, 38, of Rockford, Ill., pleaded guilty on Feb. 2, 2024 to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for May 28, 2024. Sorrells was initially indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2020 along with five co-defendants, including rap promoter Antonio Strong and rap artist Herbert Wright.

According to court documents, beginning in at least March 2017 through November 2018, Sorrells, Wright and, allegedly, their 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. Generally, because the payment card information was authentic, 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.

According to court filings, on certain occasions, Strong obtained valuable goods and services for the benefit of Sorrells, including private jet flights, luxury accommodations and elite automobile rentals. On other occasions, Strong contacted Sorrells to obtain illicit account information and Sorrells provided Strong with illicit account information that he obtained from the dark web. On other occasions, Strong sometimes paid Sorrells in exchange for the illicit account information. Sorrells knew the illicit account information was stolen data. In total, Sorrells was responsible for $106,000 in victim losses. 

On Jan. 11, 2024, Wright was sentenced to three years’ probation and was ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture of $139,968 each, as well as a $5,500 fine. In July 2023, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of making a false statement to a federal official.

The charge of wire fraud conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to five 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 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 – An Edgartown man was sentenced today for robbing a Falmouth bank. Defendant zip-tied bank employees and customers, brandished a firearm, placed a purported bomb on the counter and fled the scene in the vehicle of a bank customer. 

Petar Petyoshin, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to 100 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. In October 2023, Petyoshin pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery.  

On April 8, 2023, Petyoshin departed Martha’s Vineyard aboard a Steamship Authority vessel at 7 a.m. and arrived at Woods Hole in Falmouth. At approximately 8:58 a.m. on April 8, 2023, Petyoshin entered the Rockland Trust Bank in Falmouth, placed a purported bomb on the teller counter and brandished a firearm. Petyoshin pointed the firearm at the tellers and customers, telling one bank employee, “I’m robbing you,” before having the customers and bank employees zip-tie each other’s hands together. Petyoshin then had two tellers place over $20,000 in cash from the bank into a brown bag, took a customer’s car keys and fled the scene in the customer’s vehicle. Petyoshin then boarded a 1:15 p.m. return ferry to Martha’s Vineyard. 

On May 23, 2023, Petyoshin was arrested on state charges in connection with the robbery. A subsequent search of his residence in Edgartown resulted in the recovery of thousands of dollars in cash bundled together in Rockland Trust money bands, zip ties and clothing items Petyoshin was captured wearing on surveillance footage both before and after the robbery. Additionally, 57 firearms and a large quantity of ammunition were seized during the search. The same jacket worn by Petyoshin during the robbery was recovered during a search of Petyoshin’s personal locker at the Oak Bluffs Water Department where he was employed. The investigation also determined that the Facebook page for Petyoshin’s clothing store, Dapper Martha’s Vineyard, displayed photos of the same clothing – including jacket, sunglasses and wig – he wore during the bank robbery. 

Immediately following the robbery, Petyoshin made a several thousand-dollar cash downpayment on a lease for a new Mercedes. 

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and John. E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Falmouth and Edgartown Police Departments; Barnstable County Sheriff’s Department; and the Cape & Islands District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Massachusetts man has been extradited from Stockholm, Sweden to face charges in connection with his alleged obstruction of an investigation into fires set at Jewish institutions in Arlington, Needham and Chelsea, Mass. in May 2019.  

Alexander Giannakakis, 37, formerly of Quincy, Mass., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston in 2019 for making false statements in a matter involving domestic terrorism; falsifying, concealing and covering up a material fact in a matter involving domestic terrorism; concealing records in a federal investigation; tampering with documents and objects; and tampering with an official proceeding.  

After the indictment was returned, at the request of the United States, Giannakakis was arrested by Swedish authorities in a Stockholm suburb. The United States subsequently sought Giannakakis’ extradition from Sweden to the United States to face charges in Boston.  

In connection with his arrest in Sweden, authorities learned that he unlawfully possessed a firearm and other weapons in Sweden. Giannakakis was charged and convicted of those crimes and served a sentence in Swedish prison. On Dec. 4, 2023, near the completion of that jail sentence, the Supreme Court of Sweden ruled favorably on the United States’ extradition request, and on Dec. 21, 2023, the Government of Sweden granted the request for Giannakakis’ extradition. 

Giannakakis arrived at Boston’s Logan airport on Feb. 2, 2024 and will appear in federal court in Boston tomorrow afternoon.

According to the indictment, in and around February 2020, Giannakakis’ younger brother became the prime suspect in an investigation into four fires set at Jewish-related institutions in the Boston area: the first during the evening of May 11, 2019 at a Chabad Center in Arlington; the second at the same location during the evening of May 16, 2019; the third at a Chabad Center in Needham; and the fourth during the evening of May 26, 2019 at Jewish-affiliated business in Chelsea.  

Giannakakis’ younger brother was hospitalized in a coma at the time he was identified as a suspect in February 2020. He remained in a coma until his death later that year.

According to the indictment, Giannakakis left the United States with his younger brother’s electronic devices and papers and brought them to Sweden, where he was living at the time. According to court documents, when Giannakakis returned to the U.S. in March 2020, he was questioned by investigators and made false and misleading statements. Giannakakis allegedly removed and concealed physical evidence being sought by investigators which implicated his brother. Shortly after concealing that evidence, Giannakakis departed the United States for Sweden. Giannakakis remained in Sweden until his arrest by Swedish authorities in February 2022.

The charges of making false statements in a matter involving domestic terrorism and falsifying, concealing, and covering up a material fact in a matter involving domestic terrorism by trick, scheme, and device each provide for a sentence of up to eight years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charges of concealing records in a federal investigation, tampering with documents and objects, and tampering with an official proceeding each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Chief Juliann Flaherty of the Arlington Police Department; Chief John Schlittler of the Needham Police Department; and Chief Keith E. Houghton of the Chelsea Police Department made the announcement today. Substantial assistance was provided by Swedish authorities including the Swedish Security Service; the National Security Unit of Sweden’s National Public Prosecution Department; and Sweden’s Ministry of Justice. The investigation is being led by the FBI Boston’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. Additional assistance was provided by the Quincy Massachusetts Police Department; the Massachusetts State Police; and the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance to secure the arrest and extradition from Sweden of Giannakakis. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason A. Casey and John McNeil of the Office’s National Security Unit.

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 leader of one of the largest and most violent criminal street gangs in the country was sentenced yesterday for leading a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy across the North Shore and into Maine. In furtherance of the conspiracy, the defendant participated in six shootings as well as acquired over 40 firearms and multiple “selector switches” for himself and fellow gang members. The defendant was also held accountable for his role in a seventh shooting that resulted in a murder.

Armani Minier-Tejada, a/k/a “Shotz,” a/k/a “Gustavo,” 24, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 40 years in prison and five years of supervised release. In June 2023, Minier-Tejada was convicted by a federal jury of one count of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, cocaine and other controlled substances; one count of conspiracy to use and carry a firearm during and in relation to, and possess a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime; and one count of use and carrying, brandishing and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime.

The investigation began in 2020 in direct response to an increasing number of shootings in communities north of Boston committed by street gangs whose violence is fueled by drug distribution. 

Minier-Tejada was a member and leader of a street gang known as the Tiny Rascal Gangsters (TRG), one of the largest and most violent criminal street gangs in the country that operates on a decentralized structure via local groups or “sets.” TRG is involved in street-level distribution of powdered cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine and members are known for their involvement in gun violence.

Minier-Tejada and his co-conspirators, including members of the Lynn set of TRG, participated in a long-running conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine in Boston, the North Shore and the Bangor, Maine area. Minier-Tejada served as the supplier for multiple large-scale drug dealers in Maine and, in total, he and his co-conspirators were responsible for trafficking more than 10 kilograms each of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine from Massachusetts into Maine. Minier-Tejada and his co-conspirators produced numerous videos and images in which they were depicted brandishing and holding firearms, including multiple machine guns – that is, pistols equipped with “selector switches” rendering them capable of fully automatic fire. Additionally, the drug conspiracy of which Minier-Tejada was a leader acquired over 40 firearms and multiple “selector switches” for use by TRG members during the drug trafficking conspiracy. “Selector switches,” are aftermarket parts that convert a semi-automatic firearm into a machine gun, capable of fully automatic fire. 

At sentencing, the government established that in 2019 and 2020, Minier-Tejada and co-conspirators, including TRG gang members, Marcus Carlisle, a/k/a “Reckless,” and Jaiir Coleman, a/k/a “JC,” committed six shootings in Boston and surrounding communities in furtherance of the drug conspiracy. At trial, the government introduced evidence concerning one of the shootings, taking place in Cambridge in July 2020, which was in response to a video being live-streamed from a parking lot accusing Minier-Tejada and Coleman of cooperating with law enforcement. Minier-Tejada and Coleman travelled to the streaming location with two firearms – including a machine gun – and together fired at least 30 rounds into a large crowd of people gathered in the parking lot. At sentencing, Minier-Tejada was also held responsible for a seventh shooting that took place in Lynn, during the course of the drug conspiracy in July 2020, that was committed by fellow TRG members. This seventh shooting resulted in the death of one victim and injuries to four others.  

In April 2023, Carlisle and Berberena were convicted in Essex County Superior Court of First-Degree Murder and multiple counts of Armed Assault with Intent to Murder for the July 4, 2020, shooting. Both were sentenced to life in state prison without the possibility of parole, to be followed by a total of 40 years in prison consecutive to the life sentence. The case against Carlisle and Berberena was prosecuted by the Essex County District Attorney’s Office.

Minier-Tejeda is the 18th federal defendant to be sentenced in this case. Over the past three years, the investigation has resulted in the arrest, conviction and imprisonment of multiple drug traffickers and violent offenders in the greater Boston area, including: Vincent Caruso, a/k/a “Fatz,” who was sentenced to 250 months in federal prison; his mother Laurie Caruso and co-conspirator Ernest Johnson, a/k/a “Yo Pesci,” who were sentenced to 108 and 78 months in federal prison, respectively; Malden-based drug trafficker and participant in a shooting of a vehicle that contained a young child, Phillips Charles, a/k/a “Phon C,” who was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison; TRG leader David Oth, a/k/a “Baby Bouncer,” who was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison; and Ahsan Arty, a/k/a “Hass,” a member of a violent drug and gun conspiracy was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison. Coleman pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy in February 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court in Boston on Feb. 8, 2024.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Cambridge Police Commissioner Christine Elow; and Rick Desjardins, Director of the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine; Maine State Police; Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; Essex, Middlesex and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices; Essex and Hancock (Maine) County Sheriff’s Department; and the Chelsea, Everett, Lynn, Malden, Salem, Somerville, Bangor (Maine), Portland (Maine) and Westbrook (Maine) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Kaitlin R. O’Donnell of the Organized Crime & Gang 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.
 

BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today to robbing four businesses, during which he brandished two large knives, while on federal supervised release for robbery charges out of New York.

Akeem Lahens, 33, pleaded guilty to four counts of affecting commerce by armed robbery. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for April 24, 2024. Lahens was charged in August 2023.  

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 of in prison.

The charge of affecting commerce by armed robbery provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

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 is prosecuting the case. 

BOSTON – Three individuals previously arrested and charged in November 2023 in connection with operating sophisticated high-end brothels in greater Boston and eastern Virginia have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston, Mass. 

The following individuals have each been indicted on one count of conspiracy to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce one or more individuals to travel in interstate or foreign commerce to engage in prostitution; and one count of money laundering conspiracy: 

• Han Lee, a/k/a “Hana,” 41, of Cambridge, Mass.;
• James Lee, 68, of Torrance, Calif.; and
• Junmyung Lee, 30, of Dedham, Mass.

According to the charging documents, from at least July 2020, the defendants operated an interstate prostitution network with multiple brothels in Cambridge and Watertown, Mass., as well as in Fairfax and Tysons, Va. It is alleged that the defendants collectively established the infrastructure for brothels in multiple states which they used to persuade, induce and entice women – primarily Asian women – to travel to Massachusetts and Virginia to engage in prostitution. 

Specifically, the defendants allegedly rented high-end apartment complexes as brothel locations, which they furnished and regularly maintained. It is further alleged that the defendants coordinated the women’s airline travel and transportation and permitted women to stay overnight in the brothel locations so they did not have to find lodging elsewhere, therefore enticing women to participate in their prostitution network. According to court documents, the defendants established house rules for the women during their stays in a given city to protect and maintain the secrecy of the business and ensure that the women did not draw attention to the prostitution work inside apartment buildings. 

The defendants allegedly advertised their prostitution network primarily on two websites – bostontopten10.com and browneyesgirlsva.blog – which offered appointments with women in either greater Boston or eastern Virginia, respectively. It is alleged that the defendants purchased and registered the bostontop10.com domain in August 2016. Both websites purported to advertise nude models for professional photography at upscale studios as a front for prostitution offered through appointments. 

According to court documents, each website described a verification process that interested sex buyers undertook to be eligible for appointment bookings– including requiring clients complete a form providing their full names, email address, phone number, employer and reference if they had one. It is alleged that the defendants persuaded the women to work for this prostitution network because the business maintained a regular customer base of men that were adequately screened, ensuring that the customers were not members of law enforcement or men who posed a risk to the safety and security of the commercial sex workers.

It is further alleged that the defendants maintained local brothel phone numbers which they used to communicate with verified customers and schedule appointments via text messages; send customers a “menu” of available options at the brothel, including the women and sexual services available and the hourly rate; and to text customers directions to the brothel’s location where they engaged in commercial sex with the women. 

According to the charging documents, the defendants charged sex buyers a premium price for appointments with the women advertised on their websites, which ranged from approximately $350 to upwards of $600 per hour depending on the services and were paid in cash. 

 The defendants also allegedly concealed the proceeds of the prostitution network through depositing hundreds of thousands of dollars of cash proceeds into their personal bank accounts and peer-to-peer transfers. Additionally, it is alleged that the defendants regularly used hundreds of thousands of dollars of the cash proceeds from the prostitution business to purchase money orders (in values under an amount that would trigger reporting and identification requirements) to conceal the source of the funds. These money orders were then used to pay for rent and utilities at brothel locations in Massachusetts and Virginia.

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

The charge of conspiracy to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce one or more individuals to travel in interstate or foreign commerce to engage in prostitution provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $500,000 fine or twice the value of funds laundered, whatever is greater. 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 Cambridge Police Commissioner Christine Elow made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Central District of California; Eastern District of Virginia; U.S. Postal Service; and Watertown Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of the Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Raquelle Kaye, of the Asset Recovery Unit are prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A New York man has agreed to plead guilty to allegedly using counterfeit United States passport cards in the name of three Massachusetts residents in order to withdraw money from their bank accounts. 

Jean Andre Bontiffe, 40, has agreed to plead guilty to three counts of bank fraud, one count of forgery or false use of a Passport and one count of aggravated identity theft. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the Court. Bontiffe was previously charged by criminal complaint in October 2023.

According to the charging documents, on Aug. 9, 2022, Bontiffe was arrested in New York for attempting to pass through TSA screening at LaGuardia Airport using a counterfeit California driver’s license in the same name as one of the Massachusetts victims. A subsequent investigation allegedly revealed that, between July 20 and July 22, 2022, Bontiffe traveled to Massachusetts from the Bronx, N.Y., and made nine attempts to withdraw money from bank accounts that belonged to three victims from Massachusetts – stealing a total of $13,800. On July 20, 2022, Bontiffe allegedly entered a TD Bank branch in North Andover, Mass. and presented a United States passport and a Discover credit card, both in the name of a Massachusetts resident who had an account at the bank, as proof of identity and attempted to withdraw $4,500 from that account. Due to unmatched signatures, the bank denied the transaction and confiscated the passport and credit card prior to Bontiffe fleeing the scene. 

The charge of making or using a forged passport provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Matthew O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office; and Paul Creazzo, Chief of the Mamaroneck (New York) Police Department made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm 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 –Members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts were recognized yesterday by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland at the 70th and 71st Annual Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. for their extraordinary contributions to the enforcement of our nation’s laws. Award recipients from both 2022 and 2023 were selected from a group of more than 800 Justice Department employees nominated from across the country.

“Each of today’s recipients has served with distinction, and in so doing, they have enabled the Justice Department to advance its work on behalf of the American people,” said Attorney General Garland. “Their exceptional leadership, heroism, and dedication have benefited people and communities across the country.”

The following individuals were presented with the Distinguished Service Award, the Department’s second highest award for employee performance, for their investigation and prosecution in a Higher Education Admissions Fraud Case: 

• Stephen E. Frank, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office;
• Kristen A. Kearney, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office;
• Leslie A. Wright, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office;
• Ian J. Stearns, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office;
• Kriss R. Basil, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office;
• Alexia R. DeVincentis, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office;
• Carol E. Head, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office;
• Justin D. O’Connell, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office;
• Lauren M. George, Financial Investigator, U.S. Attorney’s Office;
• Laura C. Smith, Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office; 
• Kaitlyn A. Cedrone, Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office;
• Keith T. Brown, Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office;
• Chris Gianakura, Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office;
• Elizabeth A. Keating, Special Agent, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and 
• Mark G. Deckett, Special Agent, Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Education, Boston Field Office.

“This outstanding team of individuals worked tirelessly to investigate, prosecute and hold accountable dozens of individuals who sought to cheat the college admissions process. From the outset, this case has stood for the principle that we do not have a two-tiered system of justice in this country and that everyone – regardless of wealth, power or fame – must operate under the same set of rules. This case reaffirmed that principle,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This case resulted in concrete changes to make the college admissions process more fair. We are deeply proud of this team, and of the lasting and far-reaching impact their extraordinary work has had.”

In March 2019, dozens of individuals from across the country were arrested and charged for their involvement in a nationwide conspiracy, led by William “Rick” Singer, that facilitated cheating on college entrance exams and the admission of students to elite universities as purported athletic recruits. 

Hector Radhames Gonzalez, an Information Technology Specialist for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, was honored posthumously with the Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Administrative Support. This distinguished award recognizes Justice Department employees who have demonstrated outstanding administrative or managerial achievements. Mr. Gonzalez’s wife and oldest son attended the ceremony and received the award on Mr. Gonzalez’s behalf. 

“Hector’s expertise and knowledge as well as his friendly and comforting manner of providing confident support allowed our Office to focus on their own areas of expertise. His approach to his responsibilities embodied excellence – both as an Information Technology professional and as a public servant,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Levy. “Hector Gonzalez was an exceptional colleague who made a difference in our lives on a daily basis. His collegiality, friendship and technical skills touched each of us and made us all better.” 

BOSTON – A man from the Dominican Republic, who resides in the Boston area, was sentenced yesterday for running a wide-ranging fentanyl trafficking conspiracy that trafficked multiple kilograms of counterfeit pills, including pills that contained fentanyl, through the mail.

Quenty Ogando, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to 144 months in prison and five years of supervised release. In October 2023, Ogando pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. 

Between September 2022 and November 2022, Ogando ran a large-scale pill press operation that manufactured, sold and mailed counterfeit pills, including pills containing fentanyl, among other drugs. Many of the packages were seized and found to contain counterfeit fentanyl pills. In total, nearly two kilograms of counterfeit fentanyl pills were seized from packages over the course of the investigation. 

In November 2022, a search of Ogando’s apartment revealed over 20 kilograms of pills in various colors, over 20 kilograms of loose powder, numerous packages and mailing labels and three industrial grade pill presses. In total, over 11 kilograms of fentanyl was recovered from the apartment as well as amounts of heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine. 

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement today. The Boston Police Department; Massachusetts State Police; United States Customs and Border Protection; Drug Enforcement Administration; and U.S. Food and Drug Administration provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Mackenzie Duane and Jennifer Zacks of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.  
 

BOSTON – A Malden man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for distributing methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement officer. 

David Desousa, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 10 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. In September 2022, Desousa pleaded guilty to one count of distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of distributing five grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of distributing a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine and three counts of possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

In February 2020, an investigation began into DeSousa’s methamphetamine distribution activities. On three separate occasions in February, March and July 2020, Desousa met with and sold various quantities of methamphetamine to an undercover agent. Desousa was arrested on Aug. 6, 2020 in Medford while he was travelling to deliver two ounces of methamphetamine to the undercover agent. More than 55 grams of 99% pure methamphetamine and 10.814 grams of cocaine base were seized from Desousa’s vehicle. During a subsequent search of Desousa’s residence, more than 75 grams of methamphetamine, a loaded Remington .380 caliber pistol and $5,000 in cash was seized. An additional 83 grams of 99% pure methamphetamine and $90,000 in cash were also seized from Desousa’s storage unit.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division; Arlington Police Chief Juliann Flaherty; Medford Police Chief Jack Buckley; and Malden Police Chief Glenn Cronin made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip C. Cheng and James E. Arnold 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.

BOSTON – A Fall River Police Officer was convicted today following a four-day jury trial of assaulting a man in custody with a baton and failing to report the assault in subsequent reports.

Nicholas M. Hoar, 37, was convicted of on one count of deprivation of rights under color of law and two counts of false reports. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for April 24, 2024. Hoar was arrested and charged in November 2022. 

“Police officers who abuse their power will continue to be held accountable by this office,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This office has a huge amount of respect for the thousands of men and women in law enforcement who conduct their jobs with high integrity and put their lives at risk every day. The defendant’s conduct and lack of moral compass is an affront to all those members of law enforcement who serve with honor.”

“What Fall River Police Officer Nicholas Hoar did – in using his position of authority to assault a man in his custody and then try to cover it up by filing false reports– is utterly contemptible,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “We in law enforcement are granted significant authority in order to effectively do our jobs, and when a police officer abuses those powers and deprives another human being of their civil rights, the FBI and our partners will ensure they are brought to justice for egregiously violating the public’s trust.”

On Dec. 21, 2020, while on duty as an officer with the Fall River Police Department, Hoar struck an individual who had been arrested in the forehead with a baton, resulting in bodily injury to the arrestee. Additionally, on Dec. 21 and Dec. 22, 2020, Hoar submitted two reports which omitted any mention of the fact that he had struck the arrestee in the forehead with a baton.  

The charge of deprivation of rights under color of law resulting in bodily injury provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of false reports provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristina E. Barclay and John J. Reynolds III of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to illegally selling a dozen machinegun conversion devices.

Michael Wilkerson, 23, pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in the business as a manufacturer or dealer in firearms. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for April 30, 2024. Wilkerson was initially arrested and charged along with co-defendant Elijah Navarro in February 2023. The defendants were subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2023.

In January 2023, Navarro agreed to sell 12 machinegun conversion devices to an individual in exchange for $1,700. Following a series of communications, Navarro met the individual twice at a pre-arranged location. On Jan. 19, 2023, Navarro sold the first two machinegun conversion devices for $400 and later, on Jan. 25, 2023, Navarro sold the remaining 10 devices for an additional $1,300 out of Wilkerson’s residence. 

During a search of Wilkerson’s residence in February 2023, two 3-D printers, 3-D printing material, machinegun conversion devices, a ballistic vest as well as firearms, ammunition and magazines were seized. 

Neither Navarro nor Wilkerson possess licenses to import, manufacture, deal or possess firearms.  

Navarro pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy in December 2023. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 13, 2024. 

The charge of engaging in the business as a manufacturer or dealer in firearms provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10,000. The charge of unlawful transferring or possession of a machinegun provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael A. Cox made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A driving instructor has been charged, and has agreed to plead guilty, to allegedly conspiring to defraud the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) into issuing driver’s licenses to applicants who did not pass the road test.

Ngan Dinh, 48, of Boston, was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the Court. 

According to the charging document, Dinh allegedly paid a road test examiner at the Brockton RMV service center to misrepresent to the RMV that certain driver’s license applicants had passed their road test when in fact they had not. According to court documents, some of the applicants did not even show up to take the test. As a result of the fraud, the RMV mailed driver’s licenses to unqualified applicants.

The charge of conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $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; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Christopher A. Scharf, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine J. Wichers and Adam W. Deitch of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A Chelsea man pleaded guilty today to illegally selling multiple machinegun conversion devices to an undercover federal agent.

Michael Williams, 50, was indicted on two counts of transferring or possessing a machinegun and one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for May 15, 2024. Williams was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in July 2023 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2023. 

In January 2023, Williams agreed to sell several machinegun conversion devices and other firearm accessories to an undercover agent. Following a series of communications, Williams met the undercover agent twice at a pre-arranged location. On Jan. 12, 2023, Williams sold the first machinegun conversion device, along with numerous rounds of ammunition. On the following day Williams sold two additional machinegun conversion devices to the undercover agent. Williams is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a prior felony conviction.

The charge of unlawful transferring or possession of a machinegun provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The felon in possession charge 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; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Chelsea Police Chief Keith Houghton made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Canton man was sentenced today for sex trafficking a minor who had been reported missing.

Keion Rowell, 24, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 15 years in prison and five years of supervised release. In September 2023, Rowell was convicted by a federal jury of one count of sex trafficking of a child. 

“Mr. Rowell inflicted severe trauma on a vulnerable young life. Today’s sentence ensures that this dangerous man will be removed from our community for a very long time,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “As we close Human Trafficking Prevention Month, this case serves as a stark reminder that this insidious crime preys on the most vulnerable victims. Our office will work tirelessly to combat human trafficking and ensure that our communities are safe and that even the most vulnerable can live without fear of exploitation or harm.”

“The cruelty and inhumanity displayed by Keion Rowell is staggering. He forced a child into sexual servitude, unleashing physical and emotional abuse even as he profited from that child's exploitation,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Every day, children are being sexually exploited and traumatized in our area, and across the country. FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation – Human Trafficking Task Force will never stop working to find and free trafficked children and ensure those responsible are brought to justice. We ask anyone with knowledge of child sex trafficking to let us know about it. Dial 1-800-CALL-FBI or go online to tips.fbi.gov.”

On or about Jan. 18, 2021, Rowell met the 15-year-old victim, who had recently run away from home. Almost immediately, Rowell created and posted numerous online commercial sex advertisements that contained photos of the victim, including nude photos, and told her that she would have to engage in prostitution. Rowell then communicated with sex buyers and sent the victim to meet with those men to have sex in exchange for money he kept. On one occasion, when the victim did not make enough money to satisfy Rowell’s demands, he punched her in the face. 

On Jan. 28, 2021, approximately 10 days after the victim had been reported missing, law enforcement participated in an undercover operation to rescue her. When she was recovered, the victim had Rowell’s phone which contained photos of the victim and Rowell, information about his personal bank accounts, links to online advertisements for commercial sex and communications with sex buyers. 

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 FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office; the Boston and Belmont Police Departments; and the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian A. Fogerty of the Civil Rights & Human Trafficking Unit and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyssa Tochka prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Florida man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for stealing tuition and deposits from families who planned to send their children to sports camps in the Boston area in July and August 2019. 

Mehdi Belhassan, 53, of Tampa, Fla., was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to 30 months in prison and two years of supervised release. Belhassan was also ordered to pay restitution of $575,427 and forfeiture of $443,346. In October 2023, Belhassan was convicted of two counts of wire fraud following a six-day jury trial. 

Beginning in the fall of 2018, Belhassan falsely claimed that he would operate his annual MB Sports Camps at a Boston-area college. Later, Belhassan falsely announced that the camps would occur at a Boston-area university. The City of Boston told Belhassan that he could not have his camp anywhere in Boston because he lacked the appropriate permits; however, Belhassan continued to promote the camp and collect funds. 

Belhassan also defrauded a financing company to obtain operating funds for his non-existent camp using a fraudulent contract with a college that contained the forged signature of a college administrator. Belhassan used the operating funds for his camp to fly to Las Vegas where he gambled and spent the money on entertainment and hotels.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kriss Basil and Alathea E. Porter of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – Two current and two former Massachusetts State Police (MSP) troopers are among six charged in a 74-count indictment in connection with an alleged conspiracy to falsify records and give passing scores to certain Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) applicants, including individuals who had failed or did not take the CDL skills test, in exchange for bribes.

The following individuals have been indicted on three counts of conspiracy to falsify records; three counts of conspiracy to commit extortion; three counts of extortion; six counts of honest services mail fraud; 31 counts of falsification of records; 27 counts of false statements; and one count of perjury:

• Gary Cederquist, 58, of Stoughton;
• Calvin Butner, 63, of Halifax;
• Perry Mendes, 63, of Wareham;
• Joel Rogers, 54, of Bridgewater;
• Scott Camara, 42, of Rehoboth; and
• Eric Mathison, 47, of Boston.

Butner and Mendes were arrested yesterday in Southern and Middle District of Florida, respectively. They will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date. The remaining defendants were arrested this morning and will appear in federal court in Boston at 2 p.m. this afternoon.

According to the charging document, MSP Sergeant Cederquist was in charge of MSP’s CDL Unit, of which Trooper Rogers and retired Troopers Butner and Mendes were members.

Members of MSP’s CDL Unit were responsible for administering CDL skills tests. Test requirements for CDLs are established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The CDL skills test is a demanding, in-person test that consists of three segments: Vehicle Inspection, in which an applicant is tested on their knowledge of the vehicle; Basic Control Skills, in which an applicant is tested on their ability to perform certain maneuvers; and the Road Test, in which an applicant is tested on their ability to drive a commercial vehicle on an open roadway.

In Massachusetts, the pass rate was 48% in 2019, 44% in 2020, 41% in 2021 and 41% in 2022. Test scores reported by members of MSP’s CDL Unit are material to whether applicants meet federal requirements for, and therefore whether the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is permitted to issue said applicants, CDLs. Class A CDLs are required to drive combination vehicles (e.g., tractor-trailers). Class B CDLs are required to drive heavy single vehicles (e.g., box trucks, school buses). 

According to the charging document, between in on or about May 2019 and January 2023, Cederquist, Butner, Mendes, Rogers and others conspired to give preferential treatment to at least 17 CDL applicants by agreeing to give passing scores on their skills tests whether or not they actually passed, using the code word “golden” to identify these applicants who received special treatment. The indictment alleges that the following texts, some by Cederquist and others by Butner, were sent about some of these applicants:

• “Your buddy passed yesterday he owes you that’s an automatic Fail leaving the door open!!!;”
• “This guys a mess. Lol. He owes u a prime rib 6inch. 4 compounds and no watch;”
• “Your buddy is a mess. He owes you big time. He will be fine though. Anything for you;”
• “Golden mess. ??????;”
• “He’s a mess Class A truck 2psi loss with truck running truck cut our again while timing ????;” and
• “Total mess this guy I think some time we should just do what we can but not golden.”

Each of these applicants received a passing score on their skills test.

Additionally, it is alleged that Cederquist gave preferential treatment to four Class A CDL applicants who were MSP Troopers by falsely reporting that each trooper took and passed a Class A skills test. In reality, however, it is alleged that the Troopers did not pass the skills test and that they drove a vehicle which did not qualify as a Class A vehicle. It is alleged that Cederquist conspired with his friend Camara, who worked for a truck-driving school in Brockton, to accomplish this offense.

It is further alleged that Cederquist conspired with his friend Mathison, who worked for a spring water company that employed drivers who needed CDLs, to give passing scores to certain applicants affiliated with the water company. The indictment alleges that Cederquist gave passing scores to three such applicants who actually failed, in exchange for bribes of free inventory from the water company, such as cases of bottled Fiji, VOSS and Essentia water, cases of bottled Arizona Iced Tea, and coffee and tea products, all of which Mathison delivered to an office trailer at the CDL test site in Stoughton. The indictment alleges that Cederquist sent Mathison a text describing one of these applicants as “an idiot,” who had “no idea what he’s doing,” and “should have failed about 10 times already.” It is alleged that Cederquist then texted Mathison that Mathison’s boss “owes big time.”

The indictment also alleges that Butner assisted with this conspiracy, including by giving Mathison a key to the Stoughton yard so that Mathison could drop off water company inventory even when the test site was closed. The indictment alleges that Mendes also took part in the conspiracy, including by accepting cases of Fiji and VOSS water from Mathison immediately after administering an incomplete skills test to a new driver for the water company, with Mathison helping to put the cases in Mendes’s cruiser. It is alleged that on one occasion Mathison texted Cederquist that he was heading to the water company’s warehouse in Bridgewater, writing: “Was heading to Bridgewater seeing if you all need anything on return trip. Did you get a new key for the midnight express,” to which Cederquist replied, “Not yet but I need Voss and Italian toast espresso and some decaf for an old timer at the office.”

According to the charging document, in addition to Mathison’s bribes of free inventory from the water company, Cederquist accepted additional bribes in exchange for using his official position as the Sergeant in charge of MSP’s CDL Unit to give preferential treatment to certain CDL applicants including, but also a $750 granite post and mailbox; a new driveway valued at over $10,000; and a snow blower valued at nearly $2,000. The indictment alleges that Cederquist described one such applicant as “horrible,” and “brain dead,” but gave him a passing score anyway in exchange for the snow blower.

All CDL recipients identified as not qualified in the course of this investigation have been reported to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.  

The investigation remains ongoing. 

The charges of conspiracy to falsify records each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of conspiracy to commit extortion each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of extortion each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of honest services mail fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of falsification of records each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of false statements each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of perjury provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Christopher A. Scharf, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine J. Wichers and Adam W. Deitch of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit are prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A Lynnfield man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for fraudulently obtaining multiple Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act loans, including funds from the Payroll Protection Program (PPP), and unemployment benefits to which he was not entitled for his boxing gym.

Daniel Olivar, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release with the first six months to be served in home confinement. Olivar was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $50,844. In August 2023, Olivar pleaded guilty to four counts of wire fraud. 

Olivar was the owner of Sonny’s Boxing and Fitness, Inc., a boxing club and fitness center in in Middleton. Since at least 2019, Olivar engaged in a scheme to defraud and obtain CARES Act business loans, by filing false and fraudulent applications with the United States Small Business administration (SBA). This included an Economic Injury Disaster Loan  from the SBA and a PPP loan. In addition, Olivar filed a claim for unemployment benefits with the State of Massachusetts, falsely claiming that he was laid off from Gold’s Gym. As a result, from January 2020 until at least May 2021, Olivar received unemployment benefits. 

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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura J. Kaplan 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.

BOSTON – A lifetime Level 2 sex offender, pleaded guilty today to possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Eric Robert Johnson, 50, of Billerica, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for May 2, 2024. Johnson was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in February 2022 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2022. He has remained in federal custody since his arrest. 

“Possession of child pornography is not a victimless crime because it further victimizes the innocent children who were abused to create these horrific images and drives demand for the creation of more abusive material,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Mr. Johnson, a lifetime sex offender previously convicted of child rape, possessed over 5,000 files showing the sexual abuse of children, including infants. He is clearly a danger to our communities, and now faces significant time in federal prison. Our office will continue to relentlessly pursue individuals who harm children.”

“Images of children being sexually abused aren’t just documenting a moment in time. They’re a window into the horrific, ongoing reality for many of these kids. Sex offenders like Eric Robert Johnson who collect this material perpetuate the demand for it, which means more children will be exploited,” said Jodi Cohen Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “It’s imperative for the FBI and our law enforcement partners to intercept such predators when we find them, and we’re grateful Mr. Johnson accepted responsibility today for his criminal conduct.”

Searches of Johnson’s person and residence in February and March of 2022 resulted in the recovery of 25 electronic devices including a laptop, hard drives and other electronic devices. Multiple hard drives were found hidden next to Johnson’s bed as well as in Johnson’s basement ceiling, shelves, cabinets and in an ammunition can located in a crawl space at the residence. At the time of the search, the laptop was running a program to wipe, delete or remove files from an attached hard drive and was approximately 56% complete before being disabled by an on-scene forensic examiner. 

A subsequent forensic examination revealed over 5,000 files depicting CSAM on seven of the seized devices, including images and video files depicting the sexual abuse of minor victims as young as infants and toddlers. Further forensic examination determined that 15 of the seized devices were encrypted or had hardware and could not be searched.  

Additionally, during the search of Johnson’s residence, at least three mutilated dolls with the vaginal region sliced to make a hole were seized. Two children’s backpacks containing various children’s clothing including bathing suits and a nightgown, were found under his bed, along with a bag of children’s costumes. Additionally, children’s diapers were also observed throughout the residence.

Johnson was previously convicted in 1992 on state charges in New Hampshire of two counts of Aggravated Felonious Sexual Assault of a Child Under 13 Years of Age. At the time of the searches, Johnson was a Level 1 registered sex offender in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Per the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board, Johnson is currently a Level 2 registered sex offender.

The charge of possession of child pornography after a prior conviction for a sex offense provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to 20 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 on the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, FBI SAC Cohen and Billerica Police Chief Roy Frost made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus, Luke A. Goldworm and J. Mackenzie Duane of the Criminal Division are 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 Millis, Mass. man was arrested by federal authorities today for allegedly threatening to kill members of the Jewish community and bomb places of worship.

John Reardon, 59, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of using a facility of interstate commerce to threaten a person or place with harm via an explosive. Reardon was arrested this morning and will appear in U.S. District Court in Boston at 2 p.m. today. Reardon was previously arrested by local law enforcement Jan. 25, 2024 and has remained in custody since.

“The allegations here about the series of threats Mr. Reardon made against the Jewish community are deeply disturbing and reflect the increasing torrent of antisemitism across our country and right here in Massachusetts. The numbers do not lie — incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia are spiking. We will continue to work every day with our federal, state and local partners to track down people who allegedly engage in such hateful conduct,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy.

“John Reardon is accused of using his words as a weapon, leaving a threatening message to frighten members of the Congregation Agudas Achim,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “No one should have to fear becoming the victim of physical violence at the hands of an angry stranger. While the FBI does not and will not police ideology, we take all threats to life seriously, and so should anyone thinking about making one.”

According to the charging documents, on the morning of Jan. 25, 2024, Reardon allegedly called Congregation Agudas Achim, a synagogue in Attleboro, Mass. and left a voicemail making the following statements:

• “You do realize that by supporting genocide that means it’s ok for people to commit genocide against you;”
• “With supporting the killing of innocent little children, that means it’s OK to kill your children;”
• “From the river to the sea;” 
• “People are going to use your logic against you, you stupid f**ks;”
• “Guess what? We are going to use your logic —if you can kill the Palestinians, we can kill you;”
• “If you can bomb their f**king places of worship we can bomb yours, if you can kill their children we can kill yours;”
• “You people need to stop the f**king genocide;”
• “End the genocide, or it is time to end Israel and all the Jews;” 
• “I supported Jewish people though. Not anymore. A matter of fact I think we should kill you(s) all;” and
• “Have a lousy day and oh don't be surprised if there's pig blood on your steps tomorrow.”

It is further alleged that, within 10 minutes of leaving the voicemail at the Congregation Agudas Achim, Reardon called another local Synagogue as well as a local Jewish affiliated organization. Reardon was arrested by local law enforcement after the calls were made. 

The charge of using a facility of interstate commerce to threaten a person or place with harm via an explosive provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. The Attleboro and Wrentham Police Departments; Massachusetts State Police; Bristol County District Attorney’s Office; and Bristol County Sheriff’s Office provided valuable assistance in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Riley-Cunniffe and Torey B. Cummings of the Civil Rights & Human Trafficking Unit are prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A Springfield man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Springfield for a drug offense involving fentanyl and cocaine.  

Christian Caballero, 30, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. 

According to the indictment, on July 31, 2023, Caballero allegedly possessed fentanyl and cocaine with the intent to distribute. 

The charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, four 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 Chicopee Police Chief Patrick J. Major made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of the Springfield 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 Venezuelan man was sentenced yesterday for laundering drug trafficking proceeds from around the world. 

Manuel Calderin Calderin, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 27 months in prison and one year of supervised release. In October 2023, Calderin Calderin pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy and conducting substantive money laundering transactions.

According to court documents, beginning in 2016 and continuing until 2022, an undercover investigation began into a money laundering organization based primarily in Barranquilla, Colombia. An undercover investigator infiltrated the organization by portraying himself as an international money launderer who could pick up bulk cash throughout the world, launder the proceeds through 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.

Calderin Calderin was a business owner in Colombia who used his business bank account to receive drug proceeds in Colombia. During the course of the conspiracy, Calderin Calderin received over $300,000 in wire transfers to his account. After receipt, Calderin Calderin withdrew the funds from his account to pay out the money in Colombia to the owners. Calderin Calderin also created fake invoices to mask the true source of the funds and evade anti-money laundering protocols.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua R. Levy and Brian D. Boyle, 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 of the Criminal Division 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 former teacher at Foxborough High School was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for possession of child pornography and receiving child pornography over the internet.

Thomas Davis, 43 of Mansfield, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to five years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. In February 2023, Davis pleaded guilty to one count of possession and receipt of child pornography. 

“Child pornography is not a victimless crime – every image or video depicts the real-life pain and abuse inflicted on an innocent child. Downloading this vile material on the internet only furthers their victimization,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “As a teacher, Mr. Davis was entrusted with protecting and safeguarding our children. Clearly, he violated that sacred responsibility. We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that our children grow up in an environment free from predators.”

“The FBI works hard every day to track down those who seek out child pornography, because the demand for these depraved images leads to the continued sexual exploitation of young children,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “The fact that Thomas Davis, a former teacher, was involved with such material is extraordinarily disheartening to all of us, and today’s sentence ensures he will remain locked behind bars so he can’t extend the trauma of the children he already victimized.”

On Aug. 26, 2021, a search warrant was executed at Davis’ residence where a laptop was seized. An on-site examination revealed approximately 40 images of child pornography on the laptop, including images involving prepubescent minors under the age of 12-years-old. A forensic analysis of Davis’ laptop revealed additional child pornography. 

Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Mansfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin 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 – A Boston man was convicted yesterday for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, specifically a loaded Taurus 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number. At the time of the offense, the defendant was on supervised release after serving a federal prison sentence for firearm and drug convictions.

Tevin Abercrombie, 29, was convicted of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock scheduled sentencing for April 24, 2024. Abercrombie was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2020. 

In April 2020, Abercrombie possessed a black Taurus 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number, loaded with one round in the chamber and an additional 7 rounds of 9mm ammunition in the magazine. In 2016, Abercrombie was convicted in federal court of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and conspiracy to distribute cocaine base, cocaine and heroin and sentenced to 60 months in prison. Abercrombie was on federal supervised release at the time of this offense.

The charging statute 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 other statutory factors.

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. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Dawley and Fred M. Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce 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 Boston man has pleaded guilty to attempting to receive 24 kilograms of cocaine intended for distribution. 

Eddy Javier Guerrero, 31, pleaded guilty on Jan. 19, 2024 to one count of attempt to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for April 23, 2024. Guerrero was arrested and charged in July 2022.

In June 2022 in El Paso, Texas, a confidential source received 23.9 kilograms of cocaine from a drug-trafficking organization (DTO) based in Mexico. A member of the Mexican DTO subsequently instructed the confidential source to transport the cocaine to Massachusetts. However, the drugs were intercepted by law enforcement and replaced with “sham” cocaine for the delivery to the Massachusetts recipient – later identified as Guerrero. On July 1, 2022, in Boston, Guerrero arrived to receive the cocaine delivery, for which he provided an envelope containing $15,100 in exchange. He was immediately taken into custody. 

The charge of attempt to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement. Special assistance was provided by the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Feldman of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

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 manufactured and distributed thousands of counterfeit prescription pills containing narcotics.

Erick Solis Lopez, 25, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 62 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Solis was also ordered to forfeit $18,190, assorted jewelry and two vehicles. In October 2023, Solis pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Solis 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. Solis is the third defendant to be sentenced in the case.

Solis was responsible for the distribution of approximately 7,300 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing undisclosed amounts of fentanyl. Solis made daily deliveries of fentanyl pills, powder fentanyl, crack cocaine and marijuana for the DTO. Some of these controlled substances were recovered from a vehicle registered to Solis in a mechanically operated concealed compartment (commonly referred to as a “hide”).  The vehicle also contained a fraudulent driver’s license bearing Solis’s photograph. 

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, 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. Attorneys James E. Arnold and 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 Lawrence man was sentenced in federal court in Boston to illegally reentering the United States after been deported.

Francisco Araujo Lara, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to 51 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In October 2023, Araujo Lara pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. 

Araujo Lara, a citizen on the Dominican Republic, was deported from the United States in September 2019, after serving an 18-to-30-month state sentence for a fentanyl distribution. Sometime thereafter, Araujo Lara unlawfully reentered the United States. In 2021, he was arrested in Lawrence for distributing fentanyl and possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute it. Araujo Lara pleaded guilty to the state charges and was sentenced to 30 months in state prison.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Todd M. Lyons, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.