District of Massachusetts

BOSTON – U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins has announced that a Justice Department delegation of more than 30 U.S. Attorneys from across the country will travel to Selma and Montgomery, Alabama, in commemoration of the 58th Anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” and the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The delegation will meet with community and civil rights leaders while exploring some of the significant and historic civil rights institutions in Alabama from March 4-7, 2023. Rollins, who serves as Vice-Chair of the Attorney General Advisory Committee’s Civil Rights Subcommittee, along with Chair U.S. Attorney Nicholas Brown of the Western District of Washington, planned the trip and will lead the delegation.   

“Walking the same steps as those who courageously marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965 is a powerful and moving experience. I am incredibly honored to join my Justice Department colleagues in Selma,” said U.S. Attorney Rollins. “The beliefs that compelled those before us to march toward justice – that everyone should have equitable access to participatory democracy, fair and equal protection of the law, and the ability to live and thrive authentically and fully as themselves – are identical to what drives the work of my office and the Justice Department today.”

“As Vice-Chair of the Civil Rights Subcommittee, I have the privilege of furthering the Justice Department’s mission and priorities to uphold the rule of law and protect civil rights. I am proud of the exceptional work we have done in Massachusetts, including: 

• Setting up a hotline (1-83-END-H8-NOW) to allow the public to report hate crimes or incidents in our Commonwealth; 
• Being an inaugural District for United Against Hate – a Justice Department program that educates the public about their civil rights;
• Ensuring that every neighborhood and person in our Commonwealth has the benefit of constitutional, lawful, and effective policing; and 
• Creating our District’s first Civil Rights and Human Trafficking Unit to investigate and prosecute hate crimes, including racially motivated church burnings in Springfield, multiple incidences of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia across our Commonwealth, race-directed violence and hatred in Quincy, and threats against Boston Children’s Hospital and other medical institutions for providing gender-affirming care.”  

In addition to walking across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Sunday, March 5th, the U.S. Attorneys will meet with Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; distinguished jurist Myron Thompson, the first Black Assistant Attorney General for Alabama and the second Black federal judge in the state; and Bryan Stevenson, Founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative, a nonprofit organization that provides legal representation to people who have been illegally convicted, unfairly sentenced, or abused in state jails and prisons. In addition, the U.S. Attorneys will visit The Johnson Institute in the Montgomery federal courthouse where many key civil rights cases were decided; The Legacy Museum, which provides a comprehensive history on the legacy of slavery; and The Memorial for Peace and Justice. These opportunities are some examples of the way U.S. Attorney Rollins has worked to bring learning out of the conference room and into the communities we have the privilege to protect and serve. She and U.S. Attorney Brown have also convened the Civil Rights Subcommittee for programs with the U.S. Holocaust Museum. 

U.S. Attorneys from the following Districts have confirmed they will attend the Selma and Montgomery events: Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, South Carolina, Colorado, Nevada, Montana, Idaho, South Dakota, Western and Middle Districts of Louisiana,  Eastern District of Wisconsin, Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, Middle District of Florida, Northern and Eastern  Districts of California, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Virginia, Western District of North Carolina, Southern District of Ohio, Eastern District of New York and the Southern District of West Virginia.

U.S. Attorney Rollins and U.S. Attorney Brown want to acknowledge the assistance of the Middle District of Alabama, who is hosting the delegation, as well as U.S. Attorney Breon Peace of the Eastern District of New York and former U.S. Attorney Cindy Chung of the Western District of Pennsylvania who provided valuable assistance.

BOSTON – A Sutton man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Worcester to possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). 

Oliver Smith, 47, pleaded guilty on March 1, 2023 to one count of possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Aug. 11, 2023. Smith was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in November 2020 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2021. 

In November 2020, after receiving information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Swedish law enforcement authorities, a search warrant was executed at Smith’s Sutton residence and several devices were seized. A forensic review of devices seized revealed images and videos depicting CSAM found on a memory card stored in Smith’s backpack. In addition to the images saved to the memory card, Smith had access to an email account which contained images of CSAM. Additionally, in July 2019, while Smith resided in Sweden, he had emailed CSAM from his email account to a separate account he also controlled. 

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

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

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Sutton Police Chief Dennis J. Towle made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto of Rollins’ Worcester Branch Office and William Clayman of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section 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 Boston man responsible for a leading large drug trafficking organization (DTO) pleaded guilty today to heroin and fentanyl conspiracy charges and possessing a firearm in furtherance of his organization.  

Mujab Mubarak, a/k/a “Big Homie,” a/k/a “Easy,” a/k/a “E,” 50, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and possess to distribute heroin and fentanyl, and one count of use and possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for May 31, 2023. Mubarak was charged by complaint in August 2020 and later indicted by a federal grand jury.

Mubarak was responsible for a large DTO and employed multiple lower-level co-conspirators as part of his distribution network. Recordings obtained during the course of the investigation captured Mubarak describing the scope and extent of his drug trafficking operation. A cooperating witness made over 20 recorded purchases of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine from subordinates of Mubarak. Later during the investigation, Mubarak discussed employing the cooperating witness as a distributor and explained the business in detail. 

Additionally, Mubarak was captured on recording discussing a 2017 shooting incident where he targeted a former co-conspirator because he believed the co-conspirator had stolen the DTO’s drug money. Mubarak explained that the co-conspirator was transporting cash through Logan airport on behalf of Mubarak’s DTO and that the co-conspirator claimed that the money was seized by police, which was in fact true. When the co-conspirator failed to provide satisfactory proof of the seizure, Mubarak stated on recording that he located the co-conspirator and shot him. Police and medical records showed that the co-conspirator was admitted to the hospital with a gunshot wound to his back.

As part of the plea agreement, Mubarak agreed to forfeit $360,000 in cash, two motorcycles, a truck and multiple luxury watches that were purchased with proceeds of the drug trafficking organization. In total, the value of the forfeited property is approximately $523,000.

The charge of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances provides 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 using and possessing of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to life in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. The Boston Police Department also provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard of Rollins’ 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 Fitchburg man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester to his role in a wide-ranging fentanyl, heroin, crack and cocaine trafficking conspiracy.

Jonathan Villot, 31 pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (commonly known as crack cocaine), and 500 grams or more of cocaine. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for June 15, 2023. Villot was indicted in July 2020 along with 17 others, including his brother and alleged co-conspirator Pedro Villot-Santiago.  

According to court documents, following a fatal fentanyl overdose in September 2018, an investigation began into a drug trafficking organization (DTO) in the Fitchburg area. Beginning in July 2019, controlled purchases and intercepted electronic communications between members of the DTO and its suppliers identified Villot as a cocaine distributor.  

Over the course of the investigation, over 1.8 kilograms of a heroin and fentanyl mixture, over 3.6 kilograms of cocaine and over 50 grams of crack cocaine, as well as a stolen, loaded handgun, drug manufacturing equipment and over $376,000 was seized.

Villot is the 15th defendant to be convicted in the case – either by guilty plea or jury conviction following trial.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. The Fitchburg and Lunenburg Police Departments and U.S. Postal Inspection Service provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea Porter of Rollins’ 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 Boston man has been sentenced for robbing a TD Bank branch in Cambridge.

Jamall Copeland, 49, was sentenced on March 1, 2023 by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 28 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In December 2022, Copeland pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery.

On April 27, 2022, an unknown male – later identified as Copeland – entered the TD Bank located at 1270 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge at approximately 1:45 p.m. and handed the teller a demand note that stated, “Give up all Hundreds! AN 50's Robbery!” Copeland obtained $1,455 in cash and fled the scene. Following the robbery, law enforcement recovered a fingerprint from the demand note that matched the known fingerprint of Copeland.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Cambridge Police Chief Christine Elow made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – Two individuals have been charged and have agreed to plead guilty in connection with separate conspiracies to knowingly issue passing test scores to individuals who did not actually pass tests at the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) in Brockton. 

Mia Cox-Johnson, 43, of Brockton, was charged with two counts of extortion under color of official right and one count of conspiring to commit extortion. Estevao Semedo, 61, also of Brockton, was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud. Plea hearings have not yet been scheduled by the court. 

According to the charging documents, Cox-Johnson, a former manager of the RMV service center in Brockton, took money in exchange for giving passing scores on learner’s permit tests for both passenger vehicle driver’s licenses and Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs). It is alleged that between December 2018 and October 2019, Cox-Johnson conspired to take money in exchange for agreeing to give customers passing scores on their multiple-choice learner’s permit tests even if they did not pass. These customers were allegedly told to request a paper test instead of taking the test on the RMV computer. Cox-Johnson scored these customers’ paper tests. 

On Dec. 28, 2018, Cox-Johnson allegedly accepted $1,000 in cash – delivered from a friend on behalf of another individual – in exchange for giving a passing score to the individual’s relative who had failed the passenger vehicle learner’s permit test six times when taking it in their native language. It is further alleged that Cox-Johnson agreed to score the relative as having passed the permit test regardless of whether they had actually passed. Cox-Johnson did in fact pass the relative’s test, which was taken on paper in English.

On Oct. 21, 2019, a customer came to the Brockton RMV and took three multiple-choice tests they needed to pass in order to get a commercial learner’s permit – a prerequisite to taking the road test for a CDL. Cox-Johnson allegedly accepted $200 in cash from an individual to score the customer as having passed the tests even if they did not actually pass. In fact, the applicant failed one of the tests, but it is alleged that Cox-Johnson scored the applicant as having passed all three tests.

According to the charging documents, Semedo, the owner of a driving school, conspired to defraud the RMV into issuing driver’s licenses to applicants who did not pass the road test. Specifically, it is alleged that Semedo 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. 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 charges of extortion under color of official right and conspiracy to commit extortion 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 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. The charging document also seeks a $17,000 forfeiture money judgment against Semedo. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Christopher Scharf, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region, made the announcement today. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF). Valuable assistance was provided by the Mattapoisett Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine Wichers and Adam Deitch of Rollins’s Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit; Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia M. Carris, Deputy Chief of Rollins’ Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie Duane of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A Spencer man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Worcester for possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).    

Joseph Michael Smith, 60, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 27 months in prison and five years of supervised release. In November 2022, Smith pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. 

Investigators received several tips that CSAM was shared from messenger accounts tied to Smith’s address. During a search of Smith’s residence on Nov. 10, 2021, a drive was seized, and a forensic analysis revealed 35 videos depicting children as young as two-years-old being sexually abused, as well as over 300 images depicting CSAM that had downloaded to, and deleted from, the USB drive. 

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Spencer Police Chief David Darrin made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto of Rollins’ Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.  

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

BOSTON – A New York man was arrested yesterday in connection with allegedly trafficking drugs and firearms.

Jason Lebberes, 31, of Tuckahoe, N.Y., was indicted on one count of distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine; one count of transferring a firearm to an out-of-state resident; and one count of transferring a machinegun. Lebberres was arrested in New York this morning and appeared in federal court in the Southern District of New York yesterday. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.

According to the indictment, Lebberes sold more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, a privately manufactured firearm, commonly known as a “ghost gun” and a Glock switch. A Glock switch is a device that converts firearms into automatic weapons. The investigation revealed that Lebberes had allegedly sold numerous Glock switches to other customers in the past. 

It is further alleged that, during a search of Lebberes’ residence in Tuckahoe, N.Y. yesterday, a treasure trove of handguns, assault rifles, and ammunition were recovered, several of which appeared to be privately manufactured. A video of Lebberes discharging a handgun out of his car window was also allegedly recovered during the investigation.  

The charge of possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least ten years and up to life years in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5,000,000. The charge of transferring a firearm to an out-of-state resident provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of transferring a machinegun provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Office; Darnell Edwards, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – An East Boston man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Cristopher Vladimir Pineda Martinez, 23, was indicted on one count of possession of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography. Pineda was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in January 2023.

According to the charging documents, law enforcement identified Pineda as member of several private large-scale group chats involved in the distribution of CSAM on an online chat platform. It is alleged that on Dec. 12, 2022, Pineda distributed eight videos depicting CSAM in three online chat groups. It is further alleged that an additional 54 videos of CSAM, involving children as young as six years old, were found on Pineda’s personal cell phone. 

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

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Postal Inspection Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan C. Cleary of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

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 Boston woman pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with a scheme to defraud an insurance provider for physical therapy services that were not provided to patients.  

Raya Bagardi, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for July 11, 2023. Bagardi was indicted in February 2021 along with co-defendants Gyulnara Bayryshova, Anna Barenboym and Slava Pride.

Bagardi was a licensed physical therapy assistant at Brighton Physical Therapy (BPT), a Brighton-based physical therapy clinic owned by Bayryshova. According to the charging documents, from October 2018 through June 2020, Bayryshova, Bagardi and their co-defendants conspired to cause an insurance company to reimburse them for physical therapy services that were not actually provided and/or were not medically necessary and, in some cases, were provided by individuals not licensed to provide the services. Specifically, Bayryshova, Bagardi and allegedly their co-defendants falsely billed for services purportedly rendered to patients injured in automobile accidents when the services were not actually provided. It is further alleged that BPT paid patients for referrals and referred patients to attorneys to assist with patients’ insurance settlements. 

Bagardi was one of three defendants to plead guilty in the case. Barenboym and Pride previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy and are scheduled to be sentenced on May 10, 2023 and May 24, 2023, respectively.  

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

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Anthony DiPaolo, Chief of Investigations of the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; and Quincy Police Chief Paul Keenan made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura J. Kaplan of Rollins’ Criminal Division is 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 Tewksbury woman pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to embezzling more than $1.8 million from her employer, collecting unemployment assistance while employed fulltime and related tax charges.

Joanne Dinoto a/k/a Joanne Mara, 48, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud, three counts of wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of filing a false tax return. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for June 29, 2023. Dinoto was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2021 and subsequently charged in a superseding indictment in March 2022. 

Between April 2008 and April 2020, Dinoto stole more than $1.8 million from her employer, a flooring company based in Acton, by falsely inflating her compensation, using her employer’s corporate credit card for personal expenses, and forging at least two checks to herself drawn on her employer’s checking account. To hide her scheme, Dinoto modified her employer’s accounting records. Dinoto later collected unemployment benefits from the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance under her true Social Security number, despite the fact that she was then working full time for a different employer, a lighting company based in Wilmington, under a fake Social Security number. Between 2015 and 2020, Dinoto did not report the more than $1 million that she embezzled from the Acton company or received from the Wilmington company on her federal income tax returns.  

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 $1 million or twice the gross gain or loss. 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. The charge of filing a false tax return provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Office; Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations made the announcement today. The Acton Police Department and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office also provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Kearney of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Lenox man has been arrested and charged in connection with attempting to transfer obscene material to a minor.

Paul J. Bruzzi, 35, was charged with attempt to transfer obscene material to a minor. Bruzzi will make an initial appearance in federal court in Springfield today.  

According to the charging documents, starting in September 2022, Bruzzi used social media applications to communicate with an individual he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, but who was actually an undercover federal investigator. During these conversations, it is alleged that Bruzzi sent the purported minor nine photographs and videos of himself displaying his genitalia and attempted to pressure her into sending him photos of herself. 

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

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Salisbury and Winchester Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of Rollins’ Springfield Office is prosecuting the case.

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

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

BOSTON – A Dominican man pleaded guilty yesterday to illegally reentering the United States following a prior removal.

Juan Nova-Nivar, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry before U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper, who scheduled sentencing for April 5, 2023. Nova-Nivar was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2017 after being arrested on unrelated state charges in Essex County. He remains in state custody.

In 2012, Nova-Nivar was encountered by immigration officials in Texas, determined to be illegally present in the United States and placed into removal proceedings. He was deported to the Dominican Republic on June 6, 2012.

Sometime after his 2012 removal, Nova-Nivar illegally reentered the United States. In 2015, Nova-Nivar was arrested in Lawrence under an alias on drug distribution charges. Nova-Nivar failed to appear for a number of scheduled pre-trial hearings and a warrant was issued for his arrest. 

Fingerprints obtained at the time of Nova-Nivar’s arrest provided a positive match with those from his 2012 removal and Nova-Nivar, leading to his March 2017 indictment for illegal reentry in this case.
 
In May 2022, Novar Nivar — while still in warrant status for the state drug distribution charges — was arrested in Lawrence again using the same alias. He was later transferred into federal custody.

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

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Todd M. Lyons, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Jamaican man was sentenced yesterday for illegally reentering the United States after two prior removals.

Arik Hugh Halliman, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to time-served (approximately seven months in prison) to be followed by three years of supervised release. Halliman will be subject to removal proceedings. In November 2022, Halliman pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.

In 2008, Halliman was arrested in Worcester County on cocaine trafficking charges, for which he was convicted in 2011 and sentenced to five years in prison. Upon completion of his sentence, Halliman was placed into removal proceedings and deported in June 2013.

Sometime after his 2013 removal, Halliman illegally reentered to the United States. In 2018, he was arrested in Worcester County on cocaine trafficking charges and subsequently arrested by immigration authorities after making bail on the state charges. Once in immigration custody, Halliman’s previous order of removal was reinstated and he was deported for the second time in July 2018. 

Sometime after his 2018 removal, Halliman again illegally reentered to the United States. In July 2022, Halliman was arrested in Dudley, Mass., for motor vehicle violations and using a false ID. Upon making bail, Halliman was arrested by immigration authorities and transferred into federal custody.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Todd Lyons, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Hyde Park man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to using a stolen identity to fraudulently obtain pandemic relief funds and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, previously known as Food Stamps.

Fernando Mateo Valenzuela, 69, pleaded guilty to three counts of mail fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft and two counts of misrepresentation of a Social Security number. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for May, 24 2023. Valenzuela was charged by criminal complaint in June 2022 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2022. 

Valenzuela used the identity of a United States citizen to apply for and receive $29,051 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits, made available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Valenzuela also used the identity to apply for and receive $7,230 in SNAP benefits.
 
The charges of mail fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of aggravated identity theft each provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison, one of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of misrepresentation of a Social Security number each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Bethanne M. Dinkins, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigation, Northeast Region; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; Ketty Larco-Ward, Postal Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; United States Marshals Service; U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service; and the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Tobin of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. 

The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), a specialized investigative group comprising personnel from various state, local, and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring, and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity, and benefit fraud schemes.

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 – Two men from the North Shore have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston in connection with a drug conspiracy involving tens of thousands of counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine and fentanyl. 

Charles Bates, 31, of Reading, and Aaron Lenardis, 36, of Saugus, were indicted on one count each of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Lenardis was also indicted on an additional count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Bates and Lenardis will appear in federal court in Boston tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. They were initially charged by complaint in October 2022. 

According to the charging documents, in August 2022, an investigation began into Bates after he ordered 50 kilograms of an orange binding agent commonly used to make counterfeit Adderall pills, which he was allegedly observed picking up at a UPS store in Boston. 

Court filings allege that Bates exchanged text messages with drug customers and associates in which he spoke about pills that are “made to order,” described being physically present at the place where the pills were made and “watching the guy work so no corners have been cut.” It is also alleged that Bates drafted recipes for counterfeit pills that he kept on his phone or sent to others. It is alleged that the offense involved at least 136,000 counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine, equivalent to approximately 40 kilograms of such pills.  

It is further alleged that after the pill press broke, Bates traveled to Pawtucket, R.I., to obtain a replacement. Bates was allegedly observed transporting a large, heavy item that appeared to be a pill press to Lenardis’ residence in Saugus. 

According to court documents, a search of Lenardis’ residence in Saugus on Oct. 25, 2022 resulted in the seizure of: an industrial pill press, 14 firearms including a Glock outfitted to operate as a machinegun, at least 1.85 kilograms of pills and powder containing methamphetamine, at least 87.6 grams of pills and powder containing fentanyl and “M30” stamps commonly used to manufacture counterfeit pills.

The charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine each provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl each provide for 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 $8 million. The charge of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins 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 Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A New Hampshire man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for the allegedly committing a string of five bank robberies across Northern Massachusetts. 

Reinaldo Ortiz, 45, of Manchester, N.H., was indicted on five counts of bank robbery. Ortiz was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint on Jan. 12, 2023. 

According to the charging documents, between March 9 and March 24, 2022, Ortiz drove from New Hampshire to Massachusetts and robbed a string of banks in Fitchburg, Lowell, Chelmsford, Wilmington and Lexington. It is alleged that Ortiz entered each of the banks disguised in a mask and demanded cash from the teller’s drawer. When the tellers complied, Ortiz allegedly made off with several thousand dollars in cash and fled the scene of the robbery in a gray 2006 Honda Accord. A subsequent investigation allegedly found Ortiz’s fingerprints on a glove discarded outside one of the robbed banks and that his cellphone movement was consistent with the robbery route.

The charge of bank robbery 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

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester (N.H.) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin A. Tolkoff of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A member of a prolific and violent North Shore-based drug trafficking organization that manufactured and supplied over 30 kilograms of fentanyl pills was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for possessing firearms, including an automatic weapon.

Ernest Johnson, 34, a/k/a “Yo Pesci,” a/k/a “Mr. Live Mr. Drive,” of Salem, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 90 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In May 2022, Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition. 

“We can only hope that the ‘Yo Pesci’ show has reached its final episode. Mr. Johnson was an active participant in a violent drug enterprise that coordinated armed robberies, engaged in violent shootings and pumped more than 500,000 deadly fentanyl pills onto our streets. He not only unlawfully possessed a stockpile of dangerous firearms, including a machine gun and large capacity magazines, but Mr. Johnson brazenly flaunted his arsenal through livestream videos,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “His behavior, both on and off social media, promoted violence and a complete disregard for the rule of law. His days as social media influencer for criminal enterprises have ended. Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to put down violent criminal organizations and do everything in our power to keep our communities safe.”  

“Today, convicted felon Ernest Johnson learned his fate for brandishing numerous firearms he wasn’t allowed to possess in support of an extremely violent drug trafficking enterprise that dealt deadly fentanyl and orchestrated numerous shootings and armed robberies, using an arsenal of firearms, including machine guns,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “The FBI’s North Shore Gang Task Force will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and eliminate violent criminal organizations like the one Johnson belonged to that are responsible for inflicting serious harm on our communities.”

“Armed violent drug dealers are wreaking havoc in our communities, and using fentanyl in counterfeit prescriptions is a deadly combination. ATF will continue to work alongside our OCDETF partners to become a force multiplier in stopping these organizations from devastating our neighborhoods,” said James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Division.

Johnson was arrested and charged in June 2021 along with co-conspirators Vincent Caruso, Laurie Caruso and Nicole Benton – all of whom pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy. On Dec. 15, 2022, Benton was sentenced to two years in prison and three years of supervised. On June 30, 2022, Vincent Caruso was sentenced to 250 months (more than 20 years) in prison and five years of supervised release. On June 29, 2022, Laurie Caruso was sentenced to nine years in prison and four years of supervised release. 

Johnson was a member of a large drug trafficking organization (DTO) operated by Vincent Caruso, a self-admitted Crip gang member, that included Benton and Vincent Caruso’s mother, Laurie Caruso, among others. The DTO specialized in the manufacture and sale of pressed counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl designed to imitate Percocet tablets. The DTO produced the pills using multiple large pill presses and distributed the illicit drugs to dealers throughout the North Shore. According to court papers, Caruso boasted about utilizing a pill press that weighed 1,000 pounds and was capable of producing 15,000 counterfeit fentanyl pills per hour – with pill retailing for between $10-$20, thereby generating millions of dollars in retails sales. In total, the Caruso DTO trafficked more than 30 kilograms of fentanyl, equating to 500,000 pills per year. 

Johnson served in a security role as Vincent Caruso’s driver and personal assistant. As a member of the DTO, Johnson possessed and used a variety of firearms (including an AR-15; a fully automatic Glock 17; multiple large caliber revolvers; and a number of pistols equipped with large-capacity magazines) to threaten rival drug dealers and cultivate the DTO’s violent reputation in furtherance of its drug trafficking activities. The investigation determined Johnson was involved in multiple violent offenses committed on behalf of the DTO, including an attempted armed robbery in May 2021. Additionally, Johnson used social media to post and message photos and videos that showcased the DTO’s arsenal of firearms, fentanyl pills, cash and high-end jewelry. In a number of videos, Johnson boasted about his involvement in shootings, beatings and drug trafficking, promoted the DTO’s reputation for violence and gunplay, as well as identified and threatened people he believed to be a “rat” or a “snitch.” Based on multiple prior felony convictions, Johnson was prohibited from lawfully possessing firearms.

FAUSA Levy; FBI SAC Bonavolonta; ATF SAC Ferguson; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the Essex, Middlesex and Suffolk County District Attorneys’ Offices; Essex, Middlesex, Suffolk and Hancock (Maine) County Sheriffs’ Departments; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine; Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; and the Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Danvers, Everett, Lynn, Malden, Salem, Saugus, Somerville, Revere, Bolton (Maine), Bangor (Maine), Portland (Maine) and Westbrook (Maine) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.

The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.

BOSTON – A former nurse has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for allegedly diverting opioids from a Boston-area hospital.

Andrea Falzano, 38, of Winchester, was indicted on three counts of unlawfully obtaining controlled substances by fraud, deception and subterfuge. Falzano was arrested this morning and will appear in federal court in Boston today at 1:30 p.m. before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge M. Page Kelley. 

According to the indictment, while working as a registered nurse at a hospital in the Boston-area, Falzano acquired hydromorphone and morphine both of which are opioids and Schedule II controlled substances. 

The charge of unlawfully obtaining controlled substances by fraud provides a sentence of up to four years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Office; and Margret R. Cooke, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A Dominican man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to illegally reentering the United States after deportation.

Felix Bienvenido Gonzalez-Arias, a/k/a “Victor Manuel Trinidad-Lugo,” 38, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for May 17, 2023. Gonzalez-Arias was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2022. 

At an unknown time, Gonzales-Arias illegally entered the United States. In November 2014, he was arrested in Essex County on state charges of heroin trafficking. Gonzales-Arias was convicted of the offense, sentenced to three and a half to five years in state prison and upon completion of his sentence, he was removed from the United States in April 2018. Some point thereafter, Gonzales-Arias illegally reentered the United States. 

On Sept. 1, 2022, Gonzalez-Arias was arrested in Lawrence on drug trafficking charges. . Gonzalez-Arias’ fingerprints produced a positive match from those from his 2014 arrest and 2018 removal and he was identified as being illegally present in the United States after deportation.
                                     
The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Todd Lyons, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Chicago man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for threatening and coercing a Massachusetts minor to engage in sexual conduct.

Ernesto Herrera, 33, of Chicago, Ill., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 12 years in prison and five years of supervised release. In August 2022, Herrera pleaded guilty to one count of coercion and enticement of a minor.

“Mr. Herrera preyed on the vulnerability of a young, innocent child to manipulate and exploit her for his own sexual gratification. He threatened and blackmailed the victim into sending and giving him access to abusive sexual imagery of herself. Like many others, Mr. Herrera was wrong to think he could hide behind the anonymity of the internet. This case is another example that online predators will be identified and held accountable,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “I commend the victim for her bravery in providing information to law enforcement – her courage ensured that Mr. Herrera was held accountable and likely spared countless other minors from being victimized. My office remains unwavering in our commitment to protecting the safety, innocence and wellbeing of our children and removing individuals who seek them harm from our communities.”

“Ernesto Herrera is a sexual predator who went to great lengths to conceal his identity when he manipulated a 16-year-old girl into providing him with sexually explicit images of herself. No sentence can undo the devastating harm he inflicted on his victim, but this courageous teen stood up, came forward, and ensured this man will no longer be in a position to harm others for quite some time,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “We commend her for exhibiting great courage throughout our investigation and prosecution of this case, and rest assured, we will continue our aggressive pursuit to hold others like him accountable.”

In June 2020, Herrera reached out to the minor victim from an anonymous phone number using a messaging application. Herrera demanded that the victim send images and videos of herself engaged in sexual conduct, among other things. Herrera threatened the victim that if she did not comply with his requests, videos of the victim would be leaked to her friends and the internet. Herrera also accessed the victim’s Snapchat account and, from June 2020 through January 2021, sent over one thousand images and videos of the victim to his Snapchat account. Several of these files depicted child sexual abuse material.

In June 2021, during a search of Herrera’s residence in Chicago, he admitted to contacting the minor using a text messaging service and acknowledged that he knew the victim was being blackmailed by other people at the time that he communicated with her. Herrera confirmed that he received images of the victim engaged in sexual conduct, among other things. Herrera also admitted to creating various Snapchat usernames and email addresses to communicate with and request nude images from other minor females, and that he had threatened at least two other minors via Snapchat to send him explicit images.

U.S. Attorney Rollins, FBI SAC Bonavolonta and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Chicago Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Mackenzie Duane of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

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

BOSTON – A Rhode Island man was arrested today and charged in federal court in Boston in connection with allegedly using his accounting and “virtual CFO” business to launder tens of millions of dollars in proceeds from internet fraud schemes.

Craig Clayton, 73, of Cranston, R.I., was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one count of obstruction of justice. He will appear in federal court in Boston today at 2 p.m. before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge M. Page Kelley. 

According to the charging documents, from 2019 to present, Clayton and others used his accounting and “virtual CFO” business, Rochart Consulting, as a front to launder the proceeds of internet fraud schemes. As part of the alleged conspiracy, Clayton founded dozens of shell companies in the United States and used those shell companies to open business bank accounts in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, through which he laundered the criminal proceeds for his clients in exchange for fees. In total, since 2019, it is alleged that Clayton opened approximately 80 bank accounts purportedly on behalf of 65 different companies.  

It is alleged that, in communications with one of his Rochart business associates, Clayton stated that they were “money mules complicit in their [Rochart’s clients’] offenses.”  In encrypted communications with one of his clients, Clayton allegedly expressed concern that his phone was “tapped” by law enforcement and sought to obtain “dirt” on a victim who had reported the fraud scheme in order to “distract the police.” In recorded conversations with an undercover law enforcement agent posing as a potential Rochart client, Clayton allegedly stated that several of his clients were “fugitives from justice.” It is further alleged that, when banks and law enforcement began to investigate Rochart, Clayton falsely told investigators and bank personnel that his shell companies were legitimate businesses, among other things. After he became aware that a federal grand jury was investigating him, Clayton allegedly attempted to obstruct the ongoing investigation by making several false statements to federal agents during an interview.

In addition to today’s arrest, five seizure warrants were executed on Rochart bank accounts holding several hundred thousand dollars of alleged money laundering proceeds and a Mercedes-Benz sport utility vehicle that Clayton purchased.
   
The charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the proceeds, whichever is greater. The charge of obstruction of justice provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Darnell Edwards, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant United States Attorneys Ian J. Stearns of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit and Alexandra Amrhein of Rollins’ Asset Recovery 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 New Bedford man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for possessing fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine for distribution. 

Ramon Serrano, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release. In September 2022, Serrano pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin.

In February 2019, parole officers visited Serrano’s apartment while he was on probation for a heroin trafficking conviction. Inside the residence, officers observed a large amount of cash in plain view, a large bag a marijuana in a bedroom drawer and an open backpack that contained a large quantity of brown and white powder. During a subsequent search, over 544 grams of fentanyl and heroin as well as over 206 grams of cocaine – divided into separate plastic bags for distribution – were seized from Serrano’s apartment. Approximately $27,000, digital scales, cellular telephones and a money counter were also recovered. 

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Craig Estes and Charles Dell’Anno of Rollins’ Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Lowell man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for engaging in a scheme to defraud his clients of millions of dollars.

Steven Xigoros, 55, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 109 months in prison and two years of supervised release. Xigoros was also ordered to pay $4,754,184 in restitution to individual victims and the Internal Revenue Service and forfeiture in the amount of $4,321,106. In October 2022, Xigoros pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, and one count of filing a false tax return. 

Between 2015 and 2021, Xigoros used his position as an accountant, tax preparer and investment advisor to misappropriate millions of dollars from his clients. He induced clients to entrust their money to him to make various investments, to purchase securities, and to lend him money for purported business ventures. Xigoros then used those funds for his own expenses, including to make payments against his gambling debts. In order to deceive his clients about the fact that he had stolen their money, Xigoros made a series of false statements about how their money was purportedly invested and when he would repay it. In total, Xigoros defrauded his clients of more than $4.3 million, including the entire life savings of one elderly couple, who gave more than $1.3 million to him to make investments on their behalf. By failing to report the misappropriated funds as income, Xigoros also failed to pay taxes due and owing of more than $1 million to the Internal Revenue Service.  

“For more than five years, Mr. Xigoros used his position to steal millions of dollars from his trusting clients. His victims saw him as a reliable, safe investment advisor – he had years of professional experience and many of the victims’ trust as a fellow member of their close-knit Greek community. Eventually, as his gambling debts grew, Mr. Xigoros chose to abuse this trust and rob his clients of more than $4.3 million,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “The financial hardship, trauma and shame inflicted as a result of Mr. Xigoros’ fraud cannot be overstated. In some circumstance it may last a lifetime and have generational impacts. He callously exploited vulnerable victims out of their hard-earned life savings and went to great lengths to conceal his theft. It is my hope that today’s sentence brings a sense of closure and accountability to those impacted by Mr. Xigoros’ egregious, shameful and criminal conduct.”

“Steven Xigoros stole millions from his long-time clients, betraying their trust, and cheating taxpayers, primarily to pay off his gambling debts,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Equally troubling is that he took advantage of some of those closest to him, including wiping out an elderly couple’s entire life savings. The FBI had to re-arrest Xigoros as he tried to flee the country to avoid prosecution. Today’s sentence ensures he will have plenty of time behind bars to reflect on his criminal conduct.”  

“The defendant knowingly exposed individuals’ finances, their life savings in some cases, to sham investments and shady business ventures, creating financial devastation that will unfortunately last a lifetime for many,” said Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston. “Today's sentencing demonstrates that federal law enforcement collaboration is a powerful tool in thwarting criminal behavior and IRS Criminal Investigation is proud to bring our forensic accounting skills to this joint venture and help put a stop to this and other types of white collar crime.”

While on pre-trial release, Xigoros was arrested at the Newark Liberty International Airport, boarding a flight to Greece in an attempt to flee approximately two months before he was set to stand trial.

U.S. Attorney Rollins, FBI SAC Bonavolonta, and IRS SAC Simpson made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leslie Wright and David Holcomb of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A former Methuen man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in a Lawrence-based drug trafficking conspiracy involving fentanyl and cocaine. 

Pablo Rosario Pablo a/k/a “Angel Ayala Roque” a/k/a “Cuco,” 57, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to 41 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In September 2022, Rosario Pablo pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and other controlled substances and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and other controlled substances. 

In May 2020, an investigation began into a Lawrence-based drug trafficking organization (DTO). Between December 2020 and December 2021, intercepted communications identified Rosario Pablo as an associate of the DTO who distributed drugs to members of the DTO and others in and around the Merrimack Valley. In December 2021, 21.4 grams of fentanyl, 51.8 grams of cocaine, 23.8 grams of cocaine base, 35 kilograms of marijuana, heroin, steroids a mixture containing fentanyl, heroin and Tramadol, and $5,300 were seized from Rosario Pablo’s apartment. 

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Office made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Ferguson, Deputy Chief of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit, prosecuted the case.

This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-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 man has been indicted in connection with the September 2022 robbery of a bank in Brookline.

Jerome Lamont Turner, 47, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston on one count of bank robbery. He will appear in Boston at a later date. Turner was previously charged by criminal complaint on Jan. 23, 2023. 

According to the charging documents, on Sept. 26, 2022, an individual – later identified as Turner – entered a Brookline Bank branch in Brookline. Once inside the bank, Turner allegedly approached a teller and inquired about opening a new account. Turner was provided a bank pamphlet on the process, and he exited the bank. A few minutes later, it is alleged that Turner reentered the bank, approached the same teller and handed them the pamphlet with the words, “Let me have 17,000 in large bills no dye pack,” written on it. As the teller was gathering money from the cash drawer, it is alleged that Turner repeatedly motioned for more money before exiting the bank. 

A subsequent investigation allegedly identified Turner on the bank’s video surveillance from a previous arrest less than a week earlier and identified his fingerprints on the pamphlet. 

It is further alleged that on Sept. 27, 2022, Turner was located wearing the same clothing worn in the Brookline robbery. Following a violent struggle, Turner was taken into custody and allegedly found in possession of over $2,500 in cash.

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

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Brookline Acting Chief of Police Jennifer Paster made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A member of a Brockton drug crew has been sentenced for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy involving fentanyl.

Jason Miranda, 27, of Brockton, was sentenced on Feb. 17, 2023 by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 78 months in prison and six years of supervised release. On Sept. 14, 2022, Miranda pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, three counts of distribution of fentanyl and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

In 2019, an investigation began into a violent Brockton-area drug crew that distributed large quantities of fentanyl throughout southeastern Massachusetts. The drug crew ran a fentanyl delivery service that encompassed all of Brockton as well as neighboring cities. Specifically, drug users/customers placed orders for fentanyl by contacting a cell phone maintained and shared by crew members, which included brothers Jason Miranda and Natalio Miranda, Placido Pereira and Djoy Defrancesco, who worked together to deliver the fentanyl order.

“Despite having two previous convictions for drug distribution, and while out on release for a new drug distribution charge, Mr. Miranda chose to continue engaging in violent and destructive criminal activity. When you pump poison into our communities and profit off of people’s pain, we will find you and remove you from our communities,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “This career criminal and his fellow crew members plagued Southeastern Massachusetts with large quantities of deadly fentanyl. Massachusetts has lost far too many people to the opioid crisis. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, South Shore residents are safer.  This case should be another warning to drug traffickers, especially those who are career criminals: the time you are facing in federal court is significant and we will find you.”

“Today’s sentencing of Jason Miranda is an excellent example of the amazing cooperation between HSI New England and our state and local law enforcement partners,” said Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “Mr. Miranda’s sentence reflects the damage he and his co-conspirators have done to the Brockton community.  HSI New England will continue to exhaust every resource at our disposal to ensure criminals like Mr. Miranda are held accountable for their actions.”

Beginning in September 2019, an undercover law enforcement officer made six purchases of fentanyl from members of the crew. Jason Miranda participated in three of the six fentanyl sales. At the time of his sales, he was on release from state court on distribution of cocaine charges and had been twice convicted of state court drug distribution offenses. Placido Pereira participated in three of the six sales after he had previously been convicted in U.S. District Court in Boston of conspiracy to distribute cocaine base. Natalio Miranda engaged in one fentanyl sale while he was on probation for a state drug trafficking offense.

During a search where Jason Miranda had been residing, a black Glock .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol with a defaced serial number; two different ammunition clips containing 9 millimeter ammunition; a money counter; $28,000 in cash; and a painting of Jason Miranda holding up a large stack of cash were seized.

On Dec. 2, 2022, Placido Pereira pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. Judge Stearns scheduled sentencing for April 5, 2023. On Feb. 8, 2023, Natalio Miranda, the last of the four charged defendants, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and six counts of distribution of fentanyl. Judge Stearns scheduled sentencing for June 8, 2023.

U.S. Attorney Rollins; HSI SAC Millhollin; John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez; Brian Kyes, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; and Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz made the announcement. Assistance was provided by the East Bridgewater, West Bridgewater, Whitman and Bridgewater State University Police Departments as well as the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Pohl of Rollins’ 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 – A Boston man has been arrested and charged in connection with the Jan. 4, 2023 armed robbery of a United States Postal Service (USPS) letter carrier in Massachusetts. 

Anthony Diaz, 20, was charged with forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, and interfering with a United States Postal Employee, while they were engaged in the performance of their official duties, and did so by use of a deadly weapon, a firearm. In addition, Diaz was also charged with assaulting a person having lawful charge, custody, and control of United States mail, money, and other property of the United States, with the intent to rob, steal and purloin that mail, money, and other property of the United States, and in doing so put the life of that victim in jeopardy by the use of a firearm. Diaz was arrested on Feb. 17, 2023 and, following an initial appearance in Worcester this afternoon, was detained pending a hearing set for Feb. 27, 2023. 

According to the charging documents, USPS has seen a rise in the use of Arrow Keys to facilitate the theft of U.S. Mail. An Arrow Key is a specific key designed to open designated blue USPS collection boxes in a specific area. These Arrow Keys are the property of USPS and it is a federal offense for an unauthorized person to possess one. Since July 2022, there have been at least 12 assaults on USPS letter carriers while in the performance of their official duties in Boston and surrounding cities and towns. These incidents included the attempted or successful robbery of USPS Arrow Keys from letter carriers in at least 10 instances. Additionally, of these 10, six of the robberies were instances where the perpetrators were reportedly armed with a knife, firearm, or both. 

It is alleged that, on Jan. 4, 2023, in Peabody, Mass., Diaz approached a USPS letter carrier and stated, “Give me the keys,” while pointing a semi-automatic pistol at the victim. After the victim handed Diaz the USPS vehicle key, Diaz allegedly responded, “Give me the rest of the key,” and “Hurry up or I’ll shoot you.” The victim removed his keychain, which was attached to his belt, containing his USPS Arrow Key and asked if he could have his vehicle key back. Allegedly, Diaz did not respond, as he turned, placing the firearm in his right jacket pocket, and walked directly to the dark grey sedan parked in the area of 3A Veterans Memorial Drive. It is further alleged that Diaz stopped at the rear of the vehicle with the trunk open, before getting into the driver’s seat and departing.

“The national trend of threatening, assaulting and robbing United States postal employees for Arrow Keys has sadly made its way to Massachusetts. Postal workers are essential to countless aspects of our community and often go to great lengths to provide their invaluable services, at times in incredibly challenging circumstances,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “We allege Mr. Diaz targeted a mail carrier and robbed the victim at gun point for an Arrow Key. I commend the excellent investigative work by our USPIS partners, and issue warning to anyone seeking to harm postal workers for financial gain: you will be identified, apprehended and prosecuted in federal court.”

“Today’s arrest has been a true team effort,” said Darnell Edwards, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service would like to thank Peabody Police, Boston Police, and the Massachusetts State Police for their assistance in this investigation. Let today’s arrest serve as an example to criminals: if you target U.S. Postal Service employees and accost them with a gun, you will be identified and prosecuted. Postal Inspectors are watching, and we will tirelessly pursue you to bring you to justice.”

The charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees, provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of robbery of any person having lawful charge, control, or custody of any mail matter or of any money or other property of the United States provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, at least 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.

U.S. Attorney Rollins; USPIS Acting INC Edwards made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of Rollins’ 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 – Three individuals have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston in connection with a nationwide conspiracy to traffic controlled substances from Arizona into Massachusetts. Defendants allegedly hid drugs in packages containing children’s items such as toy trucks, Halloween decorations and Disney items.

Denise Guyette, 29, of Woonsocket, R.I.; Gerardo Garza, a/k/a “Oso,” 47, of Yuma, Ariz.; and Nathan Boddie, 38, of Pawtucket, R.I., were indicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. 

Guyette was arrested on Feb. 8, 2023 and was detained following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston. Boddie was arrested on Feb. 6, 2023 and is currently being held in state custody in connection with Rhode Island state charges. Boddie will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date. Garza was arrested on Feb. 10, 2023 in the Southern District of California and was detained pending a detention hearing. He will also appear in federal court in Boston at a later date. 

 

According to court documents, in or about April 2022, law enforcement opened an investigation into a drug trafficking organization (DTO) led by Guyette. It is alleged that Guyette conspired with Garza, Boddie and others to traffic various controlled substances – including methamphetamine, fentanyl pills and cocaine – in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and elsewhere. It is further alleged that the DTO routinely used the mail to ship drugs from Arizona to Massachusetts, often hiding the drugs within packages containing children’s items such as toy trucks, Halloween decorations and Disney items. Between May and October 2022, investigators seized seven packages containing  a total of over 900 grams of methamphetamine, thousands of  counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, as well as suspected Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a very strong psychedelic. 

“Fentanyl and methamphetamine are serious, lethal threats to the well-being of our communities,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “My office and our law enforcement partners will continue to identify drug traffickers and stop the flow of illegal drugs into Massachusetts where they cause pain and destruction. Drug trafficking frequently intersects with illegal firearms and other criminal conduct. This instance proved no different. Ghost guns were seized as well as a 3-D printer we allege was used to print ghost gun parts. It is our contention that this seizure likely saved countless lives.” 

“Operation Raising Arizona has dealt a significant blow to a drug trafficking organization that we believe is responsible for operating nationwide, flooding communities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island with highly addictive and deadly narcotics. All three individuals we’ve removed from the street are accused of being prolific drug dealers who thrived on selling drugs and believed they could pull the wool over the eyes of investigators by hiding their product inside toys and other common household items,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “The violence associated with the illegal drug trade, as illustrated by our seizure of multiple ghost guns, is a threat to our communities, and the FBI and our partners are committed to working together across jurisdictions to take down criminals who insist on bringing their harmful business to our neighborhoods.”

On Feb. 6, 2023, Boddie was arrested in Rhode Island following a traffic stop during which a 9mm handgun ghost gun loaded with five rounds of ammunition, an empty 9mm magazine and a 10-round capable magazine loaded with one round of ammunition were allegedly located inside his vehicle. Additionally, during a search of his person, it is alleged that Boddie attempted to swallow a plastic bag containing 20 grams of suspected methamphetamine. 
            

At the time of Guyette’s arrest on Feb. 8, 2023, approximately 15 pounds of a crystal substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine and thousands of suspected fentanyl pills weighing over 400 grams were located in a safe in her bedroom. A digital scale as well as multiple Rhode Island and Massachusetts driver’s licenses, Social Security cards and credit cards in the names of other individuals were also found during a search of Guyette’s residence. During a search of Boddie’s Rhode Island residence, investigators seized two ghost guns, a 3-D printer used to print ghost gun components, approximately 150 grams of suspected methamphetamine as well as 10 different driver’s licenses, each bearing Boddie’s photo with names and addresses of other individuals. 

In total, law enforcement seized over 16 pounds of methamphetamine and more than 700 grams of counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl over the course of the investigation.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and Hudson Police Chief Richard DiPersio made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Federal Bureau of Investigation, Imperial County Resident Agency and Yuma Resident Agency; United States Postal Service; Massachusetts State Police; and the Woonsocket (R.I.) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alathea Porter and Charles Dell’Anno of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.  

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

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

BOSTON – A registered nurse was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield for stealing fentanyl being administered to a critical care patient.

Jessica Lotto, 37, of Pittsfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to three months in prison and one year of supervised release. On May 31, 2022, Lotto pleaded guilty to one count of acquiring a controlled substance by fraud, deceit or subterfuge. 

In February 2019, while working as a nurse at Berkshire Medical Center, Lotto entered a patient’s room in the critical care unit where she used a syringe to steal fentanyl being administered to the patient through an IV line. The patient was sedated and unaware of Lotto’s actions. Lotto later admitted to taking the drug from the patient.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Fernando McMillan, Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office; and Margret R. Cooke, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Deepika Bains Shukla, Chief of Rollins’ Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Haverhill man has been arrested and charged for allegedly manufacturing and distributing tens of thousands of counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl in the Lawrence and Boston areas. 

Angel Joel Diaz, a/k/a “Guero,” 34, was charged by criminal complaint with distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Diaz was detained following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston yesterday.

“Swallowing a lethal drug can have the exact same deadly outcome as injecting one. With the rise in counterfeit pill distribution, the health and safety of our communities are put at greater risk,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “We believe Mr. Diaz allegedly conspired to sell tens of thousands of these deadly counterfeit pills to areas in our Commonwealth and beyond. During the investigation, approximately 50,000 counterfeit pills were seized along with two pill presses. Each of those pills could result in a fatal overdose and we commend our law enforcement partners for this investigation and arrest which improves public safety.” 

“The state of Massachusetts is faced with an opioid crisis unlike ever before,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “Those responsible for distributing lethal drugs like counterfeit pills containing fentanyl to the citizens of Massachusetts need to be held accountable for their actions. DEA will aggressively pursue Drug Trafficking Organizations and individuals who are distributing this poison. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners. It is our mission to target those who seek to profit from the sale of deadly substances.”

 

According to the charging documents, in January 2023, an investigation began into Diaz’s fentanyl pill manufacturing and distribution operation. On Jan. 10, 2023, an undercover officer contacted Diaz posing as a potential drug customer seeking to purchase counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl. It is alleged that Diaz agreed to meet the following day, on Jan. 11, 2023, and provided the undercover officer with 208 fentanyl pills weighing approximately 26 grams. Half of the pills allegedly contained methamphetamine in addition to fentanyl. During the meeting, it is alleged that Diaz told the officer that he manufactures his own fentanyl pills, which he distributes in Lawrence and Boston as well as in New York via mail shipments. Following the meeting, Diaz allegedly maintained communication with the undercover officer about purchasing additional fentanyl pills. During the communications, it is alleged Diaz sent several photos depicting his manufacturing process including images of a blue substance in tin pans, wrapped bricks of suspected fentanyl and blue pills with “M/30” stamped. 

It is further alleged that on two subsequent occasions, Jan. 27, 2023 and Feb. 7, 2023, Diaz distributed 5,150 and 8,500 counterfeit prescription pills containing suspected fentanyl to the undercover officer, respectively. On Feb. 14, 2023, Diaz allegedly sent a photo of suspected fentanyl pills to the undercover officer saying that, “even making it with a mask makes you want to vomit and everything.”

On Feb. 15, 2023, Diaz was arrested while carrying a shopping bag of approximately 31,800 fentanyl pills separated into seven plastic bags. According to court documents, during a subsequent search of Diaz’s Haverhill residence, law enforcement found: a pill press with powder residue on it, thousands of pills, pill stamps, several masks and loose powder of various colors; approximately 5,000 suspected fentanyl pills in a heat-sealed bag; suspected fentanyl powder and chemicals used in manufacturing pills; and in the garage a second pill press. In total, approximately 37,000-40,000 fentanyl pills were seized during execution of the search warrant along with the two pill presses, suspected fentanyl powder and various pill-manufacturing paraphernalia. 

The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

U.S. Attorney Rollins and DEA SAC Boyle made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Haverhill Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Feldman of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A Lynn man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston on narcotics and firearm charges arising from a traffic stop in Dorchester.

Rahiym Mervin, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release. In September 2022, Mervin pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. 

On the evening of Dec. 15, 2021, Mervin was observed speeding on Blue Hill Avenue in Dorchester and was subsequently pulled over by local police. A search of Mervin’s rented vehicle resulted in the recovery of a handgun, two high-capacity firearm magazines, 380 grams of cocaine, 96 grams of a fentanyl analog – an extremely potent opioid, substantially more powerful than heroin –  and 135 grams of a mixture of methamphetamine, cocaine and caffeine. Most of the narcotics and one of the firearms were concealed in a hide within the vehicle dashboard. Mervin was arrested on scene and has been in custody since. 

“A lethal dose of fentanyl is just two milligrams. Every gram of pure fentanyl has 500 lethal doses. A tiny amount of this deadly substance can kill, whether it is pure or mixed with other illegal substances,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Mr. Mervin was selling thousands of lethal doses of this poison. That he was out on bail for state criminal drug and gun charges adds insult to injury. Now he will be removed from our community so he can no longer cause harm.” 

“Working side by side with the Boston Police Department to get repeat offenders off the streets helps to ensure the safety of everyone in our community; ATF continues our focus on keeping guns out of the hands of those who cannot legally possess them”, said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division.

At the time of his arrest, Mervin was on bail on gun and narcotics charges pending in Norfolk County arising from an incident in Quincy in May 2019. In addition, Mervin was previously convicted in June 2016 in Plymouth County of possessing a firearm without a license, for which he was sentenced to three years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Rollins; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; and ATF SAC Ferguson made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. McNeil of Rollins’ Criminal Division prosecuted the case. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce 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 – Two members of a Cape Cod heroin trafficking ring have been sentenced to 10 years and nine years in prison for their roles in a violent kidnapping captured on video.

Albert Lee, also known as “Mook,” 32, of Pawtucket, R.I., was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to nine years in prison and three years of supervised release. In September 2022, Lee pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping. Cameron Cartier, 28, of Buzzards Bay, was sentenced on Feb. 14, 2023 by Judge Burroughs to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release. In October 2022, Cartier pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice by retaliating against a witness, victim or informant. Lee and Cartier were charged in a superseding indictment that included co-defendants Edwin Otero, Justin Joseph and Anthony Basilici in March 2020.

In 2018, law enforcement began investigating a Cape Cod drug trafficking organization led by Otero. The investigation revealed that Otero and other members of the crew distributed large quantities of heroin throughout Cape Cod, including in Hyannis, Mashpee, Centerville, Osterville and in Pawtucket, R.I. In April 2019, as part of the conspiracy, Otero lured a known victim from Massachusetts to Rhode Island, where Otero, Cartier, Lee, Joseph, and Basilici kidnapped and held him, stripped him naked, assaulted him and threatened to rape him. The purpose of this kidnapping and assault was to retaliate against the victim because the crew erroneously believed the victim was cooperating with law enforcement. Basilici filmed the kidnapping and assault on Otero’s cell phone. Otero’s phone was later recovered with the video on it.

On Jan. 18, 2023, Otero and Joseph each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin; possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime; kidnapping conspiracy; and witness retaliation conspiracy. Otero also pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and witness intimidation. They are both scheduled to be sentenced on April 27, 2023. 

On Jan. 26, 2023, after a week-long trial, Basilici was convicted by a federal jury of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin; possession and discharge of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime; kidnapping conspiracy; witness intimidation; and witness retaliation conspiracy. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 26, 2023.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Barnstable Police Chief Matthew K. Sonnabend; and Barnstable County Sheriff James M. Cummings made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl and Lauren Graber of Rollins’ 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.

BOSTON – A Lawrence man has been convicted by a federal jury in Boston of fentanyl trafficking. 

Manuel Santana Vizcaino, a/k/a “Dave,” 38, was convicted on Feb. 11, 2023 of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf scheduled sentencing for May 10, 2023. Santana Vizcaino was charged along with his brother, Santo Santana Vizcaino, in October 2020 and the two were subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2021. 

In September 2020, Manuel Santana Vizcaino arranged for the distribution of more than a half kilogram of fentanyl to an individual. Specifically, on Sept. 3, 2020, Manuel Santana Vizcaino provided the individual with approximately 270 grams of fentanyl concealed inside a guava juice box at his apartment in Lawrence. Later, on Sept. 14, 2020, while outside the United States in the Dominican Republic, Manuel Santana Vizcaino arranged for his brother to sell the individual another 250 grams of fentanyl. Manuel Santana Vizcaino was arrested in December 2020 at Logan Airport upon returning from the Dominican Republic. 

In May 2022, Santo Santana Vizcaino was sentenced to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to the same charges in January 2022.    

The charge of distribution and 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 $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Customs and Border Protection; Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Massachusetts State Police; and the Essex County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip C. Cheng and Lucy Sun of Rollins’ Organized Crime & Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Chicopee man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield to creating and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). 

Michael Geoffroy, 36, pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual exploitation of a child, three counts of distribution of child pornography and one count possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for June 8, 2023. Geoffroy was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2021. 

In December 2020, Geoffroy used a minor to create two videos and two images of CSAM. Geoffroy then distributed the videos and images in a chat group that same day. Geoffroy was arrested the following day and, during a search of his cellphone, was found in possession of more than 100 videos and images that depicting CSAM. 

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Chicopee Police Chief Patrick Major made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of Rollins’ Springfield Branch Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A Quincy man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Boston for allegedly committing a hate crime.

John Sullivan, 77, was charged with one count of violating the Shepard-Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act. 

According to the indictment, on Dec. 2, 2022, Sullivan used his vehicle to willfully cause bodily injury to a victim because of that victim’s actual and perceived race and national origin. 

“Hate has no place here in Massachusetts. As this case demonstrates, we will aggressively prosecute hate crimes and other civil-rights offenses committed because of the actual or perceived race, color, religion, or national origin of any individual or group. Confronting hate crimes is a priority of my administration. I have established a standalone Criminal Civil Rights Unit and a hotline dedicated to the investigation and potential prosecution of civil rights violations,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Our thoughts are with the victim and their family at this time. The alleged hate-filled and violent behavior of Mr. Sullivan is reprehensible and we intend to hold him accountable.” 

“There is no way to undo the alleged damage that Mr. Sullivan did to this victim with his hateful, repulsive, and violent behavior. No one should ever be targeted or threatened because of their race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or immigration status said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Hate crimes are not only an attack on the victim, but they also instill fear and threaten and intimidate an entire community which is why the FBI worked so closely with the Quincy Police Department to bring Mr. Sullivan to face justice. We urge members of our community to report incidents like this to us because hate-based violence has no place in our society and will not be tolerated.”

In August 2022, U.S. Attorney Rollins announced the creation of the “End Hate Now” hotline – 1-83-END-H8-NOW (1-833-634-8669) – for reporting hate-based incidents or potential criminal activity. Massachusetts residents and visitors are encouraged to call the hotline to report concerning or troubling incidents of hate, potential hate crimes, or concerns regarding individuals believed to be espousing the hate-filled views or actions we learn of far too often in the wake of mass shootings and/or acts of hate-based violent extremism. Callers are encouraged to leave their contact information but may remain anonymous. At this time, the hotline is available in English, Spanish, Cantonese and French.

The charge provides for a maximum sentence of 10 years, 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.

U.S. Attorney Rollins; Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; FBI SAC Bonavolonta; Quincy Police Chief Paul Keenan; and Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Torey B. Cummings of Rollins’ Civil Rights & Human Trafficking Unit and Tara Allison of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division 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 New Bedford man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to evading more than $431,000 in federal income taxes over the course of seven years. 

Victor M. Cruz, 43, pleaded guilty to three counts of tax evasion. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for May 9, 2023. Cruz was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2021. 

From 2015 through 2017, while earning between $183,000 and $212,000 in annual wages as a crewmember for various fishing vessels, Cruz failed to file federal tax returns on his income for any of the years. In addition, Cruz failed to file federal income tax returns for tax years 2010 through 2014 while receiving an annual income of at least $150,000. Despite receiving at least two notices from the Internal Revenue Service directing him to file returns and pay delinquent taxes, Cruz failed to file any federal tax returns and took other measures to prevent authorities from tracing his income or determining his tax liabilities. In total, Cruz evaded paying more than $431,000 in federal taxes, not including delinquency penalties and interest.

The charges of tax evasion 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. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A. Wild of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case. 

BOSTON – A former New Bedford man has been extradited to the United States from the United Kingdom to face wire fraud and money laundering charges involving funds obtained from “romance scam” victims.  

Chukwunonso “Douglas” Umegbo, a/k/a James Abbott, a/k/a Michael Philips, a/k/a Richard Armani, 37, formerly of New Bedford, was arrested in London on April 4, 2022 and was extradited to the United States on Feb. 10, 2023. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston on Feb. 13, 2023, Umegbo was detained pending a hearing set for March 2, 2023. Umegbo was indicted in February 2021 on six counts of making a false statement to a bank, two counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering.  

According to the charging documents, between no later than 2018 through at least 2019, Umegbo opened bank accounts in the greater Boston area using fake identity documents. It is alleged that the bank accounts were used to receive fraudulently obtained funds from a number of victims of romance scams, in which perpetrators create fictitious online personas to develop online romantic relationships with individuals in the U.S., and then leverage those relationships to obtain money and/or property. Once the fraudulently obtained funds reached the accounts controlled by Umegbo, Umegbo allegedly withdrew the money in cash, used the funds to purchase cashier’s checks, or spent the money on personal purchases. Altogether, the fraudulent accounts received more than $560,000.

The charge of making a false statement to a bank provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. 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 $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the scheme, whichever is greater. 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 $500,000, or twice the value of the criminally derived property. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Darnell Edwards, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Kearney of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A Cambridge man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegally possessing ammunition as a previously convicted felon. Multiple guns, ammunition and cash were found in the rental vehicle that the defendant was the sole occupant of.

Kyle Evans, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 45 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In November 2022, Evans pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition. 

In August 2020 Evans was pulled over in the City of Everett for failing to stop at a red light. When asked for his license and registration, Evans stated that he did not have a license. Upon confirming that Evans’ driver’s license was suspended and that the car was neither registered to nor leased by him, Evans was arrested. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, $2,344 in cash, a 9 mm loaded semi-automatic pistol, a .380 loaded semi-automatic pistol, a homemade loaded 9 mm semi-automatic pistol with no serial number and a Glock handgun carry case – with a serial number for a Glock that was reported stolen from California – containing a .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number and a 9 mm caliber semi-automatic pistol, and other ammunition, were recovered. Four rounds of .22LR caliber ammunition was also found in Evans’ pants pocket.

Due to a prior conviction punishable by at least one year in prison – including armed robbery with a knife, resisting arrest, heroin possession, assault and battery on a police officer and intimidation – Evans is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. 

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Everett Police Chief Steven A. Mazzie made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce 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.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

BOSTON – A Russian businessman was convicted today by a federal jury in Boston for his involvement in an elaborate scheme that netted $90 million through securities trades based on non-public information stolen from U.S. computer networks.

Vladislav Klyushin, a/k/a “Vladislav Kliushin,” 42, of Moscow, Russia, was convicted following a 10-day jury trial of conspiring to obtain unauthorized access to computers, and to commit wire fraud and to commit securities fraud, and with substantive counts of obtaining unauthorized access to computers, wire fraud and securities fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for May 4, 2023. Klyushin was arrested in Sion, Switzerland in March 2021 and extradited to the United States in December 2021 to face federal charges in Boston. 

Klyushin was charged along with two Russian co-conspirators: Ivan Ermakov and Nikolai Rumiantcev. Two others, Mikhail Vladimirovich Irzak and Igor Sergeevich Sladkov, were charged in a separate indictment. All four co-conspirators remain at large. In October 2018, Ermakov was also charged in federal court in Pittsburgh in connection with his alleged role in hacking and related disinformation operations targeting international anti-doping agencies, sporting federations, and anti-doping officials.

“The jury saw Mr. Klyushin for exactly what he is – a cybercriminal and a cheat. He repeatedly gamed the system and finally got caught. Now he is a convicted felon. For nearly three years, he and his co-conspirators repeatedly hacked into U.S. computer networks to obtain tomorrow’s headlines today. They used that nonpublic information to trade illegally in the shares of hundreds of publicly traded companies. He had the answer key and reaped enormous financial gains with stolen inside information. Mr. Klyushin compromised the integrity of our securities markets and cheated individual investors and pension funds,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “This case demonstrates the Department of Justice’s commitment to protecting our financial markets and computer networks by aggressively pursuing those who seek to profit unfairly through intrusive cyber-attacks. My office and our law enforcement partners will continue our work to identify, prosecute and hold accountable criminals like Klyushin regardless of where they reside or the manner in which they try to conceal their illegal activities. Cybercriminals be warned: we will use every tool at our disposal to track you down and you will end up as a defendant in a courtroom.”

“Today’s verdict proves Vladislav Klyushin used various illegal and malicious means to hack into computer systems with the goal of obtaining insider information to gain tens of millions of dollars in illegal profits,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “The FBI will not stand idly by and allow criminals like him to meddle in our financial systems or marketplace at the expense of American investors. We will aggressively investigate anyone who attacks the integrity of our country’s computer networks and capital markets and bring their criminal conduct to a halt.”

    Klyushin, Ermakov and Rumiantcev worked at M-13, a Moscow-based information technology company that Klyushin owns. M-13 offered penetration testing and “Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) emulation,” – both services that seek exploitable vulnerabilities in a computer system via hacking techniques, purportedly for defensive purposes. M-13’s website indicated that the company’s “IT solutions” were used by “the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation, the Government of the Russian Federation, federal ministries and departments, regional state executive bodies, commercial companies and public organizations.” In addition to these services, Klyushin invested the money of several investors in his hack-to-trade scheme, and took a 60 percent cut of their profits.

Trial evidence showed that, between at least in or about January 2018 and September 2020, Klyushin, Ermakov, Irzak, Sladkov and Rumiantcev conspired to use stolen earnings information to trade in the securities of companies that are publicly traded on U.S. national securities exchanges, including the NASDAQ and the NYSE, in advance of public earnings announcements. Using the same malicious hacking techniques M-13 advertised to customers, Klyushin and his co-conspirators obtained inside information by hacking into the computer networks of two U.S.-based filing agents that publicly-traded companies used to make quarterly and annual filings through the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Specifically, Klyushin and his co-conspirators deployed malicious infrastructure capable of harvesting and stealing employees’ login information and used proxy (or intermediary) computer networks outside of Russia to conceal the origins of their activities. With this access, Klyushin and his co-conspirators viewed and downloaded material non-public information, such as quarterly and annual earnings reports that had not yet been filed with the SEC or disclosed to the general public, for hundreds of companies – including Capstead Mortgage Corp., Tesla, Inc., SS&C Technologies, Roku and Snap, Inc.  Many of the illegally obtained earnings reports were downloaded through a computer server located in downtown Boston.

Armed with this information before it was disclosed to the public, Klyushin and his co-conspirators knew ahead of time, among other things, whether a company’s financial performance would meet, exceed or fall short of market expectations – and thus whether its share price would likely rise or fall following the public earnings announcement. Klyushin then traded based on that stolen information in brokerage accounts held in his own name and in the names of others. Klyushin and his co-conspirators also distributed their trading across accounts they opened at banks and brokerages in several countries, including Cyprus, Denmark, Portugal, Russia and the United States, and misled brokerage firms about the nature of their trading activities. 

Evidence presented at trial demonstrated that the times in which the filing agents were hacked corresponded with the times in which Klyushin and his co-conspirators made profitable trades. Additionally, of the more than 2,000 earnings events around which Klyushin and his co-conspirators traded between January 2018 and September 2020, more than 97 percent were filed with the SEC by the victim filing agents. Testimony at trial indicated that the odds of this trading pattern occurring in the absence of a relationship between the trading and the identity of the filing agent was less than one in a trillion.  

In total, Klyushin and his co-conspirators earned close to $100 million in earnings trading from roughly $9 million in investments using inside information, even as they lost close to $10 million in non-earnings trading – representing a return of more than 900 percent during a period in which the broader stock market returned just over 25 percent. Of that amount, Klyushin individually netted more than $38 million, including nearly $23 million on his personal trading and trading for his company, in addition to more than $13 million on the money he invested for others.

The charge of conspiracy to obtain unauthorized access to computers, and to commit wire fraud and to commit securities fraud provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 fine, or twice or the gross gain or loss. The charge of unauthorized access to computers provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss. The charges of securities fraud and wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss. Each of the charges also provide for restitution and forfeiture upon conviction. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

U.S. Attorney Rollins and FBI SAC Bonavolonta made the announcement today. The SEC, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the Swiss Federal Office of Justice, the Valais and Zurich Cantonal Police authorities, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Washington Field Office and the victim filing agents provided valuable assistance to the investigation. Stephen E. Frank and Seth B. Kosto, Chief and Deputy Chief respectively, of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.  

BOSTON – A Lawrence man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for distributing counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl, made using multiple pill press machines. 

Miguel Angel Fajardo, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to eight years in prison and two years of supervised release. In October 2022, Fajardo pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. 

In March 2022, law enforcement searched Fajardo’s apartment and seized approximately 7.3 kilograms worth of fentanyl pills, an industrial pill press and “M” and “30” pill stamps consistent with markings on pharmaceutical-grade Oxycodone pills. Pill stamps are commonly used to make counterfeit pills appear to be legitimate pharmaceutical-grade pills. Approximately 1.4 kilograms of fentanyl powder, two individual finger presses, 50 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition concealed in a microwave, four kilograms of cutting agent and two air purifying respirators – which are commonly used when working with fentanyl powder were also found. Additionally, two one-kilogram pill press machines and another large pill press were found.

U.S. Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; and Lawrence Acting Police Chief Michael McCarthy made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Craig E. Estes and Evan D. Panich of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case. 

BOSTON – A Weymouth man has been sentenced for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed prodigious amounts of cocaine from Puerto Rico, which he and a co-conspirator obtained via the U.S. mail. 

John Tavares, 36, was sentenced on Feb. 7, 2023 by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 10 years in prison and eight years of supervised release. Tavares was also ordered to forfeit $91,940 in drug proceeds. In October 2019, Tavares pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

“Mr. Tavares was a significant wholesale cocaine supplier who cultivated a major drug pipeline that funneled more than $1 million worth of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Massachusetts,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “In addition, this dangerous drug trafficker kept firearms to protect his cocaine stash and illicit proceeds – putting the community at risk with the potentially lethal combination of drug distribution and deadly weapons. Thanks to the exceptional work by our state, local and federal partners, Mr. Tavares and his gun laden cocaine venture have been brought to a halt and communities across the South Shore are safer.”

“What we have here today is a perfect example of what happens when different law enforcement agencies pool their recourses and expertise to achieve a common goal…to protect American citizens from the many perils of illegal drugs. The safety and security of Postal Service employees and customers is the core mission of the Postal Inspection Service. It is our duty as postal inspectors to aggressively investigate those individuals who ship illicit drugs through the U.S. Mail. Make no mistake, we will find you and hold you accountable. I would like to thank our federal, state, and local partners for helping us achieve our goal to protect the nation’s mail system from criminal misuse,” said Darnell Edwards, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division.  

“Tavares and his coconspirator are responsible for trafficking significant amounts of cocaine to the Massachusetts area. HSI is proud to work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt trafficking operations like this one and prevent dangerous drugs from reaching our communities,” said Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England.

“DEA is committed to investigating Drug Trafficking Organizations and individuals like Mr. Tavares who is responsible for distributing cocaine to the citizens of Massachusetts,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division. “This sentence not only holds Mr. Tavares accountable for his crimes but this should serve as a warning to those traffickers who are fueling the drug epidemic in order to profit and destroy the lives of others. We will continue to work with our local, state and federal partners to bring to justice anyone who distributes this poison. This investigation demonstrates the continued commitment we have to keeping our communities safe.”

Between March 2017 and August 2018, federal inspectors identified more than 40 suspicious parcels that had been sent through the mail from Puerto Rico to various addresses in Massachusetts including residences in Quincy, North Dartmouth, Weymouth and New Bedford. The suspicious parcels were often sent on the same day from Puerto Rico to two or more addresses in Massachusetts. During the investigation, two parcels were intercepted in the mail and approximately two kilograms of cocaine was found hidden in sealed coffee cans. Through surveillance, it was determined that Tavares and co-conspirator Cristina Lopez were receiving the majority of the parcels. It was also determined that Tavares and Lopez had flown regularly from Massachusetts to Puerto Rico for trips lasting only 30 to 72 hours, and that the parcels suspected of containing cocaine were then typically sent to Massachusetts within one to three days after their return. In total, Tavares and Lopez arranged for at least 44.9 kilograms of cocaine to be shipped from Puerto Rico to Massachusetts. After collecting the parcels, Tavares and Lopez prepared the cocaine for distribution. 

Searches of residences used by Tavares and Lopez in Weymouth, North Dartmouth and Boston resulted in the seizures of more than three kilograms of cocaine, over $100,000, firearms, ammunition and various drug paraphernalia. Additionally, CDs containing photos taken from Lopez’s phone were seized which depicted Tavares posing in a bedroom with rifles, one of which was equipped with a silencer, as well as photos of Tavares with large stacks of cash. 

In October 2019, Lopez pleaded guilty to her role in the conspiracy and was sentenced in June 2020 to six years in prison and three years of supervised release. 

U.S. Attorney Rollins; USPIS Acting INC Edwards; HSI SAC Millhollin; DEA SAC Boyle; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Norfolk County District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey; Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn, III; and Bristol County Sheriff Paul Heroux made the announcement today. Assistance in the investigation was provided by the Quincy, Weymouth, Braintree, North Dartmouth and Boston Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James E. Arnold and Nadine Pellegrini of Rollins’ 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.

BOSTON – A man from the Philippines who previously resided in Lynn has been arrested in the Dominican Republic 10 years after being indicted for possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). 

Melchor Datu, 51, formerly of Lynn, Mass., was arrested today by special agents and officers with FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation – Human Trafficking Task Force upon his arrival in the United States and made an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Florida this afternoon. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date. In December 2012, Datu was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of possession of child pornography.

According to the federal indictment, in October 2008, Datu’s laptop and two external hard drives were found to contain multiple files of CSAM depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. In January 2022, the FBI launched an international publicity campaign, offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Datu. 

Datu was arrested in the Dominican Republic on Thursday by the Dominican National Police (DNP), Division Especial de Investigacion del Crimen Organizado Internacional (DEICROI), Migracion Dominicana, and Procuraduria Especializada contra Crimen y Delitos de Alta Tecnologia, Titular Ivan Vladimir Feliz Vargas, with the assistance of the FBI’s Legal Attaché in Santo Domingo. 

“No matter where you go. No matter where you hide. If you are a fugitive from Justice we will not stop until we find you. This arrest proves that fact. The Department of Justice has extreme capabilities thanks to our strong coordination with law enforcement partners on every level, both here in the United States and abroad,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Keeping our children safe from predators is a top priority of my administration. My office remains vigilant in our pursuit of justice for the most vulnerable members of our communities: I commend the FBI and Dominican law enforcement for their dedication in ensuring Mr. Datu was located to face the United States criminal justice process.”

“Our commitment to justice has no time limit and knows no boundaries. Melchor Datu’s arrest should send a clear message to fugitives: no matter where in the world you try to hide, we will find you and bring you back to face justice,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “We’d like to thank the concerned citizen who alerted us to Mr. Datu’s whereabouts, and our law enforcement partners in the Dominican Republic for their outstanding cooperation. The crime for which Melchor Datu stands accused is disturbing. We hope this news brings some comfort to all affected.”

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

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

U.S. Attorney Rollins and FBI SAC Bonavolonta made the announcement today. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Florida and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

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 Boston man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for trying to hire a contract killer to murder his wife and the wife’s boyfriend.

Mohammed Chowdhury, 46, was indicted on two counts of use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire. Chowdhury was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint on Jan. 17, 2023. He has remained in custody since. 

According to the charging documents, in November 2022, an individual notified federal law enforcement that Chowdhury was soliciting assistance in having his wife murdered. The individual said that Chowdhury had allegedly paid someone to conduct the murder for hire, but that they took the money and did not follow through with Chowdhury’s request. It is alleged that Chowdhury subsequently told the individual that he needed the murder done as soon as possible and that he would get the money to do so, even robbing a store if necessary to obtain the funds. The individual provided Chowdhury’s phone number to law enforcement, who thereafter used an undercover agent posing as a contract killer to communicate with Chowdhury about his alleged murder for hire plot.

It is alleged that on numerous occasions in December 2022 and January 2023, Chowdhury met with undercover agents posing as the contract killer and their associates, to seek help with killing his wife and her new boyfriend whom she left him for. It is alleged that during these meetings and communications, Chowdhury explained that his wife wouldn’t let him see his children and that he wanted the undercover agents to rob and beat his wife and her boyfriend so that he would not be a suspect. Chowdhury allegedly asked the agents, “So how we gonna disappear his, uh, body?” and stated, “No evidence. No evidence. No evidence from like, you know, that, uh, I did something, you know?” Chowdhury allegedly provided the undercover agents with photographs of his wife and her new boyfriend, where they lived, where they worked and their work schedules. It is alleged that Chowdhury ultimately agreed to pay $4,000 per murder, with a deposit of $500. 

Chowdhury met with the undercover agents on Jan. 17, 2023, allegedly provided the $500 deposit and confirmed that he wanted the murders committed. Chowdhury was then taken into federal custody.

In October 2019, Chowdhury was charged in Boston Municipal Court – Roxbury Division with violating an Abuse Prevention Order prohibiting him from abusing, contacting, or coming within a certain distance of his wife. Chowdhury pleaded to sufficient facts and received a continuance without a finding.

The charging statute 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.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. The Boston Police Department provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Luke A. Goldworm and John T. Dawley of Rollins’ Criminal Division 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 Certified Public Accountant (CPA) from Lynn was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for creating fraudulent tax returns and submitting fraudulent letters to lenders in a multi-year mortgage fraud scheme.  

David Plunkett, 57 was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to time served (approximately one day in prison) and three years of supervised release. Plunkett was also ordered to pay $147,500 in restitution to victims and $64,284 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service. In February 2019, Plunkett pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of aiding in the submission of false tax returns. 

Plunkett was charged in September 2018 along with co-defendants Joseph Bates III and George Kritopoulos. In October 2022, Kritopoulos was sentenced to four years in prison and two years of supervised release after being convicted by a federal jury of one count of conspiracy, two counts of wire fraud, six counts of bank fraud, one count of aiding the preparation of a false income tax return and one count of obstruction of justice. Kritopoulos was also ordered to pay restitution to lender victims in the amount of $2,238,354 and forfeiture of $700,000. On Jan. 25, 2023, Bates was sentenced to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy, three counts of wire fraud affecting a financial institution and two counts of bank fraud. Bates was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,238,354 and forfeiture of $700,000.  

From 2006 through 2015, Bates, Kritopoulos and Plunkett engaged in a scheme to defraud banks and other financial institutions by causing false information to be submitted to those institutions on behalf of borrowers – people recruited to purchase properties – located primarily in Salem, Mass. The properties were usually multi-family buildings with two-to-four units, which Kritopoulos and Bates then converted into condominiums. Kritopoulos recruited new borrowers to purchase the individual condominium units. Kritopoulos also recruited Plunkett to prepare false tax returns in the names of the buyers to support the fraud scheme. Together, Kritopoulos and Bates created other false documents and provided them to lenders to obtain fraudulent mortgages for financing the purchases. 

The false information submitted to lenders included, among other things, representations concerning the borrowers’ employment, income, assets and intent to occupy the property. Specifically, the false employment information included representations that borrowers were employed by entities that were, in fact, shell companies “owned” by Kritopoulos and were used to advance the fraudulent scheme. The employment information also included false representations about the income that the borrowers received from the entities, when the borrowers actually received little or no income from them. Furthermore, the income asserted on the borrowers’ loan applications substantially overstated their true income. The false information also included representations that the recruited borrowers intended to live in the properties that they were purchasing, when they did not intend to do so.

Plunkett assisted the scheme by preparing tax returns for some of the borrowers that contained false and inflated income. Some of those tax returns were submitted to lenders in support of the fraudulent loan applications. Plunkett also signed letters falsely representing that his CPA firm had prepared corporate tax returns for one of the shell entities, when in fact no such returns had ever been prepared or filed.

The borrowers did not have the financial ability to repay the loans, therefore in all but two instances among 21 properties, they defaulted on their loan payments, resulting in foreclosures and losses to the lenders.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, Northeastern Regional Office; and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Victor A. Wild, of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit and Brian M. LaMacchia, of Rollins’ Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A former teacher at Foxborough High School pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to possession of child pornography and receiving child pornography over the internet.

Thomas Davis, 42, of Mansfield, pleaded guilty to one count of possession and receipt of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for May 18, 2023. Davis was arrested and charged by criminal complaint on Aug. 26, 2021.

On Aug. 26, 2021, a search warrant was executed at Davis’ residence and a laptop belonging to Davis 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. 

The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Mansfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A Worcester man pleaded guilty on Feb. 6, 2023 to unlawfully possessing a loaded firearm while a convicted felon. 

Ahmed Sullay, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition before U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni who scheduled sentencing for May 17, 2023. Sullay was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2021. 

On the evening of Nov. 18, 2020, a local officer on patrol observed a driver – later identified as Sullay – travelling in the wrong direction of a one-way road in Worcester. When the officer activated his emergency lights, Sullay reversed his vehicle at high speed and crashed into a traffic sign before fleeing on foot wearing sweatpants and a sweatshirt. The officer followed in pursuit before eventually losing sight of Sullay when he ran onto a nearby street. Soon after, Sullay was seen wearing only his underwear as he ran from a darkened alley in the vicinity towards a nearby parking lot. There, Sullay stole a black SUV and sped away without headlights before colliding with another vehicle at an intersection. Sullay was immediately taken into custody. 

Sullay discarded a loaded Jimenez Arms, Model J.A. Nine, 9mm firearm while fleeing after his initial crash. Sullay is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior convictions. 

The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danial E. Bennett of Rollins’ Worcester Branch Office 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 – An Oxford man pleaded guilty on Feb. 2, 2023 in federal court in Worcester to using another individual’s name and Social Security number to fraudulently obtain a federal tax refund and a Massachusetts driver’s license. 

Richard Diaz-Montero, a/k/a John Doe, 44, pleaded guilty to false representation of a Social Security number and theft of government funds. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for March 1, 2023. Diaz-Montero was charged in August 2020. 

In 2016, Diaz-Montero filed a fraudulent tax return in the name of another person name and, in March 2016, cashed a federal income tax refund fraudulently issued in the other individual’s name. Two years later, in May 2018, Diaz-Montero used the Social Security number of that same person to apply for and obtain a Massachusetts driver’s license.

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

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; and Sutton Police Chief Dennis J. Towle made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of Rollins’s Criminal Division in prosecuting the case.   

BOSTON – A Holyoke landlord, Carmen Manix, has agreed to pay a $15,000 settlement for submitting false claims to the government after receiving illegal utility payments from a low-income tenant while participating in a federal housing subsidy program.

The Federal Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly referred to as “Section 8,” provides federal funding to low-income individuals to help them secure safe and affordable housing. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides this funding through local public housing agencies, which establish the total monthly rent, including certain utilities, due to landlords of Section 8 tenants. HUD pays the housing subsidy directly to landlords. In return, landlords agree to comply with certain program requirements, including that they will not charge Section 8 tenants rent or utilities in excess of the amount set by the public housing agency.

Despite this restriction, from September 2000 to August 2017, Carmen Manix demanded and received monthly utility payments from a Section 8 tenant, who brought a lawsuit against Manix under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. As part of today’s settlement, Manix admits to demanding and receiving utility payments from the Section 8 tenant in violation of her agreements with HUD.        

“The Section 8 program provides critical assistance to low-income families in need of safe and affordable housing,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “This case should be a warning that landlords who exploit low-income housing-insecure people to line their own pocket will be called out and held accountable. We use the False Claims Act every day to recover millions of dollars from companies that commit health care fraud. We will also use it to vindicate the rights of everyday citizens who rely on the government programs being followed with integrity. Any Section 8 tenant who has been forced to pay excess rent or utilities in violation of the terms of his or her lease is encouraged to bring their concerns to our Office’s attention.”  

“This settlement represents HUD OIG’s priority in protecting HUD beneficiaries from bad actors who prey on their vulnerability for self-enrichment,” said Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region. “HUD OIG will continue to pursue and bring to justice landlords who fraudulently overcharge HUD- assisted tenants in violation of Federal law.”

The False Claims Act allows private citizens with knowledge of fraud to bring civil actions on behalf of the government. The settlement agreement requires the defendant to pay $15,000 to the United States, and the whistleblower will share in that recovery.

U.S. Attorney Rollins and HUD OIG SAC Scaringi made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Diane C. Seol and Alexandra Brazier of Rollins’ Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled the matter.

BOSTON – OraPharma, Inc. has agreed to pay $100,000 to resolve allegations that the incentive compensation it paid to certain account managers, who also practiced as dental hygienists, resulted in the submission of false claims to the Medicare program. 

Headquartered in Bridgewater, N.J., OraPharma sells oral health products, including Arestin, a sustained-release antibiotic that dental providers administer locally as an adjunct to treatment for periodontal disease.

OraPharma admits in the settlement agreement that from June 2012 through December 2020, they employed account managers – including individuals who practiced as dental hygienists – to promote Arestin to dental practices. Following their retention as account managers by OraPharma, some of these dental hygienists occasionally worked in a dental office or offices in their assigned sales territories but did not disclose in certain instances this occasional hygiene practice to OraPharma as required under the company’s conflicts-of-interest policies. The account managers may have received, or were eligible to receive, incentive compensation for Arestin prescriptions that they may have recommended to Medicare beneficiaries when the account managers were performing dental hygienist duties in a dental office—i.e., while operating outside the scope of their employment with OraPharma. As a result, the United States contends that OraPharma’s payment of incentive compensation to account managers for any prescriptions reimbursed by Medicare in the offices where the account managers practiced as dental hygienists violated the Anti-Kickback Statute and thereby caused false claims to Medicare. 

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; and  Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey Ross and Charles Weinograd of Rollins’ Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled the matter.