District of Massachusetts

BOSTON – A Washington man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for coercion and enticement of a minor.

Jabarie Phillips, a/k/a Jabarie Lindsey, 44, of Seattle, Wash., was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. to 12 years in prison and five years of supervised release. On May 11, 2022, Phillips pleaded guilty to one count of coercion and enticement of a minor.

“A mere eight days after being released from prison for a manslaughter conviction, Mr. Phillips sexually exploited a 14-year-old girl – a child nearly 27 years his junior – both online and in person for his own perverse sexual gratification. Although today’s sentence cannot erase the enormous, immeasurable trauma this manipulative predator caused upon the victim and her family, I hope it provides some solace in knowing this dangerous individual will be removed from our communities for over a decade,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “As the chief federal law enforcement officer of our Commonwealth, it is my job to ensure the safety of our communities, especially that of our most vulnerable populations. My office will continue to work relentlessly to protect children from predators who seek to exploit them and rob them of their innocence.”

“Today’s sentence keeps Jabarie Phillips exactly where he belongs, behind bars, being held to account for his repulsive actions, and unable to victimize anyone else,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “What this convicted killer and child predator did is sickening, and the extensive trauma he inflicted upon the victim and her family will impact them forever. It is our sincere hope that this sentence will provide for her a measure of justice and help her heal.”

On April 23, 2019, approximately one week after being released from prison for a conviction of manslaughter, Phillips reached out to a 14-year-old middle-school girl from Massachusetts via Facebook and the two began communicating online using Facebook and their cellphones. Phillips, knowing the victim’s age, repeatedly asked her to take sexually explicit videos and photos of herself for him to view. During their communications, which continued over the course of approximately nine days, the victim told Phillips that she had issues with her family, to which Phillips responded, “If you run away let me know we can take this show on the road I need a partner in crime.” After communicating with and sexually exploiting the victim online, Phillips flew from Washington to Boston. On April 29, 2019, the girl met Phillips at Logan Airport, and then they traveled together to South Station to catch a bus to Seattle, Wash. While on the bus, Phillips engaged in sexual activity with the victim.

On May 3, 2019, authorities intercepted the bus in Minneapolis, Minn. where they arrested Phillips and recovered the girl. Phillips was arrested on two warrants – one out of Washington for violating probation following his release from prison for a 2008 conviction for manslaughter and one out of Massachusetts for kidnapping.

U.S. Attorney Rollins, FBI SAC Bonavolonta and Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn made the announcement today. Various police departments in Southeastern Massachusetts also assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

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

BOSTON – A Rhode Island man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy involving fentanyl and cocaine. 

Armando Gomes, 34, of Central Falls, Rhode Island, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to two years in prison and three years of supervised release. On Oct. 18, 2021, Gomes pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

On three separate occasions in September 2017 Gomes sold fentanyl and cocaine to undercover officers. Gomes sold 4.99 grams of fentanyl and 6.94 grams of powder cocaine on Sept. 14, 2017; 4.86 grams of fentanyl mixed with cocaine and 6.87 grams of cocaine on Sept. 18, 2017; and 4.86 grams of a mixture of fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl and 6.78 grams of cocaine on Sept. 22, 2017.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; and Weymouth Police Chief Richard Fuller made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol Head, Chief of Rollins’ Asset Recovery Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON –A Pennsylvania man has been arrested for a child sexual exploitation offense.

David Tweed, 44, of Kulpmont, Penn., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Springfield on one count of sexual exploitation of a child. Tweed was arrested on Aug. 30, 2022 and was detained following an initial appearance in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. He will appear in federal court in Springfield, Mass. at a later date.

“As the chief federal law enforcement officer for our Commonwealth, there is no higher priority than ensuring the safety of our communities and specifically our children,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Mr. Tweed is alleged to have preyed on and taken advantage of a child – robbing them of their innocence for the depraved and illegal purpose of producing child sexual abuse material. The exploitation and sexualization of our children is a heinous crime that inflicts untold, long-lasting harm and trauma on its victims. My office and our law enforcement partners will continue to use every available resource to bring justice to victims by identifying and prosecuting predators who seek to do them harm.”

“Sexual exploitation of any person is a serious crime, but the sexual exploitation of child is always very deeply disturbing”, said Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New England. “HSI New England is appreciative that the U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts, who recognizes the egregious impacts that child sexual exploitation crimes have on individuals and on our community, is committed to seeking justice for the offenses that the investigation of Tweed has uncovered.”

According to the indictment, on various dates between September 2021 and December 2021, Tweed allegedly employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of that conduct.

The charges of sexual exploitation a child and attempted sexual exploitation of a child provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

U.S. Attorney Rollins and HSI SAC Millhollin made the announcement. Significant assistance was provided by the Monson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine G. Curley of Rollins’ Springfield Branch 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 indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

BOSTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office reached an agreement with Next Step Healthcare, LLC (Next Step), the operator of 21 skilled nursing facilities in Massachusetts, to resolve allegations that Next Step violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by turning away patients who indicated they were prescribed medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD).

“Nobody would ever choose to have a substance use disorder. The destruction this disease inflicts on its victims is unconscionable. When people finally find the strength and courage to be open to entering recovery, they should be met with support and understanding, not discrimination and barriers to healthcare,” said United States Attorney Rachael Rollins. “As our Commonwealth continues to battle an opioid epidemic, this office will ensure that people who receive MOUD have access to the healthcare they are lawfully entitled to and often need. We appreciate Next Step’s cooperation in modifying its policies and practices to come into compliance with the ADA, and we strongly encourage other skilled nursing facilities to proactively do the same.”

Individuals receiving treatment for Opioid Use Disorder are generally considered disabled under the ADA, which, among other things, prohibits private healthcare providers from discriminating on the basis of disability. The United States alleges that Next Step denied admission to 548 individuals who indicated they were prescribed MOUD while seeking admission to Next Step’s programs.  These individuals sought admission to the facilities for health issues unrelated to their addiction, but also required MOUD to treat their OUD. 

Under the terms of the agreement, Next Step will, among other things, adopt a non-discrimination policy regarding the provision of services to individuals with disabilities, including individuals with SUD or individuals on MOUD, provide training on disability discrimination and SUD to admissions personnel, pay a civil penalty of $92,383 to the United States, $10,000 of which will be paid now and $82,393 of which shall be suspended and forgiven if Next Step materially complies with the terms of the agreement.

This matter is part of an ongoing effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to eliminate discriminatory barriers to treatment for OUD through ADA enforcement. This is the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s 10th settlement agreement with a skilled nursing facility operator. The Office has now entered into 16 settlement agreements and six letters of resolution to ensure ADA compliance arising from OUD treatment.  The District of Massachusetts is leading the country in this type of important work and will continue to uphold the ADA and support people with substance use disorders.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Leung, Gregory Dorchak and Annapurna Balakrishna of Rollins’ Civil Division handled the matter.

The Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office was established in 2015 with the mission of enhancing federal civil rights enforcement. For more information on the Office’s civil rights efforts, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-ma/civil-rights

BOSTON – A Malden man was sentenced yesterday in connection with his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy in which he possessed over 150 grams of cocaine base and other controlled substances and conspired to possess firearms.

Phillips Charles, a/k/a “PHON C,” 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 78 months in prison and four years of supervised release. On April 26, 2022, Charles pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana and other controlled substances and one count of conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

“Mr. Charles repeatedly and flagrantly violated the conditions of his state pretrial release. Not only did he continue to traffic deadly narcotics on our streets, but he also recklessly wielded deadly firearms – seriously endangering the safety of our communities,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This case demonstrates this office’s commitment to utilize all resources necessary in our fight against drug trafficking and violent crime in the Commonwealth.”

“This first-time federal felon profited from the misery of others who were addicted to the poison he peddled,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Today’s sentence protects the public from Phillips Charles’ escalating criminal behavior, and his proclivity towards drug dealing, firearms, and violence.”

“This case is the product of a collaborative effort on the part of ATF and its local and federal partners to target, investigate, and eliminate the perpetrators of violent crime,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “This sentence sends a clear and direct message that we take the illegal possession of firearms and narcotics very seriously and will not be tolerated in our communities.”

While on pretrial release from Malden District Court and Middlesex Superior Court for an October 2019 arrest involving cocaine base (crack cocaine), for which he later served a probation sentence, he continued to conspire with others involved in the conspiracy to distribute large quantities of controlled substances. Members of the conspiracy also possessed firearms, including multiple firearms with “selector switches” that convert firearms into machine guns, to protect the drug trafficking operation and target rival gang members. Specifically, while on pretrial release, Charles was involved in the filming of a publicly posted music video in which Charles was shown along with numerous firearms, including a firearm with an attached “selector switch,” one of which he was shown handling and pointing at the camera. Videos and text messages recovered during the investigation revealed that Charles historically possessed a number of firearms.

Additionally, while still on pretrial release in October 2020 and following a brief encounter with a rival gang member, his girlfriend and their one-year-old child at the Square One Mall in Saugus, Charles pursued the victim and his family and fired at least seven rounds into their vehicle. Charles remained on pretrial release until he was arrested and charged in state court with possessing a firearm in December 2020.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Levy, FBI SAC Bonavolonta, ATF SAC Ferguson, Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts States Police and Malden Police Chief Kevin Molis 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.

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 woman pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with fraudulently using someone else’s Social Security number.

Mariana Rosmely Aguasviva, 39, pleaded guilty to one count of false representation of a Social Security number. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock scheduled sentencing for Jan. 9, 2023. Aguasviva was arrested and charged in February 2021.

Aguasviva fraudulently used a Social Security number that was assigned to someone else in an application at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles in Boston in 2016. The application was to change information on Aguasviva’s driver’s license, which was in the name of the person whose Social Security number was misappropriated. Aguasviva began misusing the victim’s Social Security number to assume the victim’s identity in 2010, when she first obtained a Massachusetts driver’s license in the victim’s name from the RMV. Investigators discovered the driver’s license in the victim’s name in Aguasviva’s purse at the time of her arrest.

The charge of false representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five 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; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; the Billerica Police Department and the Lawrence Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak, III of Rollins’ Criminal Division 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.

BOSTON – A former Everett man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to identity theft and fraud charges in connection with multiple schemes to fraudulently obtain an apartment as well as pandemic-related relief funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program made available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.

Tedje Menard, 28, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud, one count of false representation of a social security number and one count of aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Nov. 30, 2022. Menard was charged and arrested in November 2021 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury on Jan. 27, 2022.

In or around November 2020, Menard applied to rent an apartment in East Boston using the name and identity of another person. As part of the application and screening process, Menard falsely claimed to be the victim by providing the company overseeing the property with, among other things, the victim’s name, social security number, date of birth and a copy of a purported North Carolina driver’s license containing the victim’s information but depicting a photograph of Menard. Menard also submitted an EIDL application in the amount of $40,000 using the victim’s name and personal identifiable information in June 2021.

Additionally, in April 2021, Menard used his own name to apply for a PPP loan in the amount of approximately $20,833. In the loan application, Menard falsely represented his business’ total gross income in 2019 and his criminal history.

The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of false representation of a social security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed, 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 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 Department of Labor and the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Mackenzie Duane of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, 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.

BOSTON – A Fall River man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with travelling to New Hampshire to attempt to have sex with a teenage girl.

Charles Eugene Schnitzlein III, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to four years in prison and five of supervised release. In October 2021, Schnitzlein pleaded guilty to traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a person under 18 years of age.

“The sexualization and exploitation of our children is a real and present danger. Adults who prey on children are predators and pose a serious threat to our communities. As a result of his reprehensible behavior, Mr. Schnitzlein is now a convicted felon and a sex offender. As the guardian of my 13-year-old niece, this case hits close to home for me. Children deserve to be children. There are reasons we have ages of consent and adulthood,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “This 35-year old man was attempting to have sex with an 8th grader. A juvenile. Child exploitation is a heinous crime and prosecuting perpetrators is one of my highest priorities as U.S. Attorney. We will be relentless in hunting down those who seek to exploit and sexualize our children. Child predators be warned.”

“Charles Schnitzlein clearly knew that preying on underage girls was wrong, but he did it anyway. He made extensive plans to travel to New Hampshire to have sex with what he believed to be a 13-year-old girl, and when we caught him, he confessed to a history of similar, failed attempts,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge at the FBI Boston Division. “Had we not put a stop to his atrocious behavior, his conduct likely would have continued. Today’s sentence ensures that he won’t be able to victimize any child for quite some time.”

Schnitzlein used a messaging application to communicate with an individual he thought was a 13-year-old girl, who was actually an undercover agent. During the conversations, Schnitzlein sent the purported 13-year-old a photo with his penis exposed and asked for sexually explicit photos of her and with a friend. Schnitzlein also asked the purported teenager where she lived and devised a plan to meet her to have sex. On April 9, 2021, Schnitzlein drove from Fall River to a mall in Nashua, N.H., to meet with the undercover officer posing as a teenage girl. On his way to the meetup location, Schnitzlein stopped to purchase condoms, flowers, soda and candy. Schnitzlein was arrested upon his arrival.

During an interview with law enforcement, Schnitzlein admitted that he traveled from Fall River to meet the purported 13-year-old girl and booked a hotel room in Nashua, N.H. to have sex with her. Schnitzlein further admitted to numerous past occasions in which he repeatedly went to certain retail stores to look for young girls, touch or grab them in passing and attempt to lure them to the bathroom for purposes of sex. A forensic review of Schnitzlein’s phone revealed two additional conversations between him and purported minors that were sexual in nature, including a discussion with one of the minors about meeting at a mall for sex.

U.S. Attorney Rollins, FBI SAC Bonavolonta and Nashua (N.H.) Police Commissioner Matthew E. Plante made the announcement. Assistance was provided by Massachusetts State Police and the Arlington, Revere and Boston Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie Duane of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

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

BOSTON – A Colombian man, who was extradited from Colombia after indictment, was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for his role in three charges related to obstructing justice.

Orlando Lopez Parra, 48, was sentenced to 57 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On May 12, 2022, Lopez Parra pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice and two counts of obstruction of justice.

Since at least August 2017, Lopez Parra obtained information of an ongoing United States criminal investigation into the international drug trafficking activities Henry Carrillo-Ramirez, as well as the presence of United States Drug Enforcement Administration agents in Colombia for Carrillo-Ramirez’s arrest. Lopez Parra enlisted the aid of another individual to make contact with Carrillo-Ramirez for the purpose of arranging a meeting with him.

At a meeting on Aug. 4, 2017, Lopez Parra told Carrillo-Ramirez there were United States law enforcement officers in Colombia for his arrest and that Lopez Parra’s contacts could provide additional information to Carrillo-Ramirez to avoid arrest in exchange for payment of 500 million Colombian pesos.

Several days later, on Aug. 7, 2017, Lopez Parra met with Carrillo-Ramirez again to offer information in exchange for payment of 500 million Colombian pesos, advised him to leave his residence and reminded him how difficult it would be for his family if he were extradited to the United States.

“This case demonstrates the resources and dedication of the Department of Justice and DEA to eradicate drug trafficking and hold those accountable who obstruct investigations into these dangerous and illegal activities,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Those who interfere or impede with our investigations run the risk of getting charged criminally. So don’t.”

“The misconduct in this case is brazen and these charges make it crystal clear that the DEA is deeply committed to investigating any attempt to hinder a criminal investigation” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division. “DEA and their local, state and federal partners are dedicated to bringing to justice those that commit these types of crimes.”

Carrillo-Ramirez was indicted in June 2018 and extradited from Colombia in April 2019. In November 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and four counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of five kilograms or more of cocaine on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 21, 2022.

U.S. Attorney Rollins and DEA SAC Boyle made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Colombian National Police, the Spanish Guardia Civil, and the Portuguese Air Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Estes of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Chicago man has pleaded guilty to threatening and coercing a Massachusetts minor to engage in sexual conduct.

Ernesto Herrera, 33, of Chicago, Ill., pleaded guilty on Aug. 31, 2022 in federal court in Boston to one count of coercion and enticement of a minor. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Dec. 21, 2022. Herrera was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint in June 2021 and subsequently charged by an Information on July 26, 2022. He has remained in custody since June 2021. 

“My office remains determined to protect the safety, innocence and wellbeing of our children, especially from the threat of online predators. Mr. Herrera used social media to target, threaten and rob a child of their innocence and, following the acceptance of Mr. Herrera’s guilty plea by the Court, he will be a convicted felon and a registered sex offender,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “In collaboration with our law enforcement partners, my office will continue our aggressive pursuit to hold predators like Mr. Herrera accountable. Those who seek to sexualize and harm our children will be identified and prosecuted – that is a promise.”

“Ernesto Herrera has admitted to using social media to target and manipulate a 16-year-old girl into providing him with sexually explicit images of herself. His deplorable conduct in this case underscores the urgent need for the FBI and our law enforcement partners to continue our efforts in protecting children from those who prey on them,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “In this case, a very brave child spoke up, and in doing so has prevented Mr. Herrera from victimizing others.”

In June 2020, Herrera threatened and coerced a Massachusetts minor via text message to make and send an image of the victim engaged in sexual conduct, among other things. Herrera threatened the minor that if she did not comply with his requests, videos of the minor would be leaked to her friends and the internet. Herrera also accessed the minor’s Snapchat account and, beginning in June 2020 and continuing through at least January 2021, over one thousand images and videos of the minor were sent from the minor’s Snapchat account to Herrera’s Snapchat account. Several of these files depicted child pornography. 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 minor was being blackmailed by other people at the time that he communicated with her. Herrera confirmed that he received images of the minor engaged in sexual conduct, among other things.

The charge of coercion and enticement of a minor provides a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $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, 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 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 Boston man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in the January 2019 robbery of a T-Mobile store in Brockton and shooting at police officers as he and his co-defendants fled the scene.

Stephan Rosser-Stewart, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 16 years in prison and two years of supervised release. On March 24, 2022, Rosser-Stewart pleaded guilty to interference with commerce by robbery; conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery; discharging, brandishing, using and carrying a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence; and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

Rosser-Stewart was indicted along with co-defendants Darius Carter and Diovanni Carter in March 2019. The three were subsequently charged in a superseding indictment in September 2019. A fourth man, Dennis Martin was charged separately.

“Mr. Rosser-Stewart and his co-defendants robbed a clerk at gunpoint and subsequently fired shots at a pursuing police officer during a high-speed chase through a quiet residential neighborhood. They terrorized the Brockton community and endangered innocent lives, all for greed and the pursuit of money,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Today’s sentence effectively removes this reckless individual from the streets of our Commonwealth, preventing him from endangering any more lives. I commend the courageous work of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, particularly the police officer that was shot at, for their brave and invaluable assistance in keeping our communities safe. Because of their hard work, Mr. Rosser-Stewart and his co-defendants were apprehended and held accountable.”

“Mr. Rosser-Stewart threatened the lives of Police Officers and the citizens of Brockton by committing this brazen robbery,” said James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. “Keeping firearms out of the hands of convicted felons is ATF's top priority and we will continue to aggressively pursue these investigations and work with our law enforcement partners to remove violent criminals from our communities.”

“Following the brazen armed robbery of the T-Mobile store, Mr. Rosser-Stewart showed a complete disregard for public safety while fleeing police at high speeds and shooting at officers. Violent behavior like this will not be tolerated in our community. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue justice and ensure those who commit such crimes are held accountable,” said Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez.

On the evening of Jan. 26, 2019, Rosser-Stewart, Darius Carter and Dennis Martin entered a T-Mobile store in Brockton, carrying semi-automatic firearms, which they pointed at the store manager as they demanded cash and electronics. Darius Carter struck the store manager in the head with a firearm. The men stole approximately $25,000 in cash and electronics and then fled in a vehicle driven by Diovanni Carter.

Police located the getaway vehicle and a high-speed chase ensued, reaching speeds of over 70 mph in residential neighborhoods. During the chase, Diovanni Carter ordered the other men in the car to fire at pursuing police cruisers. Rosser-Stewart and Darius Carter fired a total of eight rounds at the pursuing police cruisers. Law enforcement apprehended Rosser-Stewart, Darius Carter and Dennis Martin after an object on the road disabled their vehicle and recovered the stolen phones, cash and the three firearms used in robbery. Diovanni Carter fled the scene when the car was stopped and was later apprehended in March 2019. Rosser-Stewart, Darius Carter, Diovanni Carter and Dennis Martin, were each prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to prior criminal convictions. Rosser-Stewart was previously convicted of armed robbery in Suffolk Superior Court and had been recently released from prison prior to robbing the T-Mobile store in January 2019.

In March 2021, Darius Carter pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 14 years in prison and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to his role in the robbery. In March 2020, Diovanni Carter was convicted by a federal jury and sentenced to over 22 years in prison. In August 2019, Martin pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 23, 2022.

U.S. Attorney Rollins; ATF SAC Ferguson; Chief Perez; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Douglas Bartlett, Acting U.S. Marshal of the District of Massachusetts; Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph D. McDonald Jr.; and Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of Rollins’ Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce 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 Maine man has pleaded guilty to travelling to have sex with a minor and possessing child pornography.

Patrick Plummer, 30, of Parsonsfield, Maine, pleaded guilty on Sept. 1, 2022 in federal court in Boston to one count of attempted enticement of a minor, one count of intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a person under 18 years of age and one count of transportation of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Dec. 20, 2022. Plummer was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in January 2021 and subsequently indicted in February 2021.

“Protecting the safety, innocence and wellbeing of our children is some of the most important work we do,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “As the United States Attorney, and the guardian of my 13-year-old niece, this case is another heinous reminder of the real-life dangers of the internet and the predators that lurk online with the intention of targeting, exploiting and sexualizing our children. We will continue to hold predators like Mr. Plummer accountable and fight to keep them removed from our communities.”

“What Patrick Plummer admitted to is abhorrent. This child predator traveled here from Maine to sexually assault what he believed to be a 13-year-old girl, while in possession of over a hundred images and videos depicting other children, some toddlers, being sexually abused,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Sexual assaults against children remain an ongoing, pervasive problem, and we will continue to do everything we can to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for these atrocious acts.”

Plummer communicated via various messaging applications with an undercover officer posing as a 13-year-old girl and devised a plan to meet the purported child in Georgetown, Mass. to have sex. On Sept. 26, 2020, Plummer drove from Maine to a predetermined location in Georgetown. Officers arrested Plummer on scene, and found him in possession of four cell phones, a computer and a spring-release knife. Forensic analysis of the electronic evidence seized from Plummer’s car revealed over 7,000 images and videos of child pornography on at least three of the devices.

Plummer admitted that he had traveled from Maine to meet the purported 13-year-old girl; that he was talking to approximately 10 underaged girls; and that child pornography would be found on his devices. Plummer further admitted that he shared these images with other individuals through Kik Messenger. 

The charge of attempted enticement of a minor provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison. The charge of traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison. The charge of transportation of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison. All three charges carry a minimum of five years and up to life 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, FBI SAC Bonavolonta and Georgetown Police Chief Donald C. Cudmore made the announcement today. The Essex County District Attorney’s Office and the Salisbury and Newbury Police Departments provided assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Mackenzie Duane 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 Lawrence woman has been convicted by a federal jury in Boston of drug trafficking offenses in connection with her role in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy.

Danybelkis Vasquez-Rodrigue, 28, was convicted on Aug. 30, 2022 following a five-day trial of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for Dec. 13, 2022. Vasquez-Rodrigue was indicted in January 2021 along with co-conspirator Saury Rodriguez-Ruiz.

“Ms. Vasquez-Rodrigue was involved in a conspiracy that pumped fentanyl into our communities and profited off of the immense harm and pain it caused,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Drug traffickers across the United States pose a serious, existential threat to public safety. Last year in our Commonwealth alone, opioids stole the lives of more than 2,000 people. Those who make a living off poisoning our communities, like Ms. Vasquez-Rodrigue, will be identified, prosecuted and held accountable. This conviction should make that point clear.”

“Removing Danybelkis Vasquez-Rodrigue from the streets, along with the deadly poison peddled by this drug trafficking organization in the city of Lawrence will prevent them from continuing to endanger public health and safety,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “This case is indicative of the success that can be attained when agencies combine resources to put drug traffickers out of business and behind bars, as we work together to dismantle criminal enterprises that profit from flooding our neighborhoods with illicit drugs.”

In November 2020, law enforcement began an investigation into Rodriguez-Ruiz, who had been identified as a Lawrence-based drug supplier. On Nov. 24, 2020, Rodriguez-Ruiz distributed nearly one kilogram of fentanyl to a cooperating witness. In exchange for the fentanyl, Vasquez-Rodrigue collected $42,000 from the cooperating witness. Vasquez-Rodrigue then transmitted those drug proceeds to the fentanyl supplier in Mexico via small payments to multiple individuals through local money remitting businesses.

On May 26, 2022, Rodriguez-Ruiz pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 9, 2022.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years 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.

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. The case was investigated by the FBI’s Strike Force including the Norfolk County Sherriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alathea E. Porter and Stephen W. Hassink of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A Connecticut man has pleaded guilty to threatening, harassing and intimidating a Massachusetts woman through social media and email.

Marshall Nicholas Fain, 31, of New Haven, Conn., pleaded guilty on Aug. 31, 2022 in federal court in Boston to one count of cyberstalking and one count of transmitting threats through interstate commerce. U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley scheduled sentencing for Dec. 21, 2022. Fain was arrested and charged on Feb. 2, 2022.

“People deserve to end relationships without fear. Too often, women are the targets threatening, controlling and/or violent behavior. In response to the end of his two-year relationship with the victim, Mr. Fain terrorized her for several months, making her fear for her life and the lives of her family. In the face of aggressively disturbing and intimidating threats this woman bravely notified federal authorities of Mr. Fain’s abusive behavior. Thanks to this woman’s enormous strength and courage, Mr. Fain must now answer for the fear and pain he caused,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Threats of violence, regardless of whether they’re made in person or sent from behind a keyboard, are illegal and will not be tolerated by my office. Stalking and threatening others online are serious crimes that deeply impact victims’ mental, emotional and physical welfare. The internet does not offer you anonymity – perpetrators will be identified, prosecuted and held accountable.”

“The victim in this case did not let fear silence her. She courageously came forward and worked with the FBI to help bring Mr. Fain’s campaign of torment to an end,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.” Words can and do lead to violence, and the FBI would like to take this opportunity to urge victims of online threats to report the crime because we will not hesitate to investigate these cowardly acts.”

Fain was in a relationship with the victim for approximately two years, until the relationship ended in August 2021. Soon after, in September 2021 and continuing through December 2021, Fain sent the victim multiple private messages through email and social media threatening to kill the victim and members of her family.

Fain created multiple social media and email accounts which he used to harass and threaten the victim anonymously. Specifically, Fain used anonymous Instagram and Facebook accounts to send the victim messages that said, among other things, “I’ll kill you” and “You gonna get yours if it’s the last thing I do.” Fain also used anonymous email addresses to send the victim threatening messages that said, among other things, “I’m gonna find you and kill you if it’s the last thing I do,” “By now you know I don’t give a f*** about my own life so I really don’t mind taking yours,” and “When the time is right you gonna be one of the girls going missing. Ima torture the f*** out of you when I catch you.”

The charge of stalking by electronic means 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 transmitting threats through interstate commerce provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

U.S. Attorney Rollins and FBI SAC Bonavolonta made the announcement today. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Haven Division provided valuable assistance in the matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Gotlob of Rollins Major Crimes Division is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty yesterday in connection with selling two kilograms of cocaine and possessing nearly one kilogram of heroin and a high-powered rifle in East Boston.

Carlos Acosta Estrella, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and one count of possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Dec. 12, 2022. Estrella was indicted along with his mother, Ana Guadalupe Acosta Grajeda, in October 2019.

Estrella and Grajeda were arrested after they were videotaped selling two kilograms of cocaine to a cooperating witness in East Boston. A search of Estrella and Grajeda’s apartment in East Boston resulted in the seizure of nearly one kilogram of heroin, an additional kilogram of cocaine, numerous cellphones, a high-powered tactical shotgun with a laser sight and a box of ammunition for the shotgun.

On June 30, 2022, Grajeda was sentenced to five years in prison after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

“Opioids continue to take far too many lives and cause irreversible damage and harm in communities across our country every single day,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “This destructive duo of mother and son conspired to profit off of pain by pumping multiple kilograms of heroin and cocaine into our neighborhoods. On top of that, Mr. Estrella did so in possession of a dangerous high-powered weapon. This office remains steadfast in our pursuit of those peddling lethal narcotics in our Commonwealth. You will be found and prosecuted.”

“Opioid abuse is at epidemic levels in New England,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities here in Massachusetts.  Let these arrests serve as an example to those who distribute poisons like heroin and cocaine, that DEA will aggressively pursue and hold you accountable. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”

“The Boston Police Department will continue to collaborate with our federal law enforcement partners to target those individuals causing harm to the residents of our city,” said Police Commissioner Michael A. Cox. “These arrests demonstrate the commitment of Boston Police Officers and our law enforcement partners to save lives by stopping the flow of narcotics and illegal firearms into our neighborhoods. I commend their efforts and commit to continue to holding offenders accountable for preying on individuals with substance disorders.”

The charge of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams of heroin provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. The charge of possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, to be served from and after the sentence imposed on the underlying drug counts, a maximum sentence of life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences in a criminal case 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, DEA SAC Boyle and BPD Commissioner Cox made the announcement. 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 supervisor for the U.S. Postal Service has pleaded guilty in connection with stealing packages containing cocaine on at least eight occasions.

Kevin Dombroski, 43, of Worcester, pleaded guilty on Aug. 30, 2022 in federal court in Worcester to one count of theft of mail by an employee of the U.S. Postal Service. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Jan. 19, 2023. Dombroski was initially charged by criminal complaint on Feb. 9, 2022 and subsequently charged by an Information on June 30, 2022.

Dombroski was employed as Postal Service Supervisor at the Worcester Main Post Office. On eight to 10 occasions, Dombroski stole packages that had been mailed from Puerto Rico to addresses in Worcester he believed would contain cocaine. Specifically, Dombroski removed said packages from the main processing area of the Post Office and took them into a private office where he would open the parcel and remove the narcotics before returning the package back to the floor for delivery. Dombroski then sold the contents to an acquaintance, who paid him $7,500 for each package.  

The charge of theft of mail by an employee of the U.S. Postal Service provides for a sentence of up to five 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; Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Area Field Office of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General; and Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto of Rollins’ Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Taunton man has pleaded guilty in connection with illegally possessing and trafficking firearms.

Jaylen Rose, 28, pleaded guilty on Aug. 30, 2022 in federal court in Boston to one count of dealing in firearms without a license and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Dec.1, 2022. Rose was arrested and charged in January 2022.

“Massachusetts has strict requirements for firearms purchases and a thorough vetting process for lawful carriers for a reason. Prohibited individuals, like Mr. Rose, who possess and, moreover, traffic firearms and ammunition pose a very real danger to our communities and exacerbate the rise in violent crime we have seen across our nation,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Keeping illegal firearms off the street and out of the hands of prohibited individuals is fundamental to reducing gun violence in our Commonwealth and beyond. My office will continue its tireless work to keep deadly weapons out of the hands of prohibited individuals so our communities can be safe.”

From in or around December 2020 until Feb. 5, 2021, Rose travelled from Ohio to Massachusetts with firearms acquired in Ohio to resell the firearms for a profit to individuals prohibited from possessing a firearm. In total, Rose facilitated the purchase and resale of between eight and 24 firearms. On Feb. 5, 2021, Rose was stopped while in a vehicle in connection with an outstanding state arrest warrant and was found in possession of a Taurus firearm, an extended magazine, approximately 29 rounds of ammunition and $3,000, among other things. Rose does not possess a license to deal firearms and is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to prior convictions.

The charge of dealing in firearms without a license provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

U.S. Attorney Rollins; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Taunton Police Chief Edward James Walsh made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the U.S. Marshals Service for the District of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Mackenzie Duane of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Dominican man residing in Lawrence has been sentenced for fentanyl trafficking and illegal reentry into the United States after being deported. 

Jefri Paulino, 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV on Aug. 31, 2022 to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release. On Oct. 22, 2021, Paulino pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine and one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Paulino has been in federal custody since his arrest in September 2020.

In September 2020, Paulino agreed to sell a confidential informant approximately one kilogram of fentanyl and 50 grams of cocaine at a restaurant in Haverhill. Paulino was arrested upon his arrival for the drug deal and was found in possession of individual plastic bags that contained approximately one kilogram of fentanyl and 50 grams of cocaine. 

Paulino was previously convicted of fentanyl trafficking in 2017 for which he was sentenced to three years in prison and was deported in November 2018.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Office made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A former Massachusetts emergency medical technician (EMT) paramedic has pleaded guilty to tampering with liquid fentanyl vials at the ambulance company at which she worked. 

Candice Mangan, 43, of Medford, pleaded guilty on Aug. 30, 2022 in federal court in Boston to one count of tampering with a consumer product. U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for Dec. 7, 2022. Mangan was charged on June 24, 2022.

From approximately March 2020 to early October 2020, Mangan – a licensed EMT paramedic in Massachusetts – worked part-time as an EMT for an ambulance service company in Massachusetts. On or about Sept. 30, 2020, while working in Needham, Mangan tampered with three fentanyl citrate vials by removing fentanyl citrate and replacing it with saline. The liquid remaining in the three vials contained only approximately 4.4%, 6.8%, and 24.2% of the declared concentration of fentanyl citrate.

“The grave consequences of the opioid crisis extend far beyond street level dealing of heroin and fentanyl, which continues at an alarming pace. Almost every one of the 15 units in the Criminal and Civil Divisions of this Office are handling matters relating to the opioid epidemic,” said United States Attorney Rachael Rollins. “Aside from the obvious opioid related matters handled by our narcotics and organized crime units, we are also prosecuting human trafficking and health care fraud as well as civil rights government fraud and public corruption cases all directly pertaining to opioids. There is no higher priority in my office than doing everything in our power, using every option available on both the civil and criminal sides of this office, to keep people and communities safe from these deadly destructive substances.”

“The FDA oversees the U.S. drug supply to ensure that it is safe and effective, and those who knowingly tamper with medicines put patients’ health at risk,” said Fernando P. McMillan, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office. “We will continue to protect the public health and bring to justice health care professionals who take advantage of their unique position and compromise their patients’ health and comfort by tampering with needed drugs.”

The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences in a criminal case 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, FDA SAC McMillan and Margret R. Cooke, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard Locker of Rollins’ Health Care Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Dorchester man was sentenced on Sept. 1, 2022 in federal court in Boston for trafficking over 13 kilograms of cocaine. 

Anthony Coplin, 57, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to time served (approximately five years in prison) and four years of supervised release. On April 13, 2022, Coplin pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. 

Coplin was one of 52 defendants tied to the Columbia Point Dawgs (CPD) who were charged in five separate indictments in June 2015 for drug trafficking offenses. CPD, also known as “the Point,” was Boston’s largest and most influential citywide gang. The criminal organization started in the 1980s in the former Columbia Point Housing Development (now Harbor Point) and, over the years, gang members established drug trafficking crews throughout Boston. CPD was responsible for the distribution of multiple kilogram quantities of heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine and oxycodone throughout Boston and Maine. Coplin was involved in the distribution of over 13 kilograms of cocaine in Massachusetts. Coplin is the final defendant to be sentenced in the case.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin R. Hayden; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Douglas Bartlett, Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; and Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy E. Moran, Michael J. Crowley and John T. Dawley of Rollins’ Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.

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

BOSTON – Philips North America LLC (Philips) has agreed to pay approximately $4.2 million to resolve allegations that it substituted key components of a mobile patient monitoring device called an MP2 that it sold to military purchasers without recertifying the MP2 for military airworthiness.

Headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., Philips, among other things, manufactures medical devices, including MP2s, for sale to the federal government, including to U.S. military customers. According to the settlement agreement, from Jan. 1, 2012 through Nov. 27, 2018, Philips sold MP2s to the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and the Defense Logistics Agency. These agencies require airworthiness and safe-to-fly testing and certification on medical devices used in certain aircraft environments. Airworthiness and safe-to-fly testing by U.S. military agencies is necessary to ensure that a medical device does not adversely affect the operation of aircraft systems, and conversely, that the aircraft does not adversely affect the proper operation and efficacy of the medical equipment. Philips admits that, after receiving initial airworthiness and safe-to-fly certifications for the MP2 from the U.S. Army in 2008 and the U.S. Air Force in 2011, Philips made modifications to the MP2 but did not adequately notify the relevant military testing facilities to determine whether the device modifications required retesting for certification. As a result, the United States contends that it has civil claims against Philips for submitting or causing the submission of false claims to the U.S. military. 

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Patrick Hegarty, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office; Michael Wiest, Special Agent in Charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office; U.S. Air Force, Office of Special Investigations; and Michael Conner, Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey Ross and Diane Seol of Rollins’ Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled the matter.

BOSTON – A Royalston man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Springfield on child pornography charges.

Kevin A. Divoll, 51, was indicted on one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Divoll was previously arrested and charged on Aug. 4, 2022.

According to the charging documents, investigators identified Divoll, an employee at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Leeds, as the owner and user of a device allegedly distributing or attempting to distribute child pornography over the Medical Center’s public Wi-Fi from May 2022 through July 2022. The indictment further alleges that, following a search of his residence on Aug. 4, 2022, Divoll possessed child pornography that involved a prepubescent minor and a minor who had not attained 12 years of age. 

The charge of distribution of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography involving an image of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor or a minor who had not attained 12 years of age provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Rachael Rollins and Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office, made the announcement. Significant assistance was provided by the Leeds VA Medical Center Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine G. Curley of Rollins’ Springfield Branch 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 document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

BOSTON – A former Massachusetts attorney and his wife have been sentenced in federal court in Boston in connection with various mortgage fraud schemes.

Barry Wayne Plunkett Jr., 62, and Nancy Plunkett, 57, both of Hyannis Port, were sentenced on Aug. 25, 2022 by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf. Barry Plunkett was sentenced to 78 months in prison and five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay restitution of $3,236,466 and forfeiture of $3,221,403. Nancy Plunkett was sentenced to one year and one day in prison and five years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay restitution of $3,054,759, jointly and severally with Barry Plunkett, and forfeiture of $3,221,403. On March 4, 2022, Barry Plunkett pleaded guilty to five counts of bank fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of tax evasion. On the same date, Nancy Plunkett pleaded guilty to five counts of bank fraud.

Prior to being disbarred in October 2017, Barry Plunkett owned and operated the Plunkett Law Firm where his wife, Nancy Plunkett, served as his office assistant and paralegal.

The defendants engaged in several bank fraud schemes. In one scheme, from September 2012 to July 2016, the defendants defrauded six mortgage lenders and 14 homeowners for whom the Plunkett Law Firm handled the closings for new mortgage loans to refinance residential properties. The Plunketts informed the mortgage lenders that pre-existing mortgages were paid off from the new loan proceeds when, in fact, they intentionally failed to pay off the prior liens and instead converted more than $1 million in payoff funds for their own purposes. 

In other bank fraud schemes – between April 2015 and March 2018 – the Plunketts fraudulently used various names, entities and false documents to obtain three successive mortgage loans on their home in Hyannis Port in amounts of $412,000, $470,000 and $1.2 million. The defendants pledged as collateral a property in Hyannis Port that was held in a family trust for which Barry Plunkett was one of three beneficiaries. Both defendants participated in providing false documents to the lenders, including false title reports and other records to falsely represent that the property was free and clear of existing mortgage liens and forged documents in the names of other people. The defendants also made misrepresentations to a lender that Nancy Plunkett was a single woman living in Wellesley who was purchasing the property in her maiden name as a business investment when, in fact, the defendants had been married since 2014 and the property was their residence.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; and Robert Manchak, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Victor A. Wild and Mackenzie Queenin of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit and Carol Head, Chief of Rollins’ Asset Recovery Unit, prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A California man has been arrested in connection with his alleged involvement in a sophisticated securities fraud scheme that generated over $7 million in illicit proceeds.

Joseph A. Padilla, 53, of Carlsbad, Calif., was charged with one count of securities fraud. Padilla was arrested at the San Diego International Airport on Aug. 25, 2022 and made an initial appearance in federal court in the Southern District of California on Aug. 26, 2022. He will appear in Boston at a later date.

According to the charging document, Padilla is a one-time stockbroker who was barred from the securities industry in 2012 by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. It is alleged that, between February and April 2021, Padilla participated in a sophisticated and lucrative pump-and-dump fraud scheme involving the shares of Charlestowne Premium Beverages Inc., a thinly-traded microcap company that traded under the stock ticker symbol FPWM. As part of the scheme, Padilla is alleged to have orchestrated the fraudulent inflation (or “pump”) of Charlestowne’s stock price using his brokerage account and the accounts of several other individuals. He then allegedly facilitated the sale (or “dump”) of millions of Charlestowne’s shares at pumped up prices to unsuspecting investors in Massachusetts and throughout the United States.

The charge of securities fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three 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 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. Assistant U.S. Attorney James R. Drabick of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A Boston man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston in connection with multiple bank robberies in Massachusetts.

Jacob Pimentel, 31, was indicted on four counts of bank robbery. Pimentel is currently in custody in Middlesex County for a related offense and will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.

According to the indictment, between April and May 2022, Pimentel allegedly robbed four separate banks in the greater Boston area, stealing a total of more than $6,000. Specifically, it is alleged that Pimentel robbed the TD Bank branch in Allston on April 25, 2022; the TD Bank branch in Brighton on May 4, 2022; the Santander Bank branch in Brookline on May 13, 2022; and the TD Bank branch in Cambridge on May 23, 2022.

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

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 in the investigation was provided by the Boston, Sharon and Lynn Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evan Gotlob of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A Boston man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for his alleged unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Victor Florentino, 27, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Florentino was released on conditions following an initial appearance today in federal court in Boston before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge M. Page Kelley.

According to the indictment, during a motor vehicle stop by local law enforcement on April 28, 2022 in Quincy, Florentino was found in possession of a Glock 9mm pistol and 15 rounds of ammunition. Florentino is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a prior felony conviction in 2016 for firearms trafficking.

The felon in possession charge provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Quincy Police Chief Paul Keenan made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Dawley 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.

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 Longmeadow man was arrested yesterday on fentanyl and firearm offenses.

Carlos Gonzalez, 25, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Springfield on one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking felony. Following an initial appearance yesterday in federal court in Springfield before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Katherine A. Robertson, Gonzalez was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for Aug. 23, 2022.

“The serious fentanyl and gun charges in this indictment reflect my office’s commitment to devote all the resources at our disposal to combat violence and drug trafficking wherever it occurs,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins.

“Fentanyl is causing deaths in record numbers and DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England. “Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities so every time we take fentanyl off the streets, lives are saved. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners here in Massachusetts.”

According to the indictment, on Jan. 25, 2022, Gonzalez allegedly possessed 400 grams or more of fentanyl intended for distribution and a Glock 9 mm semi-automatic handgun in furtherance of the fentanyl trafficking.

The charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, up to six years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking felony provides for a sentence of 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 DEA SAC Boyle Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of Rollins’ Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A former Massachusetts resident has been charged and has agreed to plead guilty to filing fraudulent applications to obtain $2.5 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan funds made available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Vinicius Santana, 34, of Boca Raton, Fla. and formerly of Revere, was charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of unlawful monetary transactions. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the Court. Santana was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint with the single wire fraud offense in June 2022.

According to the charging document, Santana owned Complete Home Care, LLC (CHC), a painting company in Massachusetts. In April 2020, Santana submitted four different PPP loan applications on behalf of CHC. The first three applications, in which Santana allegedly listed five employees and an average monthly payroll of between $10,000 and $18,000, were denied. In the fourth application for CHC, it is alleged that Santana falsely claimed to have 154 employees and an average monthly payroll of $1 million. On May 11, 2020, a bank issued Santana’s company a $2,500,000 loan based on the allegedly false representations in the fourth application. 

After receiving the funds, it is alleged that Santana misused the loan proceeds to buy real estate and cars and to invest in cryptocurrency.

The CARES Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain approved expenses, through the PPP.

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 unlawful monetary transactions provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of the greater of either $250,000 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; Stephen Donnelly, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Eastern Region, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; Patricia Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General, New York Region; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mackenzie A. Queenin and Benjamin A. Saltzman of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.

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

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

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

BOSTON – An employee for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) was arrested today for allegedly stealing packages he was responsible for delivering.

William J. Paige, 32, of Duxbury, was indicted on three counts of theft of mail matter by a Postal Service employee. Paige was released on conditions following an initial appearance today in federal court in Worcester before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge David Hennessy.

According to the indictment, Paige worked as a mail carrier with USPS in Whitinsville. It is alleged that between January and February 2022, Paige stole collector’s coins and other items from packages he was entrusted to deliver.

The charge of theft of mail matter by a Postal Service employee provides for a sentence of up to five 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 Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto of Rollins’ Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A Taunton woman pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to cocaine possession charges.

Kiyanna Ambers, 42, pleaded guilty to one count of possessing with intent to distribute cocaine base and cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Aug. 22, 2023, when Ambers is set to complete the Court-run RISE (Repair, Invest, Succeed, Emerge) Program. Ambers was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2020. 

On June 29, 2020, following a multi-week investigation into Ambers and her associates, investigators executed a search warrant at Ambers’ residence.  During the search warrant, investigators located multiple baggies of white powder containing a total of over 340 grams of cocaine and cocaine base, as well as approximately $11,462 in Ambers’ home.

The charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and cocaine provides for 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 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 Lauren A. Graber of Rollins’ Criminal Division 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 Taunton man was arrested today for allegedly manufacturing and dealing firearms without license, including ghost guns.

William Viera, 33, was charged with one count of dealing in firearms without a license. Following an initial appearance today in federal court in Boston before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge M. Page Kelley, Viera was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for Aug. 22, 2022.

According to the charging documents, beginning in or around April 2022, federal agents identified Viera as an illegal firearms dealer and ghost gun manufacturer. Ghost guns, or privately made firearms (PMFs), are firearms assembled or otherwise produced by a person other than a licensed manufacturer, often without a serial number. In April 2022, through the use of a cooperating witness, agents contacted Viera about available firearms. It is alleged that in the communications, Viera stated he owned a 3D printer which he used to manufacture PMFs, including a Glock-style PMF. Viera also allegedly made completed firearms from unfinished firearms kits, and sold the completed firearms to other individuals.  The cooperating witness subsequently met with Viera at his residence on multiple occasions, where Viera was allegedly observed in possession of a Glock-style PMF. Between July 15, 2022, and Aug. 8, 2022, Viera sold three Glock style PMFs and ammunition to the cooperating witness during three separate controlled purchases.

Viera does not possess a federal firearms license and is prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition due to prior felony convictions, including a 2012 conviction in Bristol County for armed robbery for which he was sentenced to two to five years in prison.

The charge of dealing in firearms without a license provides for a sentence of up to 5 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 James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Taunton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Dell’Anno 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.

“Today our hearts are with the 19 known murder victims and their loved ones, as well as anyone ever harmed by this man. He was a serial murderer, and each mention of his name is a trigger to the families he devastated, reopening wounds that we can only hope had finally started to heal.  

With the indictment announced today, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia has started the process of holding the men alleged to have violently ended a life accountable. In the truest of ironies, Bulger’s family has experienced the excruciating pain and trauma their relative inflicted on far too many, and the justice system is now coming to their aid.

In honor of the memory and lives of the 19 known murder victims we fought tirelessly for here in the District of Massachusetts, we list each of their names below.

Arthur Barrett

John Callahan

Richard Castucci

Edward Connors

Debra Davis

Michael Donahue

Edward Halloran

Deborah Hussey

Thomas King

Francis Leonard

Paul McGonagle

John McIntyre

Michael Milano

Alfred Notorangeli

William O’Brien

James O’Toole

Albert Plummer

James Sousa

Roger Wheeler”

BOSTON – A Connecticut man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Worcester for conspiracy to commit human smuggling offenses.  

Fagner Chaves De Lima, 41, of East Hartford, Conn., was indicted on one count of attempted human smuggling. De Lima was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint with one count of attempted human smuggling in June 2022.

According to the charging documents, De Lima conspired with others to illegally smuggle individuals from Brazil into the United States for money and profit. It is alleged that, in exchange for payments of thousands of dollars, De Lima and conspirators made travel arrangements for clients to illegally enter the United States from Brazil by plane or bus, and arranged lodging accommodations for clients during their travel. In addition, De Lima allegedly extorted clients while their journey to the United States was underway by threatening to harm them and/or their family if they did not pay additional money. De Lima and his conspirators also allegedly created and transmitted false documents that were used as part of the illegal smuggling operation.

In May and June 2022, an undercover agent initiated communications with De Lima over WhatsApp under the guise that the agent sought to have his sister and niece smuggled into the United States. The undercover agent offered to pay $15,000 for De Lima’s services, and De Lima allegedly agreed to the arrangement. According to the charging documents, De Lima stated during these communications (translated from Portuguese) that he had been engaged in human smuggling “for 20 years,” and that he will smuggle individuals “whether you have a visa, no visa, or if . . .[they] are wanted by the police.” De Lima also allegedly acknowledged in later messages that human smuggling is “dangerous.” On June 16, 2022, De Lima traveled to Worcester to meet with the undercover agent, during which De Lima allegedly accepted two checks for the agreed upon total of $15,000 in exchange for his smuggling services and requested the sister’s passport and Social Security number.

“We allege that Mr. De Lima led a substantial human smuggling operation that violated federal law and threatened the safety of individuals who sought his services to come to the United States for a better life. We further allege that he reaped tens of thousands of dollars in profit in exchange for exploiting people seeking the American dream,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “This indictment is a reminder that our office will identify and prosecute those whose actions cause danger to human life and threaten our nation’s security.”

“Fagner Chaves De Lima is accused of exploiting, endangering, and extorting vulnerable victims, even threatening harm, in an elaborate human smuggling scheme to line his own pockets with hundreds of thousands of dollars,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “This man took advantage of those seeking a new life in America while circumventing our country’s laws that are in place to ensure public safety. As this case demonstrates, FBI will not hesitate to bring human smugglers who have no regard for human life to justice.”

The charge of conspiracy to commit human smuggling 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.

U.S. Attorney Rollins and FBI Boston SAC Bonavolonta made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Yuma Field Office; Homeland Security Investigations in Yuma; U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and the Marlborough, Worcester, Hartford (Conn.) and East Hartford (Conn.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of Rollins’ Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.

If you believe that you or someone you know may be a victim of human smuggling/trafficking, please contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or Text 233733.

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 Winthrop man was sentenced in federal court in Boston on Aug. 15, 2022 for distributing over 15 kilograms of cocaine and for laundering or attempting to launder approximately $645,000 in cocaine proceeds.

Fabio Quijano, 57, of Winthrop was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to nine years in prison and five years of supervised release. On April 8, 2022, Quijano pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy, money laundering, conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

Quijano worked with at least two other men—including co-defendant Jairo Agudelo, who previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 57 months in prison—to launder hundreds of thousands of dollars in drug proceeds derived from Quijano’s large-scale cocaine trafficking business.

On June 26, 2018, Quijano delivered $135,180 of cocaine proceeds to an undercover officer posing as a money laundering intermediary acting on behalf of a Colombian money broker. On Feb. 4, 2019, Quijano’s business partner delivered another $310,000 in drug proceeds to the undercover. In addition, Agudelo attempted to deliver $200,000 on Feb. 18, 2019, to the undercover officer, on behalf of Quijano and his business partner, when he was stopped by police. Agudelo later admitted that Quijano had given him the $200,000 to launder.

A search of the stash house operated by Quijano and his business partner resulted in the seizure of nearly four kilograms of cocaine, over $310,000 in cash from prior drug sales, a hydraulic kilogram press, drug packaging materials and numerous drug ledgers.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division made the announcement. Critical assistance was provided by the Boston Police Department; Massachusetts State Police; Revere Police Department; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations; and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren A. Graber and Jared C. Dolan of Rollins’ Criminal Division prosecuted the case.

This investigation was 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 – Ten individuals were indicted today by a federal grand jury in Boston for their alleged involvement in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed fentanyl throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The defendants were initially arrested and charged on July 19, 2022. Approximately 14.9 kilograms of suspected fentanyl and substantial amounts of cash were seized at the time of the arrests.

According to the charging documents, in March 2021, law enforcement began investigating a DTO led by Estarlin Ortiz-Alcantara operating in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Intercepted communications on numerous cellphones allegedly identified Mario Rafael Dominguez-Ortiz, Yeury Francisco Garcia-Rodriguez, Rafael Cesar Cabreja Jimenez and Alfredo Valdez as members of the DTO who conspired with Ortiz-Alcantara to regularly distribute multi-kilograms of fentanyl from a base of operations at a stash house in Fall River.

The investigation also identified Rebecca Bartholomew, Edwin Collazo, Jason Cruz, Michael Pacheco and Jose Santiago as alleged regular DTO customers who re-distributed fentanyl to their own local customer bases in areas including Cape Cod, Taunton and New Bedford. As part of the conspiracy, it is alleged that members of the DTO, under Ortiz-Alcantara’s management and control, conducted drug transactions with these regular customers in public areas – including in the diaper aisle of a store and in supermarket parking lots. It is also alleged that on at least one occasion, members of the DTO transported drugs concealed in cereal boxes while accompanied by a child. Over 500 grams of suspected fentanyl was seized during the investigation through controlled purchases and drug seizures.

The following defendants were charged with conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl:

• Estarlin Ortiz-Alcantara, 36, of Providence, R.I.;
• Mario Rafael Dominguez-Ortiz, 24, of Cranston, R.I.;
• Yeury Francisco Garcia-Rodriguez, a/k/a “Benjamin Osorio Pizarro,” 32, of Providence, R.I.;
• Rebecca Bartholomew, 36, of Yarmouth;
• Jose Santiago, 45, of New Bedford;
• Edwin Collazo, 26, of New Bedford;
• Jason Cruz, 41, of New Bedford;
• Michael Pacheco, 43, of Taunton;
• Rafael Cesar Cabreja Jimenez, 27, of Providence; and
• Alfredo Valdez, 44, of Providence.

The following defendants were charged with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl:

• Estarlin Ortiz-Alcantara,
• Rafael Cesar Cabreja Jimenez, and
• Alfredo Valdez, 44, of Providence.

The following defendants were charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl:

• Edwin Collazo, and
• Michael Pacheco.

“Today’s indictment is another step towards dismantling what we believe to be a substantial drug trafficking organization that pumped deadly fentanyl into neighborhoods throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island – including the Providence, New Bedford, Taunton and Cape Cod areas,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “My office is committed to prosecuting fentanyl traffickers to the fullest extent of the law for their deadly business. I commend our federal, state and local law enforcement partners for their outstanding investigation resulting in today’s indictment.”

“DEA is committed to investigating and dismantling Drug Trafficking Organizations and the individuals who are responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl to the citizens of Massachusetts,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “Let these sentences be a warning to those traffickers who are distributing this poison in order to profit and destroy people’s lives.  DEA’s top priority is combating the opioid epidemic by working with our local, county, state and federal partners. We won’t stop until individuals who distribute deadly drugs are brought to justice.”

The charges of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, provide for a sentence of between 10 years and life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million.  The charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. 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, DEA SAC Boyle, New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira and Fairhaven Police Chief Michael J. Myers made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Homeland Security Investigations; Bristol County Sherriff’s Office; and Fall River, Taunton, Attleboro, Scituate, Yarmouth, Providence (R.I.) and West Warwick (R.I.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of 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.

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.

“Today’s news about the alleged threats directed at Boston Children’s Hospital transgender health program is disturbing to say the least.  Children deserve an opportunity to thrive and grow as their own authentic selves. Parents/guardians and health care providers who support them in that journey should be allowed to do so free of threats and harassment.  I want to make it clear that the Department of Justice will ensure equal protection of transgender people under the law. As Attorney General Merrick Garland recently said, “At the Justice Department, we view confronting hate crimes as both our legal and our moral obligation.” I have made confronting hate crimes a priority of my administration, establishing a unit dedicated to the investigation and prosecution of civil rights violations. We also have worked tirelessly to send a message to hate groups that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is open for business. Our newly established hotline, 1-83-END-H8-NOW has resulted in dozens of calls and we will continue to pursue all leads. While free speech is indeed the cornerstone of our great nation, fear, intimidation and threats are not. I will not sit idly by and allow hate-based criminal activity to continue in our District.”

BOSTON – The president of a local union representing Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for engaging in a fraud scheme to defraud the union by misappropriating $29,050 in union funds.

Marie LeClair, 59, of Lynn, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to three years of probation with six months of home confinement. LeClair was also ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture of $29,050. On June 2, 2022, LeClair pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

LeClair was the president of the American Federation of Government Employees, Local 2617, which was based in Boston and represented TSA employees. Beginning in or about March 2015, LeClair engaged in a scheme to defraud the union by misappropriating funds belonging to the union for her personal use. Specifically, LeClair transferred funds from union accounts to a travel debit card issued in her own name without the knowledge or authorization of the union and used the misappropriated union funds for personal expenses. On May 22, 2018, LeClair made a wire transfer of $3,000 from a union account to her personal travel debit card.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Jonathan Russo, District Director of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards; and Dr. Joseph V. Cuffari, Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Kaplan of Rollins’ Criminal Division prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – The leader of a Boston-area drug trafficking organization (DTO) has pleaded guilty to his role in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy.

Matthew Drayton, 45, of Boston, pleaded guilty on Aug. 10, 2022 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Dec. 14, 2022. 

Drayton was charged with 23 others in June 2020 as part of Operation Snowfall, which  resulted in the charging of two different drug trafficking conspiracies during the overall period of November 2018 through June 2020.

According to the charging documents, beginning in November 2018, law enforcement investigated a DTO for which Drayton was both a leader and a drug distributor. The DTO was comprised of Boston-based street gang members and associates in the Commonwealth Development in Brighton, formerly known as Fidelis Way, a multi-apartment public housing development. It is alleged that the DTO assumed control over multiple apartments, where they stored, cooked, packaged and sold drugs – most of which was cocaine or cocaine base, which the DTO supplied to customers, wholesalers and distributors. As a result, the DTO caused a blight of the development and reduced the quality of life for other residents.  As the investigation continued, law enforcement ultimately identified another DTO operating within the Boston area and targeted its large-scale drug suppliers and their associates.

Court documents allege that Drayton was the leader of the Fidelis-Way related DTO whose members were responsible for the packaging, selling, storing and distribution of drugs to, or collection of proceeds from, drug customers, drug runners or other drug distributors and suppliers. It is estimated that Drayton distributed between 280 and 840 grams of cocaine base during the course of his participation in the Fidelis Way DTO. Drayton also participated in a number of controlled buys involving cocaine base during the investigation. Additionally, Drayton used violence or threats of violence to maintain control within the DTO, including at times directing such force against the DTO’s drug runners.

Drayton is the sixth defendant to plead guilty in the Fidelis-Way related drug conspiracy. The remaining defendants have pleaded not guilty and are pending trial.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

First Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Douglas Bartlett, Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement. Assistance with the investigation was provided by the Braintree, Cambridge, Canton, Randolph and Weymouth Police Departments; the Suffolk, Norfolk and Bristol County District Attorneys’ Offices; and the Suffolk, Plymouth and Norfolk County Sheriffs’ Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaitlin R. O’Donnell and Timothy E. Moran of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.

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

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

BOSTON – A Middleborough man has been charged in connection with his alleged theft and attempted sale of three firearms from FedEx packages he was responsible for delivering.

Frank P. O’Toole, 39, was charged with one count of possession of a stolen firearm. O’Toole was arrested on Aug. 12, 2022. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Paul G. Levenson, O’Toole was detained pending a detention hearing which is scheduled for Aug. 17, 2022.

According to the charging documents, O’Toole previously worked as a FedEx delivery truck driver out of the FedEx facility. It is alleged that, between October 2021 and June 2022, O’Toole stole three packages he was responsible for delivering, each containing a firearm intended for a Federal Firearms Licensee. On Aug. 9, 2022 and Aug. 12, 2022, O’Toole allegedly sold the three firearms to an undercover agent during two separate controlled purchases.

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

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and Middleborough Police Chief Joseph Perkins made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of 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 Boston man was sentenced today for illegal possession of a semiautomatic pistol and ammunition. 

Shaquille Lee, 29, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 46 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On March 2, 2022, Lee pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

“Prohibited individuals who possess firearms and ammunition pose a great danger to our communities. As a convicted felon, Mr. Lee was strictly forbidden from possessing any firearms, yet was found with a gun and ammunition. Adding insult to injury, he was on state pretrial release for a violent crime and subject to an active arrest warrant for a shooting. This has to stop. People need to be on notice that if you engage in violent serious crimes, particularly those involving guns, you are forfeiting your right to freedom pending your trial,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “My office will continue to work with law enforcement to ensure that violent and dangerous individuals like Mr. Lee do not continue to freely roam our communities without repercussions.”

“ATF remains committed in our efforts to keep firearms out of the hands of convicted felons,” said James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division. “ATF will continue to work with our state, local, and federal law enforcement partners and use all available resources to combat violent gun crimes that occur within our communities.”

In April 2021, Lee was on state pretrial release for assault and battery charges and also subject to an active arrest warrant as a suspect in a February 2021 shooting in Canton. Those cases are currently pending in Malden District Court and Plymouth Superior Court, respectively. On April 23, 2021, law enforcement conducted a search of Lee’s apartment and recovered a Glock, Model 23, .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol, loaded with 13 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition on the nightstand table in his bedroom. Lee was also found in possession of an additional 18 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition in an extended firearm magazine. Lee is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to a 2018 state conviction of distribution, and possession with intent to distribute, a Class B substance.

U.S. Attorney Rollins, ATF SAC Ferguson and Canton Police Chief Kenneth Berkowitz; and Everett Police Chief Steven A. Mazzie made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Dawley, Jr. of Rollins’ Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.

BOSTON – A former Quincy man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in connection with a tax fraud scheme that resulted in a tax loss of approximately $4.4 million and allegedly making false statements about a fatal workplace accident.

Mauricio Baiense, 55, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, seven counts of failure to collect and pay over taxes, one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return, and one count of making false statements. Baiense was released on conditions following an initial appearance before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal on Aug. 8, 2022

According to the indictment, Baiense owned and operated Contract Framing Builders, Inc. (CFB), a Medford-based construction business. Baiense was responsible for filing CFB’s quarterly employment tax returns and collecting and paying over to the IRS payroll taxes withheld from the wages of the company’s employees. It is alleged that, from approximately 2013 through 2017, Baiense facilitated having approximately $11 million worth of checks drawn on CFB’s corporate bank account to purported subcontractors, which were in fact nominee entities allegedly controlled by him. Baiense allegedly then cashed or directed others to cash the checks at a check cashing business and used the money to operate an “off-the-books” cash payroll for CFB’s employees. It is alleged that Baiense did not report the cash wages to the IRS and did not pay employment taxes on wages paid to employees in cash. Baiense also allegedly assisted in the preparation of at least one fraudulent employment tax return that understated the actual wages paid to CFB’s employees.

It is further alleged that Baiense made a false statement to federal investigators when questioned under oath at a U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) hearing regarding a fatal workplace accident.

The charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of failure to collect and pay over taxes each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of making a false statement provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Stuart M. Goldberg, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Tax Division; Galen Blanton, Regional Administrator of the Department of Labor OSHA Region 1; 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 the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General in Boston made the announcement. Assistance in the investigation was also provided by the Department of Homeland Security, OSHA Criminal Investigations Team, Region 1, and the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.  Assistant U.S. Attorney David Tobin of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit and Trial Attorney Thomas F. Koelbl of the Justice Department’s Tax Division are 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 supervisor within a Boston-area drug trafficking organization (DTO) has been sentenced in federal court in Boston.

Arthur Hodges, 36, was sentenced on Aug. 10, 2022 by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 65 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On April 19, 2022, Hodges pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

Hodges was charged with 23 others in June 2020 as part of Operation Snowfall, which ultimately resulted in the charging of two different drug trafficking conspiracies during the overall period of November 2018 through June 2020.

According to the charging documents, beginning in November 2018, law enforcement investigated a DTO for which Hodges was both a supervisor and a drug distributor. The DTO was comprised of Boston-based street gang members and associates in the Commonwealth Development in Brighton, formerly known as Fidelis Way, a multi-apartment public housing development. It is alleged that the DTO assumed control over multiple apartments, where they stored, cooked, packaged and sold drugs – most of which was cocaine or cocaine base, which the DTO supplied to customers, wholesalers and distributors. As a result, the DTO caused a blight of the development and reduced the quality of life of the other residents.  As the investigation continued, law enforcement ultimately identified another DTO operating within the Boston area and targeted its large-scale drug suppliers and their associates.

Hodges oversaw a number of the Fidelis Way-related DTO members who were responsible for the packaging, selling, storing and distribution of drugs to, or collection of proceeds from, drug customers, drug runners or other drug distributors and suppliers. Hodges is estimated to have distributed between 280 and 840 grams of cocaine base during the course of his participation in the Fidelis Way DTO.

Hodges is the first defendant to be sentenced in the Fidelis-Way related drug conspiracy. Six defendants previously pleaded guilty. Two defendants pleaded not guilty and are pending trial.  

First Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Douglas Bartlett, Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long made the announcement. Assistance with the investigation was provided by the Braintree, Cambridge, Canton, Randolph and Weymouth Police Departments; the Suffolk, Norfolk and Bristol County District Attorneys’ Offices; and the Suffolk, Plymouth and Norfolk County Sheriffs’ Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaitlin R. O’Donnell and Timothy E. Moran of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.

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

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 Virginia man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston after admitting to a 2018 murder aboard a scalloping vessel off the coast of Massachusetts.

Franklin Freddy Meave Vazquez, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 235 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. On March 9, 2022, Meave Vazquez pleaded guilty to one count of murder in the second degree, one count of attempted murder and one count of assault with a dangerous weapon. Meave Vazquez, a Mexican national, is in the United States illegally and will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence.

“This was a horrific act of workplace violence. Today’s sentence, although it cannot erase the traumatic and pain caused to the families of the murder victim and the survivors of the brutal attack, I hope it brings some accountability. Mr. Meave Vazquez violently attacked three of his crewmates aboard a scalloping boat, killing one and seriously injuring the others,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Meave Vazquez will now serve nearly 20 years behind bars, unable to endanger or harm any other people. I offer my condolences to the family of the murder victim and to the survivors and their loved ones.”

“Our thoughts are with each of the families, nothing can replace their loved ones”, said Coast Guard Rear Admiral John Mauger, Commander, First Coast Guard District. “Commercial fishing is a foundation of maritime commerce, and we are focused on ensuring the safety of the industry. We sincerely appreciate the teamwork with our federal partners in bringing justice to this case.”

“This murder was senseless and horrific, and so were the other unprovoked, violent assaults Mr. Vazquez committed, turning what should have been a regular day at work into a dreadful nightmare for his victims and their families,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division. “There is no question today’s sentence is just, given the brutality and indifference to human life this man has demonstrated. Removing dangerous criminals from our streets, and our seas, is a top priority of FBI Boston’s Violent Crimes Task Force.”

On Sept. 23, 2018, the scalloping vessel, The Captain Billy Haver, was sailing approximately 50 miles off the coast of Nantucket with seven crew members aboard, including Meave Vazquez and the three victims. While working inside the shucking house  Meave Vazquez used a hammer to strike Victim A in the head and into unconsciousness. He then walked out onto the deck and stabbed Victim B multiple times with a long fishing knife. In response to the commotion, Victim C climbed up from the ice hold, was struck in the head by Meave Vazquez with the hammer and fell back down the ladder, bleeding from his head. Meave Vazquez then closed the cover to the ice hold and covered it with heavy baskets of scallops, preventing Victim C and another crew member from being able to exit the hold.  Meave Vazquez then struggled with the vessel captain, whom he attempted to stab, before climbing to the top of the rigging with the hammer.

Victim A and Victim B were taken by a rescue boat to a nearby ship for medical attention where Victim B was pronounced dead.

Meave Vazquez remained at the top of the rigging until the Coast Guard arrived and was immediately taken into custody. He was transferred into federal custody upon arrival at the Boston port the following day.

U.S. Attorney Rollins, Admiral Mauger, FBI SAC Bonavolonta and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. The investigation was led by the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine Wichers and Laura J. Kaplan of Rollins’ Criminal Division prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A tobacco wholesaler from Connecticut was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield for violating the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (PACT) Act.

Syed I. Bokhari, 57, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to one year of probation. The government recommended a sentence of 18 months in prison. Bokhari pleaded guilty on April 19, 2022. In a related civil forfeiture action, Bokhari agreed to forfeit seized tobacco, currency, and other assets, which resulted in the recovery of $2,197,985 by the government.

Established in 2010, the PACT Act is designed to prevent the evasion of state tobacco taxes on cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. The PACT Act requires, among other things, businesses to file a statement with the state tobacco tax administrator prior to shipping cigarettes or smokeless tobacco into that state.

Bokhari owned and operated a wholesale supply business in Scranton, Pa., that sold smokeless tobacco to customers in Massachusetts. Between 2010 and June 5, 2012, Bokhari’s business shipped smokeless tobacco to customers in Massachusetts without ever filing the required statement with the Massachusetts tobacco tax administrator.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Massachusetts Department of Revenue Commissioner Geoffrey E. Snyder; Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division, Boston Office; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for the Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Morgan of Rollins’ Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case. 

BOSTON – A Pawtucket, R.I. man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to charges related to a violent kidnapping and witness retaliation and intimidation scheme.

Anthony Basilici, 39, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, one count of possession and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice by retaliating against a witness, victim or informant. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Nov. 7, 2022. Basilici was charged along with 12 co-conspirators in a superseding indictment in March 2020.

“The defendant’s conduct is nothing short of horrifying. Mr. Basilici actively and willingly participated in a violent scheme to kidnap, beat and terrorize a victim who he wrongly believed was working with law enforcement. Additionally, he possessed a firearm for the purpose of facilitating the heroin trafficking conspiracy that he was involved in,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “This case is another example of how drug trafficking activities drive violence in our communities. Pursuing drug traffickers and violent criminals is a top priority of my administration. We will find and prosecute those who threaten the health and safety of our communities. They will be removed from the neighborhoods they terrorize and harm.”

“As we all know, drug trafficking in our communities, along with the gun and physical violence that often accompanies it, is a serious threat to our families and communities,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “This is unacceptable and will not be allowed to happen. DEA and its local, state and federal partners are dedicated to bringing to justice those that commit these crimes.”

This case arose from a 2018 investigation into a wide-ranging heroin trafficking conspiracy in the Cape Cod area.

According to court documents, in 2019, law enforcement began investigating a Cape Cod drug trafficking organization (DTO), allegedly led by Edwin Otero. It is alleged that Otero and his co-conspirators distributed large quantities of heroin throughout Cape Cod, including Hyannis, Mashpee, Centerville and Osterville as well as Pawtucket, R.I. Interceptions from Otero’s phone identified Basilici as a key member of the DTO.

On May 8, 2019, Basilici and, allegedly, others were involved in a shooting at a co-conspirator’s residence related to a drug debt allegedly owed Otero. Basilici was intercepted as he discussed hiding in the woods after the shooting, and changing his phone number to avoid arrest. Intercepted communications showed Basilici and, allegedly, others speaking in code about finding and hiding guns used in the shooting.

Additionally, according to court documents, in April 2019, Basilici’s co-conspirators lured a victim from Massachusetts to Rhode Island, where they kidnapped and held him, stripped him naked, assaulted and threatened to rape him, and then took his clothing and cell telephone. The purpose of this kidnapping and assault was to retaliate against the victim because the co-conspirators erroneously believed the victim was cooperating with law enforcement, and the assailants repeatedly yelled at the victim for being a “rat.”  Basilici, for his part, video recorded the assault—which lasted over 18 minutes. Basilici provided this video to Otero, who further intimidated or attempted to intimidate other witnesses after the kidnapping by sharing the video with numerous others.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin provides for a sentence of up to 40 years in prison, a minimum of five years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. The charge of possession and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to commit kidnapping provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to obstruct justice by retaliating against a witness, victim, or informant provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

U.S. Attorney Rollins, DEA SAC Boyle, Barnstable Police Chief Matthew K. Sonnabend and Barnstable County Sheriff James M. Cummings, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl and Lauren Graber of Rollins’ Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. 

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

BOSTON – A Pennsylvania man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with using fraud and bribery to facilitate his child’s acceptance to Georgetown University.

Robert Repella, 63, of Ambler, Penn., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to one year of probation, with the first 25 days spent in home detention, 220 hours of community service and a fine of $220,000. In May 2020, Repella pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud.

Repella agreed to pay Gordon Ernst, the head Georgetown tennis coach at the time, more than $120,000 directly, in exchange for purporting to recruit his daughter to the Georgetown tennis team. Repella was not involved in the college admissions conspiracy led by William “Rick” Singer, which also involved Ernst.

Repella first met with Ernst in August 2017 and agreed to pay Ernst to use one of his six yearly recruitment slots for Repella’s daughter, even though her abilities were not at the level of a typical Georgetown recruit. During an arranged Georgetown campus visit for Repella’s daughter, Repella handed Ernst a check in the amount of $25,000. Repella made a second payment of $25,000 to Ernst slightly more than two weeks later. After Ernst designated Repella’s daughter as one of his tennis recruits, Repella made additional payments to Ernst, or for his benefit, through August 2018, including tuition payments to Ernst’s daughters’ private high school.

Ernst previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 30 months in prison, two years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $3,435,053.

Case information, including the status of each defendant, is available here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/investigations-college-admissions-and-testing-bribery-scheme.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; and Terry Harris, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General Eastern Regional Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen E. Frank, Leslie A. Wright, Kristen A. Kearney and Ian Stearns of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Peabody man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for participating in a conspiracy that distributed fentanyl and drugs laced with fentanyl.

Francisco Tavarez, a/k/a “Jose,” 25, was sentenced by U.S District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 21 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Tavarez previously pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of fentanyl and one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl on March 29, 2022.

“This case is an unfortunate illustration of the deadly effects of opioids and the destruction they cause to people, families, and communities,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Mr. Tavarez was involved in a drug trafficking conspiracy that exploited pain and suffering for profit. The opioid crisis - which flourishes due to actions by individuals like Mr. Tavarez - has taken far too many lives in our Commonwealth. With today’s sentencing, we honor the memory of the young woman whose overdose death in January 2017 sparked the instant investigation.”

“Fentanyl is causing tremendous damage to our community,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division. “Those who distribute this poison are endangering the safety of the citizens of the Massachusetts.  The DEA will continue to work each day alongside our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who are responsible for distributing fentanyl and other deadly drugs. DEA’s top priority is combatting the opioid epidemic.”

In January 2017, a fatal opioid overdose in Melrose prompted an investigation into drug activity on the North Shore of Boston. Tavarez’s co-defendant Yeffry Reynoso was identified as a heroin and fentanyl supplier who ran an active drug business and employed various individuals as runners who delivered the drugs on his behalf. The investigation determined that Reynoso supplied the opioids that led to the fatal overdose in January and that he had previously supplied the victim with heroin and a heroin/fentanyl mixture on a regular basis in 2016. 

 During the subsequent investigation into Reynoso’s drug trafficking activities in the Spring of 2017, a cooperating witness made a controlled purchase of heroin and a heroin/fentanyl mixture from Reynoso. The cooperating witness then introduced Reynoso to an undercover investigator who was posing as a new customer. In March 2017, Tavarez was identified as a runner for Reynoso when he delivered fentanyl to the undercover investigator on Reynoso’s behalf. Tavarez was later observed engaging in multiple suspected drug transactions with individuals believed to be Reynoso’s drug customers. Following a suspected hand-to-hand drug deal in Salem, local law enforcement stopped Tavarez and seized a small quantity of fentanyl, a small quantity of a cocaine/fentanyl mixture, and $2,340 from his car.

In January 2019, Reynoso pleaded guilty and was sentenced in June 2019 to 150 months in prison and four years of supervised release. Reynoso was also ordered to pay restitution of $4,765.

U.S. Attorney Rollins, DEA SAC Boyle, Melrose Police Chief Michael Lyle and Salem Police Chief Lucas J. Miller made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney James E. Arnold of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Maine man has been charged with failing to register as a sex offender after he moved from Haverhill to Fryeburg, Maine.

Frank Boyd, 53, was charged with one count of failure to register as a sex offender. Boyd is currently in state custody awaiting trial on state charges and will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at a later date.

According to the charging documents, Boyd was a Level 3 Sex Offender after being convicted of sex offenses against children in 2001 and 2009. Accordingly, he was required to register as a sex offender and update his registration any time he moved or changed employment. 

In 2020, Boyd registered as a sex offender and listed a Haverhill address as his residence.  It is alleged that on or around March 23, 2021, police determined that Boyd was no longer living at the Haverhill residence he had listed on his registration form and was later found to have moved to Fryeburg, Maine. He did not register as a sex offender in Maine nor update his sex offender registration in Massachusetts at any point prior to his arrest on state charges on July 27, 2022. Boyd has two prior state court convictions in 2008 and 2015 of failure to register as a sex offender.

The charge of failure to register as a sex offender provides for a sentence of up to 10 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.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Douglas Bartlett, Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts made the announcement today. The Haverhill and Fryeburg (Maine) Police Department provided valuable assistance.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum 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 Lynn man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to stealing money from the mail. 

Juan Murillo, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of mail by an employee of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Nov. 9, 2022. Murillo was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 3, 2022.

While serving as a City Carrier for the United States Postal Service, Murillo stole two iPads which had been previously delivered to a Harvard University dorm while on his route delivering other mail. Additionally, on or about Sept. 23, 2021, Murillo stole cash from mail that he was supposed to deliver to postal customers. 

The charge of theft of mail by an employee of the U.S. Postal Service provides for a sentence of up to five 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 Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Office, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Harvard University Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia M. Carris, Deputy Chief of Rollins’ Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit, is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – The former director of a private elementary and high school in West Hollywood, Calif. was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for his participation in the college admissions case.

Igor Dvorskiy, 56, of Sherman Oaks, Calif., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to one year of supervised release, which includes three months of home detention, and forfeiture of $149,540. In November 2019, Dvorskiy pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit racketeering.

Dvorskiy administered the SAT and ACT exams at the private school in Los Angeles where he was a director. In exchange for bribe payments directed to his school by co-conspirator William “Rick” Singer – typically $10,000 per student – and in violation of his duty of honest services to the ACT and the College Board, Dvorskiy allowed another co-conspirator, principally Mark Riddell, to purport to proctor the ACT and SAT exams for the children of Singer’s clients and to correct their answers after the exams. Dvorskiy then returned the falsified exams to the ACT and College Board for scoring. Dvorskiy cooperated with the government’s investigation.

On April 8, 2022, Riddell was sentenced to four months in prison and two years of supervised release. Riddell was also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and to forfeit $239,449. Singer previously pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.

Case information, including the status of each defendant, is available here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/investigations-college-admissions-and-testing-bribery-scheme.          

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; and Terry Harris, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General Eastern Regional Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen E. Frank, Leslie A. Wright, Kristen A. Kearney and Ian J. Stearns of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.