District of Massachusetts

BOSTON – The former Chief Financial Officer of Alden Shoe Co. was charged today and has agreed to plead guilty in connection with embezzling approximately $30 million from the company as part of a long-running scheme. 

Richard Hajjar, 64, of Duxbury, has agreed to plead guilty to wire fraud, unlawful monetary transactions and filing a false tax return. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the court.

According to the charging document, from at least 2011 through October 2019, when he was terminated by Alden Shoe Co., Hajjar embezzled money by writing checks to himself from company bank accounts and transferring funds from company accounts to his personal accounts and to another individual. In total, Hajjar embezzled approximately $30 million which he used to enrich himself and to buy gifts and luxury travel for others close to him, including private flights to the Caribbean and diamond jewelry.

In addition, between approximately 2014 and 2019, Hajjar failed to report the proceeds of his embezzlement as income on his tax returns, thereby failing to pay approximately $5,112,822 in taxes to the Internal Revenue Service.

The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain/loss, whichever is greater. The charge of unlawful monetary transaction provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000, or twice the value of the criminally derived property. The charge of filing a false tax return provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mackenzie A. Queenin of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit and Carol E. Head of Mendell’s Asset Forfeiture Unit are prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Springfield man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Springfield to racketeering offenses relating to the promotion of commercial sex. 

Kevin Smoot, 59, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to use a facility of interstate commerce to promote prostitution offenses and seven counts of use of a facility of interstate commerce to promote prostitution offenses. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Aug. 19, 2021. On June 26, 2020, Smoot was arrested and charged by complaint. He was indicted in July 2020.

Between February 2019 and June 2020, Smoot conspired with others to promote commercial sex involving several women. Smoot promoted prostitution by transporting women to and from commercial sex appointments, recruiting and encouraging women to engage in commercial sex acts for money, and helping to procure illegal drugs for use by drug-addicted women engaged in commercial sex. Smoot promoted prostitution by providing a residential location for commercial sex acts between female victims of sex trafficking and male customers, taking actions to collect money from male customers, and benefiting from the proceeds of commercial sex acts performed by female victims of sex trafficking.

The charging statutes provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Hampden County Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case. 

BOSTON – A Pennsylvania man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to obstructing an investigation into his efforts to acquire the deadly toxin, ricin.

Dr. Ishtiaq Ali Saaem, 37, of Allentown, Penn., pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice. U.S District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Aug. 18, 2021.  

According to court records, Saaem held a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, resided in Massachusetts and worked as the director of advanced research at a biotechnology firm based in Massachusetts. Saaem became interested in acquiring ricin from castor beans as well as convallatoxin, a poison found in lily of the valley plants, after watching “Breaking Bad,” a popular television show. Saaem ordered online 100 packets of castor beans, each containing eight seeds. Saaem falsely told law enforcement agents that he purchased castor beans for planting at his apartment for decoration and that he had accidentally purchased 100 packets instead of one. After he spoke to agents, Saaem researched tasteless poisons that could be made at home.

During subsequent meetings with law enforcement personnel, Saeem stated that his interest in buying castor beans related to an interest in gardening. He also made misleading statements about his knowledge of ricin.

The charge of obstruction of justice provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Northborough man was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for assisting in fraud schemes targeting elderly victims and agreeing to launder the proceeds of such schemes and other criminal activity, which totaled more than $600,000.

Austin Nedved, 29, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 97 months and 17 days in prison (12 months of which is to run consecutively to a sentence Nedved is serving for a separate fraud conviction in the Eastern District of Kentucky), three years of supervised release and restitution of $569,750. In December 2020, Nedved pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting wire fraud and one count of money laundering conspiracy.

Nedved ran a business in which he bought and sold digital currencies, including Bitcoin, for cash. Nedved advertised his services under the screen name “USMC1991” over LocalBitcoins.com and Paxful.com, two online businesses that matched Bitcoin buyers and sellers and facilitated their transactions.

From at least 2017 through 2019, Nedved aided and abetted romance and lottery schemes targeting elderly victims. In romance schemes, fraudsters convince victims to send money abroad to purported love interests, while in lottery schemes fraudsters convince victims that they can obtain lottery winnings or sizeable government grants by forwarding cash for administrative fees or expenses. Despite knowing or being willfully blind to the fact that his customers were fraud victims, Nedved sold Bitcoin to them so that they could send money overseas to the fraudsters.

For instance, in late 2017, an individual posing as “Jonathan G.” over social media led a 78-year old victim to believe that he was a Weston, Mass. businessman who owned an oil company. Without ever meeting “Jonathan G.” in person, the victim fell in love and agreed to marry him. “Jonathan G.” then falsely told the victim that his oil company had experienced an accident abroad in which people had died, and that he needed money to settle financial obligations arising from the accident with a foreign government. “Jonathan G.” claimed that until he did so, he would not be able to return to the United States to marry the victim. “Jonathan G.” told the victim to pay him via Bitcoin. The victim, who had never before purchased digital currency, agreed to send him money and contacted Nedved by phone and text message in Massachusetts to arrange a cash-for-Bitcoin transaction.

On June 25, 2018, in a parking lot in Kittery, Maine, the victim gave Nedved a cashier’s check to purchase approximately $100,000 in bitcoin. Nedved then released approximately $100,000 in Bitcoin, less his commission, to a Bitcoin wallet controlled by “Jonathan G.” When Nedved accepted $100,000 from the victim, Nedved knew or was willfully blind to the fact that the payor was the victim of a scam. On June 29, 2018, in Leominster, Nedved and a co-conspirator took another $40,000 from the victim for the same purpose. 

In total, Nedved and his co-conspirators converted more than $630,000 of fraud and other criminal proceeds to Bitcoin. They then either returned the Bitcoin to the victims of the fraud or forwarded it to unidentified third parties. 

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations; and Joshua McCallister, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth B. Kosto, Deputy Chief of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit, prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A former Lunenburg woman pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Worcester to stealing Social Security benefits.   

Sue E. Delaney, 68, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and one count of theft of public funds. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for Aug. 10, 2021.

In 1999, Delaney’s mother-in-law, who was receiving monthly benefits from Social Security, passed away. Delaney failed to inform the Social Security Administration (SSA) of the death, and SSA continued to deposit monthly benefits into a bank account held by Delaney’s mother-in-law. From November 1999 through March 2017, Delaney stole approximately $221,656 in Social Security benefits from her late mother-in-law’s account.

The charge of conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.  The charge of theft of public funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Tonya Perkins, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

Charles Eugene Schnitzlein III, 34, was charged by criminal complaint with traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a person under 18 years of age.

According to the charging documents, Schnitzlein used a messaging application to communicate with an undercover officer posing as a 13-year-old girl and devised a plan to meet the purported child to have sex. On April 9, 2021, Schnitzlein allegedly 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 allegedly stopped to purchase condoms, flowers, soda and candy for encounter. Officers arrested Schnitzlein when he arrived.

As described in court documents, Schnitzlein admitted during an interview with law enforcement that he had traveled from Fall River to meet the purported 13-year-old girl. He further admitted that he had booked a hotel room in Nashua, N.H. to have sex with the 13-year-old girl. 

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, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Nashua Police Commissioner James Tollner made the announcement. Assistance was provided by Massachusetts State Police and the Arlington, Revere and Boston Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Mackenzie Duane of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

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

BOSTON – Two Stoneham residents were arrested today in connection with their alleged involvement in a scheme to fraudulently obtain COVID-19-related unemployment assistance.

Daniel Maleus, 33, and Lilly Nguyen, 24, were charged in a criminal complaint with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Nguyen was also charged with bank fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud and lying to a federal agent. Maleus and Nguyen were released on conditions after an initial appearance in federal court in Boston this afternoon.

According to the charging documents, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) created a temporary federal unemployment insurance program called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). PUA, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance, provides unemployment insurance benefits for individuals who are not eligible for other types of unemployment benefits (e.g., the self-employed, independent contractors, or gig economy workers).

As alleged in the complaint, Maleus and Nguyen conspired to file fraudulent claims for PUA using others’ personally identifiable information. The investigation connected Maleus and Nguyen to more than $400,000 in unemployment claims between April 2020 and March 2021. Nguyen also allegedly lied to a federal agent when questioned about pandemic-related deposits into her bank accounts in others’ names.

The charges of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. The charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $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 sentenced imposed, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of lying to a federal agent provides for a sentence of up to five 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 other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolanta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Michael Mikulka, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations made the announcement. Special assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Markham of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A Romanian national was extradited from Germany to the District of Massachusetts to face racketeering conspiracy charges relating to an ATM skimming operation throughout Massachusetts and other states including Connecticut, New York and South Carolina. 

Dragush Nelo Hornea, 26, was charged in a May 2017 indictment on one count of conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity (more commonly known as RICO conspiracy) and one count of conspiracy to use counterfeit access devices. Dragush Hornea was detained in federal custody following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston this afternoon.

According to the charging documents, Dragush Hornea was a member of the Hornea Crew (Crew), led by co-conspirators Constantin Denis Hornea and Ludemis Hornea, and engaged in ATM skimming – obtaining debit card numbers and PINs from unsuspecting bank customers, creating counterfeit cards, and making unauthorized withdrawals from the victims’ bank accounts. In total, the skimming activities resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses.

Specifically, it is alleged that over a period of 18 months, Dragush Hornea and his co-conspirators engaged in a scheme to steal debit card numbers and PINs from unsuspecting ATM customers in Massachusetts, Connecticut, South Carolina, Georgia and other locations within the United States. In particular, members of the Crew installed skimming devices in the following locations: Amherst, Bellingham, Billerica, Braintree, Chicopee, Quincy, Southwick, Waltham, Weymouth, and Whately, Mass.; Enfield, Conn.; Columbia, Greenville, Greenwood, Mauldin, and Saluda, S.C.; Savannah, Ga.; and Yadkinville, N.C. The stolen information was then used by Hornea and other coconspirators to clone the victim customers’ debit cards and make unauthorized withdrawals from those victim customers’ bank accounts at ATMs throughout the United States.

Dragush Hornea was charged with 13 co-defendants in a May 2017 indictment. Thus far, all co-defendants have been convicted and those sentenced have received sentences ranging from one year and one day to 65 months in prison.

The charge of conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and fine of $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to use counterfeit access devices provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; John Gibbon, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Assistance with the investigation was also provided by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; U.S. Secret Service; U.S. Postal Service; Massachusetts Department of Correction; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the Amherst, Billerica, Braintree, Boston, Quincy, Southwick, Waltham, Whately, and Westwood Police Departments; Connecticut State Police; Greenwich Police Department; the New York City Police Department; Houston Police Department; South Carolina Law Enforcement Division; Richland County (South Carolina) Sheriff’s Department; Florence and Saluda (South Carolina) Police Departments; and the Solicitor’s Offices of Greenville and Saluda Counties. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy E. Moran of Mendell’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A Rhode Island man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for five bank robberies, including one that resulted in a high-speed chase.

Dong Lee, 50, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 110 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In October 2020, Lee pleaded guilty to five counts of bank robbery. Lee was charged with co-defendant Charles Lamont Wheeler who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 84 months in prison.

Between Sept. 8, 2018 and Sept. 14, 2018, five banks in the Greater Boston area were robbed. Based on the similarity of the robberies, and the descriptions of the robbers provided by bank tellers, it was determined that the same two individuals were responsible for these robberies. On Sept. 14, 2018, Lee and Wheeler robbed a branch of the Abington Bank in Avon.  Later in the day, the defendants robbed a branch of the Crescent Credit Union in Brockton and were both arrested following a high-speed car chase in Attleboro.

Following an investigation, it was determined that Lee and Wheeler were responsible for the robberies of the Santander Bank in Andover on Sept. 8, 2018; Berkshire Bank in Boston on Sept. 8, 2018; Rockland Trust in Braintree on Sept. 12, 2018; Abington Savings Bank in Avon on Sept. 14, 2018; and Crescent Credit Union in Brockton on Sept.14, 2018.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police Department; Avon Police Chief Jeffrey J. Bukunt; Brockton Police Chief Emmanuel Gomes; Attleboro Police Chief Kyle P. Heagney; and North Attleboro Police Chief John J. Reilly made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – The owner of a local landscaping company pleaded guilty today to tax evasion in connection with a scheme to underreport income on his business and personal tax returns. 

Kevin Newman, 70, of Auburndale, the owner of Kevin Newman Landscape and Tree Inc., pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Aug. 4, 2021.

For tax years 2015 through 2019, Newman underreported income and inflated expenses on his personal tax returns, and those his company filed, resulting in a tax loss of more than $384,000.

The charge of tax evasion provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Holyoke man believed to be associated with the CJNG (“Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion”) drug cartel was arrested yesterday on charges of trafficking in fentanyl.

Josue Rivera Rodriguez, a/k/a “Bori,” 44, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; two counts of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl; and one count of distribution of 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

According to court records, agents recorded a meeting where Rodriguez delivered $35,000 to a cooperating witness using a code designed to ensure that the money was delivered to the CJNG cartel. Thereafter, on three occasions in 2020 and 2021, Rodriquez was recorded distributing over 750 grams of fentanyl to the cooperating witness.

At the time of his arrest on April 8, 2021, approximately 300 grams of suspected fentanyl; an AR-15 assault rifle; five semi-automatic pistols, including handguns capable of carrying large-caliber ammunition and fitted with a laser sight; a bullet-proof vest; a police hat with insignia; packaging materials; cellphones; a money counter; and $1,900 cash was seized from his residence.

The charges of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and distribution of 400 grams or more of fentanyl provide for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Holyoke Police Chief Manny Febbo made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Pohl of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

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

BOSTON – A former nurse was sentenced in federal court in Boston today for diverting liquid morphine intended for hospice patients at a Lowell nursing home.

Michael Langlois, 50, of Dracut, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf to 42 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In May 2019, Langlois pleaded guilty to one count of tampering with a consumer product and one count of acquiring a controlled substance by deception and subterfuge.

“The idea of taking desperately needed medication from a patient facing the last days and hours of life is horrifying and obviously violates legal and ethical duties,” said Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell. “The defendant abandoned his profession and abused his position of trust to exploit patients in their final moments.  The public can trust that my office will prosecute people who do this.”

“Health care professionals who steal needed medications from patients put patients at increased risk of harm and disrupt the legal drug supply chain,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey J. Ebersole, FDA 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.”

“As a registered nurse, Langlois was entrusted with the care of sick and fragile patients. He brazenly and dangerously violated that trust at the expense of his patients by stealing morphine intended to comfort them during their most vulnerable moments,” said Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Today’s sentencing should serve as a strong reminder that we will spare no resources to bring to justice those who put patients in danger by tampering with drugs.”  

On Nov. 16, 2016, Langlois, then a registered nurse, tampered with bottles of liquid morphine that doctors had prescribed for two elderly hospice patients under his care at a Lowell nursing home. In each instance, Langlois took the liquid morphine, a schedule II narcotic used to treat pain, for his own use and then replaced it with saline or Benadryl in an attempt to cover up his crime. As a result of his conduct, the patients in Langlois’s care received a less potent dose of the painkiller than they had been prescribed. 

On or about April 3, 2017, Mr. Langlois diverted for his own use liquid morphine from a bottle prescribed to an elderly hospice patient under his care at a Melrose nursing home. To conceal his wrongful conduct, Mr. Langlois falsely represented in the medical file of one of his patients, and in the nursing home’s Medication Administration Record, that the liquid morphine for that patient was pure, when that was not in fact the case.

Acting U.S. Attorney Mendell, FDA-OIC SAC Ebersole, HHS-OIG SAC Coyne and Monica Bharel, M.D., M.P.H., Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Callahan of Mendell’s Healthcare Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Tewksbury real estate developer was charged yesterday with defrauding the government of more than $480,000 by engaging in a multi-year tax evasion scheme.    

Arnold Martel, 61, was charged and has agreed to plead guilty to one count of tax evasion. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled.

According to the charging documents, for tax years 2014 through 2017, Martel personally received more than $1.2 million in payments for upgrades to condominiums his company sold.  Martel deposited the payments into his personal accounts or cashed them, but did not report this income on this tax returns.   

The charge of tax evasion provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Martel is also required to pay restitution to the IRS. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Methuen man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for distributing fentanyl.

Alexsander Padro, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to eight years in prison and four years of supervised release. In September 2020, Padro pleaded guilty to distributing more than 40 grams of fentanyl.

Padro sold more than 40 grams of fentanyl to a cooperating source at a restaurant in Methuen on July 10, 2019. Padro also sold more than 40 grams of fentanyl to an undercover officer in March 2019 and $1,000 worth of fentanyl to an undercover officer in April 2019.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell 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 Bill Abely, Chief of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit, prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A former member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) was sentenced yesterday on racketeering charges.

Raekwon Paris, a/k/a “King Debo,” 25, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to 22 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In December 2020, Paris pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy.

Paris admitted to his role in a February 2019 shooting of rival gang members and his participation in the Latin Kings drug distribution conspiracy based in the City of New Bedford. In New Bedford, the Latin Kings ran a vast cocaine base distribution network that used multi-unit apartment buildings known as “trap houses” to distribute narcotics. Members of the Latin Kings dealt drugs in the trap houses, obtaining their supply of cocaine base from co-defendant, and leader of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings, Jorge Rodriguez, a/k/a “King G.” Evidence developed during the course of the investigation included multiple recordings of Latin Kings members cooking cocaine base, directing violence against rival gang members, meting out discipline, and handling firearms used to protect the Latin Kings’ drug distribution network.

In February 2019, Paris fired multiple gunshots at rival gang members who were observed leaving a Latin Kings trap house. Shortly after the shooting, Paris was captured on a recording made by a cooperating witness admitting to shooting at the rival gang members and firing eight shots but not striking anyone.

In November 2020, Rodriguez was sentenced to 18 years in prison after pleading guilty to RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base.

The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.

In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Rivera is the 23rd defendant sentenced in the case.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren Graber of Mendell’s Criminal Division prosecuted 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.

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

BOSTON – A former Inca, of leader, of the Lowell Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) pleaded guilty today to racketeering charges.

Alfred Nieves, a/k/a “King Alfy,” 33, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conducting enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for July 21, 2021.

The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.

As stated during the plea hearing, Nieves served as the Inca, or leader, of the Lowell Chapter of the Latin Kings. During the course of the conspiracy in June 2019, Nieves requested permission from the state and regional leadership of the gang to assault a relative of a Latin Kings member. Separately, in 2017, Nieves admitted to sending a coded message to a Latin King member in the Massachusetts prison system directing violence to be taken against a certain individual who was also incarcerated. The coded message was intercepted and deciphered by investigators.

In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Nieves is the 44th defendant to plead guilty in the case.

The RICO conspiracy charge provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren Graber of Mendell’s 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.

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

BOSTON – The owner of several Boston-based investment companies pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to operating a Ponzi-like fraud scheme.

Tanmaya Kabra, 27, pleaded guilty to four counts of wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Aug. 30, 2021. 

Kabra conducted business through a company called LaunchByte.io LLC and several affiliated entities. He held himself out to investors as a successful serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist and angel investor in start-up companies. Offering lucrative and low or no-risk returns on investments, Kabra lured investors with representations that their funds would be used to foster the growth and development of start-up companies, in order to prepare those companies for sale or for other legitimate business opportunities. In reality, Kabra used the money that he received from investors to pay off existing debts to prior investors in his scheme and to fund his lavish personal expenses, including using more than $200,000 of fraudulently obtained funds to purchase a power boat.

As part of his plea agreement, Mr. Kabra admitted to victimizing more than 10 individuals who suffered more than $1.5 million in losses as a result of the scheme.  

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, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. The Securities & Exchange Commission provided valuable assistance in this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Looney and James B. Herbert of Mendell’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Minnesota man was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury in Boston in connection with sending threatening emails to a Boston-area college student.

Eric Bolduan, 46, of Rochester, Minn., was indicted on one count of transmitting in interstate commerce a threat to injure another person. Bolduan is currently incarcerated at FCI Englewood and will make an initial appearance in Boston at a later date.

As alleged in the indictment, Bolduan downloaded images of a female student attending Boston College from her social media pages and from other publicly available sites. Bolduan then located a pornographic image of a different female with a similar appearance and posted the images of the victim alongside the pornographic image to various pornographic websites in order to make it appear that the victim was involved in pornography. Thereafter, Bolduan allegedly sent threatening and harassing emails to the victim. For example, on May 5, 2016, Bolduan sent an email to the victim that included the following language:

I noticed the attached photo of you online and wanted to follow up with you. I’m going to find you this summer.  Once I’ve got you I will have my way with your body for several days, until I finally tire of you.  You will experience things that will give you nightmares for the rest of your life.  I want to look into your eyes as you experience pain at levels you never imagined were possible.  By the time I’m done with you your body will be shattered and broken.  I promise that you’ll never be the same again.

To avoid detection, Bolduan allegedly sent the threatening emails to the victim using an email account that was not in his true name.

Members of the public who have victim assistance questions or information regarding this case should email USAMA.victimassistance@usdoj.gov.

The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Mendell’s 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 Malden man and woman have been arrested and charged in connection with a drug and firearms conspiracy that included multiple shootings in Chelsea, Somerville and Cambridge.

Jaiir Coleman, a/k/a “JC,” a/k/a “Chino,” 22, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance; one count of conspiring to possess, use and carry firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy; one count of possessing a machine gun; and one count of possessing a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy. Coleman is currently in state custody and will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at a later date.

Christina Bernbaum, a/k/a “Tina,” 23, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and one count of conspiring to possess, use and carry firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy. Bernbaum was arrested today and will make an initial appearance in federal court this afternoon.

As alleged in the charging documents, Coleman and Bernbaum participated in a long-running conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess controlled substances, including in large quantities locally in the Bangor, Maine area. It is alleged that Bernbaum’s participation included conspiring to distribute controlled substances on Coleman’s behalf during his incarceration. The charging documents describe numerous recorded conversations in which the sale and distribution of controlled substances was discussed, including explicit instructions by Coleman about the manner in which to adulterate fentanyl and the prices to charge. The charging documents further describe numerous videos and images that allegedly depict Coleman and Bernbaum brandishing and holding firearms, including a suspected machine gun.

During the course of the conspiracy, Coleman allegedly committed five shootings. Four shootings took place on Nov. 11, 2019, in Chelsea and Somerville, during which homes and vehicles were allegedly riddled with gunfire. A fifth shooting took place in Cambridge in July 2020, during which it is alleged that Coleman used a machine gun to shoot into a crowd.

On Jan. 6, 2021, Coleman was arrested for operating with a suspended license, during which time a machine gun was recovered from the vehicle. Coleman is currently in state custody. It is alleged that a music video publicly posted online earlier that week depicts Coleman brandishing what appears to be the same machine gun recovered from the vehicle on Jan. 6, 2021.

The charge of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of conspiring to possess, use and carry firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to life in prison because a machine gun was involved in the offense, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possessing a machine gun provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possessing a machine gun during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years and up to life to be served consecutively to the penalty for the underlying drug trafficking crime, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Roy E. McKinney, Director of the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; Somerville Acting Police Chief Charles Femino; Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes; Lynn Police Chief Michael A. Mageary; Cambridge Police Commissioner Branville G. Bard, Jr.; Salem Acting Police Chief  Dennis King; Everett Police Chief Steven A. Mazzie; Malden Police Chief Kevin Molis; and Revere Police Chief David J. Callahan made the announcement today made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine, Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, Essex County Sheriff’s Department and the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Sarah Hoefle of Mendell’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.

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

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

BOSTON – A Lynn man was sentenced in federal court in Boston yesterday for robbing multiple convenience stores in Lynn. 

Paul Pacheco, 47, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 27 months in prison, two years supervised release and ordered to pay $380 in restitution. Pacheco pleaded guilty to one count of robbery in November 2020.

Between September 2019 and January 2020, Pacheco committed five robberies at two convenience stores in Lynn. During each robbery, Pacheco displayed what appeared to be a firearm and demanded money. When Pacheco was arrested committing the fifth robbery on Jan. 16, 2020, law enforcement recovered the firearm Pacheco displayed, later determined to be an air pistol, and marked money stolen from the convenient store. 

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Lynn Police Chief Michael Mageary made the announcement. Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A former track and field coach at various universities was arrested and charged today in connection with a scheme to trick female student-athletes, through sham social media accounts, into sending him nude or semi-nude photos. The defendant also allegedly cyberstalked at least one female student-athlete.

Steve Waithe, 28, of Chicago, Ill., was charged by criminal complaint with one count of cyberstalking and one count of wire fraud. Waithe was arrested today in Chicago and will make an initial appearance in federal court in the Northern District of Illinois this afternoon. He will appear in Boston at a later date.

According to charging documents, Waithe was employed as a track and field coach at Northeastern University in Boston from October 2018 to February 2019. It is alleged that during that time, Waithe frequently requested to use female athletes’ cellphones under the pretense of filming their form at practice and at meets. At times, he was observed “scrolling through” the phones.

Beginning in at least February 2020, Waithe allegedly perpetrated a scheme to dupe female Northeastern University track and field athletes into sending him nude or semi-nude photos of themselves. Specifically, Waithe contacted the alleged victims through social media accounts, stated that he had found compromising photos of them online and offered to “help” get the photos removed from the internet. Under this pretense, it is alleged that Waithe requested additional nude or semi-nude photos that he could purportedly use for “reverse image searches.” He used various pseudonyms on social media including variations of the phrase “Privacy Protector,” “Katie Janovich,” and “Anon” followed by various numbers.  

As detailed in court documents, from at least June 21, 2020 to Oct. 3, 2020, Waithe cyberstalked at least one female Northeastern student-athlete through messages sent via social media, an anonymized phone number and intrusion into her Snapchat account. The investigation revealed that internet search and browsing history tied to Waithe allegedly included searches for information on how to hack Snapchat accounts and visits to webpages with titles like, “Can anyone trace my fake Instagram account back to me?”

Under the purported premise of an “athlete research” or “body development” study, it is alleged that Waithe emailed prospective victims using the personas of “Katie Janovich” and/or “Kathryn Svoboda.” The emails described a phony study for athletes and requested information relating to height, weight and diet habits. The emails also included a request for the victims to send photos of themselves in a “uniform or bathing suit to show as much skin as possible” and suggested that the photos would not be shared or saved. The emails often included attachments of sample nude and semi-nude images of “Katie” to illustrate the types of photos that victims should send. According to court documents, investigators have identified more than 10 victims of the “body development study” scheme and over 300 related nude and semi-nude images of victims of the scheme in Waithe’s email accounts.

According to charging documents, Waithe previously worked as a track and field coach at several academic institutions, including Penn State University, Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Tennessee and Concordia University Chicago.

If you believe that you may be a victim of the allegations in this case, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/victim-and-witness-assistance-program/us-v-steven-waithe

The charge of cyberstalking 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 wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. The Northeastern University Police Department provided substantial assistance with the investigation; the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the Chicago Police Department also provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Deitch of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A Dominican national who previously resided in Lawrence was sentenced today in connection with drug trafficking activities involving fentanyl.

Robinson Guzman, 40, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf to 54 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Guzman will face deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence.

In July 2020, Guzman pleaded guilty to three counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

Between November 2018 and March 2019, prior to his arrest, Guzman engaged in 10 separate drug sales of fentanyl powder and pills to an undercover law enforcement agent.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Methuen, Lawrence and Melrose Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Dominican national previously residing in Lawrence pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to fentanyl conspiracy charges.

Enmanuel Brioso Fabal, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more fentanyl, one count of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of distribution of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Aug. 4, 2021. Brioso Fabal and two co-defendants were charged by criminal complaint and arrested in November 2019. They were subsequently indicted in January 2020, along with a fourth co-defendant.

According to court documents, investigators conducted two controlled purchases of fentanyl from Brioso Fabal, who was working with a co-defendant: approximately 500 fentanyl pills on Aug. 5, 2019, and approximately 56 grams of suspected fentanyl powder on Sept. 26, 2019. On Nov. 2, 2019, a search was executed at a stash house in Lawrence associated with the drug organization where various drug distribution paraphernalia, including a mixing bowl containing suspected fentanyl, sifters and blenders were recovered.

The charges of distribution and conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of $5 million.  The charge of distribution of fentanyl provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell 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 Graber of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A Dominican national was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Boston in connection with trafficking fentanyl.

Eric Encarnacion Medina, 33, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Medina was previously charged by criminal complaint and has been in federal custody since his arrest on Feb. 12, 2021.

According to court documents, a drug supplier based in the Dominican Republic arranged to sell one kilogram of fentanyl to a cooperating witness in Massachusetts. The supplier arranged to have Encarnacion Medina transport the drugs from New York to Massachusetts. On Jan. 28, 2021, Encarnacion Medina allegedly drove to Massachusetts and sold the drugs to the cooperating witness in a parking lot in Watertown.

The charges of conspiracy and distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

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

BOSTON – A Springfield man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield in connection with on an extension of credit by extortionate means.

Anthony J. Scibelli, 52, pleaded guilty to one count of collecting on an extension of credit by extortionate means. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Sept. 3, 2021. Scibelli was indicted in July 2019.

In 2017, Scibelli provided a $5,000 loan to the victim, who made monthly payments of $1,300 until June 2019. Beginning in May 2019, Scibelli used threats as he attempted to collect on that line of credit. Specifically, on June 19, 2019, Scibelli threatened and beat the victim’s head and body for failing to make the monthly $1,300 payment. During the beating, the defendant threatened that the victim must have all the money “on the first,” referring to the 1st of the month.

The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Desroches of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorney Marianne Shelvey of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section are prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A registered nurse was arrested yesterday in connection with tampering with morphine prescribed to a nursing home resident in her care.  

Gwen Rider, 41, of Northborough, was indicted on one count of tampering with a consumer product and one count of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and deception. Rider was released on conditions after making an initial appearance in federal court in Worcester yesterday afternoon.

According to the indictment, Rider was a registered nurse employed by a Worcester county nursing home. From approximately 11:00 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2020 until 7:00 a.m. the following morning, Rider was on duty in a unit specializing in care for residents suffering from dementia. During her shift and while entrusted with the care of a resident suffering from dementia, Rider allegedly tampered with a bottle of morphine sulfate prescribed to the patient by removing some of the morphine and tampering with the remaining supply. Morphine sulfate is a Schedule II controlled substance under federal law.

The charge of tampering with a consumer product provides for a sentence up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and deception provides for a sentence of up to four years in prison, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Jeffrey Ebersole, Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations; Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; and Monica Bharel MD, MPH, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the Northborough Police Department. 

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 former East Coast leader of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) pleaded guilty today to racketeering and drug charges.

Michael Cecchetelli, a/k/a “King Merlin, 41, of Springfield, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for July 8, 2021.

The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.

As stated during the plea hearing, Cecchetelli led the Latin Kings’ criminal activity in the Eastern Region and held the title of Supreme Regional Overseer for the East Coast. Cecchetelli is the conduit between each of the Eastern Region states and the Latin Kings national leadership in Chicago. In this position, thousands of Latin Kings members fell under his authority. Cecchetelli developed a leadership approach to the gang which became a model for other Latin Kings regions across the country. Cecchetelli also organized conspiracies to murder two members of the Latin Kings who accused him of cooperating with law enforcement. 

In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Cecchetelli is the 43rd defendant to plead guilty in the case.

The RICO conspiracy charge provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren A. Graber of Mendell’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

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

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

BOSTON – A Dominican national previously residing in Malden was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for passport fraud.

Jairo Antonio Feliz, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to six months in prison and three years of supervised release. Feliz will face deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. In December 2020, Feliz pleaded guilty to two counts of making a false statement in a passport application.

In November 2011, Feliz applied for a U.S. passport at a post office in Lynn using the name and Social Security number of a U.S. citizen. In October 2012, Feliz again applied for a U.S. passport at a post office in Lynn using the name and Social Security number of a different U.S. citizen.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Jonathan Davidson, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely, Chief of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Dell’Anno prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Salvadoran national pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester to distributing fentanyl.

Nelson Garcia Martinez, a Salvadoran national previously residing in Stockton, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of 400 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for July 22, 2021. Garcia Martinez was charged and arrested in November 2018.

Garcia Martinez was arrested on Nov. 13, 2018, after federal agents conducting surveillance at a rest stop in Sturbridge observed Garcia Martinez meet with two unidentified individuals outside of Garcia Martinez’s tractor trailer. When the two unidentified individuals left the area, law enforcement attempted to stop their vehicle, but they fled. When they did finally pull to the side of the road, the passenger exited the car and discarded a vacuum sealed garment bag and then fled into the surrounding woods, while the driver of the car fled the scene at high speed. The garment bag burst open on the ground, and agents recovered 15 kilograms of a substance that tested positive for fentanyl. Garcia Martinez consented to a search of his tractor trailer, where vacuum sealed bags matching the one discarded on the side of the road were recovered.

Law enforcement were led to Garcia Martinez after discovering a phone number, later determined to be associated with the defendant, that was believed to be used by a drug transporter related to an October 2018 seizure of 32 kilos of fentanyl in Methuen.

The charge of distribution of 400 grams or more of fentanyl carries 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 other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Somerville, Medford, Boston, Ipswich, and Arlington Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nadine Pellegrini and Katherine Ferguson of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Fitchburg woman was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for fraudulently receiving Social Security disability benefits, MassHealth and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.   

Rhonda Bernal, 62, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to one month of home confinement and two years of probation. Bernal also was ordered to make restitution to the Social Security Administration, MassHealth, and the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. In December 2020, Bernal pleaded to three counts of theft of public funds and two counts of making false statements.

Over a period of approximately eight years, Bernal stole $71,462 in Social Security benefits, $6,444 in MassHealth benefits and $13,505 in SNAP benefits (previously known as Food Stamps). In February 2015, Bernal falsely informed the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance that she was the only person in her household when, in fact, she was living with her husband. In addition, Bernal falsely told Social Security in April 2016 that she and a relative, who was not her husband, were the only members of her household.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Tonya Perkins, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s Boston Regional Office; and Suzanne M. Bump, State Auditor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Cambridge woman was arrested today and charged with stealing Social Security benefits and committing wire fraud to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”) benefits, formerly known as Food Stamps.   

Shirley Buchanan, 66, was indicted on one count of theft of public funds and three counts of wire fraud. She is scheduled to make an initial appearance today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Jennifer Boal this afternoon. 

According to the indictment, Buchanan maintained and used two Social Security numbers under two different names, both of which she applied for and received Social Security benefits under. Buchanan also allegedly applied for and received SNAP benefits she was not entitled to using the two names and numbers. As a result, Buchanan stole approximately $184,410 in Social Security benefits from March 1993 through November 2018, as well as approximately $12,916.89 in SNAP benefits from February 2012 through April 2020.

The charge of theft of public funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. 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, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Tonya Perkins, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; and Suzanne M. Bump, State Auditor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Springfield man was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield for possessing three stolen firearms, including a rifle and two revolvers.  

Luis Velez, 42, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release. On Jan. 12, 2021, Velez pleaded guilty to one count of possession of stolen firearms.

On July 5, 2019, Velez was in possession of three stolen firearms: a Savage Arms, Model 25 Walking Varminter, .22 caliber rifle, a Hermann Weihrauch, Model ARM 44, .44 caliber revolver and a Smith & Wesson, Model 625, .45 caliber revolver, knowing or having cause to believe these firearms were stolen.  

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Catherine G. Curley and Neil L. Desroches of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case. 

This prosecution 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 Romanian national pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston in connection with an ATM skimming scheme operating throughout Massachusetts and other states including Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York and South Carolina. 

Nemanja Milosavljevic, 23, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity (more commonly known as RICO conspiracy), conspiracy to use counterfeit access devices and aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for July 28, 2021.

Milosavljevic was a member of the Hornea Crew (“Crew”), led by co-conspirators Constantin Denis Hornea and Ludemis Hornea, and engaged in ATM skimming – obtaining debit card numbers and PINs from unsuspecting bank customers, creating counterfeit cards and making unauthorized withdrawals from the victims’ bank accounts. Over a period of 18 months, the Crew installed skimming devices to steal debit card numbers and PINs from unsuspecting ATM customers in Massachusetts, Connecticut, South Carolina, Georgia and other locations within the United States. The stolen information was then used by Milosavljevic and others to clone the victim customers’ debit cards and make unauthorized withdrawals from those victim customers’ bank accounts at ATMs throughout the United States. Members of the Crew transferred money throughout the United States and to Romania and the People’s Republic of China. Some of those transfers were for the purchase of skimming devices and related components from abroad.

In May 2018, Judge Young sentenced Constantin Denis Hornea to 65 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay $242,141 in restitution and a money judgment of $54,260. Judge Young sentenced Ludemis Hornea to 42 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay $57,422 in restitution and a money judgment of $11,124.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement today. Assistance with the investigation was also provided by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; U.S. Secret Service; U.S. Postal Service; Massachusetts Department of Correction; Connecticut State Police; the Amherst, Billerica, Braintree, Boston, Florence (S.C.); Greenwich (Conn.), Houston (Texas) New York City (N.Y.), Quincy, Saluda (S.C.), Southwick, Waltham, Whately, and Westwood Police Departments; South Carolina Law Enforcement Division; Richland County (S.C.) Sheriff’s Department; and the Solicitor’s Offices of Greenville and Saluda Counties. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy E. Moran, Deputy Chief of Mendell’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit, is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A North Andover woman pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to performing illegal silicone injections in exchange for money. 

Gladys Araceli Ceron, 72, pleaded guilty to five counts of delivery for pay of an adulterated or misbranded medical device received in interstate commerce with the intent to defraud or mislead. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Aug. 5, 2021. Ceron was charged by criminal complaint and arrested in May 2019. A federal grand jury subsequently returned an indictment.

From approximately 2004 to 2019, Ceron, who operated her business in Lawrence, performed illegal bodily injections using “gluteal material” that she obtained from a source in Florida. Lab tests of the material subsequently confirmed that it contained silicone oil – a substance that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns can travel through blood vessels and cause a stroke, death or permanent disfigurement.

In 2018, Ceron agreed to perform buttock enhancing and facial injections for an individual. During a recorded meeting on May 24, 2018, Ceron told the individual that she charged $500 for buttock injections and $60 for each wrinkle-filling injection. A search of Ceron’s business in Lawrence the following month resulted in the seizure of several bottles and syringes of a substance that tests revealed to be silicone oil. Numerous uncapped, used syringes were also recovered from the business.

Ceron performed illegal injections to augment the buttock or fill wrinkles of four other women in exchange for money and misled her victims about her qualifications and the identity and safety of the material she was injecting. 

The charging statute provides for a sentence on each count of up to three years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Jeffrey J. Ebersole, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office; and Justin C. Fielder, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, Miami Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Y. Hemani of Mendell’s Health Care Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Lawrence woman was arrested today in connection with her alleged involvement in a scheme to fraudulently obtain COVID-19-related unemployment assistance.

Raquel Pena, 40, was charged in a criminal complaint with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Pena was released on conditions after an initial appearance in federal court in Boston.

According to the charging documents, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) created a temporary federal unemployment insurance program called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). PUA, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance, provides unemployment insurance benefits for individuals who are not eligible for other types of unemployment benefits (e.g., the self-employed, independent contractors or gig economy workers). As alleged in the complaint, Pena and others conspired to file fraudulent claims for PUA using others’ personally identifiable information. Pena recruited acquaintances to receive the proceeds of the fraudulent claims into their bank accounts, withdraw all or a portion of those funds and give the cash to Pena. The investigation allegedly connected Pena and her co-conspirators to more than $300,000 in unemployment claims between May 2020 and March 2021. 

The charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $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 sentenced imposed, 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 other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolanta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Field Office; and Michael Mikulka, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations made the announcement today. The Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance provided  assistance in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Markham of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A Lynn man pleaded guilty today in connection with taking and attempting to sell two Warhol paintings on eBay.

Brian R. Walshe, 46, pleaded guilty to one count each of wire fraud, interstate transportation for a scheme to defraud, possession of converted goods and unlawful monetary transaction. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock scheduled sentencing for Aug. 2, 2021. In May 2018, Walshe was arrested and charged.

In early November 2016, a buyer found two Andy Warhol paintings for sale on eBay. The paintings were two of Warhol’s “Shadows,” a series of untitled, abstract canvas paintings from 1978. The original listing price for the paintings was $100,000. In the advertisement, the eBay seller included a picture of an invoice for the two Warhol Shadow paintings with Warhol Foundation numbers and a purchase price of $240,000.

The buyer believed the paintings were authentic and between Nov. 3 and 5, 2016, arranged with Walshe – the seller – to purchase the artwork outside of eBay for $80,000. Walshe and the buyer signed a contract which specified that the buyer had three days to terminate the contract and get a full refund if the buyer did not accept the artwork. On Nov. 7, 2016, the buyer’s assistant flew to Boston and met Walshe to retrieve the paintings, providing him with a cashier’s check for $80,000. According to bank records, the cashier’s check was deposited that day into an account that Walshe controlled, and $33,400 was subsequently withdrawn in the following 14 days. On Nov. 8, 2016, the buyer removed the paintings’ frames and found no Warhol Foundation authentication stamps and noticed that the canvasses and staples looked new. When he compared the paintings to the photographs from the eBay listing, they did not look identical. The buyer concluded that the paintings he purchased from Walshe were not authentic. The buyer then repeatedly attempted to contact Walshe, who initially did not respond, and then made excuses for the delay in refunding the buyer’s money.

Walshe initially gained access to the paintings through a friend (the victim). Walshe was present when the victim first purchased a Warhol painting. Sometime after this purchase, the victim purchased the two Shadow paintings. Thereafter, while visiting the victim in South Korea, Walshe told the victim that he could sell some of the art for a good price. The victim agreed and let Walshe take the two Shadow paintings and other fine art pieces.

After Walshe took the items, the victim did not hear from Walshe and was unable to contact him. Eventually, the victim contacted a mutual friend, who met with Walshe and retrieved some of the art. On May 3, 2011, Walshe attempted to consign the Warhol paintings to a gallery in New York City, at which time he also had other art belonging to the victim. The gallery declined to accept the paintings because Walshe did not have a bill of sale.

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. The charge of interstate transportation for a scheme to defraud provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possession of converted goods provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of unlawful monetary transaction provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. The Lynn Police Department provided assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy E. Moran and Kunal Pasricha of Mendell’s Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lazarus, Chief of Mendell’s Asset Recovery Unit, are prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Leicester man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Worcester in connection with his involvement in schemes to fraudulently obtain unemployment assistance and obtain loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in an effort to allegedly take advantage of increased federal government assistance programs created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

William Cordor, 26, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, four counts of wire fraud and four counts of aggravated identity theft. Cordor was previously charged by criminal complaint and arrested on March 5, 2021.

According to the charging documents, from about June to October 2020, Cordor conspired with others to use stolen identities to file false and fraudulent claims for unemployment assistance in various states including Nevada and wire the payments into prepaid debit card accounts they obtained. It is alleged that on Aug. 18, 2020, Cordor was encountered by police in connection with a domestic violence incident and found in possession of approximately 21 prepaid debit cards in approximately 13 different names. In addition, evidence related to this scheme was found on Cordor’s computer and cell phone.

Cordor also allegedly engaged with others in a second wire fraud scheme that involved using stolen identities to fraudulently apply for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster loans from the SBA and similarly deposit the loans into prepaid debit card accounts.

Charging documents allege that in May 2020 Cordor admitted to federal agents that he had fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  That same day, Cordor agreed to surrender to federal authorities the balance of $79,000 in his bank account that were proceeds of his unemployment fraud scheme in Massachusetts. This occurred before Cordor is alleged to have filed the fraudulent unemployment claim with Nevada in July 2020.

The charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutively to another other sentenced imposed, 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 other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Michael Mikulka, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations; Frederick J. Regan, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office; Leicester Police Chief Kenneth Antanavica; and Marlboro Police Chief David Giorgi made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of Mendell’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A former member of the Fitchburg Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) was sentenced today on drug distribution charges.

Dairon Rivera, a/k/a “King Mafia,” 27, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to two years in prison and three years of supervised release. In December 2020, Rivera pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Rivera admitted to selling over 40 grams of fentanyl to a cooperating witness in a series of audio/video recorded sales that took place between April and December of 2017. 

The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.

In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Rivera is the 22nd defendant sentenced in the case.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren Graber of Mendell’s Criminal Division prosecuted 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.

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

BOSTON – The regional president of the Brockton/East Bridgewater Chapters of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club was sentenced today for the possession of an unregistered firearm.

Bruce Sartwell, a/k/a “Monster,” 48, of East Bridgewater, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 27 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. In July 2020, Sartwell pleaded guilty to one count of possession of an unregistered firearm and 153 rounds of 5.56 caliber ammunition.

On Oct. 19, 2019, agents intercepted a package originating in China and addressed to Sartwell that was declared as a “Fuel Filter” but actually contained a firearm silencer. A review of importation records revealed that Sartwell had received approximately 65 shipments from Asia (including over 55 from China), many of which were labeled as innocuous items that could have been more easily and cheaply purchased in the United States. During the investigation, law enforcement determined that Sartwell was the Regional President of the Brockton/East Bridgewater Chapter of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club.

During an Oct. 30, 2019 search of Sartwell’s residence, agents observed over a dozen airsoft guns in Sartwell’s garage that, despite their realistic appearance, were determined not to be firearms. Hidden in the garage was a homemade AR-15 styled “ghost gun” (a firearm without any manufacturing or serial numbers), and two empty 30 round magazines. Also within the garage were guides showing how to build an AR-15 rifle along with tools and additional parts to assemble the same. The AR-15 was later successfully test fired. An additional hidden compartment was located in Sartwell’s garage containing a firearm silencer and silencer parts.

In addition, a hide in Sartwell’s bedroom nightside table concealed 153 rounds of 5.56 caliber ammunition compatible with the AR-15 styled rifle, 20 knives, a black powder handgun and a flare gun. In the basement of the house, a floor-length mirror concealed the entrance to a hidden storage area that was found to contain a safe with silencer parts and a firearm assembly instruction book.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Customs and Boarder Protection; Massachusetts State Police; East Bridgewater Police Department; Bristol County Sheriff’s Office; and the Massachusetts Environmental Protection Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey E. Weinstein and Kenneth G. Shine of Mendell’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Hull man was indicted by a federal grand jury yesterday in connection with submitting fraudulent documentation in order to receive CARES Act small business loans.  

Shane Spierdowis, 30, was indicted on one count of wire fraud. Spierdowis was charged by criminal complaint and arrested on March 5, 2021.

According to charging documents, Spierdowis used false Social Security numbers and fraudulent documentation to apply for federally funded Small Business Administration (SBA) loans issued in connection with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Spierdowis obtained an SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan of $101,517 in the name of a Limited Liability Company (LLC), the funds for which were wired to a bank in Massachusetts. In connection with this loan, Spierdowis provided a fraudulent corporate bank statement reflecting a balance exceeding $220,000; in fact, this statement was dated before the pertinent bank account was ever opened.

It is alleged that Spierdowis also obtained an SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan (EIDL) of $89,900 in connection with a separate LLC. In connection with both loans, Spierdowis allegedly used Social Security numbers that differ from his actual Social Security number.  Spierdowis also submitted fraudulent federal tax forms for both of these LLCs. These tax forms reflect the signature of Spierdowis, as president of each LLC, and reflect the payment of hundreds of thousands of dollars in wages to LLC employees during each quarter in 2019. In fact, for part of Q1 2019 and all of Q2 – Q4 2019, Spierdowis was in federal custody after violating his probation arising from a conviction for conspiracy to commit securities fraud.  Federal court records reveal that Spierdowis informed the Court of his efforts to obtain work in early 2019 without mentioning anything about his supposed presidency of either LLC.

The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Frederick J. Regan, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement. The Hull Police Department provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely, Chief of Mendell’s 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 former member of the North Shore Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) was sentenced today on drug distribution charges.

Jesus Diaz, a/k/a “King Kiko,” 37, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to 72 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In December 2020, Diaz pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, also known as “crack” cocaine.

The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.

Diaz admitted to selling a cooperating witness over 70 grams of cocaine base, or “crack” cocaine, in a series of audio/video recorded sales that took place between January and March of 2015. 

In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Diaz is the 21st defendant sentenced in the case.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren Graber of Mendell’s Criminal Division prosecuted 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.

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

BOSTON – A former member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) pleaded guilty yesterday to racketeering and drug charges.

Michael Marrero, a/k/a “King Clumsy,” 40, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for July 1, 2021.

The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.

According to court documents, Marrero served as the Inca, or leader, of the Springfield Chapter of the Latin Kings until 2019, when he was appointed as Enforcer for the State of Massachusetts. In these leadership roles, Marrero attended meetings of the gang and state leadership where the business of the gang was discussed and decisions concerning members and operation of the gang were decided. In August 2019, Marrero was captured on a recording in the basement of a Latin Kings controlled trap house in New Bedford bagging and preparing 62 grams of cocaine base for distribution.

In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Marrero is the 42nd defendant to plead guilty in the case.

The RICO conspiracy charge provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren A. Graber of Mendell’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

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

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

BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with the March 2019 robbery of a T-Mobile store in Brockton and shooting at police officers as he and his co-defendants fled the scene.

Darius Carter, 28, 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. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for July 20, 2021.

Darius Carter and co-defendants Diovanni Carter and Stephan Rosser-Stewart were charged in March 2019. Diovanni Carter was convicted by a federal jury and sentenced to 270 months in prison in September 2020. Rosser-Stewart has pleaded not guilty and is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

According to the charging documents, on the evening of Jan. 2019, Darius Carter and Rosser-Stewart entered a T-Mobile store in Brockton. It is alleged the men were carrying a semi-automatic firearm, which they pointed at the store manager as they demanded cash and electronics. Carter struck the store manager in the head with a firearm as he demanded that the manager open the door to a rear room with a large safe containing cell phones and cash. The men allegedly stole approximately $25,000 in cash and electronics, left the store, and fled in a getaway vehicle driven by Diovanni Carter.

Police responded and located the getaway vehicle. A high-speed chase ensued that reached over 70 mph in residential neighborhoods. During the chase, Darius Carter and, allegedly, Rosser-Stewart fired eight rounds at the pursuing police cruisers.

Law enforcement apprehended Darius Carter and Rosser-Stewart and recovered the stolen phones, cash and the three firearms used in robbery. Diovanni Carter was apprehended in March 2019.

Carter and his co-defendants were prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to prior criminal convictions.

The charge of interference with commerce by robbery provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of being a felon in possession of ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of use of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, and a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment ranging from five years for the possession of a firearm, seven years for the brandishing of a firearm to 10 years for the discharge of a firearm. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; John Gibbons, U.S. Marshal of the District of Massachusetts; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz; Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph D. McDonald Jr.; and Brockton Police Chief Emanual Gomes made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenn MacKinlay, Chief of Mendell’s Organized Crime & Gang Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard, a member of the unit, are prosecuting the case.

This prosecution 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.

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

BOSTON – The owner of Everett and Worcester auto body shops was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester in connection with a payroll tax scheme resulting in a tax loss to the IRS of more than $290,000.   

Adam Haddad, 43, of Shrewsbury, was sentenced by U.S District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to eight months in prison, one year of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $292,231. In September 2020, Haddad pleaded guilty to three counts of aiding the preparation of false tax returns.

For tax quarters ending in March 2015 through June 2017, Haddad paid a significant portion of the wages to employees of his company, Accurate Collision, Inc. “under the table.” In doing so, Haddad caused Accurate Collision, Inc. to file false returns with the IRS which underreported the actual wages he had paid his employees as well as the employment taxes due to the IRS. In total, Haddad caused a loss to the IRS of at least $292,231.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Providence man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Boston in connection with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Roland S. Morgan, 37, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. On March 11, 2021, Morgan was charged by criminal complaint and arrested in Pennsylvania on March 19, 2021. He will make his initial appearance in Boston at a later date.

According to court documents, on Oct. 28, 2020 at approximately 1:00 a.m., a police officer observed a silver Mercedes exiting Interstate 95. The officer noted that the vehicle’s rear license plate was not luminated, a violation of Massachusetts Law. After observing the vehicle make a number of random u-turns, the officer conducted a motor vehicle stop. Morgan was driving the vehicle and was unable to produce a driver’s license. The officer queried Morgan’s identifiers and determined that Morgan had two outstanding arrest warrants issued by Attleboro District Court. Morgan was then removed from his vehicle and booked on the outstanding warrants. 

As alleged in court documents, during a search of Morgan’s vehicle, a loaded .38 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver, 43 rounds of .38 caliber ammunition, 10 steel tipped arrows, an orange hunting bow, narcotics, a BB gun and a tan body armor vest were recovered.

Morgan is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to prior felony convictions.

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

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Seekonk Police Chief Dean Isabella; and Thomas M. Quinn, Bristol County District Attorney made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Mendell’s 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 former Boston Police Captain was arrested today and charged in connection with an ongoing investigation of overtime fraud at the Boston Police Department’s (BPD) evidence warehouse.

Richard Evans, 62, of Hanover, was charged in an indictment unsealed today with one count of conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, one count of embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and three counts of wire fraud. Evans will make an initial appearance via videoconference in federal court in Boston later today.

“The public counts on police supervisors to lead by example and serve as models of honor, integrity and professionalism,” said Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell. “When they break the law for personal financial gain with the officers they supervise, they not only violate the trust of the public, but they dishonor their fellow officers. I want to thank the Boston Police Department for its continued cooperation with our investigation.” 

“Captain Richard Evans is accused of betraying the public’s trust, and the reputation of his fellow police officers, by conspiring with officers he supervised at BPD’s Evidence Control Unit to steal tens of thousands of dollars in taxpayer money for work they did not do, over the course of five years,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “It is deeply troubling when officers who have sworn to uphold the law violate their oath and use their badge as a license to commit a crime. We would like to thank the Boston Police Department for its cooperation and commitment to ending this practice.”

“Former Captain Evans allegedly conspired to commit theft and defraud taxpayers. The alleged conduct is antithetical to the job we trust law enforcement officers to do – uphold the law and act with honesty and integrity,” said Russell W. Cunningham, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Washington Field Office.

According to the indictment, Evans oversaw the BPD’s Evidence Control Unit (ECU), which was responsible for, among other things, storing, cataloging and retrieving evidence at the warehouse. ECU officers were eligible to earn overtime pay of 1.5 times their regular hourly pay rate for overtime assignments. It is alleged that beginning in at least March 2015, Evans and other officers routinely departed overtime shifts two or more hours early but submitted false and fraudulent overtime slips claiming to have worked the entirety of each shift. 

The indictment alleges that the fraud occurred during one overtime shift, called “purge” overtime, that was focused on reducing the inventory of the evidence warehouse. The shift was supposed to be performed from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays. On days which Evans claimed to have worked until 8:00 p.m., the warehouse was closed, locked and alarmed well before 8:00 p.m., and often by 6:00 p.m. or earlier. Despite this, it is alleged that Evans routinely submitted false and fraudulent overtime slips claiming to have worked from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Evans also endorsed the fraudulent overtime slips of his subordinates. 

From March 2015 to February 2019, Evans and his co-conspirators allegedly collected tens of thousands of dollars in fraudulent overtime. Specifically, Evans allegedly received over $12,395 for overtime hours he did not work and endorsed dozens of fraudulent overtime slips submitted by subordinates. 

From 2015 through 2018, BPD received annual benefits from the U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Department of Justice in excess of $10,000, which were funded pursuant to numerous federal grants. 

The charge of embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. The charge of conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting U.S. Attorney Mendell, FBI Boston SAC Bonavolonta and DOJ-OIG SAC Cunningham made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Grady of Mendell’s Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A Dominican national pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to conspiracy to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl and misusing a Social Security number.    

Bladimir Sanchez Soto, 29, formerly of Methuen, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of false representation of a Social Security number. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for July 27, 2021. Sanchez Soto was indicted in May 2020.

As stated during court proceedings, Sanchez Soto helped arrange four sales of approximately 65 grams of fentanyl in November 2019 and January 2020. In February 2020, Sanchez Soto and a co-defendant were arrested and additional fentanyl was seized. Sanchez Soto was previously indicted in the Western District of Michigan in connection with using a false name and Social Security number to obtain a Michigan driver’s license in Nov. 2016. The matter was transferred to the District of Massachusetts for plea and sentencing.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a $5 million fine. The charge of false representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell 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 Theodore B. Heinrich of Mendell’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Connecticut nurse pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield to tampering with liquid morphine prescribed to a patient. 

Danielle Works, 42, of Stafford Springs, Conn., pleaded guilty to one count of tampering with a consumer product before U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni, who scheduled sentencing for June 2, 2021. Works was charged in Oct. 2020.

On Jan. 27, 2018, Works tampered with a bottle of morphine prescribed to a patient at Governor’s Center, a nursing facility in Westfield, by removing the morphine from the bottle and diluting the remaining morphine with another substance. The morphine was prescribed to a hospice patient, who subsequently received diluted doses of the medication shortly before her death. After ingesting the morphine, Works was observed to be significantly impaired while providing care to patients at the nursing facility.

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

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Jeffrey Ebersole, Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations; and Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH, of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Looney of Mendell’s Health Care Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Nantucket man who is a real estate developer and attorney was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester in connection with a $2.3 million fraud scheme relating to the redevelopment of a multi-family property in Worcester.

James E. Levin, 62, formerly of Natick and now living on Nantucket, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 37 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture to be determined at a later date. In Sept. 2020, Levin pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and false claims.

From July 2010 to September 2011, Levin, as the manager of 5 May Street Apartments, LLC, applied for and obtained federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), through the City of Worcester, to rehabilitate a multi-unit apartment building at 5 May Street in Worcester. Since the City of Worcester distributes grant funds on behalf of HUD and the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, Levin submitted seven payment requests to the City for work he fraudulently claimed he completed on the building and associated costs. Despite not completing the work he claimed in the payment requests, Levin obtained over $2.3 million in funds for the 5 May Street project, which the City of Worcester was required to pay back to the government. 

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General, Northeast Regional Office; and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle L. Dineen Jerrett of Mendell’s Springfield Branch Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Danial E. Bennett of Mendell’s Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Brockton man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Anibal Pires, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In February 2020, Pires pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

On Nov. 29, 2018, Pires was found in Brockton in possession of a Taurus PT111, 9mm pistol and 10 rounds of 9 mm ammunition. Due to a prior felony conviction punishable by more than one year in prison, Pires is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Brockton Police Department and the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney William B. Brady of Mendell’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.