District of Maine

BANGOR, Maine:  A Caribou man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

According to court records, between January 2018 and December 2021, John Miller, 22, conspired with others to traffic methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot and Aroostook counties. Miller knowingly and intentionally joined and participated in the conspiracy.

Miller is the eleventh defendant to plead guilty in this case; four other participants in the conspiracy were sentenced in prior related cases. Miller faces at least ten years and up to life imprisonment and a minimum of five years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Maine Drug Enforcement Agency investigated the case. Assistance was provided by the police departments in Orono, Bangor, Brewer, Caribou, Presque Isle and Houlton. U.S. Attorney Darcie McElwee also recognized the cooperation and coordination provided by the Maine State Attorney General’s Office and the Aroostook County District Attorney’s Office.

Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces: This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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PORTLAND, Maine: A Bangor man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.

U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Oliver Terilli, 25, to 60 months of imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release. Terilli pleaded guilty on September 7, 2022.

According to court records, in July 2021, Terilli and co-conspirators sold approximately 1,000 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover officer working with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Following the sale, DEA agents arrested Terilli and two co-conspirators on drug trafficking charges. DEA agents also recovered nearly 500 grams of additional methamphetamine that Terilli and a co-conspirator were receiving as part of the transaction. 

In a series of communications leading up to the methamphetamine sale, Terilli offered to sell firearms along with the methamphetamine to the undercover officer. Terilli identified the firearms as including submachine guns and AK-47s. In July 2021, Terilli was the driver in a one-vehicle accident on I-95 near Clinton. Maine State Police troopers responded and seized multiple firearms from the vehicle, including an AK-47 rifle, two 9 mm pistols, a .380 caliber pistol and a 12-gauge shotgun. Terilli was arrested on state charges of operating under the influence and possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle and was later released on bail. After his release, Terilli reestablished communication with the DEA undercover officer and completed the methamphetamine sale.

Co-conspirators Antonio Mazzola and Jeremy Hemingway have pleaded guilty and will be sentenced after the completion of presentence investigation reports by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad investigated the case, with assistance from the Maine State Police.

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BANGOR, Maine: A Woodville woman pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court in Bangor to Social Security fraud, health care fraud and theft of public money.

According to court records, from about January 2005 through March 2021, Rella Austin-Kimball, 51, concealed the presence of her husband in her household and her receipt of alimony payments following divorce from the Social Security Administration (SSA) to maintain her eligibility to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. SSI benefits are paid to people with limited income who are blind, disabled or elderly. Austin-Kimball also concealed her husband’s presence from the Maine Department of Health & Human Services (ME/DHHS) from about January 2005 to July 2017, during which time she received MaineCare and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Her concealment of her husband’s presence in her household also allowed her then-minor child to receive SSI benefits from about November 2006 through January 2015 and MaineCare and SNAP benefits through February 2013.

In multiple benefit eligibility reviews, Austin-Kimball falsely represented to the SSA and ME/DHHS that she and her husband had separated in January 2005 and had lived separately since that time. Following her divorce, she failed to disclose her receipt of alimony payments during eligibility reviews. She failed to disclose these events despite knowing that she was required to and that they would affect her eligibility to receive benefits for herself and on behalf of her son.

Austin-Kimball faces up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release on the Social Security fraud and health care fraud charges. She faces up to 1 year in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, and up to one year of supervised release on the theft of public money charge. She will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

SSA’s Office of the Inspector General and ME/DHHS’s Fraud Investigation & Recovery Unit investigated the case.

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BANGOR, Maine:   A former Bangor man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

According to court records, between January 2018 and December 2021, Christopher Coty, 42, conspired with others to traffic methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot and Aroostook counties. Coty knowingly and intentionally joined and participated in the conspiracy.

Coty is the tenth defendant to plead guilty in this case; four other participants in the conspiracy were sentenced in prior related cases. Coty faces up to 20 years imprisonment. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Maine Drug Enforcement Agency investigated the case. Assistance was provided by the police departments in Orono, Bangor, Brewer, Caribou, Presque Isle and Houlton. U.S. Attorney Darcie McElwee also recognized the cooperation and coordination provided by the Maine State Attorney General’s Office and the Aroostook County District Attorney’s Office.

Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces: This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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BANGOR, Maine:  A Penobscot man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute.

According to court records, in October 2021, Christopher Beaucage, 38, along with a co-conspirator, were stopped by a Bucksport police officer. After a search of the vehicle revealed approximately 60 grams of fentanyl, Beaucage admitted the fentanyl belonged to him and was arrested on outstanding warrants. While he was incarcerated, monitored and recorded phone calls revealed that Beaucage and others engaged in drug trafficking activities. Details discussed included traveling out of state to meet with a source, the prices of the narcotics and customers in Maine.

Beaucage faces up to 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and Bucksport Police Department investigated the case.

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BANGOR, Maine:  A New York man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Camby Wilson, 22, to 24 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

According to court records, in March 2022, an officer with the Augusta Police Department stopped a vehicle in which Wilson was a passenger. Wilson provided officers with a false name and date of birth, and officers asked him to step out of the vehicle. When an officer asked him if he had any weapons on him, he ran away from the officers. They chased him on foot and were able to apprehend him after a brief pursuit. Officers found a loaded .380 caliber pistol in his jacket pocket. A 2019 conviction in New York precluded him from possessing a firearm.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Augusta Police Department investigated the case. 

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BANGOR, Maine:  A Bangor man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to possessing controlled substances with the intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court records, in May 2022, officers with the Brewer Police Department responded to a call for a service and located Allen Henry, 48, in a parked vehicle. A record check revealed Henry had an active warrant for his arrest and active bail conditions stemming from a state charge. The bail conditions prohibited him from using or possessing any alcohol or illegal drugs. Upon conducting a bail check to ensure Henry was compliant with conditions, officers located more than 400 grams of fentanyl, approximately 30 grams of cocaine base and a firearm in his vehicle. Henry has a previous 2013 state conviction that prohibits him from possessing firearms.

Henry faces a maximum term of life imprisonment on the drug charge and up to ten years on the firearms charge. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Brewer Police Department investigated this case.

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Mattawamkeag Man Sentenced to 4+ Years for Role Methamphetamine Trafficking, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

BANGOR, Maine:  A Mattawamkeag man was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Bangor today for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance.

U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Bruce McAlpine, 33, to 58 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

According to court records, between May and July 2018, McAlpine conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. A coconspirator was obtaining large quantities of methamphetamine from Florida and distributing to locations between Bangor and Houlton. McAlpine agreed to use his home as a storage location to assist in the methamphetamine distribution efforts. In July 2018, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency conducted a search warrant of McAlpine’s residence and recovered more than 1,000 grams of methamphetamine and multiple firearms.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency investigated the case.

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PORTLAND, Maine: A Massachusetts man was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Portland for robbing a Bangor Savings branch in York. 

U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock sentenced Brandon Simmons, 35, to 115 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $7,162 in restitution to Bangor Savings Bank. Simmons pleaded guilty on September 27, 2022.

According to court records, on November 1, 2021, Simmons entered a Bangor Savings Bank in York, telling a teller that he had a bomb and demanding money. Simmons then grabbed cash from the teller’s drawer, left the bank and fled in a white work van.

Simmons was quickly identified as a suspect through the combined efforts of the FBI, York Police Department and law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts. Simmons was also identified as the suspect in the October 30, 2021, robbery of a CVS Pharmacy in Newburyport, Massachusetts.

From November 1-3, 2021, Simmons led police on a series of high-speed chases in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. In his attempts to avoid apprehension, he assaulted a police officer, attempted to carjack a civilian bystander, stole multiple vehicles and crashed his van into a truck driven by a bystander. Simmons was apprehended by Massachusetts State Police on November 3, 2021 at a hotel in Peabody, Massachusetts.

On May 10, 2023, Simmons pleaded guilty to Commonwealth of Massachusetts charges in connection with the robbery in Newburyport, as well as multiple charges related to his conduct while fleeing from police.

PORTLAND, Maine: United States Darcie N. McElwee today announced that Gary S. Winn, D.O. of Arundel, has agreed to pay $330,607 to settle allegations that he had violated the False Claims Act.

The civil settlement agreement between Winn and the United States and the State of Maine resolves allegations that Winn, the former medical director and owner of a family medical practice in Biddeford and Sanford, Provider’s Care, submitted false claims to Medicare and MaineCare (Maine’s Medicaid program) from January 2014 through November 2017. MaineCare is funded primarily by the federal government, which pays approximately two-thirds of all reimbursed claims.

On April 27, 2023, the United States filed a Complaint against Winn in the United States District Court for the District of Maine. As alleged in the Complaint, Medicare and MaineCare statutes, regulations and guidelines make clear that participating providers may only bill for services actually provided and which are medically reasonable and necessary. The United States and Maine contended in their Complaint that from January 2014 through November 2017, Winn knowingly submitted to Medicare and MaineCare claims for payment for medical services that were not provided or were not medically reasonable or necessary, including osteopathic manipulation treatment (OMT) services, evaluation and management services, tobacco use cessation counseling visits, outpatient visits, and patient drug testing services.  

The Complaint against Winn was brought by the United States pursuant to the False Claims Act (FCA), as well as Maine’s false claims statute. The FCA provides that any person who “knowingly presents, or causes to be presented, a false or fraudulent claim for payment or approval” or “knowingly makes, uses, or causes to be made or used, a false record or statement material to a false or fraudulent claim” is liable to the United States for three times the amount of damages which the United States sustains, plus a civil penalty for each FCA violation. As alleged in the Complaint, by submitting claims for payment for medical services that were not provided or were not medically reasonable or necessary, Winn violated the FCA.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine, and the Office of the Maine Attorney General investigated the case. The civil action is docketed United States & State of Maine v. Gary S. Winn, 23-cv-00186-JDL (D. Me.).  

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PORTLAND, Maine:  U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee today hosted Attorney General Merrick B. Garland at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Portland. The Attorney General met with the staff of U.S. Attorney’s Office as well as representatives from federal, state and local law enforcement.

After separate sessions with federal agents and state/local law enforcement officials from throughout Maine to hear their needs and concerns, the Attorney General met with the full staff of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He praised the cooperation between the Office, federal, state and local law enforcement, saying that the way to solve problems is through communication and integration of law enforcement.

The Attorney General also discussed the Department’s priorities and thanked the staff for their commitment to public service, reiterating that protecting communities and upholding the rule of law is at the core of what U.S. Attorney’s offices do.

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BANGOR, Maine: A Presque Isle man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

According to court records, between January 2018 and December 2021, Joshua Young, 32, conspired with others to traffic methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot and Aroostook counties. Young knowingly and intentionally joined and participated in the conspiracy.

Young faces up to 20 years imprisonment. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Maine Drug Enforcement Agency investigated the case. Assistance was provided by the police departments in Orono, Bangor, Brewer, Caribou, Presque Isle and Houlton. U.S. Attorney Darcie McElwee also recognized the cooperation and coordination provided by the Maine State Attorney General’s Office and the Aroostook County District Attorney’s Office.

Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces: This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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BANGOR, Maine:  A Florida man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to court records, between May 2018 and July 2018, Jared Fogg, 32, was obtaining large quantities of methamphetamine from Florida and distributing it in locations around Bangor and Houlton through a group of co-conspirators. On July 12, 2018, a truck driven by a co-conspirator and in which Fogg was a passenger was stopped by law enforcement in Lincoln. A search of the vehicle revealed multiple grams of methamphetamine and nearly $20,000 in cash in Fogg’s bag.

Fogg faces a minimum of five years and maximum of 40 years in prison, and a fine of up to $5 million. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency investigated this case.

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BANGOR, Maine:  A Castine man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to attempted possession of child sexual abuse material, transfer of obscene material to a minor and obstruction of a federal investigation.

According to court records, in late July and early August 2018, Nicholas Wood, 26, used Snapchat to send a series of obscene images of himself to a child under the age of 16. Wood attempted to manipulate the victim into engaging in sex acts with him and sending him sexually explicit images. After being informed by federal agents that they were investigating the use of his Snapchat account to send obscene images to minors, Wood deleted the application and associated data from his phone to prevent its use in the investigation.

Wood faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on both the attempted possession of child pornography charge and the transfer of obscene material to a minor charge. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for obstruction. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.

To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer re-victimization every time the images are viewed. File a report with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at https://report.cybertip.org/ or 1-800-843-5678. If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741.

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

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PORTLAND, Maine:  U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee today announced that Jacob Hennie of Orono has agreed to pay $228,338.30 to settle a civil fraud case alleging that he fraudulently applied for, received and obtained forgiveness for two Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, and fraudulently applied for and received a COVID-19 Economic Injury and Disaster Loan (EIDL) Emergency Advance.

The United States filed a complaint against Hennie in the United States District Court for the District of Maine on April 14, 2023. The complaint alleged that in July 2020, Hennie misrepresented that he operated a business with nine employees to receive a $9,000 EIDL Emergency Advance when he did not operate any business. In February 2021, Hennie obtained a first-draw PPP loan in the amount of $18,625 based on alleged misrepresentations in the loan applications. He then obtained a second-draw PPP loan in the amount of $20,833 based on alleged misrepresentations related to fictitious business expenses. Hennie received forgiveness for both PPP loans through allegedly misrepresenting how the loan funds were used. 

The complaint against Hennie was brought by the United States pursuant to the False Claims Act (FCA) and the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act (FIRREA). The FCA provides that any person who “knowingly presents, or causes to be presented, a false or fraudulent claim for payment or approval” or “knowingly makes, uses, or causes to be made or used, a false record or statement material to a false or fraudulent claim” is liable to the United States for three times the amount of damages which the United States sustains, plus a civil penalty for each FCA violation. For FCA violations assessed after January 30, 2023, the minimum penalty per violation is $13,508.

FIRREA provides that the Attorney General may recover civil penalties against persons who knowingly make a false statement for the purpose of influencing a decision by the Administrator of the SBA or to obtain a loan, money, or anything of value under certain SBA programs, including the PPP. For FIRREA violations assessed after January 30, 2023, the maximum penalty per violation is $2,372,677.   

The complaint filed by the United States is a result of the District of Maine’s ongoing efforts to identify and investigate fraudulently obtained pandemic relief funds. Recent amendments to federal law have extended the statute of limitations for civil and criminal fraud enforcement actions concerning PPP and EIDL loans from six to ten years. The civil action is docketed United States v. Jacob Hennie, 23-cv-00171-JAW (D. Me.). 

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BANGOR, Maine: A Lewiston man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to an illegal straw purchasing conspiracy and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court records, between December 2021 and July 2022, Abdullahi Issak, 26, conspired to have 36 firearms straw purchased for him at federal firearms dealers throughout central and southern Maine. Issak directed the straw purchasers where to buy the firearms and what firearms to buy, and provided them cash or drugs in return for engaging in the illegal transactions. Issak took possession of the firearms from the straw purchasers following each sale. He also pleaded guilty to knowingly possessing one of the firearms, which was purchased for him at a federal firearms dealer in Jay. A 2019 New York felony conviction precluded Issak from possessing firearms.

Straw purchasing typically involves a buyer who can lawfully purchase firearms but who then provides them to another person who is legally prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms, therefore allowing the prohibited person to illegally obtain firearms and avoid the national background check system.

Issak faces up to 10 years in prison on the felon in possession charge and five years in prison on the conspiracy charge. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. Following any sentence of imprisonment he faces up to three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.

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BANGOR, Maine:  A Brewer woman pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to wire fraud and making false statements to a mortgage lending business. She also pleaded guilty to a separate charge of making a false statement to a licensed firearms dealer.

According to court records, between November 2020 and April 2021, Carol Bragdon, 49, provided false statements and representations to a residential mortgage lender for the purpose of obtaining a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) backed loan. She used Google email accounts to communicate with the lender and the VA and to transmit documentation as part of the scheme. The emails were transmitted from Maine to another state.

In August 2021, Bragdon purchased five firearms at Maine Military Supply in Brewer, falsely stating that she was the actual purchaser of the firearms. She was accompanied by an individual who directed her to specific firearms and who was later arrested with one of the firearms, a Walther model PK380 .380 caliber pistol. That individual was prohibited from purchasing a firearm under federal law.

Straw purchasing typically involves a buyer who can lawfully purchase firearms but who then provides them to another person who is legally prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms, therefore allowing the prohibited person to illegally obtain firearms and avoid the national background check system.

Bragdon faces up to 30 years in prison and up to five years of supervised release. She will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The VA Office of Inspector General and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the cases.

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BANGOR, Maine:  A Waterville man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists.

According to court records, beginning in November 2021, Xavier Pelkey, 19, conspired with two minors, one located in Chicago and one in Canada, to conduct a mass shooting at a Shia mosque in the Chicago area. Pelkey and his coconspirators were subscribers to a radical form of Sunni Islam and supporters of the foreign terrorist organization the Islamic State, also known as ISIS. Pelkey planned to contribute firearms, ammunition and explosives to be used in the attack.

In February 2022, the FBI executed a search warrant at Pelkey’s Waterville residence and discovered three handmade explosive devices. Investigators observed a hand-painted version of the flag used by ISIS on the wall of Pelkey’s bedroom and recovered written statements intended to be released just prior to the planned attack claiming the attack in the name of ISIS. 

Pelkey faces up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine followed by up to a lifetime of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI investigated the case.

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BANGOR, Maine: A Vinalhaven man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court records, in June 2022, investigators arrested an individual on a federal arrest warrant at the Fairfield Inn in Bangor. When the individual asked if he could get money from his room, agents entered the room in the individual’s presence to retrieve the money with his consent. Investigators found John Dinius, 56, in the room, and observed a magazine for a gun on the bathroom counter. When investigators asked Dinius where the guns were located, he directed them to a bag containing a loaded .45 caliber pistol and a .38 caliber revolver. He admitted he had hidden the bag to get the guns out of sight. A 2004 conviction in Massachusetts precluded Dinius from possessing a firearm.

Dinius faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. He also faces up to three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.

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BANGOR, Maine:  A Florida man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to one count of sexually exploiting a child and two counts of distributing child pornography.

According to court records, in August 2020, Wesley Deal, 42, began communicating with an 11-year-old child on Instagram. He sent multiple messages requesting sexually explicit images, and the victim responded by sending multiple sexually explicit photos and videos to Deal. Deal threatened to post the images on the internet if the victim did not provide him with additional images. He sent the victim screenshots of the images that child had previously sent to prove that he had the ability to carry out his threats.

Deal faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison for the sexual exploitation count and a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years for each of the distribution of child pornography counts. He also faces a $250,000 fine and up to a lifetime of supervised release on each count. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Homeland Security Investigations, the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office, the Bangor Police Department and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in Florida investigated the case.

To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer re-victimization every time the images are viewed. File a report with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at https://report.cybertip.org/ or 1-800-843-5678. If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741.

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

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PORTLAND, Maine: A Westbrook woman was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Portland for serving as a “money mule” for someone she met online. A money mule is someone who transfers or moves illegally acquired money on behalf of someone else.

Chief U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy sentenced Cheryl White, 58, to three years of probation. She was also ordered to pay $7,340 in restitution to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). White pleaded guilty on May 19, 2022.

According to court records, White met an unknown person on the internet. At their request, White purchased prepaid debit cards and provided the card numbers to the person. She was later contacted by the person and informed that the cards had been loaded with money. In October 2017, White withdrew the money from the cards and used the funds to purchase money orders which she deposited into her bank account. She withdrew the money days later and mailed most of the money to an address provided by the person she met online.

The money loaded onto the prepaid cards came from FEMA, which had issued the money based on false and fraudulent claims for disaster relief filed with the agency. Although White did not file the false claims, she admitted that she knew the money came from some type of crime. Two banks had previously closed her accounts due to similar conduct, with one bank informing her that her deposits and withdrawals were part of a fraud scheme. White nonetheless continued the same conduct.

The Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG) investigated the case with assistance from FEMA’s Fraud Prevention and Investigations Branch and the Westbrook Police Department.

Money Mule Scams: Acting as a money mule is illegal and punishable even if you aren’t aware that you are committing a crime. If you are a money mule, you could be prosecuted and incarcerated as part of a criminal money laundering conspiracy. Some money mules know they are supporting criminal enterprises; others are unaware that they are helping criminals profit. Criminals often target students, those looking for work, or those on dating websites, but anyone can be approached to be a money mule. Learn more about money mule scams at https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/money-mules.

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PORTLAND, Maine: Today, March 31, is Transgender Day of Visibility, a day of recognition and celebration that will be marked by events across the country, including here in Maine. The U.S. Attorney joins in the marking of the occasion with the release of a recorded statement and wishes all of today’s celebrants a safe and joyful day.  

Ensuring that all Mainers are treated fairly and with respect, and in accordance with federal law, is among the highest priorities for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine. The U.S. Attorney is committed to engaging in a meaningful dialogue with the transgender community in Maine to show support and to increase public safety, with an aim to build trust in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Department of Justice, and in law enforcement to foster an environment where the reporting of hate crimes feels safe and meaningful. 

View and/or download the U.S. Attorney’s recorded statement: https://youtu.be/Fq5eEcimLCM

Text of the recorded statement: “As U.S. Attorney, I have had the privilege of meeting several transgender Mainers. I want to thank you all for sharing your stories and challenges with me. I am hopeful that I can use my position to spread awareness on transgender issues throughout Maine in order to help remove barriers and address matters that are important to you. I want to affirm my commitment to doing what I can to ensure that you feel seen, heard, and respected when you interact with law enforcement, including with my office and the Department of Justice. I hope you will continue to work with me to develop trust. Today, as we celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility, please know that I see you. I celebrate you. And I am committed to making Maine a safer place for you.”

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BANGOR, Maine: A Cambridge man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine base, methamphetamine and cocaine.

According to court records, between January 2021 and April 2021, Jeffrey Frost, 38, conspired with others to distribute the drugs in the Penobscot County area and elsewhere. As part of the conspiracy, Frost regularly obtained drugs and supplied them to a local dealer to sell for him.

Frost faces a minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine. He also faces a minimum of four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Somerset County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

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PORTLAND, Maine: A New Hampshire man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for conspiracy, robbery and firearm charges stemming from a violent home invasion in York in August 2019.

Chief U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy sentenced Jason Candelario, 34, of Manchester, New Hampshire to 175 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $180,277.06 in restitution. Candelario pleaded guilty on November 2, 2022.

According to court records, during the evening hours of August 2, 2019, Candelario and three other co-conspirators met in Hooksett, New Hampshire and planned a home invasion of a York residence to rob marijuana and marijuana sale proceeds from the home’s resident. The group traveled to the York residence where Candelario and one other co-conspirator, armed with handguns and wearing masks, waited in the woods for the resident to return home. When the resident arrived home, accompanied by two others, a violent physical altercation ensued between the resident and one of the armed co-conspirators and both ended up on the ground. The other armed co-conspirator came around the vehicle to aid in subduing the victim. During the fight, a firearm was discharged, and the bullet struck the victim in the lower abdomen. Candelario and the other armed co-conspirator then fled.

The FBI, in conjunction with the York Police Department and the York County Sheriff’s Office, investigated the case.

# # #

BANGOR, Maine: A Dixmont woman pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and one count of conspiracy to make false statements to federal firearms dealers.

According to court records, between January 2018 and December 2021, Sarah McBreairty, 33, conspired with others to traffic methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot and Aroostook counties. As part of the conspiracy, McBreairty obtained large quantities of the drugs from a source and distributed them to area dealers. In June 2021, McBreairty conspired with others to make false statements to a federal firearms licensee in Holden to obtain firearms for her drug source. The attempted purchase was denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background check center.

McBreairty faces 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and five years of supervised release for the drug conspiracy offense. She faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the firearms charge. She will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Maine Drug Enforcement Agency investigated the case. Assistance was provided by the Old Town and Bangor police departments.

Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces: This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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PORTLAND, Maine: A Rhode Island man was sentenced today in federal court for cyberstalking.

Chief U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy sentenced Larry Spencer, 62, to 14 months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. Spencer pleaded guilty on October 17, 2022. The court will also issue a three-year federal protective order prohibiting contact between Spencer and the victim.

According to court records, Spencer was divorced from his former spouse in 2016 in Maryland. Following years of harassment and stalking, the victim relocated to a different residence in Maryland before moving to Maine in 2018. Spencer continued to harass and threaten her via email and social media posts, and she obtained a State of Maine protection order in 2019. Spencer continued to harass and threaten the victim in violation of the order by sending dozens of emails and harassing posts and threats online. Permanently deleting her email account did not stop him. Spencer’s use of email messages and posts on social media platforms to contact the victim directly and indirectly, as well as his overt and veiled references to violence and to her physical location, caused the victim substantial emotional distress.

“Cyberstalking is a serious and traumatizing federal crime, the prosecution of which is a priority for my office,” said United States Attorney Darcie N. McElwee.

The FBI conducted the investigation.

# # #

PORTLAND, Maine: Kevin Neal was sworn in March 16, 2023 as the Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Maine. Chief U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy administered the oath of office.

Neal was designated Acting U.S. Marshal (USM) for the District of Maine by order of United States Attorney General Merrick Garland on March 10, 2023. He had been serving in that role since January 30, 2022 at the direction of U.S. Marshals Service Director Ronald L. Davis.

The history of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) in Maine dates to 1789, more than 30 years before Maine became the 23rd state. It is the nation’s oldest law enforcement agency. The duties of the U.S. Marshals Service include protecting the federal judiciary, apprehending fugitives, managing and selling seized assets acquired by criminals through illegal activities, housing and transporting federal prisoners, and operating the Witness Security Program.

Acting USM Neal has been with the USMS for more than 20 years, serving in the Districts of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Maine, most recently serving as the Chief Deputy United States Marshal in Maine. He joined the District of Maine from the District of Massachusetts where he earned the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Service for his management of the Boston Marathon Bombing trial. His work on the case was also recognized by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with an Investigative Achievement Award. He also earned a second Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service for his work during the prosecution and trial of the largest MS-13 case in the nation.

Acting USM Neal serves on the USMS District Chief’s Advisory Board and is responsible for addressing USMS-wide issues and developing national priorities while providing counsel and recommendations to the Director and executive staff on these topics. He is a member of the USMS National Incident Management Team and is actively involved in the DOJ mentoring program and recruitment efforts.

"For the last 13 months, during an incredibly difficult time, Acting U.S. Marshal Neal has been a collaborative and responsive partner to my office and our local, state, and federal law enforcement community,” U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee said. “His designation to this role by the Attorney General is wonderful news for the entire District of Maine.”

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PORTLAND, Maine: A Berwick woman was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for Social Security fraud and theft of public money.

Chief U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy sentenced Andreanna Politano, 60, to three years of probation. She was also ordered to pay $49,976.38 in restitution to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and $9,164.00 in restitution to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Politano pleaded guilty on September 12, 2022.

According to court records, from about March 2009 to February 2020, Politano concealed the presence of her husband in her household to maintain her eligibility to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. SSI benefits are paid to people with limited income who are blind, disabled or elderly. Politano also concealed her husband’s presence from HUD from about January 2018 to June 2021, during which time she received housing voucher subsidy benefits. Politano’s husband had sufficient income to render her ineligible for the benefits she received.

In multiple reviews of her eligibility for benefits, Politano falsely represented to SSA that she and her husband had separated in October 2008 and had lived separately since that time. In an interview with law enforcement agents, she admitted concealing her living situation from SSA and HUD because she knew it would make her ineligible to receive benefits.

The investigation was conducted by SSA’s Office of the Inspector General and HUD’s Office of the Inspector General.

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BANGOR, Maine: Two men from Manchester, England were sentenced in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to interference with a flight crew and assault. The charges stem from an incident on a January 2, 2023 TUI Airways flight that diverted to Bangor International Airport (BGR).

U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Anthony Joseph James Kirby, 36, and Damien Jake Murphy, 36, to time served. They had been in custody since their arrest on January 2. They were also ordered to pay $26,589.12 in restitution. They pleaded guilty on February 2.

According to court records, Kirby and Murphy were passengers aboard a TUI Airways flight traveling from Cancun, Mexico to Manchester, England. While the flight was in U.S. airspace, the FAA received a report that two passengers had repeatedly interfered with members of the flight crew and flight attendants. After repeated warnings from the captain, the flight diverted to BGR with agents and officers from the FBI, Federal Air Marshal Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Bangor Police Department responding.

The investigation revealed that Kirby and Murphy had become upset after being told they would not be served any more alcohol. The pair then retrieved a large bottle of alcohol from their carry-on luggage and continued to drink, becoming increasingly intoxicated. Despite repeated warnings, the two men continued to be belligerent, including using racial slurs. At one point Murphy assaulted a flight attendant, and Kirby assaulted a passenger. TUI Airways LTD incurred $26,589 in costs and expenses due to the unscheduled landing at BGR.

The FBI, Federal Air Marshal Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Bangor Police Department investigated the case.

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Edited 03/15/23 to correct Bangor International Airport IATA code to BGR

BANGOR, Maine: A Bangor woman pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

According to court records, between January 2018 and December 2021, Carol Gordon, 52, along with others, trafficked methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot and Aroostook counties. Her participation in the conspiracy involved allowing other members of the conspiracy to deal drugs from her residence and serving as a go-between for many of the transactions.

Gordon faces up to 20 years imprisonment. She will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistance was provided by the Orono, Bangor, Brewer, Caribou, Presque Isle, and Houlton police departments. U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee also recognized the cooperation and coordination provided by the Maine State Attorney General’s Office and the Aroostook County District Attorney’s Office.

Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces: This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

BANGOR, Maine: An Augusta man was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Bangor today for assaulting a federal officer at the Edmund S. Muskie Federal Building in Augusta in April 2022.

U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Derik Broox Wight, 41, to 16 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Wight pleaded guilty on September 27, 2022.

According to court records, on April 20, 2022, Wight entered the Muskie Federal Building and approached the security screening station, which was staffed by personnel contracted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Protective Service (FPS). Wight pressed a security officer against a wall and put a knife to the area of his throat. A second security officer drew his service weapon and ordered Wight to drop the knife. When Wight refused to comply, the officer fired a single shot, striking him. Wight was transported to an area hospital where he was subsequently charged.

“Everyone who enters a federal building in Maine should know that the Federal Protective Service and their partners are on scene to protect visitors and tenants. It can be a difficult and dangerous job, and I commend the quick actions of the FPS officers and thank them for preventing any innocent bystanders from being injured,” U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee said.

“When this senseless attack took place, FPS-contracted Protective Security Officers acted professionally and swiftly to stop the attack and ensure the safety of all involved,” said Joseph Carriuolo, Acting Regional Director, Region 1, Federal Protective Service. “We’re grateful for their bravery, as well as the close collaboration with our federal, state, and local partners to protect those who work at and visit federal facilities in Maine and who maintain overall public safety.”

“As law enforcement officers, we all take an oath to protect the public from harm. When Derik Wight assaulted a protective security officer with a knife, another brave officer took immediate action to prevent others from being harmed. We are incredibly thankful for these officers’ courageous actions that day,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Today’s sentence ensures that Mr. Wight is held accountable for his criminal conduct and also reinforces the fact that assaults on law enforcement officers undermine the rule of law and will not be tolerated.”

The FBI, FPS and Augusta Police Department investigated the case.

BANGOR, Maine:  A Waterville man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to possessing child sexual abuse material.

According to court records, Terrence Talbot, 56, used a government computer to search for and obtain child sexual abuse material. He stored downloaded still and video files on removable digital media devices.

Talbot faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and up to a lifetime of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of the Inspector General investigated this case.

To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer re-victimization every time the images are viewed. File a report with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at https://report.cybertip.org or 1-800-843-5678. If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741.

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

# # #

PORTLAND, Maine: A Massachusetts man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for illegally transporting wild snowshoe hares from Maine to Massachusetts.

U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Jon Rioux, 36, of Attleboro, Massachusetts to one year of probation and imposed a fine of $10,000. Judge Torresen also ordered Rioux to pay $1,843 in restitution to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

According to court records, in January 2021, an investigator received information that Rioux was soliciting Maine residents to live trap snowshoe hares. On four occasions Rioux illegally purchased snowshoe hares in Maine and then transported them to Massachusetts to use for beagle training and field trials. On March 16, 2022, Rioux was arrested by Maine Game Wardens and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agents at the Kennebunk service plaza on the Maine Turnpike after his fifth purchase.  

“Illegally trafficking wildlife across state lines not only exploits public resources it threatens wild populations by creating the potential for disease transmission,” said Edward Grace, Assistant Director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. “We’re grateful for our close collaboration with state partners in Maine to help us enforce laws that protect wildlife resources on behalf of the American public."

The Maine Warden Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigated the case with assistance from the Massachusetts Environmental Police.

# # #

Edited 03/02/23 for clarity

BANGOR, Maine: A former Aroostook County resident pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

According to court records, between January 2018 and December 2021, Andrew Adams, 31, along with others, trafficked methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot and Aroostook counties. His participation in the conspiracy resulted in contacts with local law enforcement that led to the seizure of drugs, firearms, drug paraphernalia and other items.

Adams faces up to 20 years imprisonment. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistance was provided by the Orono, Bangor, Brewer, Caribou, Presque Isle, and Houlton police departments. U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee also recognized the cooperation and coordination provided by the Maine State Attorney General’s Office and the Aroostook County District Attorney’s Office.

Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces: This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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PORTLAND, Maine: Merton Weed Jr., 50, of Norway, Maine, was arrested today on an indictment charging him with filing fraudulent claims for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and a fraudulent application for a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured mortgage.

According to the indictment, between May 2020 and January 2021, Weed filed five applications for PPP loans requesting over $150,000. The applications are alleged to have listed false average monthly payrolls and numbers of employees and to have been supported by false payroll records and bank records. The indictment also alleges that Weed filed a residential loan application for an FHA-insured mortgage in 2018, listing false employment and income information on the application.

If convicted, Weed faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.

The FBI is investigating the case.

An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): The PPP was a COVID-19 pandemic relief program administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) that provided forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses. The PPP permitted participating third-party lenders to approve and disburse SBA-backed PPP loans to cover payroll, fixed debts, utilities, rent/mortgage, accounts payable and other bills incurred by qualifying businesses during, and resulting from, the COVID-19 pandemic. PPP loans were fully guaranteed by the SBA.

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PORTLAND, Maine: U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee joined Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey and Maine’s District Attorneys in a statement today to reassure domestic violence victims in Maine following a recent appellate court decision in Louisiana.

“In 1994, Congress passed Section 922(g)(8) of Title 18, United States Code, a law prohibiting firearm possession by individuals subject to a court order that restrains them from harassing, stalking or threatening an intimate partner or child. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in United States v. Rahimi recently ruled that this federal statute is unconstitutional. The Rahimi decision is not binding on the District of Maine, which is in the First Circuit.

While the Rahimi decision is reviewed, it is the position of the Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine, the Maine Attorney General’s Office, and Maine’s District Attorneys, that this federal statute, and a parallel state law found at Section 393(D)(1) of Title 15 of Maine’s Revised Statutes, are presumed constitutional.

Domestic abusers in Maine should be aware that both statutes will be enforced.”

# # #

 

 

 

PORTLAND, Maine: A Biddeford man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to possession of child sexual abuse materials.

According to court records, in September 2022, federal agents executed a search warrant at the Biddeford residence of Jeffrey Gray, 61, following reports that he had shared child sexual abuse material over a peer-to-peer file sharing network. Investigators seized eight electronic devices, and based on material recovered from those devices, executed a second search warrant in November 2022, recovering three additional devices. A forensic examination of the devices revealed hundreds of child sexual abuse images and videos. Victims depicted in the material recovered included an infant approximately 3-6 months old being sexually abused by an adult man. Gray has a previous conviction in Rockingham (New Hampshire) Superior Court in 2012 for aggravated felonious sexual assault.

Gray faces up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Maine State Police investigated the case.

To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – “child pornography” – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer re-victimization each time the images are viewed. File a report with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at https://report.cybertip.org/ or 1-800-843-5678. Your report will be forwarded to a law enforcement agency for investigation and action. If you have an emergency that requires an immediate law enforcement response, call 911 or contact your local police or sheriff’s department.

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

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BANGOR, Maine: An Orrington man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot County as well as conspiring to make false statements to federal firearms licensee.

According to court records, between January 2018 and December 2021, Joshua Jerrell, 27, conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, a substance containing methamphetamine and fentanyl. Jerrell regularly arranged to obtain quantities from a source through phone calls, texts and social media using coded language. He would then distribute these drugs to his customers in Penobscot County. In June 2021, Jerrell made false statements to a federal firearms licensee in Holden in an attempt to obtain firearms for his drug supplier.

Jerrell faces a maximum term of 20 years imprisonment on the drug charge and up to five years on the firearms conspiracy charge. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistance was provided by the Orono, Bangor, Brewer, Caribou, Presque Isle and Houlton police departments. U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee also recognized the cooperation and coordination provided by the Maine State Attorney General’s Office.

Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces: This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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BANGOR, Maine: A Calais man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for distributing child sexual abuse material.

U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Samuel Staples, 27, to 60 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Staples pleaded guilty on August 31, 2022.

According to court records, in September 2021, Staples began a chat session with the administrator of a social networking group dedicated to sharing child sexual abuse material and sent the administrator a sexually explicit image of a prepubescent female child. Based on this information, a search warrant was executed at Staples’ residence, and during the search, Staples admitted sending the image. Multiple images and videos of child pornography were also found on his cell phone.

Homeland Security Investigations, the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit, and the Calais Police Department investigated the case.

To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer re-victimization each time the images are viewed. File a report with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at https://report.cybertip.org/ or 1-800-843-5678. Your report will be forwarded to a law enforcement agency for investigation and action. If you have an emergency that requires an immediate law enforcement response, call 911 or contact your local police or sheriff’s department.

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

 

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PORTLAND, Maine: An Auburn man, formerly of Hollis, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for receipt and possession of child sexual abuse material.

Chief U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy sentenced Dylan Carmichael-Margel, 31, to 78 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $34,000 in restitution. Carmichael-Margel pleaded guilty on June 23, 2022.

According to court records, between May 2020 and January 2021, Carmichael-Margel knowingly received and possessed images and videos of child sexual abuse material. Some of the images depicted children under 12. In January 2021, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed a search warrant at Carmichael-Margel’s Hollis residence and seized a cell phone and laptop. Child sexual abuse material was recovered from both devices. Child sexual abuse images recovered from the cell phone included victims as young as two years old.

HSI investigated the case.

To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – “child pornography” – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer re-victimization each time the images are viewed. File a report with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at https://report.cybertip.org/ or 1-800-843-5678. Your report will be forwarded to a law enforcement agency for investigation and action. If you have an emergency that requires an immediate law enforcement response, call 911 or contact your local police or sheriff’s department.

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

# # #

 

PORTLAND, Maine: A Rockport man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to a bank fraud scheme in which he filed nine fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications and received over $1 million in fraud proceeds.

According to court records, Mark X. Haley II, 42, filed fraudulent PPP loan applications at two banks for businesses he controlled. Haley listed false employee and payroll information on each application and submitted fraudulent documents to support the false information to the banks. These documents included false federal employment tax returns, fake timesheets and falsified bank records. As a result of the scheme, Haley fraudulently obtained $1,010,581 in PPP funds. He used some of the funds to make a down payment on a sailboat.

Haley faces up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. He also faces up to five years of supervised release. Haley will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations investigated the case.

“While many legitimate businesses used PPP loans to keep their businesses afloat, Mark Haley, motivated by personal greed, set his sails on a scheme to obtain lavish luxuries,” said Joleen Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS- Criminal Investigation’s Boston Field Office. “Today’s plea should serve as a stark reminder that criminals, such as Haley, will be held accountable for their misdeeds.”

Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP): The PPP was a COVID-19 pandemic relief program administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) that provided forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses. The PPP permitted participating third-party lenders to approve and disburse SBA-backed PPP loans to cover payroll, fixed debts, utilities, rent/mortgage, accounts payable and other bills incurred by qualifying businesses during, and resulting from, the COVID-19 pandemic. PPP loans were fully guaranteed by the SBA.

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PORTLAND, Maine: A Falmouth man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for federal program fraud and wire fraud.

U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Joshua Cory Frances, 46, to five years in prison and two years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $87,351 in restitution and to forfeit a 27-foot Boston Whaler boat, two marine outboard engines and a trailer. Frances pleaded guilty on October 27, 2021.

According to court records, Frances was the Commander of Maine Task Force One (MTF1), which was overseen by the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and funded from grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and through Maine Medical Center (MMC). Comprised primarily of physician assistants and emergency medical technicians, MTF1 augmented emergency medical service personnel for specific events in Maine and northern New England.

In 2015 and 2016, Frances converted to his own use property under the care of MTF1 and MMC, including a 44-foot sailing vessel, a 27-foot Boston Whaler boat and two marine outboard engines. Frances also falsely represented himself to be an employee of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and a member of law enforcement to the Defense Logistics Agency and other victims to improperly obtain over $150,000 worth of property, some of which he later converted to his own use.

“The DHS Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG) will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and bring to justice individuals who fraudulently claim affiliation with DHS for personal gain. This sentence should send a clear message that these fraudsters will be held accountable,” said Dr. Joseph V. Cuffari, Inspector General of DHS.

“The sentencing announced today is the result of a joint investigative effort to seek justice against an individual who defrauded government programs,” stated Patrick J. Hegarty, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the investigative arm of the Department of Defense (DoD), Office of Inspector General. “The fraudulent conduct in this case undermined the integrity of the DoD’s disposition services program, which is designed to transfer excess DoD property to federal, state and local law enforcement agencies that make honest representations to the United States.”

DHS-OIG investigated the case with assistance from the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Maine Attorney General’s Office, Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and the Falmouth Police Department. Valuable support was provided by the FBI, MEMA, the Towns of Falmouth and Brunswick, FEMA and MMC.

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PORTLAND, Maine: A Belgrade man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for bank robbery.

U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Clinton Damboise, 47, to 98 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $3,179 in restitution. Damboise pleaded guilty on September 27, 2021.

According to court records, in September 2016, Damboise entered the Camden National Bank in Manchester, Maine, telling the teller, “This is a robbery, not a joke.” He gestured to the waistband of his jacket and said he had a gun. The teller handed Damboise cash, and he fled. Damboise, who was not wearing a mask, was identified by the teller and by the bank’s security camera footage.

The FBI, Maine State Police, Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office and Southington (Connecticut) Police Department investigated the case.

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PORTLAND, Maine: A former Yarmouth resident was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court in Portland for aggravated identity theft and making a false statement to the Small Business Administration in a loan application.

U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced John J. Cavanaugh, Jr., 53, to three years in prison and three years of supervised release. Cavanaugh was also ordered to pay over $244,000 in restitution to the victims of his crimes.

According to court records, in November 2016, Cavanaugh applied to the Social Security Administration (SSA) for disability insurance benefits on behalf of his minor son. During the application process, Cavanaugh falsely claimed that his son had resided with him since birth, and that he and his son lived together. In fact, neither his son nor his son’s mother had ever lived with Cavanaugh.

In December 2016, Cavanaugh submitted a typewritten letter to the SSA that was purportedly authored and signed by his son’s mother. The letter falsely stated that she and her son were living with Cavanaugh. The letter was provided in support of Cavanaugh’s application for disability insurance benefits on his son’s behalf. His son’s mother did not write the letter, and the signature on the letter was not hers. Cavanaugh did not have her permission to write the letter on her behalf. The SSA approved his application for benefits and he received them until June 2018, when his son’s mother learned that he was receiving them and notified the SSA.

Also according to court records, in April 2020, Cavanaugh applied for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan through the U.S. Small Business Administration. The loans were designed to support business owners negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The online application that Cavanaugh completed asked if he was currently subject to an indictment or other formal criminal charge. Cavanaugh falsely answered “No” to this question. In fact, he was under indictment in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine, and was subject to an order setting conditions of release that informed him that if he committed a new federal felony while on release, he was subject to additional penalties.

The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the SSA Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

BANGOR, Maine: A New York man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court records, Camby Wilson, 22, knowingly possessed a firearm during a March 2022 traffic stop in Augusta. The firearm was loaded with four rounds of ammunition. A 2019 conviction in New York precludes Wilson from possessing a firearm.

Wilson faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He also faces up to three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Augusta Police Department investigated the case. 

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BANGOR, Maine: Two men from Manchester, England pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to interference with a flight crew and assault. The charges stem from an incident on a TUI Airways flight that diverted to Bangor International Airport (BGR) last month.

According to court records, Anthony Joseph James Kirby, 36, and Damien Jake Murphy, 36, were passengers aboard a TUI Airways flight traveling from Cancun, Mexico to Manchester, England on January 2, 2023. While the flight was in U.S. airspace, the FAA received a report that two passengers had repeatedly interfered with members of the flight crew and flight attendants. After repeated warnings from the captain, the flight diverted to BGR with agents and officers from the FBI, Federal Air Marshal Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Bangor Police Department responding.

The investigation revealed that Kirby and Murphy had become upset after being told they would not be served any more alcohol. The pair then acquired a large bottle of alcohol from their carry-on luggage and continued to drink, becoming increasingly intoxicated. Despite repeated warnings, the two men continued to be belligerent, including using racial slurs. At one point Murphy assaulted a flight attendant, and Kirby assaulted a passenger. TUI Airways LTD incurred $26,589 in costs and expenses due to the unscheduled landing at BGR.

Kirby and Murphy each face up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and three years of supervised release for the interference charge. For the assault charges, they face up to one year in prison, a $100,000 fine, and one year of supervised release. The men will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.

The FBI, Federal Air Marshal Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Bangor Police Department investigated the case.

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Edited 03/15/23 to correct Bangor International Airport IATA code to BGR

BANGOR, Maine: A Bangor man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to theft of a firearm from a licensed firearms dealer.

According to court records, in July 2021, Jonathan Birtz, 39, stole a .380 caliber pistol from Main Street Pawn in Lincoln. Security footage showed Birtz reaching over the counter to take the pistol and then concealing it in a folded blanket he was carrying.

Birtz faces up to 10 years in prison followed by up to three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.

The Lincoln Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.

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PORTLAND, Maine: A Standish man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to the attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor.

According to court records, in March 2022, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office received reports that an individual later identified as John Wilson, 36, had engaged in inappropriate conversations with at least two minor children using the internet and social media. In June 2022, Wilson engaged in sexually explicit online chat communications with members of a watchdog group posing as underage girls. During one sexually explicit online chat, Wilson sent photographs of his penis and live-streamed a video of himself masturbating to someone he believed to be an 11-year-old girl.

Wilson faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Homeland Security Investigations and the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

Reports of child sexual exploitation are increasing: In 2021, The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTipline received 29.3 million reports of suspected child sexual exploitation, an increase of 35% from 2020 and 73% from 2019. From 2019 to 2021, reports of “Online Enticement of Children for Sexual Acts” increased more than 130% while reports of “Unsolicited Obscene Material Sent to a Child” increased 220%. Victimization can take place across every platform, including social media, messaging apps, gaming platforms, etc. To make a CyberTipline Report, visit https://report.cybertip.org/. 

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

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PORTLAND, Maine:  A New York man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for transporting a Maine teenager across state lines with the intent to engage in unlawful sexual activity.

U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Tyler Streeter, 28, to six years in prison followed by five years of supervised release.

According to court records, in late 2020, Streeter contacted a 16-year-old girl on Instagram and TikTok and began a months-long interaction with her online. At the time, Streeter resided in Norwich, New York, and the victim lived in Maine. Streeter groomed the victim by repeatedly telling her that she was attractive and that he loved her and wanted to marry her. He also sent graphic messages in which he expressed his interest in having sex with her. In April 2021, Streeter traveled to Maine with the intent to pick up the victim and take her back to New York. The victim’s father unsuccessfully attempted to stop Streeter and the girl from leaving, and an AMBER alert was issued. The victim was recovered from a residence in Syracuse, New York and returned to Maine the following day.

Street is a registered sex offender following a 2017 conviction in New York for sexually abusing a 10-year-old girl.

Homeland Security Investigations and the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

Online enticement is increasing: The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) reported an alarming 97.5% increase in online enticement reports between 2019 and 2020. “Online enticement” involves an individual communicating with someone believed to be a child via the internet with the intent to commit a sexual offense or abduction. This type of victimization takes place across every platform, including social media, messaging apps, gaming platforms, etc. Learn more about online enticement, including red flags and risk factors, at https://www.missingkids.org/theissues/onlineenticement.

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

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BANGOR, Maine: A Levant man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for wire fraud and money laundering arising from his fraudulent receipt of Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) funds.

U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Craig C. Franck, 40, to 33 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Franck pleaded guilty on August 16, 2022.

According to court records, Franck formerly owned CCF Acoustics LLC and CCF Acoustical Systems. Neither company was in business, generated income or had employees in 2020 or 2021. Franck received Maine unemployment insurance benefits over the same time frame. In July 2020, Franck was arrested on felony fraud charges in Florida. 

In the summer of 2020, Franck received $177,400 in EIDL funds after submitting two fraudulent loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration. In the applications, Franck made numerous false representations regarding CCF Acoustics LLC and CCF Acoustical Systems, misrepresented that the funds would be used to alleviate economic injury caused by the pandemic, and claimed that he was not subject to criminal charges. Franck illegally used the EIDL funds to retain a criminal defense attorney and post bail in his Florida criminal case. He also used the funds to purchase a pickup truck and pay for other personal expenses.

In March 2021, Franck received a $145,060 PPP loan after submitting a fraudulent loan application to a private lender. In support of the application, Franck provided false IRS documents and forged checking account statements. Franck illegally spent the PPP funds on a second vehicle, online retail purchases and living expenses, among other prohibited uses.

In imposing sentence, Judge Walker observed that Franck engaged in a cynical scheme amounting to “high tech pocket picking” and had displayed “an extraordinary amount of narcissism” in carrying out the pandemic fraud.

Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.

Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act: The Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020. It was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who suffered economic effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act made EIDL funding available to business owners negatively affected by the COVID19 pandemic. EIDL proceeds were funded by the SBA and disbursed by the U.S. Treasury. EIDLs could only be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that could have been paid had the COVID19 disaster not occurred.

Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP): Another source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding, and another $284 billion in December 2020. Businesses were required to use PPP loan proceeds for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. The PPP allowed the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spent the proceeds on these expenses within a set period and used at least a certain percentage of the funds for payroll expenses.

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